Bobby Carpenter Bust-ed

Bobby Carpenter is proof that not all first-round picks become stars in the NFL. The former Ohio State Buckeye linebacker was supposed to be a crushing force to opposing running backs. He’s been a huge disappointment for Dallas Cowboys fans, and I am sure the Cowboys brass. Maybe he’ll do better with a different team, which is what one newspaper speculates at the very end of an article here.  Is he a bust?

The Cowboys drafted Erik Walden in the sixth round, an undersized defensive end who the paper says can be converted to an outside linebacker where his size better fits the play. Walden is said to be a relentless pass rusher who shattered Middle Tennessee State’s career sack record with 22.5 sacks. Not bad for a guy who only started 21 games for the Blue Raiders. He did miss two games this past season with turf toe, which most players who have it end up getting surgery that takes them out for two months.

I’m still not sure that drafting someone in the sixth round is supposed to mean that a former first-round pick’s days in Dallas are numbered. Carpenter’s days in Dallas were numbered at the end of this season, when he appeared in every single game, but did jack squat to show the coaches he deserves a larger role in that defense.

There doesn’t seem to be a taker for Carpenter’s services, does there?

Tags: Bobby Carpenter, Dallas Cowboys, Erik Walden, Middle Tennesse State Blue Raiders, Ohio State Buckeyes