Losing Jimmy Smith in the 90′s to the Jacksonville Jaguars still haunts me.  Smith was a 2nd round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 1992 and had two injury plagued years while with the Cowboys.  In 1992 he suffered a broken leg.  In 1993 he underwent a near fatal emergency appendectomy. Jerry Jones had not morphed into a modern day version of Rich Uncle Pennybags giving huge contracts to players who have yet to earn it a la Roy Williams.  Jones did not wish to pay Smith for the 1993 season as the injury was not football related.  Skip to 1996 when Smith became one of the best WR’s in the game accumulating 862 receptions and over 12,000 yards in his career.

The question is raised, “Have we lost any great players in the past 3 years that we will later regret?”  Here’s a brief look back (though players who should have never been a Cowboy will not be considered).

2009

Terrell Owens:  There is a reason he is still unsigned this late into free agency in 2010.  The Cowboys find themselves flushed with WR talent especially with the emergence of both Miles Austin and Kevin Ogletree.  While Owens may be productive in other settings, his services are not missed in Dallas.

Nick Folk:  For a two year stretch, Folk was the most clutch kicker the Cowboys had in recent memory.  Unfortunately, he developed a case of the yips and was released after inconsistent play in 2009.  Initially replaced by Shawn Suisham, it is likely that David Beuhler will man the position in 2010.  Beuhler is an unknown in regards game situations.  He certainly has the leg strength, but his reported accuracy in practice is still in question.  As for Folk, he has since signed with the NY Jets; unfortunately, initial reports are not positive.

Chris Canty:  Canty was injured for much of 2009, recording 1/2 sack and 13 tackles in 8 games.  Canty’s replacement, Igor Olshansky, was more productive, healthier, and a substantially cheaper option.  It is too early to declare a winner, but for the 2009 season, Canty was not missed.

Greg Ellis:  Despite a rough start to Anthony Spencer‘s 2009 season, he became a worthy player to rush on the opposite side of DeMarcus Ware.  Spencer logged 6 sacks in the final six games of the season.  Prior to this point, he applied a substantial amount of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, played well in coverage, and was solid against the run.  While Ellis had a long tenure with the Cowboys, his constant bickering about his contract status had the fan base believe he was a malcontent.  Ellis can still be a productive player, but with the emergence of Spencer, he won’t be missed in Dallas.

Tank Johnson:  Johnson’s transgressions in Chicago were related to firearms.  The culture in Texas embraces firearms as part of the state character.  Johnson was lumped together with Terrell Owens and Adam Jones as the questionable character players on the team.  This seems unfair.  Johnson should be lumped together with backup players who did not have an effect on the game.  He was well known due to this transgressions, but was a marginal player with the Cowboys.  He has since signed and started 13 games for the Bengals.  He had an average year and with the continuing performance and health of the defensive line, was not missed.

Kevin Burnett:  Initially Burnett was replaced by Bobby Carpenter as the nickel linebacker.  Surprisingly, Carpenter played as well as Burnett.  In 2010 Sean Lee (2nd round pick in 2010) or Jason Williams (3rd round pick in 2009).  While it has yet to be proven whether Lee or Williams can effectively handle the nickel LB role, it is certain that Jerry Jones would not have matched the Chargers salary offer to Burnett to play a non-starting role.  Next season, we may be longing for the good old days when Carpenter was covering tight ends.  I don’t foresee it happening, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

Zach Thomas:  Thomas was signed by the KC Chiefs and cut prior to the start of the regular season.  He was replaced by Keith Brooking who brought  a fire and passion to the defensive side of the ball in 2009.  It was this fire and passion that was assumed Thomas would bring in 2008.  Unfortunately, there was a void of leadership and more specifically, a void of impressive plays at the weakside linebacker position.  With Lee and Williams on the roster, the long-term answer at linebacker is not in question.  The only fans who lament Thomas’s release are those who purchased $100 jerseys.

Adam Jones:  Jones did not play in 2009 and was only recently signed by the Cincinnati Bengals.  With the emergence of Mike Jenkins and the solid play of nickel CB Orlando Scandrick, Jones has not been missed.  Considering the lack of common sense displayed by Jones, even if his performance was outstanding in Cincinnati, he would not be missed by most, if not all Cowboys fans.

Roy L. Williams:  Ironically, the safety positions haven’t been solidified since Williams and Darren Woodson roamed the field.  Last year Gerald Sensabaugh replaced Williams effectively; however, Ken Hamlin had his second mediocre season.  The safety position is in flux and Alan Ball is slated to play in the defensive backfield.  Williams isn’t missed per say (nor his missed tackles, his horse collar 15 yard penalties, lack of coverage skills, etc.), but productivity from the position is.  Williams has been injury plagued for the past two years, but it is believed that his passion for football has slowly seeped out of him like helium from a balloon.

2008

Julius Jones:  Jones is an enigma.  He showed flashes of greatness that were on par with some of the moves displayed by Barry Sanders.  It was presumed that Bill Parcells broke Jones (like a wild horse) into running straight into the hole to gain a few yards with the hopes that once into the second level Jones would again flash greatness.  Unfortunately, it appears that Parcells broke Jones’s (like a vase) ability to make a cut and improvise.  Jones hasn’t been missed as Felix Jones and Tashard Choice have more than effectively replaced his production and speed.  If anything, the Cowboys sincerely miss the Marion Barber of the 2007 season.  That Barber has been missing in action (though injury provides some explanation).  Jones was signed by the Seahawks and has averaged approximately 4 yards per carry.  However, considering that 62 yards came in one run in 2009, Jones production has been closer to 3.4 yards per carry in 2009.  Once considered a building block for the Cowboys organization, Jones begs the question, “What happened?”

Terry Glenn:  Glenn has yet to play again after his release by the Cowboys.  The biggest effect from the loss/release of Glenn is the fact that a void was opened for the #2 WR.  That void was unfortunately not filled by Patrick Crayton, but rather Roy Williams.  So if you were looking for a reason to resent Glenn, this is as good as any other.

Jacques Reeves:  Reeves most closely resembles the Jimmy Smith situation.  Reeves played at a high level once he left Dallas.  In 21 starts with the Texans, he has played at a surprisingly high level.  He suffered a broken leg in 2009 which limited his opportunities.  Cowboys fans will remember Reeves getting beat, getting called for a costly facemask penalty in the playoff game against the Giants, and simply being a stop gap player.  Kudos to Reeves for continuing to improve.

2007

Al Johnson:  Johnson was drafted in the 2nd round and was believed to have the fight and fire that Parcells was looking when re-constructing the Cowboys offensive line.  To Johnson’s credit, he did push Gurode as both competed for playing time.  Johnson didn’t play in 2909 and hasn’t started for a team since 2007.  Despite Johnson’s actual time on the field, he is simply another example of the Cowboys recent ineptitude in drafting quality offensive linemen.

Kenny Rogers said it best, “You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em…”  Jerry Jones has justifiably drawn the ire of Cowboys fans in the past for questionable personnel moves.  As indicated in the above, Jones seems to have righted the ship and is owed a well deserved tip of the hat, the Landry Hat that is.

This is a continuation of the draft analysis.  Draft grades are often handed out well before the prospects lace up their shoes for the first rookie training camp.  It takes three years to determine whether a draft was indeed a “good” draft or riddled with busts.  As stated previously, all teams SHOULD get an incomplete immediately after the draft, but they don’t.  So let’s look back at the 2007 Cowboys draft class to see whether the grades given at the time were even close (C from SI, B from Yahoo Sports, B from CBS sports).  Also, keeping in mind that it isn’t about who you take, but rather who you didn’t take (take Sam Bowie, please).

Anthony Spencer in 1st round at 26th overall

Pro-Bowl: No, but plays at a high level and will undoubtably reach the pro-bowl in the next few years

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead: Brandon Meriweather, Jon Beason, Tony Ugoh, Sidney Rice, and LaMarr Woodley

Analysis:  Spencer showed flashes of talent in his first two years, but he ushered in the post – Greg Ellis era.  He is capable in pass coverage, is a very good pass rusher, and plays the run well.  2009 was a breakout season for Spencer and expectations are he will continue to improve in 2010.  The other available players are as good, but not necessarily better than Spencer.  As a side note, the Cowboys traded down and acquired the Browns first round pick the following year.  They then proceeded to trade up to draft Spencer.  Essentially the Cowboys gave a 3rd and 5th for a 2008 1st round pick which became Felix Jones.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: A+ for Spencer and A+ for Felix Jone the following year

James Marten in the 3rd round at 67 overall:

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead:  Originally the Cowboys were drafting at 53 and elected to trade down.  Players available at 53 and beyond were Ryan Kalil (center for the Carolina Panthers), Jacoby Jones, Trent Edwards, Micheal Bush, and other players who have contributed but not made their mark in the NFL.

Analysis: Marten is currently with the Chicago Bears and has played for three different teams in 3 years.  While he certainly has been a bust, it is not compounded by the availability of great players at a similar position or at a position of need.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: F+ (the plus because we didn’t miss out on any future superstars)

Isaiah Stanback in 4th round at 103rd overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead: Daniel Sepulveda, Doug Free (which would allow for taking another player with the other 4th round pick)

Analysis:  Stanback was a project and like most projects he did not pan out.  He was only with the Cowboys for only 2 injury riddled years.  It felt like he was with the team for much more than that.  He was cut to allow room for Kevin Ogletree who shined in his brief 2009 appearances.  Stanback played for the New England Patriots in 2010 catching 3 balls for 22 yard.  He doubled his career production!

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: F+ (the plus because we didn’t miss out on any future superstars)

Doug Free in 4th round at 122nd overall:

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead: LeRon McClain, Steve Breaston, and Kevin Boss

Analysis: Free played effectively when Marc Colombo was injured during the 2009 season.  There were nearly no drop off in the quality of play.  Amazingly enough, Free had a highlight (as an offensive lineman) when he ran down the field and was run blocking an Eagles defensive back.  Free will be a cornerstone player to usher in a new younger era of the Cowboys offensive line.  Whether he will play right or left tackle will be a mystery, but his play in 2009 provides Cowboys fans a reason to be optimistic.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+

Nick Folk in 6th round at 178th overall:

Pro-Bowl: Yes

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead: Mason Crosby

Analysis:  Folk was amazing for 2 years and suffered in 2009 after having hip surgery.  While the injury may have healed, Folk’s confidence was lost during the season.  Folk has joined the NY Jets for the 2010 season.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+ (Crosby is kicking effectively for the Green Bay Packers, but the grade is still high as he was an effective player taken in the 6th round)

Deon Anderson in 6th round at 195th overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: Yes, though that may not be the case after the 2010 draft.

Player(s) you could have had instead: No one of note.

Analysis:  Anderson may not be on the team for 2010 due to an off the field gun related issue.  Reports have the Cowboys considering full-backs in the 2010 draft.  Anderson has played in 38 games the past three seasons.  He has been an effective blocking tight end in an era where the tight end is being phased out.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+

Courtney Brown in 7th round at 212th overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead: Tyler Thigpen,

Analysis:  Brown was on the team for 2 years playing in 17 games.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: D+

Alan Ball in 7th round at 237th overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead: Ahmad Bradshaw, Matt Moore

Analysis:  Ball is presently 1st or 2nd on the depth chart as Ken Hamlin was released this off-season.  Ball started three games and was praised by Wade Phillips.  The Cowboys are reportedly in the market for a safety to replace Hamlin, but it is possible that Ball’s performance in 2009 helped to make the decision to move past Hamlin a reality.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+

Final analysis: The perfect draft would have been Anthony Spencer, Ryan Kalil, Doug Free, Steve Breaston, Mason Crosby, Deon Anderson, Alan Ball, and possibly Ahmad Bradshaw.

Unlike 2006, the Cowboys actually drafted several of the ideal picks.  Nick Folk was amazing for two years and that certainly should not be ignored.  All in all, this was a good draft by the Cowboys finding starters in Spencer, Free, Folk, Anderson and possibly Ball.  Final grade based on all of the above, A-.  In another 2 years, the grade can continue to improve, especially if the tandem of Spencer and DeMarcus Ware becomes unstoppable.

Dez Bryant had an airing of grievances today.  He believes he is being unfairly maligned by the media.  He cited that he does not have a criminal history, and while this is true, he is guilty of assault on the English language.

“I’m not the type of person that will try to confront somebody but now I feel like it’s gone too far. It’s gone too far,” Bryant said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I ain’t never got in trouble with nobody. I never said anything. I don’t say anything wrong to nobody. I’m friendly. This here is too far.”

“What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don’t think it has anything to do with me playing football.”

He invokes the name of Randy Moss:

“Whoever passes up on me, it’s over with. I feel like I’m going through the same situation Randy Moss did,” he added. “That man had issues and teams were passing up on him, and when he got on that field, he killed them. He murdered them. Look at him today: One of the best players in the NFL.”

The question is, how much is he like Randy Moss?  In 1998 the Dallas Cowboys passed on a future hall of famer for a future pro-bowler.  While Greg Ellis had a good productive career, it boggles the imagination what the Cowboys offense could do with Michael Irvin and Randy Moss at the wings.  Moss grew up in West Virginia and was a Cowboys fan.  Dez Bryant grew up in Lufkin, TX (171 miles from Dallas which is known by Texans as a short trip).  Moss was led to believe that the Cowboys would draft him if he was available at the eighth pick in the draft.  Dez Bryant was invited to Valley Ranch for a personal visit.  Moss fell to 21 where he was scooped up by the Minnesota Vikings.  The future is as yet undetermined for Bryant.

Moss’s transgressions prior to the draft have been well documented:  misdemeanor batter, marijuana use, failed drug tests, losing his scholarship with Florida State.  Bryant’s transgressions are less egregious; some are a product of bad judgment and others are a product of classification (not to be confused with stereotyping).  Bryant was suspended not for having dinner with Deion Sanders, but rather lying to NCAA investigators about having had dinner with Deion.  The punishment certainly seems excessive, but Bryant made a relatively harmless situation worse; therefore, it brings his decision making into question.  His decisions on whether the CB is in press or zone coverage is not in question; the small decisions that become big and consequently affect both himself and his team.

Bryant compares himself to Randy Moss.  Moss has been a high maintenance wide receiver and has played on three teams.  During his career has has had one failed drug test, one meter maid nudged with his car, a miming performance that rivals Marcel Marceau, and caused countless QB headaches.  Other than the amount of aspirin consumed by teammates, all of the questionable decisions by Moss have been off the field.  The Cowboys certainly should be worried about Bryant’s ability to discern what is the right decision.

As for Bryant’s talent, he has only had one productive season in his collegiate career.

YEAR	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	ATT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FUM	LST
2007	43	622	14.5	39	6	2	16	8.0	9	0	0	0
2008	87	1480	17.0	80	19	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0
2009	17	323	19.0	46	4	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0

Bryant was poised to have another great season in 2009, but it was cut short due to the suspension.  Physically Bryant is similar to Roy Williams.  Randy Moss has reportedly ran a 40 yard dash in 4.25 seconds.  Bryant at his private workout, on the other hand, ran 4.52, 4.68 and 4.52 seconds.  It’s not an awful time for a wide receiver, but considering Dez has not practiced nor played since October, it was presumed that he was training to be a professional football player.

The question is placed into the minds of scouts.  Is Bryant lazy?  Is there an internal drive that will compel him to improve?  Will be be the next Charles Rogers?  Will money affect his drive negatively?  Those questions are asked of all players, but the volume is lower for those who throw up 225 lbs. 30+ times and run a 4.3 forty time.

It wasn’t merely the high 40 time, though.  Dez did not run during the combine due to a hamstring injury and it was expected he would perform a full workout at his pro-day or the private workout.  In addition to his less than spectacular effort in the forty, he reportedly was ill-prepared for the 3 cone-drill and shuttle run.  Dez stated he had several pairs of shoes at the private workout, but did not have his preferred cleats.  He used a new pair of cleats which caused some slipping.  What was perceived by scouts is that he simply wasn’t trying.  Unfortunately for Dez, sports is often overcoming unexpected adversity.  A players attitude when faced with that adversity can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Bryant’s public response to the criticisms could be viewed as a tantrum from an immature player.  Scouts have their reputation and livelihood on the line.  They cannot afford to sugar coat what they perceive.  Body language in practice may divine information that hours of film study does not.  The media on the other hand, they can be vicious in New York, Philadelphia, and Dallas.  While most will deny it, media members will provoke players to get a response.  News is like the big bang theory.  Something can be created from nothing; it takes only one explosion.

The Cowboys have experience with “diva” wide receivers.  There are numerous stories about Michael Irvin.  The one that pops out of my memory is the one where a marginal player wouldn’t get out of the barber chair, so Irvin cut his throat.  It’s graphic and unbelievable, but apparently tolerated.  Most recently, the Cowboys have dealt with Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens.  Bryant’s most notable act of immaturity occurred when Bryant threw his jersey at Bill Parcells’s face.  Bryant was traded to the Cleveland Browns for Quincy Morgan later that summer.  Bryant has since played for the 49ers, the Buccaneers, and Cincinnati.  The last stop on Bryant’s train will be the Raiders, though reports are that he is not fast enough.

Despite references to off the field issues prior to the draft, nothing is specifically cited in regards to Antonio Bryant.  The Ranch Report indicated:

THE BAD: Seemingly gives half hearted effort at times; lazily releases off the snap of the ball, does not always work to make the reception if the pass is not in his immediate area nor is he always willing to fight for the difficult catch. Loses focus, concentration and drops the easy throw just as quickly as he makes the one handed acrobatic reception. Not fast, lacks the top end speed and not big for a possession receiver. Must also improve his ball security. Confident in himself to the point where he’d be classified as arrogant.

Where will Dez Bryant land?  Will he have a role in Cowboys history?  Is it possible he will mature mentally?  These are questions that only time will answer.  I see more pressing needs on the Cowboys roster than WR.  He had only one impressive year while in college, and while 40 yard dash times can be deceptive (see Jerry Rice & Emmitt Smith), it certainly suggests the third round makes the risk more palatable.