We’ll review the 2008 draft to see whether the choices made by the Cowboys were the correct ones or whether the Cowboys missed horribly.  Unfortunately, the answer may be a yes to both depending upon your viewpoint.

1st round Felix Jones at 22

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead:  Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Ray Rice

Analysis:  The 2008 NFL draft will be considered the year of the running back.  With several 1000 yard backs and one 2000 yard back in the draft class, the Cowboys seemingly made a less than ideal decision taking Felix Jones.  My criticism at the time of the draft was that you don’t take a complementary player when there is a do it all back available.  Jones’ 40 time was comparable to several running backs in the draft to include Mendenhall.  Jones was slower than Chris Johnson who ran a 4.2 40 time.  However, Jone was explosive in 2008 with an average yards per carry of 8.9.  That has since decreased to 5.9 and 4.3.  The Cowboys offensive line may be partly to blame, but it does not appear that Jones will be able to carry the entire offensive load that Mendenhall does for Pittsburgh, or be the truly explosive presence that Chris Johnson is for the Titans.

At the time of the 2008 draft, the Cowboys were considering Mendenhall.  They were concerned that he was not as effective in a two back system, whereas Jones was productive and effective at Arkansas with Darren McFadden.  This swayed their decision and Jones was the pick.  Considering Mendenhall’s statistics, you cannot say that they were prescient with their analysis.  Mendenhall was injured in 2008.  In 2009, he ran for over 1000 yards behind a much maligned offensive line with an average of 4.6 yards per carry.  In 2010 he averaged 3.9 yards per carry for 1200+ yards.  He had a good season until he fumbled the ball in the Super Bowl.

Outside of a running back, the Cowboys wanted a playmaker on special teams.  It is a broken record with the Cowboys.  They draft a multi-purpose talent in the first round only to minimize their contribution on special teams.  The franchise has done this with Terrance Newman, Felix Jones, and now Dez Bryant.  The Cowboys management either has no gumption, or no direction in this regard.  The point being is that DeSean Jackson would have fit the role of offensive weapon and special teams dynamo.  Jackson reportedly failed his drug test at the combine which then caused the Cowboys to take him off of their board.  Jackson has not had any reported instances of failed drug tests since, however, he has had bouts of immaturity on the field and off.

Considering the potential productive talent available at the time of this pick, the Cowboys cannot have a high grade.  Jones has been productive in stints.  Behind a rebuilt offensive line, he may have a breakout season.  However, Jones looked slow last year, rarely made any defender miss, and is at best an explosive complementary player.  Cowboys management seemingly will force him into the role of an every down back, which will probably fail.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: C-

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When asked about the possibility of a deal involving Barber and draft picks for the chance to draft the Arkansas running back, Jones told a respected Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist, “No. Let me be very clear – no. I read (the rumor) and laughed. Marion at running back, we feel, is one of our strengths, and we want to keep it that way.”  

So there you have it. Most of you guys who have hit the Marion Barber panic button over the last few days should be able to breathe again.  

There we go, Marion Barber is staying in Dallas. It’s over. Stop talking about the possibility. The problem is, no one will. Not until Barber is signed to a long-term deal will Cowboys fans and anti-Cowboys trolls stop talking about it. Let’s use Eatman as an example here because he’s writing article after article about McFadden. He writes:

For certain, Barber isn’t going anywhere here in February. Probably not in March either.  

But let’s not completely knock this thing off the table just yet.  

I’m sorry, but the Cowboys aren’t doing their job if they simply rule the whole thing out. Just like the Dolphins aren’t doing their job if they don’t explore every opportunity to get better. And when you go 1-15, you need much more than just one really good football player.  

If you go 13-3, have 13 Pro Bowlers but still need something to get over that hump, maybe a really good football player with the potential to be great is exactly what you need.  

Therefore, if I wore that general manager hat, I think I’d be listening to the deal a little closer than everyone else seems to be.  

If Jones wants to kill this rumor, then sign Barber. It’s really that simple. But if he continues tap dancing around it with quick denials, he does little to calm the tempest from McFadden lovers Mclovin’ on this kid’s talent. The Landry Hat isn’t sitting on any fence with this one. I want the Cowboys to keep their two first-round picks and draft either a  corner, receiver or running back. The running back talent in this draft is the best I can remember and possibly the best ever. It might be a good idea if the Cowboys look at a corner and wide receiver with those two picks and seek a running back such as Ray Rice, Steve Slaton or Mike Hart in the second round. I personally like Mike Hart. And wouldn’t it be nifty if the Cowboys drafted Mario Manningham, too?