Jason Garrett’s Greatest Dallas Cowboys Draft Hits
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Irvin head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys and Team Irvin running back DeMarco Murray of the Dallas Cowboys (29) before the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
This can be considered my most controversial choice, after all Randy Gregory is yet to play a down in the NFL. Bruce Carter was a willing linebacker. He certainly contributed each season as a Dallas Cowboys but I don’t think he ever warranted a second round pick.
Gavin Escobar and DeMarcus Lawrence are still work in progress. Escobar continues to stay in Witten’s shadow, all be it with occasional displays of outstanding catching ability. Injury meant Lawrence missed half of his rookie season. With two sacks in the playoffs though, and an impressive offseason workout programme he looks fit to break out in 2015.
But I’ve chosen Randy Gregory as the Jason Garrett, ultimate second round pick. The Cowboys have again taken a chance on a player that others wouldn’t. Once tipped to be a top ten pick, Gregory slipped down to the bottom of the second round after failing a drugs test at the combine. With the Cowboys defense in dire need of pass rushers the Nebraska man was too good to pass up.
Although not an ideal fit in the Cowboys 4-3 defense, he’s been eating his way through the state of Texas looking to pile on the pounds.
"“Just eating better, eating heavier. Same amount of meals, probably four meals a day — snacks in between. But trying to eat Heavier and that’s one of the things I did in the offseason.” – Randy Gregory"
Of course he still has to prove himself on the field, but he’s got exactly the right personnel around him. With Greg Hardy, Jeremy Mincey, Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence all competing along the line there’s an insurance policy of not watching him drown should he be thrown in at the deep end.
Listing DeMarco Murray in any ultimate list will undoubtedly leave a bad taste in Cowboys fans mouths. But of the third round picks, he was my clear favourite.
Tyrone Crawford had a phenomenal 2014. Alongside Jeremy Mincey he was influential in ensuring the defense didn’t rank rock bottom. However, he missed all of 2013 through injury and featured sporadically in his rookie season.
Terrance Williams was clearly an astute pick in 2013. Now fully established as the number two receiver alongside Dez Bryant he’s had a solid return of 13 touchdowns in two seasons. Williams is still prone to having disappearing spells for several games at a time. Tony Romo‘s developed a nice relationship with Cole Beasley; Williams will want to prove he too can be Romo’s go to man.
The decision to make DeMarco Murray the third round pick of choice wasn’t based on last season alone. However it his hard to overlook someone who has broken franchise records, even if they have since departed to enemy territory!
Murray led the league in yards in 2014, while in 2013 and 2011 he ranked third in average yards per attempt. He may well be donning the green of Philadelphia in 2014, but we mustn’t forget what a talented servant he’s been in Dallas.
Next: Surprise Mid-Rounders