SB Nation Dallas - 2011 NFL Draft Grades: Mel Kiper Gives Cowboys B-https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2011-05-03T12:47:48-05:00http://dallas.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19058982011-05-03T12:47:48-05:002011-05-03T12:47:48-05:00Grade The Cowboys' Draft
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<p>Brett put together a couple terrific pieces, the first <a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/1/2147131/cowboys-2011-draft-picks-jason-garrett-results">looking at what the Cowboys pulled out of the draft in detail</a>, and the second a compilation of how the SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth staff (that had time to watch and follow) <a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/2/2148659/2011-nfl-draft-grades-sb-nation-grades-the-cowboys-draft">graded the whole package and performance</a>.</p>↵<p>Now it's your turn. What grade do you give the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> this draft year? Full story stream recap <a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/4/25/2131316/nfl-draft-2011-time-news">here</a>.</p>↵
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/3/2151557/grade-the-cowboys-draftRobbie Griffin2011-05-02T07:00:57-05:002011-05-02T07:00:57-05:002011 NFL Draft Grades: SB Nation Grades The Cowboys' Draft
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<p>Our SB Nation representatives from Blogging The Boys, Mocking The Draft and SB Nation DFW grade and summarize the Cowboys' 2011 draft.</p> <p>Over the past 36 hours we've shared various grades on the Cowboys' draft from around the area and the country. Now we'll share the opinions from SB Nation writers, including representatives from Blogging The Boys, Mocking The Draft and SB Nation Dallas-Ft Worth. </p>
<p>Dave Halprin - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Blogging The Boys</a><br>Grade: B-</p>
<p>In grading a draft, I always start the team with a C grade, that's the baseline. You move up or down from that. As mentioned above, this was Jason Garrett's draft. We went in thinking a lot about defense and the needs there, but Garrett had plans for his offense and executed them. I guess the Cowboys will be addressing the defense in free agency. They must also feel that Rob Ryan's tutelage and schemes can turn around the defense from last year's disaster.</p>
<p>Jason Garrett is re-making the offense in his image, or rather the early 90s Cowboys image, and Jerry Jones gave him the room to do it. I would have like to seen a little more attention paid to the defense, so I didn't walk away totally satisfied. Still, a solid B- grade.</p>
<p><br>K.D. Drummond - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Blogging The Boys</a><br>Grade: B+</p>
<p>Welcome to Jason Garrett's team. This was a draft that instilled the vision JG has for this offense. The defense wasn't really addressed though, with no D line picks in a draft regarded as being deep there. I'd imagine free agency is the plan for the secondary, and that's how I would have done it. I love the Tyron Smith pick. Wish we could have traded back and still got him, but who knows if that was in the realm of possibilities, so great job getting a talent that meets a huge need. BPAPN #1 on the Boys board no doubt about it.</p>
<p><br>Dan Kadar - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/">Mocking The Draft</a><br>Grade: B</p>
<p>The Cowboys did a nice job addressing most of their needs, namely with offensive linemen Tyron Smith and David Arkin. The upside for linebacker Bruce Carter is great. It will just be a matter of being patient while he recovers from injury and finding a spot for him. He could play inside or outside in the Dallas 3-4. Whats puzzling about this draft is how the Cowboys avoided the secondary until the fifth round. Cornerback <span>Josh Thomas</span> is a good player, but maybe not an immediate contributor early in his career. The Cowboys will have to hope they can hit in free agency to bolster their secondary.</p>
<p><br>Brad Wells - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/">Mocking The Draft</a><br>Grade: B</p>
<p>The Cowboys addressed their issues along the offensive line by taking the best linemen many mock drafts had on their board, Tyron Smith. It's evident now that letting <span>Flozell Adams</span> go last year was a mistake for Dallas, but getting Smith will help infuse their line with talent. I also like the addition of David Arkin in the fourth round. DeMarco Murray is a bit of a head-scratcher in Round Three since Dallas already has three very good running backs. With defense clearly the problem area for Dallas, why not get someone like Martz Wilson, LBer out of Illinois, or Johny Patrick out of Louisville? Both those players were picked up by the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> who, like Dallas, run a 3-4. Again, THE reason Wade Phillips was fired was because his defense seemed to implode and give up on the 2010 season. I know new head coach Jason Garrett is an offensive-minded coach, but using three of the teams first four picks on offensive players isn't going to fix the Cowboys' problems. I don't have any issue with someone like Arkin getting taken in Round Four, but failing to effectively address their issues on defense might come back to hurt Dallas.</p>
<p><br>Liam Ponting - SB Nation DFW<br>Grade: B-</p>
<p>I was ultimately fine with Tyron Smith. He obviously graded out that much higher than Costanzo/Solder to make a trade down less optimal. Bruce Carter I was OK with...he had a first-round grade and the Cowboys wanted to bring in a Brooking/James replacement early. Where they fart and fall down a little is with the DeMarco Murray pick. Unless Garrett has that little faith in Jones and Choice, it seems unnecessary to spend a 3rd rounder on an area that absolutely did require the attention of an early pick. They addressed need positions well after that with Arkin and Thomas (who, after reading reports, I'm starting to really like) but that 3rd rounder sticks in my craw. They ended up not drafting a single DL player and only Thomas to help with the secondary. Presumably they'll be pro-active in FA but without knowing their plans or how effective they'll be, a B- feels like the right grade.</p>
<p><br>JP Starkey - SB Nation DFW<br>Grade: B-</p>
<p>I do like the Smith, Arkin and Thomas picks a good bit. As I've said before, you really need to be able to protect the quarterback to win, and on the flip side, you have to be able to defend the pass. I feel like Thomas was a pretty good value pick. I still don't understand the DeMarco Murray pick - he might be explosive, but Dallas has that with Choice and Jones. They needed somebody to replace Barber, and I don't think Murray is that guy... of course, maybe they'll keep Barber around. I don't know that Bruce Carter was worth the risk with their second rounder, so between he and Murray, I feel the second day of Dallas' draft was a bit lacking.</p>
<p><br>Maurice London - SB Nation DFW<br>Grade: C+</p>
<p>They got younger at the offensive line by taking Smith in the first round. I'm still not sold on Smith but, if you can get the best offensive lineman in the draft when your quarterback's season was ended by shady offensive line play, it makes sense. Bruce Carter provides upside at linebacker if he's healthy and Arkin seems like a great pick in the fourth round. The DeMarco Murray selection is getting the most scrutiny but, I like the pick. Jason Garrett loves the bubble screen and Murray might turn into one of the best pass catchers in the league out of the backfield and his blocking ability- a problem with this current group of runners- is exceptional. However, they didn't address their two biggest needs on the defensive line and secondary. Combine that with the fact that this draft seemed to be more about future assets than any kind of immediate production and it's hard to give them higher than a C+.</p>
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<p>Be sure to check out all of the excellent coverage of the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> on Blogging The Boys, including their full <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/4/30/2146297/cowboys-draft-grades-2011-nfl-draft">Cowboys draft grades and reviews</a>. Also, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/" target="_blank">Mocking The Draft</a>, SB Nation's NFL draft site, for their continuing coverage of the 2011 NFL draft and their coverage of the 2012 draft that has already begun.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/2/2148659/2011-nfl-draft-grades-sb-nation-grades-the-cowboys-draftBrett Perryman2011-05-01T17:49:59-05:002011-05-01T17:49:59-05:002011 NFL Draft Grades: ESPN Dallas Grades The Cowboys Draft
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<p><span class="caps">ESPN</span> Dallas-Ft Worth has chimed in with their grade for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a>’ 2011 draft, and it looks familiar. Todd Archer and Calvin Watkins took part in evaluating Dallas.</p>
<p>Archer wished that they would have found more immediate contributors, but gave them a B-.</p>
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<p>The Cowboys say they followed their board instead of reaching for needs, which is probably why they did not go after defensive ends and a safety. They needed to find immediate contributors but of their eight picks only two figure to do so in 2011: first-round tackle Tyron Smith and third-round running back DeMarco Murray.</p>
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<p>Watkins acknowledged that they had to go after players that were high on their board and that that meant they couldn’t necessarily load up on defenders. He also gave them a B-.</p>
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<p>We understand what the Cowboys were trying to do and in some ways they didn’t have any choice. They selected offensive players because the better defensive players were off the board. Dallas should have gotten more defensive players but that’s OK, because they finally drafted a tackle in the first round who can play right now in Tyron Smith.</p>
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<p>See their entire comments here:</p>
<p><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=6444321" target="new">Todd Archer</a><br>
<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=6444320" target="new">Calvin Watkins</a></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/1/2148085/2011-nfl-draft-grades-espn-dallas-cowboys-draftBrett Perryman2011-05-01T11:13:17-05:002011-05-01T11:13:17-05:002011 NFL Draft Grades: Rick Gosselin Gives Cowboys B Grade
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<p>Rick Gosselin didn’t sound enamored with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> draft after their peculiar second day, but a strong third day bumped them up to a B on his <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/headlines/20110501-gosselin_s-draft-grades-cowboys-get-best-marks-in-nfc-east-.ece" target="new">draft grades</a>. Gosselin particularly liked Dwayne Harris and J.T. Thomas.</p>
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<p>“The Cowboys had a superb third day of this draft. Harris is a Kelvin Martin clone and the arrival of Arkin and Nagy will help Smith make the offensive line deeper and more competitive. Murray can solve a running back riddle.”</p>
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<p>Whether Murray can actually solve that running back riddle is the biggest question surrounding the Dallas draft. Gosselin’s ranking of No. 84 on his top 100 doesn’t sound like solution material, but he was more positive when discussing the pick live Saturday.</p>
<p>While most observers liked the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>’ haul of Prince Amukamara, Marvin Austin, Jerrel Jernigan and James Brewer better than the Cowboys’ draft, Gosselin actually gave the Cowboys the highest grade in the <span class="caps">NFC</span> East.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/1/2147398/2011-nfl-draft-grades-rick-gosselin-gives-cowboys-b-gradeBrett Perryman2011-05-01T09:44:03-05:002011-05-01T09:44:03-05:00Cowboys 2011 Draft Has Jason Garrett Handprint, Curious Initial Results
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<img alt="STILLWATER OK - NOVEMBER 27: Running back DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 27 2010 in Stillwater Oklahoma. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/adeDz-PFMG9aND5tcwwVnZZXCYE=/21x0:579x372/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1505853/GYI0062628008.jpg" />
<figcaption>STILLWATER OK - NOVEMBER 27: Running back DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 27 2010 in Stillwater Oklahoma. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Jason Garrett seemed to play a big role in his first draft as head coach. His initial results were hard to evaluate.</p> <p>Jerry Jones went to great lengths to praise Jason Garrett's impact on the 2011 draft but maintain that the process by which the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> make their picks has not necessarily changed. If the process hasn't changed, a closer look suggests that the end result has, as the Cowboys picked a group of players with traits more reminiscent of Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells drafts than what we've seen in recent years. Garrett talked all weekend about looking for players with good measurables but also wanting physical players who are 'the right kind of guy.' With the notable exception that second rounder Bruce Carter is not regarded as an overly physical linebacker, the Cowboys appear to have found those characteristics in their draft picks. </p>
<p>Jones told several people before the draft that the thing that has surprised him most about Garrett is that "he's more stubborn than I thought." Almost everyone who roots for the Cowboys longs for a forceful voice who has better football instinct than Jerry, who manages to create accountability despite Jerry, and, of course, is someone who Jerry will actually listen to. Garrett just might be that guy. He and Stephen Jones seem to have a good relationship, and that will be more and more important as time goes on. Jerry seems to trust Garrett, and he clearly likes him. And this draft seems to be evidence that Garrett does hold sway in this organization.</p>
<p>The question is, can Garrett carry the weight of the organization on his shoulders? His coaching and leadership abilities will be sliced and diced constantly, but how well does he evaluate? How well will he and the coaches he's hiring develop these players? Our first evidence on the evaluation front is this draft, and I'm left not with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach like I was in years like 2001 and 2009, where it was absolutely clear that the Cowboys had done almost nothing to help their roster. I'm not giddy like I was in 2005. This time, I feel like I have question marks hovering over my head. Again, I don't mean that in a negative way, but I'm just not sure what to make of it. </p>
<p>Jones reiterated Saturday that the Cowboys did receive a strong offer for their first pick, and if you have an advanced degree in Interpreting Jerry Speak you could decipher that Garrett, et al were against moving down and that Jones got on board with that, as opposed to it being Jerry's initial desire. That's an important distinction to make, because the past four drafts have lacked a forceful voice to counter Jones' instinct to wheel, deal, and treat the draft like a trip to the casino. Garrett mentioned that the draft needs to be about the player as much as anything, and it seems clear that his preference for Tyron Smith was heeded by Jones.</p>
<p>With that, I felt like we were off to a strong start. The Cowboys were picking in the top ten for the first time in eight years, and they needed a difference maker. Smith seems to be the best bet to be that, he plays one of the 3-4 most important positions on the field, and as an added bonus he fills a desperate need. Check mark, good job, warm fuzzies for that pick.</p>
<p>The second day is where the Cowboys will be and are already being scrutinized. They had an ordinary assortment of draft picks, one towards the middle of each round, with an extra one that was essentially an eighth rounder. They have what most perceive to be numerous holes to be filled, due to draft slump that stretches back to 2006. So I think that expectations - even if they weren't completely conscious - that the club could fill their holes with one draft were a little too high.</p>
<p>Stephen Jones made a point of talking after the draft about how the team still could use free agency to fill remaining holes, and this is one of the most important points to be made this weekend. For all of the unusual, awkward aspects of this NFL offseason, the best thing about it is that teams are being forced to handle their offseason in the order they should - draft first, then free agency. It doesn't make sense from a roster building standpoint to sign difference making free agents first, then draft to fill the gaps, but that's the way the NFL does it. This year, teams actually have the luxury of focusing more on picking the best player in their draft and using free agency to round out their roster. </p>
<p>While it's wonderful to draft players after the first round who come in and start or even contribute immediately, it's usually an unrealistic expectation, particularly for a good team. Therefore the fact that the Cowboys picked a player in Carter at No. 40 who has virtually no chance of starting right off the bat doesn't bother me at all. If he's ready to go physically, he'll still have plenty of opportunity to get on the field. He's expected to be a top special teams player, and this team needs those badly. One of the serious weaknesses in this defense is the ability of the linebackers and safeties to defend the pass. It's no easy assignment to ask a rookie to learn nickel pass coverage packages - just ask <span>Sean Lee</span> - but Carter certainly has the physical package to do it. Additionally, the Cowboys don't want to play Brooking for 60+ plays a week anyway and <span>Bradie James</span> is no spring chicken himself, so Carter and Lee will both have the opportunity to get themselves on the field.</p>
<p>More importantly, I think that the pick signals that Garrett and the Cowboys did something very smart in this draft. They looked at needs on a big picture basis, not on a Week 1 vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> basis. Fans and media analysts clamor for the quick fix, but the draft is generally not the place for that. It's the place for the big picture fix, and the Cowboys drafted to fix a spot that <i>will be</i> a huge need after this season, when Brooking retires or moves on. If the Cowboys chose wisely, Carter will be ready to go and you'll have a seamless transition. My only uneasy feeling here is that it all makes perfect sense if Carter is really that Top 15 talent the Cowboys think he is. Is he? He certainly is from a physical standpoint, and he seems like a great guy, but not everyone agrees that he's that kind of talent. To me, Carter is Test Case #1 for the new set of schemers and evaluators now on staff at Valley Ranch.</p>
<p>The pick in this draft that everyone wants to debate - and the one I most want to discuss - is DeMarco Murray. We were all cruising along, making perfect sense of this draft as the Cowboys' third pick approached. Ok, ILB wasn't an immediate need, but the Cowboys picked a guy they loved. You got your OT in the first round, pick another lineman or a defensive back here - and there are some good ones on the board - and we're in good shape. There were numerous hints that the Cowboys wanted to pick a running back in the top three rounds, but the guys we knew they liked had been picked. Then they pop Murray.</p>
<p>If you're wondering what that faint churning noise that you heard early Friday evening was, it was dozens of draft analysts all trying - really hard and really quickly - to figure out what the Cowboys were doing here. Most of us suspect that <span>Marion Barber</span> is done in Dallas, and even if he's not, his skills have eroded thanks to a massive NFL beating. We also know that <span>Tashard Choice</span> is not Jason Garrett's favorite running back and that <span>Felix Jones</span> does not appear to be able to handle extra carries or extra weight. Why are the Cowboys picking a back whose skills seem to line up more with Jones' than Choice's or Barber's? </p>
<p>The answer that I come to is that Garrett took a step back and said that the whole arrangement is flawed and needs to be reworked from the top down, rather than the bottom up. While Jones is a part time guy, he is not the pass blocker or receiver to be an ideal third-down guy. While neither Jones nor Murray is that rugged betweeen-the-tackles type needed to sustain a power running game, it does make some sense to add a guy whose skills are best suited for passing downs to complement Jones and maybe Choice. Murray is regarded as a good pass blocker, and he's clearly a gifted receiver. He'll give Garrett more options as he lines up to attack defenses.</p>
<p>The only way this makes sense, though, is if Murray is really good. There were good options available at need positions, so this adds up only if he's a big enough threat that he simply makes a bigger impact on this team than those guys. Again, is he? Not a lot of draft analysts think so, but the Cowboys must. Test Case #2.</p>
<p>From there, the draft makes perfect sense. I wanted Will Rackley with that third round pick, because I see guard as a huge big picture need, but they opted for a developmental guy with good upside in the fourth round in David Arkin. Makes sense, particularly if they're going to try to squeeze one more year out of <span>Leonard Davis</span> (not sure that I would) and/or re-sign <span>Kyle Kosier</span> for another couple of years. Arkin could give you more of a true NFL talent to develop than anything else they're going to have on the bench, and he's versatile. </p>
<p><span>Josh Thomas</span> is a physical nickel corner, check. You're going to want that kind of guy in Ryan's scheme. Dwayne Harris looks like a slot receiver who can return kicks and punts, and he's been highly productive in college. Once Roy Williams is gone and <span>Miles Austin</span> and <span>Dez Bryant</span> are your only particularly established guys, that's exactly what you'll want - a reliable slot guy to complement them who <span>Tony Romo</span> knows will catch the ball. Both of those guys represent fairly low upside additions, but they project into clear roles here and that's great for fifth and sixth round picks. </p>
<p>The Cowboys like Shaun Chapas as an intellectual, versatile fullback. Jerry Jones mentioned that they were surprised that he lasted to the seventh round and had considered picking him a round earlier. Bill Nagy is the classic late-round brawler of an offensive lineman. </p>
<p>For me, this draft can only be confidently graded based on the amount of faith you have in the drafters. If this were a Bill Belicheck draft, I would feel confident that the team simply has more perspective than observers. If I thought that Jerry was orchestrating all of this like he has for the past few years, I'd find it hard to be optimistic. With Garrett's handprint, I just don't know what to think. Time will have to tell, but I think that you have to like that the Cowboys seem to have picked players with high character and good motors and that they clearly approached this draft looking to improve this roster in the big picture, rather than plugging whatever holes seem to be leaking the most water this moment. </p>
<p>I think they picked players for the right reasons; I just think we're going to have to wait and see what kind of evaluations they made. Carter, Murray and Arkin could all work out great, but they generally weren't seen as value picks. Prior to the draft many predicted that we would learn a good deal about Jason Garrett from this draft. One day after the draft, I think that is truer than we realized.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/1/2147131/cowboys-2011-draft-picks-jason-garrett-resultsBrett Perryman2011-05-01T08:07:31-05:002011-05-01T08:07:31-05:00NFL Draft Grades 2011: CBS, ESPN, NBC, FOX Grade The Cowboys
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<p>NFL Draft grades have begun to filter in from national outlets, and the Cowboys have received a remarkably consistent response. The DeMarco Murray pick in the third round seems to be what sticks in most evaluators' craw. There were higher rated (on commonly available boards) players at positions where the Cowboys more desperately needed something. If Murray turns into a serious player, I have a feeling that we'll all look at this draft differently.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15008226/final-draft-grades-bucs-giants-texans-earn-top-marks" target="_blank">CBS Sports</a> (Pete Prisco) </p>
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<p>Best pick: I like the pick of Bruce Carter in the second round. He is coming off an ACL injury, so he might be limited in 2010, but he has star potential if on the field.</p>
<p>Questionable move: Taking DeMarco Murray in the third round was a strange move with all the other needs they have.</p>
<p>Third-day gem: Sixth-round pick Dwayne Harris is a steal. He will make their team and be a good slot receiver.</p>
<p>Analysis: They added a starter in tackle Tyron Smith and then filled in some holes, though I think they could have gone in another direction when they picked Murray.</p>
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<p>Grade: B-<br></p>
<p><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=Kiper2011DraftGrades" target="_blank">ESPN</a> (Mel Kiper)</p>
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<p>While I thought Dallas might trade down off No. 9 and get more value at the tackle position a little later in Round 1, Smith made a lot of sense at No. 9, and the Cowboys showed conviction with the pick. He could be the solution for them at left tackle if he develops, or perhaps gets moved to the right side for now. After that, it got a little confusing for two rounds. Dallas went linebacker and running back in Rounds 2 and 3 before targeting more pressing needs at corner and guard in the following two rounds. Dallas got good value later, but never took a player that seemed like a steal at the position. Harris is a guy who might continue to develop at wideout.</p>
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<p>Grade: B-<br></p>
<p><a href="http://drafthq.nbcsports.com/team_picks.aspx" target="_blank">NBC Sports</a></p>
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<p>The Cowboys got fine value with their first two picks, and acquiring the best left tackle in any draft as "late" as No. 9 overall is a coup. But it's fair to wonder if they could have done better in the end. DeMarco Murray is an injury waiting to happen, and wasn't nearly as productive on a per-play basis as some think. David Arkin is a project and probably a reach so early in round four. The only late-rounder we especially like is Dwayne Harris, who can do all of the things Patrick Crayton could.</p>
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<p>Grade: B-<br></p>
<p><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/2011-NFL-draft-grades-for-each-team-043011" target="_blank">Fox Sports</a> (Adam Caplan)</p>
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<p>The Cowboys might have gotten a steal with Carter in the second round. He's still coming back from ACL surgery, but should help the team more in his second season. They failed to address their weaknesses at safety and cornerback.</p>
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<p>Grade: C+</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/1/2147113/nfl-draft-grades-2011-results-picksBrett Perryman2011-05-01T06:41:27-05:002011-05-01T06:41:27-05:002011 NFL Draft Grades: Mel Kiper Gives Cowboys B-
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<p>After being <a target="new" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=6451331">somewhat critical</a> of the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cowboys</a>’ Day 2 picks for not addressing needs, Mel Kiper <a target="new" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=Kiper2011DraftGrades">settled on a B-</a> for their overall draft grade. Kiper grades two components – needs and overall value – and combines the two for his overall grade. He gave the Cowboys a B- for addressing their needs and a C+ for overall value.</p>
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<p>Summary: While I thought Dallas might trade down off No. 9 and get more value at the tackle position a little later in Round 1, Smith made a lot of sense at No. 9, and the Cowboys showed conviction with the pick. He could be the solution for them at left tackle if he develops, or perhaps gets moved to the right side for now. After that, it got a little confusing for two rounds. Dallas went linebacker and running back in Rounds 2 and 3 before targeting more pressing needs at corner and guard in the following two rounds. Dallas got good value later, but never took a player that seemed like a steal at the position. Harris is a guy who might continue to develop at wideout.</p>
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<p>Like Kiper says, the Cowboys didn’t draft anyone, maybe outside of <span>Josh Thomas</span>, who was expected to go significantly higher. They obviously felt like Davis was a first-round talent, but it’s reasonable for a first round talent to go No. 40 if he’s still recovering from a torn <span class="caps">ACL</span>, and not everyone agrees with them on that assessment anyway.</p>
<p>Questioning a team for not drafting to immediate need is always a dicey proposition, but it would be comforting to see observers a little more excited about the overall talent collected by the Cowboys.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/5/1/2147046/2011-nfl-draft-grades-mel-kiper-gives-cowboys-bBrett Perryman2011-04-30T17:33:55-05:002011-04-30T17:33:55-05:002011 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Grade
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<p>The <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a>' 2011 NFL Draft is nearly in the books, with just a late seventh rounder left to go for their 2011 draft. It's been an interesting first draft for head coach Jason Garrett - who, likely had some heavy input from Jerry Jones in his selections. While it's difficult if not impossible to fairly judge a draft the day after it's completed (since, you know, the players haven't even played a game for Dallas yet), it's still something worth discussing and looking at.</p>
<p>Dallas' 2011 NFL Draft grade comes after the jump.</p>
<p>Dallas had a few areas of concern headed into this years draft - the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary most notably. It's evident that the Cowboys valued rebuilding the offensive line over anything else in this draft, which was made apparent by selecting Tyron Smith with their first pick in the draft, ninth overall. Dallas continued the trend of <span>Tony Romo</span> protection in the fourth round when they selected offensive guard David Arkin from Missouri State, who was a first team all-MWVC player the past two seasons. For good measure, Dallas selected a primarily blocking back with their first seventh round pick with Shaun Chapas.</p>
<p>Given the state of the NFL today, and how offenses operate through the passing game, protecting the quarterback is a must. You simply aren't going to win in the NFL if your quarterback is getting hit constantly - and consequently injured as we saw Romo go down this year - or if he's given no time to throw. The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> lost out on their quest for perfection in the 2007-08 season thanks to not being able to protect <span>Tom Brady</span> in the AFC Championship game (sprained foot) and the Super Bowl. Dallas did the right thing with using their first on the best offensive lineman in the draft, and I do like the Arkin selection a good bit.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 16px;">Day two is when things went a little off the wagon for Dallas. Garrett and Jones are taking a big risk in selecting Bruce Carter from North Carolina. Carter is coming off an ACL injury, and was originally regarded as a potential mid-first round talent prior to the injury suffered in November. </span></p>
<p>I do understand taking an OLB, and I certainly understand looking to take a risk and maximize value with a pick - but with an early two I'm just not sure it was worth it for Carter, who wasn't regarded as a premium talent to begin with even prior to the injury. There have been plenty of concerns regarding Da'Quan Bowers' injury, but when Tampa Bay selected him in the second round, it's a gamble for a top end talent on somebody who could have been a top 10 pick. With Carter, I'm not sure there's the potential for a Bowers-esque payoff.</p>
<p><span>Josh Thomas</span>, selected in the fifth round by Dallas, is a pick that I do like. Thomas is regarded as a good cover corner, with good instincts but just lacks in speed. Given how offenses use the passing attack so much, Thomas could figure to be a solid cover corner in nickel or dime packages. </p>
<p>DeMarco Murray, Dallas' third round selection, is a bit baffling. He doesn't seem to be much different than <span>Felix Jones</span> or Tahsard Choice - a back that is quick and can pick up yards after the catch. Murray does have some explosive capabilities, but he's not a guy that's powerful between the tackles. If Dallas is finally going to do the right thing and ditch <span>Marion Barber</span> and his overpaid contract, then they should have taken a back that could be seen as a Barber replacement. Murray is more like Choice or Jones than Barber, so this pick is a bit strange. </p>
<p>My grade for Jason Garret's first NFL Draft as a head coach is a B-. Dallas did do the right thing with their first round pick, and that's huge. As I've said, protecting Tony Romo is key. I'm not wild on the day two selections with Murray and Carter, but I do think Arkin and Thomas are good picks at the end of the draft. </p>
<p>We'll see how it looks in a year, but for now, I'm giving Dallas a B-.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2011/4/30/2146063/2011-nfl-draft-dallas-cowboys-gradeJP Starkey