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Post by FB fan on May 5, 2011 15:41:34 GMT -6
Looks like Tony Romo and many of his teammates have indeed fulfilled his plan to conduct unofficial workouts, away from Cowboys coaches and other team personnel, in the wake of a lockout.
And who knows, it might be their only form of on-field activity for a while longer.
If the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis decides to grant a full stay of the lockout until the appeal process plays out – news broke Tuesday that an expedited hearing is set for June 3 – football activities could presumably be delayed for several more weeks. Players have not worked out at team facilities league-wide since mid-March, the only exception being last Friday, when football operations resumed for less than 24 hours before a temporary stay of the lockout was granted.
On Tuesday roughly 40 players were back to work at an undisclosed location, according to multiple reports. Romo, who has begun throwing normally after a season-ending collarbone injury last November, called the workout “crisp” and “fast,” structured similarly to normal mini-camp practice.
Backup safety Barry Church tweeted, “Great team workout today.”
Back in January, Romo said he wanted to take the responsibility of organizing unofficial throwing sessions and/or workouts during a potential work stoppage.
“We're going to get a jumpstart," Romo said. "Either way, we're going to be in a good position. I think we've got guys that will be committed, and (if not), I'll be on people. We'll be there."
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Post by FB fan on May 5, 2011 15:44:11 GMT -6
IRVING, Texas - Well, by Jerry Jones' standards, it wasn't the most memorable draft in Cowboys history.
No trades. No decidedly high-risk, high-reward picks. The first first-round offensive lineman taken by the organization in the last 30 years - a position that, by Jones' own admission, typically doesn't make "big splash" headlines compared to, say, a Heisman Trophy-winning running back or quarterback.
Coming off a frustrating 6-10 season, the Cowboys don't care about constructing a "wow" factor class as long as it proves to be a productive one.
Their 2011 draft includes eight picks, all of whom are expected to compete for spots and/or starting jobs on the 53-man roster. Part I of II takes a closer look at the first four selections:
Tyron Smith Offensive Tackle, Southern California 6-5, 307 1st round (9th overall)
Who's He: The youngest (20 years old) and most athletic of the draft's elite offensive tackles, the Cowboys felt Smith was well worth ending the franchise's 30-year stretch without a first-round offensive lineman. They had a chance to trade back seven spots but didn't want to risk missing out on a player with his potential. Smith was a two-year starter for the Trojans and won the Morris Trophy, given to the Pac-10's most outstanding lineman. As head coach Jason Garrett said, Smith has all the measurables sought in a top tackle: size, strength, long arms and quick feet. And the Cowboys love his work ethic. They're convinced he's committed to living up to his lofty draft status.
How He Fits: Jones said Smith "is going to play." Translation: Smith will be given every chance to start the Sept. 11 season opener against the Jets and keep the job for years to come. That's the expectation for a top-10 pick. The question is, which position? Smith has the traits for a left, blindside tackle but played right tackle in college. Doug Free, a free agent to be, capably started all 16 games at left tackle last season. Either way, it's quite possible veteran Marc Colombo won't be back.
Worth Mentioning: Smith answered questions about his frame by weighing 310 pounds at his March 30 Pro Day - 30 pounds heavier than his typical college playing weight (280). The key will be sustaining that weight during the course of a full NFL season, and perhaps adding more as his body matures.
Bruce Carter Linebacker, North Carolina 6-3, 233 2nd round (40th overall)
Who's He: An athletic, rangy linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed, Carter started 44 of 49 career games at North Carolina and was among five finalists for the **** Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker. He produced 215 career tackles (145) solo with 9.5 sacks and 24.0 tackles for loss.
How He Fits: Carter might not be ready for the start of a regularly-scheduled training camp due to surgery on the torn left anterior cruciate ligament he sustained on Nov. 20. Although he's expected to make a full recovery, the injury likely prevented him from a first-round selection. Carter's coverage skills - he's a converted safety - could aid the nickel defense. Eventually the Cowboys expect Carter and 2010 second-round pick Sean Lee to compete for starting jobs. Keith Brooking is expected back, but at age 35 his career is obviously winding down. Bradie James will be an unrestricted free agent in 2012.
Worth Mentioning: If healthy, Carter could make an immediate impact on special teams. He had a school career-record seven blocked kicks (six punts, one field goal) at North Carolina.
DeMarco Murray Running Back, Oklahoma 6-0, 214 3rd round (71st overall)
Who's He: A versatile, highly productive player for an elite college program. A three-year starter at tailback for the Sooners, he set school career records for total touchdowns (65), points scored (390), kickoff return average (27.58) and all-purpose yardage (6,718). He had 3,685 career rushing yards (4.86 avg.) with 50 touchdowns and 157 career catches with 13 scores.
How He Fits: Like Smith, Murray's arrival indicates an evolution of the Cowboys' roster. Veteran Marion Barber's future with the team now looks bleak, as Murray could compete with Tashard Choice and even Felix Jones for touches in 2011. The most likely scenario is Murray working as a versatile complement to Jones, often as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield and in the slot. The Cowboys also need a consistent kickoff returner, and Murray's 1,462 yards rank second on OU's all-time list.
Worth Mentioning: Murray simply knows how to find the end zone. He's only the fifth player in Big 12 history to score at least 60 career touchdowns. He battled injuries at OU, but was healthy as a senior.
David Arkin Guard, Missouri State 6-5, 302 4th round (110th overall)
Who's He: A versatile, durable offensive lineman who played both guard and tackle at Missouri State. Primarily a right guard his first three seasons, Arkin started 11 games at left tackle as a senior. A two-time team captain, he appeared in and started all 44 games during his college career. Finishes plays, but needs to get stronger.
How He Fits: Although he shifted to tackle as a senior, Arkin best projects inside at this level. The Cowboys are clearly trying to get younger along their entire offensive line, and depth is an issue with left guard Kyle Kosier scheduled for free agency and right guard Leonard Davis turning 33 in September. They hope Arkin can develop into a starter at some point.
Worth Mentioning: Success and recognition hasn't come easily for Arkin. He was an all-state player at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High in Wichita, Kansas, but only Missouri State (Missouri Valley Conference) offered him a Division 1 scholarship.
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Post by islander21 on May 6, 2011 8:00:38 GMT -6
I liked the first round pick (two years in a row, lookout) but just like last year their draft went downhill from there with the reaches and headscratchers.
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Post by FB fan on May 6, 2011 9:05:58 GMT -6
I liked the first round pick (two years in a row, lookout) but just like last year their draft went downhill from there with the reaches and headscratchers. Head scratcher for sure. Every time I think maybe this time they see something not obvious but not so far. Once again I will hope maybe they do.
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