04/28/2008

NFL teams will be held accountable for draft-day gambles

AP

Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham dropped to the third round of the NFL draft after he admitted failing drug tests in college.

In the past, there has been little risk for NFL teams drafting players with character concerns. That's about to change, writes Rick Gosselin. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that violations of the personal conduct policy would not only cost the player but the team as well.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/27/2008

Chiefs let talent fall to them in NFL draft

AP

New Kansas City defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey was the consensus All-American and Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year for LSU.

With 12 picks, the Kansas City Chiefs saturated their roster with youth and talent, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin. In a draft where reaching for need prevailed, patience rewarded a team that allowed good players slide to them.
• Draft grades
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys fail to grab a receiver 

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The only help Dallas Cowboys Tony Romo (left) and Terrell Owens got for the passing game in the draft was tight end Martellus Bennett.

The Dallas Cowboys would have liked to have found another Terrell Owens in the draft this year. That never happened, writes Cowboys columnist Todd Archer. "We're working on cloning right now though," coach Wade Phillips joked.
 Video: Day 2 review
• Notebook
• Draft grades
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Rick Gosselin's NFL draft analysis

04/28/2008

Texans draft RB Slaton, others
The Houston Texans thought Reggie Bush was likely a third down back in the NFL and passed on him with their top overall pick two years ago to get defensive end Mario Williams.

04/27/2008

NFL teams hold the line in draft

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Michigan's Jake Long became the first offensive tackle selected No. 1 overall in a draft since 1997.

Eight offensive tackles were selected in the first round of the NFL draft, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. There were five running backs, two quarterbacks, one tight end and no wide receivers in the round. So guess what the new money position is on offense?
• How Gosselin fared
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

How Rick Gosselin fared
In his mock draft, SportsDay's Rick Gosselin correctly predicted seven of 31 picks by team and nine by draft position.

NFL draft notebook
Two-time Doak Walker Award winner Darren McFadden of Arkansas was the first underclassmen selected in the 2008 NFL draft on the fourth overall pick by the Oakland Raiders.

NFL draft No. 1 selections
A list of the first overall choices in the NFL draft, with player's name, selecting team, position and college attended.

Kansas' Talib leads Southwest players selected in NFL draft
Kansas junior cornerback Aqib Talib of Richardson Berkner became the first Jayhawk drafted in the first round Saturday since defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield was chosen 26th in 1993 by the San Francisco 49ers.

Wrong selection for Dallas Cowboys? 

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Felix Jones (25) rushed for 2,939 yards in three seasons at Arkansas.

You don't draft a complementary player in the first round when you have an opportunity to select a franchise back. Ever. But that's what the Dallas Cowboys did Saturday by picking Felix Jones over Rashard Mendenhall, writes DMN Jean-Jacques Taylor.
 Video: Day 2 review
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys have their corners covered
At times in 2007, coach Wade Phillips and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart felt like their hands were tied on some of the things they wanted to do defensively because they didn't have enough cornerbacks.

Dallas Cowboys' choices reflect immediate plan
The Dallas Cowboys went into Saturday saying they would draft for now, and they followed that plan almost to the letter.

Dallas Cowboys 2008 draft bios

Dallas Cowboys draft notebook
Martellus Bennett grew up in Alief, Texas, went to Texas A&M, and now gets to play pro football in his home state after the Cowboys picked him in the second round Saturday.

04/25/2008

Rick Gosselin's final NFL mock draft

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Speedy Arkansas running back Felix Jones could end up in the Dallas Cowboys' backfield.

We already know who's going No. 1 in the NFL draft. But what about the rest of the first round? And who's coming to Valley Ranch? Pro football columnist Rick Gosselin breaks it down in his final mock draft.
• Top 100
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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04/24/2008

Rick Gosselin's NFL draft Top 100

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LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey won't be the first pick in the NFL draft, but he is No. 1 in Rick Gosselin's Top 100.

Who are the best players on the 2008 NFL draft board? Pro football columnist Rick Gosselin breaks it down in his annual Top 100.
• Mock draft: 4/11 | 4/18
• Rankings by position
• Position series
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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Dallas Cowboys players recall draft-day memories
Terence Newman was nervous. Andre Gurode didn't think his name would be called. Nick Folk called Jerry Jones "coach." Some Cowboys players recalled their NFL draft-day memories to Todd Archer.

04/23/2008

NFL draft chat: Big deal comes with big price tag

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Roy Williams could be trade bait on draft day.

Could the Dallas Cowboys trade the No. 22 pick and "something else" for Detroit Lions wide receiver Roy Williams? It will take more than that – a lot more – said Rick Gosselin in Wednesday's NFL draft chat.
• Mock draft: 4/11 | 4/18
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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Son of former major league star hopes to be hit in NFL draft
Dale Murphy made a baseball fan out of his son. Now Shawn Murphy is making a football fan out of his father.

04/22/2008

NFL draft preview: safeties

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Kenny Phillips started three seasons at Miami and earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference acclaim in 2007 as a junior.

In the final installment of his position-by-position NFL draft series, Rick Gosselin takes a look at the safeties. Three safeties project as first-round picks. The fourth probably won't go until the third round in 2008.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Jake Long signs with Dolphins, will be No. 1 pick in NFL draft

AP

Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long is now property of the Miami Dolphins.

Michigan tackle Jake Long signed a five-year contract with $30 million guaranteed Tuesday with the Miami Dolphins, who plan to select him with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
• Mock draft: 4/11 | 4/18
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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04/21/2008

NFL draft preview: tight ends

ERICH SCHLEGEL / DMN

Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett is expected to go first among tight ends from the state.

There may not be a first-round tight end but there is solid depth at the position, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his position-by-position NFL draft series. Pass catchers abound, but there is only a small handful of blockers.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

NFL mock draft: Dallas Cowboys take Jones, Talib

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Arkansas running back Felix Jones is the best fit for the Cowboys at No. 22, according to Todd Archer.

Our Dallas Cowboys writers couldn't wait for the NFL draft, so they conducted their own Monday. Arkansas running back Felix Jones and Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib are headed to Valley Ranch – at least that's how it worked out in this mock draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
• Rick Gosselin's mock draft: 4/11 | 4/18
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Purdue becoming 3-4 pipeline for NFL

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Anthony Spencer, the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2007, comes from Purdue's pass-rushing system.

The 3-4 defensive scheme is having a resurgence in the NFL. The scheme relies on the linebackers to provide pressure on passing downs, which is why all the 3-4 teams have made the trek to Purdue during the NFL draft process, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Mock draft: 4/11 | 4/18
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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NFL draft preview: cornerbacks

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Arizona's Antoine Cason started all 46 games of his career and intercepted 15 passes.

There could be 14 to 16 cornerbacks selected in the first three rounds, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his position-by-position NFL draft series. DeJuan Tribble of Boston College was a three-year starter who intercepted 15 career passes – and he projects as a late-round pick.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/19/2008

NFL draft preview: wide receivers

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Devin Thomas (5) set a Michigan State record for catches in a season with 79 in 2007.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the wide receivers. Wide receiver is the deepest, most-talented position on the draft board. How deep? Purdue's Dorian Bryant caught 292 passes, returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and has 4.49 speed. He'll be available in the second day.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

NFL owners feeling pinch on wallets

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Anthony Spencer (93) was the Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick in 2007.

The top three picks in the 2007 NFL draft signed contracts that totaled $174.5 million. Several NFL owners have complained that spending that much is hurting the game, especially when players don't have an immediate impact.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/18/2008

First round of NFL draft is Miami's turf

File photo

Miami safety Kenny Phillips (1) is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Miami safety Kenny Phillips is expected to be selected late in the first round of the NFL draft. And that would extend an amazing streak for the Hurricanes, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin in the latest installment of his 11-part draft series.
• Mock draft
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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Rick Gosselin's NFL mock draft (4/18)

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The Cowboys would benefit from the return skills of Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Who's No. 1 in the NFL draft? Who will the Dallas Cowboys take with their two first-round picks? Rick Gosselin attempts to answer those questions and more in his latest mock draft.
• Player rankings
• Position series
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
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NFL draft preview: special teams
Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the special teams. Kickers, punters and deep snappers are historically scarce on draft day. This year is no exception. But the return board is deep, and there are plenty of quality kick covermen.

04/17/2008

NFL draft preview: quarterbacks

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Boston College's Matt Ryan is the top-ranked quarterback. The knock on Ryan is ball security - he threw 19 interceptions last season.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the quarterbacks. There could be four quarterbacks taken in the first 40 picks. But the talent falls off dramatically from there.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Rick Gosselin's NFL draft player rankings

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Arkansas' Darren McFadden is the top-rated running back in the draft.

Pro football columnist Rick Gosselin's updated and expanded NFL draft player rankings include the top prospects at every position, plus his sleeper picks, and also indicate whose stock is on the way up – and on the way down.
• Mock draft | Position series
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

04/16/2008

NFL draft preview: linebackers

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USC's Keith Rivers (right) earned All-Pac-10 honors as a junior and senior and was named to All-America teams both seasons.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the linebackers. Though Southern California's Keith Rivers and three others project as possible first-round picks, there could be as few as eight LBs taken in the first three rounds of 2008.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

NFL draft can be big break for small-college stars

Mount Union College

Pierre Garcon is the all-time leading receiver at Division III powerhouse Mount Union.

The big stage of the NFL draft has made room for players from small schools. That's because there's a rule of thumb in the scouting community: If you can play, the NFL will find you, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Mock draft
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

04/15/2008

NFL draft preview: offensive linemen

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Rick Gosselin projects Michigan tackle Jake Long (right) to be the first - and the safest - pick overall.

Rick Gosselin continues his position-by-position NFL draft series with a look at the offensive linemen. There could be four blockers taken in the top 10, which hasn't happened since 2002. The board is deep at tackle but light at guard and center.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/14/2008

NFL draft preview: defensive linemen

AP

LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey won the Lombardi, Lott, Nagurski and Outland trophies in 2007.

There could be three defensive linemen taken in the top six picks – the first time that's happened since 2001. The end board is strong with pass rushers available into the second day. But the tackle board is paper thin, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his look at the position and its impact on the 2008 NFL draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Coaches can provide push for NFL draft prospects

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Butch Davis brought plenty of NFL coaching experience to the North Carolina program.

Some college football players need help getting on the NFL's radar. That's where coaching can make a difference, writes Rick Gosselin in the latest installment of his 11-part draft series.
• Mock draft
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

04/13/2008

NFL draft preview: running backs

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Michael Hart (left) was the all-time leading rusher at Michigan.

There were only two running backs selected in the first round of the 2007 draft. There might have been even fewer in 2008 had the juniors not come out. Seven of the top eight runners on this draft board are juniors, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin in his look at the position and its impact on the 2008 NFL draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/12/2008

Great NFL draft debate: Go pro or stay?

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Curtis Lofton's solid junior season made his decision to declare for the NFL draft easier.

Teams have drafted juniors with the first overall selection in the last three drafts and in 11 of the 18 drafts since the NFL opened the door to underclassmen in 1990, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Juniors have gone 1-2 in the last two drafts. Juniors went 1-2-3 in 1994 and 1-2-3-4 in 1997. Fourteen juniors were selected in the first round in 2007 and a record 15 in 2004.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/11/2008

Rick Gosselin's NFL mock draft (4/11)

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Arkansas running back Felix Jones would add speed to the Dallas Cowboys' backfield.

Who's No. 1? Who's coming to the Dallas Cowboys? Rick Gosselin takes a shot at answering those questions and more in his first NFL mock draft.
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

Team captains draw attention at NFL draft

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Quarterback Kevin O'Connell was a four-year captain for San Diego State.

The NFL loves players who exude leadership qualities, so team captains are attractive commodities on draft day. The ultimate captain is San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who has plenty of experience in that department, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Player rankings
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/10/2008

Kelly critical of Oklahoma for timing day switch
Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, who left Oklahoma after his junior season, lashed out at the school after a disappointing performance in a 40-yard dash in front of NFL scouts.

04/09/2008

Injuries can put hurt on NFL draft plans

AP

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon's draft status might have taken a hit when he injured his knee last November.

Injuries are part of football. They're also part of the NFL draft – and sometimes the outcome can be painful, writes pro football columnist Rick Gosselin.
• NFL draft: April 26-27
• Player rankings
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/07/2008

Hargrave Military Academy has prepped plenty for NFL

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jay Ratliff (90) is a Hargrave Military Academy alum.

Hargrave Military Academy, a prep school in Virginia, won't ever be mistaken for USC, Texas or Michigan. But Hargrave does have something in common with those big-name colleges: It has become connected to the NFL draft, writes Rick Gosselin.
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/06/2008

Teams taking shots on Longs can't miss

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Tackle Jake Long (77) was a four-year starter at Michigan, where he allowed just two sacks in his career.

Whiffing at the top of the NFL draft can be an expensive proposition, writes DMN pro football columnist Rick Gosselin. Two of the safest prospects to come along in a long time arrive in 2008 – and they share the same surname. Defensive end Chris Long of Virginia and offensive tackle Jake Long of Michigan carry can't-miss labels in the NFL because of their ability on the field and their character off it.

04/04/2008

Rick Gosselin's NFL draft player rankings

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Michigan's Jake Long, the top-ranked offensive tackle, could be the first overall pick in the NFL draft.

Pro football columnist Rick Gosselin is in full NFL draft mode. His latest player rankings include the top prospects at every position, plus his sleeper picks, and also indicate whose stock is on the way up – and on the way down.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

NFL draft spotlight to finally shine on USC defense

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USC tackle Sedrick Ellis was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.

Since 2005, USC has had nine offensive players selected in the first two rounds of NFL drafts. But the 2008 draft will produce an about-face for the Trojans – their best prospects are on the defensive side of the ball, writes Rick Gosselin.
• Player rankings
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/02/2008

Walk-on path can lead to NFL

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Jordy Nelson scored two touchdowns in Kansas State's upset victory over Texas last September.

Not all of the players whose names will be called in the 2008 NFL draft were ticketed for stardom. Take Kansas State wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who began his collegiate career as walk-on before becoming an All-American.
• NFL draft: April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/30/2008

Michigan State is Wide Receiver U

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Devin Thomas set a Michigan State record in 2007 with seven 100-yard receiving games.

Penn State is known as Linebacker U. USC used to be Tailback U. So, who's Wide Receiver U? That title goes to Michigan State, writes Rick Gosselin in the first installment of his 11-part NFL draft series.
• NFL draft, April 26-27
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/29/2008

Duty calls: Army says Cadets can turn pro now

JON MALINOWSKI / Special to DMN

Army safety Caleb Campbell (left) and punter Owen Tolson pose in their cadet uniforms at the United States Military Academy's Michie Stadium.

A recently implemented rule at the U.S. Military Academy could change the way cadets are selected in April's NFL draft. And two cadets from Texas, including punter Owen Tolson of Richardson's Canyon Creek Christian Academy, could get drafted this year.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/26/2008

Texas A&M TE Bennett to visit Dallas Cowboys

DMN file

Tight end Martellus Bennett was Texas A&M's leading receiver in 2007 with 49 catches for a 12.0-yard average.

Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett tops the latest group of NFL prospects who will visit Valley Ranch next month to meet with Dallas Cowboys officials, according to the players' representatives.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/20/2008

Texas Longhorns host pro day in Austin
Texas had 18 former players work out for the NFL at the school's pro day Wednesday, including receiver Limas Sweed, running back Jamaal Charles, defensive tackle Frank Okam, offensive tackle Tony Hills and tight end Jermichael Finley.

03/06/2008

Ex-TCU DE Blake trying to bounce back

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TCU DE Tommy Blake led the Mountain West in sacks and tackles for loss in 2006.

Tommy Blake took his first step toward rebuilding his draft stock at TCU's pro day Thursday when he showed up weighing 272 pounds and ran his 40-yard dashes in the upper 4.7s, writes NFL columnist Rick Gosselin.
Blog: Colleges

02/27/2008

Michael Johnson's complex gets into NFL draft game

JUAN GARCIA / DMN

Michael Johnson (right) draws a laugh from Texas' Nate Jones (left) and Arkansas' Darren McFadden while working out.

The Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney is off to the kind of start its gold medal-winning curator can appreciate. You want to be quick out of the blocks and Johnson's facility has made its first steps count.

02/25/2008

NFL prospect McFadden optimistic about draft chances

AP

Former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash Sunday at the NFL scouting combine.

Several weeks ago, columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor wrote that no running back was worth the top pick in the draft. It seems only fair then for him to give Darren McFadden, one of the best running back prospects, an opportunity to state why NFL teams should use an early pick on him.
Archive: McFadden not worth No. 1 pick
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

02/24/2008

NFL combine snubs some strong players

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West Virginia defensive end Keilen Dykes seems to have all the tools the NFL wants but wasn't invited to the league's scouting combine.

Just because a player isn't one of the 333 players invited to Indianapolis in February doesn't mean he can't be one of the 255 players drafted in April, NFL columnist Rick Gosselin writes.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

01/15/2008

OU cornerback declares for NFL draft
Oklahoma junior cornerback Reggie Smith became the third Oklahoma player in the last week to announce he plans to skip his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

01/14/2008

Lofton latest to leave Oklahoma for NFL

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Curtis Lofton scored on a fumble return in Oklahoma's victory over Missouri last October.

Oklahoma's hopes of making a run at a national title next season suffered a major blow Monday when All-America linebacker Curtis Lofton announced that he would skip his senior year and enter the NFL draft.
Blog: Colleges