Yardbarker: Demarcus Ware

Looking Back at the 05 draft

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:39:31 -0500

2005 had its share of stars in the 1st round but also had a handful of busts check to see where your teams pick did............. 1. Alex Smith, quarterback, 49ers: When the first overall pick is competing three years later with Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan for the starting job, that's by definition a BUST. 2. Ronnie Brown, running back, Dolphins: After a so-so first year, Brown has been solid. A torn ACL derailed his opportunity to have a strong third year. Though he hasn't lived up to the billing of the No. 2 overall pick, we're not yet ready to call him a bust. (But we could be after 2008.) 3. Braylon Edwards, receiver, Browns: Edward is becoming one of the best receivers in the league. Clearly, not a bust. 4. Cedric Benson, running back, Bears: He's been a disappointment on the field, and his arrest conjures memories of past incidents in college. Without question, he's a BUST. 5. Cadillac Williams, running back, Buccaneers: Williams made a huge splash as a rookie, but can't stay healthy. After rupturing a patellar tendon in 2007, he might not play again. If he does, he might never be the same. Based on his top-five selection, he's a BUST. 6. Pacman Jones, cornerback, Titans: BUST 7. Troy Williamson, receiver, Vikings: We once tried to throw Williamson a compliment, but he dropped that, too. BUST. 8. Antrel Rolle, cornerback, Cardinals: When a cornerback might be shifted to safety at only age 25, it's not because he's a great cornerback. BUST. 9. Carlos Rogers, cornerback, Redskins: He's on the path to being declared a bust. We'll give him one more year. 10. Mike Williams, receiver, Lions: Maybe he wouldn't have been a BUST if the Lions had made him an offensive lineman. 11. DeMarcus Ware, linebacker, Cowboys: A 2006 Pro Bowl + a 2007 Pro Bowl = not a bust. 12. Shawne Merriman, linebacker, Chargers: He could still be a bust if he gets suspended again for steroids (or blown up on a regular basis by a pint-sized running back); for now, though, Merriman is clearly not a bust. 13. Jammal Brown, tackle, Saints: The Pro Bowler in 2006 slipped a bit last year, and the Saints were rumored to be shopping him. Still, he's not a bust. 14. Thomas Davis, safety/linebacker, Panthers: He's not spectacular, but he started 16 games in 2007. Not a bust. 15. Derrick Johnson, linebacker, Chiefs: Johnson made a splash as a rookie and hasn't taken it quite to the next level in two years since, but he's not a bust. 16. Travis Johnson, defensive tackle, Texans: When the biggest hit of your career is one that you unknowingly put on a quarterback's head with your knee, you might be a redneck. And a BUST. 17. David Pollack, linebacker, Bengals: Though he was on his way to becoming a great player, a neck injury ended his career early in his second season. Unfortunately, he must be declared a BUST. 18. Erasmus James, defensive end, Vikings: Knee problems have slowed his development, but barring injury to Jared Allen and Ray Edwards (and maybe Brian Robison), James won't be a starter in his fourth season. BUST. 19. Alex Barron, offensive tackle, Rams: The Rams wouldn't have been dreaming of Jake Long sliding to No. 2 if they thought that Barron was the long-term solution on the left side, or the right. BUST. 20. Marcus Spears, defensive end, Cowboys: Yeah, he has been a three-year starter. But he was rumored to be on the trading block earlier this year, and his impact hasn't reflected his stature as one of the top 20 players in the draft. BUST. 21. Matt Jones, receiver, Jaguars: This much-hyped quarterback-turned-receiver isn't very good, and doesn't seem to care. The Jags would have been wise to let him play quarterback — for another team. BUST. 22. Mark Clayton, receiver, Ravens: The thinking in NFL circles is that a player destined to be a high-end receiver performs like one by his third NFL season. For his third season, Clayton had 49 catches for 531 yards, and no touchdowns. BUST. 23. Fabian Washington, cornerback, Raiders: Being traded for a fourth-round pick after only three seasons automatically qualifies him for BUST status. 24. Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Packers: He has looked good when he's gotten a chance to play, but the jury is out on whether he's a bust. Get back to us in a year. 25. Jason Campbell, quarterback, Redskins: Campbell is on his way to becoming a solid starter, and could evolve into one of the better signal-callers in the conference. Not a bust. 26. Chris Spencer, center, Seahawks: If he'd been taken higher, Spencer might qualify for strong consideration as a bust. But he started every game in 2005, and the Seahawks have gotten decent value out of him. Close, but not a bust. 27. Roddy White, receiver, Falcons: White was on his way to being a bust after his first two years. He broke out in 2007, which coincidentally was his first season without catching one-hoppers from Mike Vick. Not a bust. 28. Luis Castillo, defensive tackle, Chargers: Solid defensive linemen despite some injuries. Not a bust. 29. Marlin Jackson, defensive back, Colts: Steady but unspectacular Tampa Two corner. He might be another Jason David in a defense that requires him to cover wideouts down the field. But his performance allowed the Colts let guys like David walk away. Not a bust. 30. Heath Miller, tight end, Virginia: The Steelers arguably reached on a guy who wasn't healthy in the months leading up to the draft. They ended up with a solid tight end. Not a bust. 31. Mike Patterson, defensive tackle, Eagles: The Philly chapter of PFT Planet will revolt if we were to call Patterson a bust. Not a bust. 32. Logan Mankins, offensive lineman, Patriots: Solid contributor on the offensive line. Besides, we can't call anyone who paid $7,500 for the privilege of punching a guy in the crotch a bust.

Bryan Smith/DeMarcus Ware

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:31:53 -0500

A lot of ppl considered the Eagles 3rd round pick as a bit of a "reach". But after watching a little tape on this guy, he reminds me a lot of DeMarcus Ware (speed rushing DE who I project will be a ROLB). They both come from small schools (yes, Troy is a small school) and both dominated the competition. Smith is a little lighter and shorter, but he shows explosive burst turning the edge and has fluid hips/COD (change of direction)/pursuit skills that the great LB's of the NFL posses. Check out this video:

Quick, where's Troy?

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Troy University. Formerly known as Troy State University. Also known as the place you don't know how to find on a map. The Troy Trojans aren't household names, but they've managed to produce two of the more dominant defensive players in the NFL. Giants DE Osi Umenyiora, whose last name took me two cups of coffee to spell correctly, and Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware, about whom I have no joke. Next up out of Troy is Leodis McKelvin, widely regarded as this year's top CB prospect. Osi Umeneindoinaonaoijanonohyora was out and about last night, and the first thing I did when I saw him was shake his hand and thank him for beating the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Then I asked him how Troy produced three high-caliber players despite the fact that it's a blip on the college-football radar. What I forgot to do was ask him where the hell Troy is. Fortunately, Wikipedia came to the rescue. Apparently Troy University is in Troy, Alabama. Good to know. Osi gave all of the credit to the coaching staff at Troy. And then he pointed out that there is a fourth Troy guy worth mentioning. New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, who like Osi is also British. Unlike Osi, though, Tynes has a brother serving a "27 year federal prison sentence for marijuana trafficking." Thanks again, Wikipedia. - Dewey

Anxious To Start: Ware Already Looking Forward To Upcoming Season

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:04:40 -0500

All-Pro DeMarcus Ware talks about the upcoming season and his technique plus the defensive line as a whole. Now we just need a decent cornerback or safety.

White, Smith A Cut Above Today's Great Pass-Rushers

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:21:38 -0500

Who do you think the best pass rushers for the 2007 season are and how do they compare to the great pass rushers of the 1990's? Contemporary pass-rushing specialists such as Seattle's Patrick Kerney, the Giants' Michael Strahan and Kansas City's Jared Allen (39 combined sacks in 2007) have the ability to thrive in almost any era. This article also explains the different moves and techniques of pass rushing.

Clarence "I'm Right More Than I Am Wrong" Hill Is At It Again

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:23:44 -0500

KFFL has these weird quick notes that state our one and only super-journalist Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign four star players to long-term deals. Here is what the weird quick notes say, without links: Cowboys | Team looking to sign Ware long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:25:01 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign LB DeMarcus Ware to a long-term deal. Cowboys | Team looking to sign Newman long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:24:45 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign CB Terence Newman to a long-term deal. Cowboys | Team looking to sign Canty long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:23:07 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign DL Chris Canty to a long-term deal. Cowboys | Team looking to sign Barber long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:14:50 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign restricted free-agent RB Marion Barber III to a long-term deal. Well, how much credibility does any of this have? Hill is the same journalist who reported to us all that Marion Barber was only getting a 1st round pick tender, which scared the living crap out of most of us. This time, I think the Super Journalist might be on to something. If Jerry Jones signs long-term deals for these four guys, he might be able to free up some more cap room. I am not sure because the whole cap crap is confusing and tedious. But if Jerry Jones can free up more cap room, it is another piece of evidence that he will be moving up in the draft, almost certainly giving away the two first-round picks, to draft Darren McFadden. You know, I bet Jerry Jones traded that pick to Cleveland last year with the plan that if he had two first-round picks, he has more trading power to get McFadden. I wouldn't doubt JJ told McFadden last year he would be a Cowboy at almost any cost. But where is our cornerback for the future? Who will be our wide receiver for the future (seriously guys, cut the crap on this Stanback stuff, because it's just pie in the sky right now)? Who will be our safety for the future? The Cowboys may have been 13-3 last year, but that doesn't mean there weren't flaws that could be fixed with those two first-round picks. I am losing sleep over this damn stuff!

Top Eleven Defensive Studs In the N.F.C. East

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:51:21 -0500

Here is my list of the Top Eleven Defensive Studs In the NFL's Best Defensive Division The N.F.C. East First Here is the list of Notables that did not make the Top Eleven: Roy Williams, Antonio Pierce, Bradie James, Laron Landry, Rocky Mcintosh, Omar Gaither, Justin Tuck, Sheldon Brown Before We jump into the Top Eleven be advised that this List was comprised of three elements, 1. 2007 regular season, 2. Overall body of work, 3. Last three Seaons Here Is The Top Eleven 11. Andre Carter 10. Trent Cole 9. London Fletcher 8. Gibril Wilson 7. Terence Newman 6. Brian Dawkins 5. Greg Ellis 4. Micheal Strahan 3. Demarcus Ware 2. Osi Umenyiora 1. Sean Taylor Sean Taylor was chosen #1 not because of the tragedy , but because he is a defensive player that turned turnovers into Touchdowns.

Refs Blow Call, Help Giants Score

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:59:45 -0500

Well, the refs already blew a call in this important game. On 3rd and 6, DeMarcus Ware was called for offsides. Unfortunately, he was not offsides. This penalty gave the Giants a 3rd and 1, which they got. On the very next play Amani Toomer scored after some poor tackling attempts. However, the play should have never happened and Dallas should have had the ball but the blown call extended the drive. Giants lead 7-0 early in the first.

Dallas Cowboys Possibly Linked To Steroids Arrest

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:14:02 -0500

David Jacobs, a north Texas man, was arrested yesterday for conspiracy to possess anabolic steroids with the intent to distribute. The police seized tens of thousands of steroids from his east Plano home upon his arrest along with firearms. The juicy part of this is this guy is a personal trainer who claims to have "offered guidance" to Dallas Cowboys players and is going to plead out and cooperate with officials telling them everything and everyone he knows.

Friday: Week 4 IDP Roundup

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:29:13 -0500

Friday's FIO weekly fantasy football columns deals with those leagues that implement Individual Defensive Players (IDP) - co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter discusses some of the key defensive players to keep an eye on in Week 4. Check this article each and every week on Fridays.

Next Up: Bears vs. Cowboys

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:06:10 -0500

Week 3 matchup between the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys.

The Top 5 Un-Talked-About Stories to Start 2007

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 04:48:41 -0500

Who's tired of all the stagnant news stories from the national media? I AM! I AM! FIO co-founder & NFL analyst Adam Allen takes a look at some of the stories that seem to have gotten swept under the rug, but will undoubtedly echo throughout the 2007 season. From the loss of a Hall of Fame head coach to the departure of a veteran left tackle - these are the stories that truly will play a large role on some of your favorite teams.

Scoring the 2005 NFL Draft - Dallas Cowboys

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 06:36:31 -0500

After every NFL draft is completed, pundits come out and assign letter grades for each team. Somewhere in the article you read " . . but of course the true winners and losers of this draft will not be determined until several years have passed . .". Draft Tek (www.drafttek.com) has taken it upon themselves to review the drafts of previous years, and assign each team a score. Currently, they're about 70% complete with the 2005 draft. The scoring system is unique, but certain to elicit a few naysayers. If you are one, you can still impress your friends with plenty of "Whatever happened to . . . " trivia from their research. Draft Tek's scoring system attempts to measure how successful a given team is at evaluating (and drafting) talent. Anybody can find starter quality players in the first round. Right Lions?? It is for this reason Draft Tek rewards teams for drafting serviceable players in the later rounds moreso than the day 1 elite. A team that consistently gets 4 or 5 contributors from each draft is in much better financial shape than those teams that annually play free agent roulette. In theory, this leads to long term competitiveness. The 2005 Dallas Cowboys draft class was reviewed most recently. Of the 20 teams scored to date, the Cowboys rate highest. They're getting production from six (6) draftees from 2005. First round pick DeMarcus Ware is a Pro-Bowler. And 7th rounder Jay Ratliff is a key cog on the Defensive front. Read more at:

Top 20 Linebackers in the NFL

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 15:43:47 -0500

Here is my list of the 20 best backers in the league: 1. Brian Urlacher 2. Shawne Merriman 3. Ray Lewis 4. DeMarcus Ware 5. Adalius Thomas 6. Takeo Spikes 7. Mike Peterson 8. D.J. Williams 9. DeMeco Ryans 10. Lance Briggs 11. Lofa Tatupu 12. A.J. Hawk 13. Jonathan Vilma 14. Joey Porter 15. Zach Thomas 16. Derrick Brooks 17. Ernie Sims 18. Antonio Pierce 19. Julian Peterson 20. Cato June Honorable Mentions: Jeremiah Trotter, London Fletcher, Ian Gold, Nick Barnett, Keith Brooking, and Gary Brackett

2007 Dallas Cowboys Preview

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:38:26 -0500

Tony Romo starts his first season as the starting quarterback. Can he lead the Cowboys to the playoffs? Will Wade Phillips be the best fit as head coach? Our contributing Cowboys' blogger gives you the expectations for the upcoming season.