Manster

Enough of the season has gone by that I feel safe writing about how the draft picks have done.

1a. Demarcus Ware OLB/DE: He has done OK putting pressure on the QB, he does not have a lot of moves let but they will come with time. His cover skills are a little better than what you would expect from someone who has always been a down lineman but they still need work. On run plays he is very good at the point of attack and plays that go away from him. He has problems forcing outside runners back inside, to often he bites inside and lets the runner get out of containment. Over all no a bad pick and will get better in the next few years.

1b. Marcus Spears DE: Took over the starting LDE spot and has done and OK job. HE does what you want a 3-4 DE to do, eats up blocks. Does a good job at stopping the run but does not have the speed to get to the QB. Not a bad player more than likely will never be anything special.

2. Kevin Burnett LB: A bit of a disappointment he was hurt at the start of the season but did not play all that well in the preseason. The only reason he is getting any playilng time now is because we have lost two starting LBs. He has the skills to be a good player but has not shown it, might get move inside with Dat being placed on IR.

4a. Marion Barber III RB: Has been a very nice surprise he came in a very well rounded player, good in both the running and passing game. He is a better pass blocker than most rookie RB and is able to get open and catch the ball out of the back field. He is able to break tackles and has some speed to the outside. He is already a better inside runner than JJ. May not be a superstar but is a great backup.

4b. Chris Canty DE: Could be the steal of the draft. Has the size to play the 3-4 DE. Does a good job at holding his postion on running plays and has shown a good ablity to get at the QB. Will never be a sack leader but will get more than a 3-4 DE is supose to get. He will be what all other 3-4 teams want their DE's to be.

6a. Justin Beriault S: When he was drafted all Cowboys fans were hoping he would be the answer at FS. However, he played SS behind Roy and may not be anything more than a backup SS. Was hurt in the preseason and was placed on IR. Undecided he should at least be an upgrade to Lynn Scott.

6b. Rob Petitti OT: Has played better than you would expect a rookie RT to play. Has the size to be a good run blocker. Needes to work on his pass protection, he still needs help too much combined that with Adams being out and it is reallly hurting Dallas passing attack. Couls become an OK RT not a pro Bowler though.

7. Jay Ratliff DE/DT: He was getting alot of playing time untill he got hurt. Has the size to play in the 3-4. Uses he speed more than his size to cause problems for the offense. Was worked alot inside but was told he will play more on the outside next year. A great backup DE for the 3-4.

Over all I would give Dallas an A- for the draft most of the players they picked are helping out this year. While only 2 look to be something special the others look to be solid starters or backups. Another draft like this and Dallas will be SB contenders in a year or two.