From: mas@aero.org (Marcus A.Shaw)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro
Subject: Dallas *rookies*, a synops*ice*
Date: 4 Jan 93 23:00:40 GMT
Organization: The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA
NNTP-Posting-Host: aerospace.aero.org

So, it will be the third and final act of the Cowboys and Eagles,
"A Story of Unbridled Hate" this Sunday?  I really didn't want
to see the Eagles again, but who am I to ask for variety in 
the NFL?  Which Eagles team will show up?  I guess that's why
they play the games.

I thought I would take this pre-playoff week to spout off about
the Cowboys rookies and other facets of their game.  Let's go
through the most important parts of this year's draft list along
with a VERY subjective grade of how the player did relative
to his draft position (players that made the team only):

1) Kevin Smith (CB) - Smith took over for Holt at about game 10,
and has played as well as Holt.  He has been like a blanket on 
several players this year and has not been burned too much.  He
did not get his hand on as many balls as I would have thought
he would have, but he looks to be ready to have a brilliant
2nd season.  I would still throw to his side over Larry Brown,
but a team is more likely to pay an INT penalty on Smith's side.
He was also trotted out as a PR late in the season, but never
got to show his wares. GRADE (B+)

2) Robert Jones (ILB) - Jones has played admirably for a rookie,
making some big plays and blowing some routine others.  He is
a big strong guy and has not blown a game.  He finished second on 
the team in tackles and was far from indispensable, but looks
to have potential for the future.  He is a hitter, and his
ability to lead a 'D' is still in question.  GRADE (B)

3) Jimmy Smith (WR) - They didn't need him and thankfully so, he
spent 90% of the season on IR and has played only in the mopup
of the Bears.  I have GREAT hopes for this young man, he appears
to have something special and is big, fast, and smooth (hence the
nickname 'Silk').  He made a GREAT special teams play vs. the
Bears and appears to be a very good athlete. GRADE (B)??

4) Darren Woodson (S) - This guy good very well be the steal of
the draft for Dallas, a big hitting safety who has picked up the
game in a hurry.  He has been starring in the nickel package for
Dallas, covering receivers and making sure tackles.  He has
been in on ST coverage and making hits there too.  He has a 
big upper body and fast feet, kindof that linebacker mentality
at safety that has made Ronnie Lott such a success.  I like this
guy a lot.  GRADE (A+)

5) Clayton Holmes (CB) - Holmes started opposite Martin on the
KR team and played excellent ST throughout the year on coverage.
He didn't play much DB, but the little that he did play was not
noticeably bad.  He is a small college prospect and has had a
fine first year.   His coverage skills are still in question.
GRADE (B)

6) Lin Elliot (K) - not drafted.  This player has been bad,
great, hit long ones, missed short ones, tripped over the    
turf, and brought the longest kickoffs Dallas has seen in a
long time.  He hit 2 53 yarders in a row and missed a 28 yarder.
His long kickoffs have been a tremendous aid to the ST.  He
has looked shaky going into the playoffs, but for a rookie
kicker he should have been a rookie of the year candidate on 
offense.  He scored 119 points, one less than Lohmiller and
Anderson and only 5 less than the AFC kicker that won it
all.  GRADE (B+)

7) Chad Hennings (DL) - drafted 7 years ago
His defensive line play has been          
awful, so bad in fact that he was not even in the rotation when
Dallas lost 2 of its starters to injury in one game.  He is
however, not a normal rookie after his 7 year Air Force 
layoff and the potential that he still has is enormous.  He
is bigger, faster, and stronger than most of the guys he 
lines up with and has a great work ethic.  He has been a stand-
out on ST during parts of the season although his enthusiasm
has probably waned some in the later part of the season.  He
needs a strong training camp next year and to get some reps
at starting DT, his natural position (they tried him at end
at one point and have played him there a little).  GRADE (B-)

others who made the team as practice squad players and who show
promise for next year are:

Michael Beasley (RB) - PS
Greg Briggs (DB) - IR/PUP

Others with little chance:

Tim Daniel (WR) - IR/PUP
Fallon Wacasey (TE) - IR/PUP
Melvin Evans (TE/T) - PS

and that's it....

bring on the eagles!

*ice*
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro