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What's behind the Cowboys interviewing Cam Newton at the combine?
(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)
BRANDON GORDON - READING, PA: What's behind the Cowboys interviewing Cam Newton at the combine?
Rob: Maybe they think he can play defensive end. Kidding. The most logical answer is they're doing their due diligence. Teams are granted more than enough interviews to speak with every first-round prospect, so the Cowboys wouldn't be doing their job if they ignored Newton because he's a quarterback. The other line of thinking is this: why not create a smokescreen so the guy they really want (whomever that winds up being) falls to 9?
Nick: It's part of the process. Cam Newton is a top 10 pick. The Cowboys have the No. 9 pick. That's what you do. If they didn't interview Cam Newton this weekend, it would be a bigger story. Plus, don't forget that teams use these interviews for future considerations. Maybe Newton will be a free-agent down the line and they at least have some kind of experience with him. But I think Jerry's statement of the quarterback position being in "outstanding shape" should be considered, plus the fact he said that No. 9 pick has to play right away, should be factored in.
MICHAEL NICHOLSON - CLARK, NJ: After some terrible disappointments and recent busts, if the Cowboys miss on the No. 9 pick, is it time to re-evaluate the scouting staff?
Rob: That's a given, isn't it? They can't miss this pick. They really can't miss on the overall draft. It's important they get several contributors out of this class, particularly with free agency up in the air. But looking back 20 or so years, they've pretty much gotten it right when drafting in the top half of the first round. The bigger question should be which direction to go in at No. 9, because there are several holes to fill.
Nick: It's already time to re-evaluate them in my mind. The problem with making big scouting changes is that it never seems to be a good time. You can't do it after a season because that's when the draft process is underway. I guess you could do something after the draft, but like all teams, they're going to be excited about who they picked and hopeful that this is the year they hit a home run. So if you make scouting changes, it has to be somewhat gradual. But to answer your question, it's not too early to second-guess what has gone on. They really haven't been that great and the 2009 draft will continue to hold this team hostage for a few years to come.
What's behind the Cowboys interviewing Cam Newton at the combine?
(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)
BRANDON GORDON - READING, PA: What's behind the Cowboys interviewing Cam Newton at the combine?
Rob: Maybe they think he can play defensive end. Kidding. The most logical answer is they're doing their due diligence. Teams are granted more than enough interviews to speak with every first-round prospect, so the Cowboys wouldn't be doing their job if they ignored Newton because he's a quarterback. The other line of thinking is this: why not create a smokescreen so the guy they really want (whomever that winds up being) falls to 9?
Nick: It's part of the process. Cam Newton is a top 10 pick. The Cowboys have the No. 9 pick. That's what you do. If they didn't interview Cam Newton this weekend, it would be a bigger story. Plus, don't forget that teams use these interviews for future considerations. Maybe Newton will be a free-agent down the line and they at least have some kind of experience with him. But I think Jerry's statement of the quarterback position being in "outstanding shape" should be considered, plus the fact he said that No. 9 pick has to play right away, should be factored in.
MICHAEL NICHOLSON - CLARK, NJ: After some terrible disappointments and recent busts, if the Cowboys miss on the No. 9 pick, is it time to re-evaluate the scouting staff?
Rob: That's a given, isn't it? They can't miss this pick. They really can't miss on the overall draft. It's important they get several contributors out of this class, particularly with free agency up in the air. But looking back 20 or so years, they've pretty much gotten it right when drafting in the top half of the first round. The bigger question should be which direction to go in at No. 9, because there are several holes to fill.
Nick: It's already time to re-evaluate them in my mind. The problem with making big scouting changes is that it never seems to be a good time. You can't do it after a season because that's when the draft process is underway. I guess you could do something after the draft, but like all teams, they're going to be excited about who they picked and hopeful that this is the year they hit a home run. So if you make scouting changes, it has to be somewhat gradual. But to answer your question, it's not too early to second-guess what has gone on. They really haven't been that great and the 2009 draft will continue to hold this team hostage for a few years to come.