By Calvin Watkins
Here's some random thoughts to get you through Monday. Maybe even Tuesday.
1. The first day of the Cowboys' workouts drew 40 players last week. The next day 41 showed up (Dez Bryant being No. 41). It's a good sign the players have responded to quarterback Tony Romo's request to show up at an undisclosed location to work on some seven-on-seven drills and learn Rob Ryan's 3-4 defensive scheme. We're hearing some of the drafted players (Tyron Smith) and even some players signed to futures deals (Titus Ryan) want to show up to learn things. If that's the case, it's a positive thing for the Cowboys.
2. Tony Romo is attempting to qualify for the U.S. Open today in McKinney, Texas. Romo advanced to the sectional qualifier last year after a strong beginning in the sectional at The Woodlands, weather delays and a bad opening hole forced him to call it a day in the second round. There will be these silly discussions about Romo's commitment to the Cowboys in comparison to golf. In my talk with Romo last week, he never seemed more serious about football than he is now especially coming off a 6-10 season. He was wearing his Cowboys gear, t-shirt and shorts, after one of those team workouts and said the only time he plays golf is to qualify for a tournament. Romo is tired of hearing about how his golf game is causing a distraction to his NFL career. We agree.
3. You want to find Terence Newman's replacement? Well you might not find it this season in free agency. Todd McShay conducted a mock draft for 2012 last week and based on NFL power rankings provided by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson, the Cowboys would have the 21st pick of the draft and take Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris. If there was ever a time to draft a corner or safety in the first round, 2012 might be it. McShay has six corners and two safeties going in the first round. This year no safety was taken in Round 1 and three corners were picked up. Here's the projected 2012 first round. Oh yeah, you have to be an ESPN Insider to read this. Become one, it's worth it.
Here's some random thoughts to get you through Monday. Maybe even Tuesday.
1. The first day of the Cowboys' workouts drew 40 players last week. The next day 41 showed up (Dez Bryant being No. 41). It's a good sign the players have responded to quarterback Tony Romo's request to show up at an undisclosed location to work on some seven-on-seven drills and learn Rob Ryan's 3-4 defensive scheme. We're hearing some of the drafted players (Tyron Smith) and even some players signed to futures deals (Titus Ryan) want to show up to learn things. If that's the case, it's a positive thing for the Cowboys.
2. Tony Romo is attempting to qualify for the U.S. Open today in McKinney, Texas. Romo advanced to the sectional qualifier last year after a strong beginning in the sectional at The Woodlands, weather delays and a bad opening hole forced him to call it a day in the second round. There will be these silly discussions about Romo's commitment to the Cowboys in comparison to golf. In my talk with Romo last week, he never seemed more serious about football than he is now especially coming off a 6-10 season. He was wearing his Cowboys gear, t-shirt and shorts, after one of those team workouts and said the only time he plays golf is to qualify for a tournament. Romo is tired of hearing about how his golf game is causing a distraction to his NFL career. We agree.
3. You want to find Terence Newman's replacement? Well you might not find it this season in free agency. Todd McShay conducted a mock draft for 2012 last week and based on NFL power rankings provided by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson, the Cowboys would have the 21st pick of the draft and take Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris. If there was ever a time to draft a corner or safety in the first round, 2012 might be it. McShay has six corners and two safeties going in the first round. This year no safety was taken in Round 1 and three corners were picked up. Here's the projected 2012 first round. Oh yeah, you have to be an ESPN Insider to read this. Become one, it's worth it.
