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DC.com: What will be the telltale signs that Jason Garrett has had influence
Cowboys Mailbag
What will be the telltale signs that Jason Garrett has had influence on this draft?
(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.)
MATT SINCLAIR - SURPRISE, AZ: What will be the telltale signs that Jason Garrett has had influence on this draft?
Nick: That's an interesting question. Honestly, I'm not sure you want to see that. I think you want a head coach that can trust his support group and someone who can work with Jerry. I'm sure if the Cowboys draft an offensive lineman in the first round for the first time ever, people would assume that Garrett had an influence, and maybe he will. But I don't think it's as simple as saying Garrett is also running the offense and if they take a couple of offensive players, that it means he's getting his way. I think he is fully aware that the defense needs work.
Josh: That's hard to say. Remember, while Garrett wasn't given "final say" of roster matters, exactly, Jerry Jones did say there wouldn't be a player on the team the head coach didn't approve. In my interpretation, that means he has a kind of veto power. So essentially, Garrett will have his influence over the draft whether it's obvious to us or not. But I think if they pick an offensive lineman in Round 1 for the first time in 30 years, it'll definitely be seen as a Garrett pick.
WAYNE MAYBERRY - CARSON CITY, NV: The Cowboys have so many holes to fill in the draft that I think too many misses will set them back for years to come. Do you see this as a draft in which the window for a championship will either be opened wider or closed for good?
Nick: Another good question. It must be draft week and that's why people are cranking them out. Good stuff. I think you'll be able to see what the Cowboys think about this question by the players they draft. If you see a lot of younger players that are considered projects, then maybe it suggests the Cowboys are thinking about the future a little more. If you get a few NFL-ready players that can come right in without much prep work, then it probably means the Cowboys aren't going to wait around for anything. Knowing Jerry like we think we do, I would guess the Cowboys are closer to the latter. This isn't rebuilding.
Josh: Well, yeah, I think you're onto something. If they completely flop, like 2009, then you can pretty much forget about Super Bowls during the Romo era. They need to get some contributors here. Everybody doesn't have to be an All-Pro, but they need some people who can help, and the sooner, the better. To me that means they need to make a lot of safe picks - not all these small college longshots and position conversions they've attempted in the recent past. If you want a defensive lineman, get someone who's played against good competition. If you want a safety, get a safety, not a cornerback who you think might be able to move to safety.
Cowboys Mailbag
What will be the telltale signs that Jason Garrett has had influence on this draft?
(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.)
MATT SINCLAIR - SURPRISE, AZ: What will be the telltale signs that Jason Garrett has had influence on this draft?
Nick: That's an interesting question. Honestly, I'm not sure you want to see that. I think you want a head coach that can trust his support group and someone who can work with Jerry. I'm sure if the Cowboys draft an offensive lineman in the first round for the first time ever, people would assume that Garrett had an influence, and maybe he will. But I don't think it's as simple as saying Garrett is also running the offense and if they take a couple of offensive players, that it means he's getting his way. I think he is fully aware that the defense needs work.
Josh: That's hard to say. Remember, while Garrett wasn't given "final say" of roster matters, exactly, Jerry Jones did say there wouldn't be a player on the team the head coach didn't approve. In my interpretation, that means he has a kind of veto power. So essentially, Garrett will have his influence over the draft whether it's obvious to us or not. But I think if they pick an offensive lineman in Round 1 for the first time in 30 years, it'll definitely be seen as a Garrett pick.
WAYNE MAYBERRY - CARSON CITY, NV: The Cowboys have so many holes to fill in the draft that I think too many misses will set them back for years to come. Do you see this as a draft in which the window for a championship will either be opened wider or closed for good?
Nick: Another good question. It must be draft week and that's why people are cranking them out. Good stuff. I think you'll be able to see what the Cowboys think about this question by the players they draft. If you see a lot of younger players that are considered projects, then maybe it suggests the Cowboys are thinking about the future a little more. If you get a few NFL-ready players that can come right in without much prep work, then it probably means the Cowboys aren't going to wait around for anything. Knowing Jerry like we think we do, I would guess the Cowboys are closer to the latter. This isn't rebuilding.
Josh: Well, yeah, I think you're onto something. If they completely flop, like 2009, then you can pretty much forget about Super Bowls during the Romo era. They need to get some contributors here. Everybody doesn't have to be an All-Pro, but they need some people who can help, and the sooner, the better. To me that means they need to make a lot of safe picks - not all these small college longshots and position conversions they've attempted in the recent past. If you want a defensive lineman, get someone who's played against good competition. If you want a safety, get a safety, not a cornerback who you think might be able to move to safety.
