Draft Day 2009

The NFL draft is over and done for another year. Though some may argue with me, I think the Cowboys did pretty well this year. There was no "Wow" factor, but then again the needs this year were more for acquiring depth than starting positions. So let's run down their draft selections.

The Cowboys' first pick was their third round pick, and they chose Jason Williams, linebacker from Western Illinois. They needed this pick. Last season DeMarcus Ware was on the field for nearly every play--defensively, of course. You want a player like him on the field as much as you can have him out there, but even the Incredible Hulk needs a break now and again.

Second pick was Robert Brewster, offensive tackle from Ball State. He can play guard and tackle, and may eventually replace Flozell Adams when his contract runs out.

Third was Stephen McGee, quarterback from Texas A&M. He will be groomed to be Tony Romo's backup, eventually replacing Jon Kitna, who isn't getting any younger.

Victor Butler, defensive end from Oregon State--possibly drafted to be a pass rush specialist.

Brandon Williams, also a defensive end, from Texas Tech.

DeAngelo Smith--cornerback from Cincinnati, who could possibly be moved to safety.

Next up, Michael Hamlin, free safety from Clemson, who is expected to eventually start opposite Ken Hamlin (no relation). That ought to be interesting. A pair of Hamlins at safety...

I don't understand this next pick--David Buehler, kicker from USC. To me, this was a wasted pick as the Cowboys already have an outstanding kicker in Nick Folk. But he didn't have any touchbacks last year, some might argue. Maybe not, but that's not because he doesn't have the leg for it. In the 2008 Pro Bowl, he was making field goals in practice from 70 yards. If they would just let him go and let him kick, he'd have the touchbacks the fans seem to want so much. (I don't understand that either. You don't want touchbacks. You want to pin the opponent down as close to the goal line as possible. Not give them a free 20 yards.)

The last four picks of the day--Steven Hodge, strong safety from TCU; John Phillips, tight end from Virginia, who will compete with Rodney Hanna for the third tight end spot since Tony Curtis was not resigned; Mike Mickens, cornerback from Cincinnati, and finally Manuel Johnson, wide receiver from Oklahoma.

All in all, it was a pretty good draft, since the Cowboys were drafting for depth and special teams needs.

As for LSU players, five more were drafted on the second day. They are:

Quinn Johnson, fullback, Green Bay Packers
Herman Johnson, guard, Arizona Cardinals
Curtis Taylor, free safety, San Francisco 49ers
Ricky Jean-Francois, defensive tackle, San Francisco 49ers

and another personal favorite of mine, Demetrius Byrd, wide receiver. He'll be joining his old team mate Jacob Hester, who I'd once promised to name my next child after, in San Diego.

And that was it for this year's draft.

Next up: mini-camps