It's easy to point out Bill Parcells' early-round draft whiffs during his Valley Ranch tenure. CB Terence Newman and OLB DeMarcus Ware are the only first- or second-round picks from the Tuna's four draft classes producing like high picks.
You have to give Parcells credit, however, for stocking this roster with mid- and late-round steals.
Eleven current Cowboys were picked by Parcells in the third round or later. Follow the jump for a look at each one.
TE Jason Witten (third round, 2003): You can make a strong argument that Witten is the best all-around tight end in the league. San Diego's Antonio Gates is the only TE with more yards and catches than Witten (42-540). Indy's Dallas Clark and New England's Ben Watson are the only ones with more than Witten's four touchdowns. Witten is a better blocker than all those dudes.
ILB Bradie James (fourth round, 2003): Dallas defense's emotional leader and leading tackler. Per the stats from the coaches' film study, he had 59 tackles entering the last game, 11 more than any teammate. Limited in pass coverage but not asked to cover downfield as much in Phillips' system.
CB Nate Jones (seventh round, 2004): Can be overmatched physically and athletically, but he's a smart player who doesn't blow assignments. One of team's top special teams players.
WR Patrick Crayton (seventh round, 2004): Established himself as an excellent No. 3 receiver last season and is proving he can be a decent No. 2. Ranks 31st in the league with 400 receiving yards on 26 catches, including four touchdowns. Challenging T.O. for status as Cowboys' best quote machine.
CB Jacques Reeves (seventh round, 2004): Leads team with 11 pass deflections, in part because opponents have tried to pick on him. Has been adequate as a fill-in starter.
RB Marion "The Barbarian" Barber (fourth round, 2005): Doesn't start, but he's established himself as one of the NFC's premier backs. Adrian Peterson is the only 50-carry back in the league who averages more than Barber's 5.7 yards per carry. His five rushing TDs rank behind only LaDainian Tomlinson. Has scored 22 TDs since start of 2006 season, more than any player other than Tomlinson.
DE Chris Canty (fourth round, 2005): Major reason the Cowboys rank seventh in the NFL against the run. Described by Wade Phillips as a "disruptive force." Leads Cowboys DL with 17 tackles. Blocked field goal vs. Vikings was biggest play of game.
DL Jay Ratliff (seventh round, 2005): Natural DE has done excellent job filling in for injured NT Jason Ferguson. Established himself as solid pass rusher last season. Proved in last seven games that he can hold up against the run.
DE Jason Hatcher (third round, 2006): Pushing 2005 first-rounder Marcus Spears for playing time. Has been playmaking machine this month, with a sack, two tackles for losses, fumble return for TD and forced fumble in three games.
FS Pat Watkins (fifth round, 2006): Struggled when pushed into starting duty as rookie, but he's been steady in the dime package this season. Leads Cowboys with 12 special teams tackles and returned blocked field goal 68 yards for TD vs. Vikings.
OL Pat McQuistan (seventh round, 2006): Valuable reserve whose versatility allows Cowboys to carry only seven offensive linemen on 45-man active roster. Could develop into starter at tackle or guard.
Link Via - cowboys.beloblog.com
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