Dallas, TX
‘We should be contrarians’: Five takeaways from Dallas Cowboys pre-draft press conference
FRISCO, Texas — Simply two days previous to the 2022 NFL draft, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones, government vice chairman Stephen Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy held a information convention Tuesday afternoon.
If followers who tuned in for less than parts of the 45-plus-minute dialog derived conflicting messages, forgive them: The standard draft-week filibustering was in full power.
However by way of the votes for and towards unconventionality and the voices with each concern and encouragement about this draft class’s out there expertise, the Cowboys shed some mild on how they view their present roster and what which may imply for his or her 9 draft picks, starting with the twenty fourth total choice Thursday evening. Listed below are USA TODAY Sports activities’ 5 key takeaways from the session:
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS: Who’re high 50 prospects in 2022 class?
DRAFT ORDER: The place each group will make picks over seven rounds
ADVICE: What ought to Cowboys do to maximise picks?
MORE: 5 gamers who may fall out of NFL draft’s first spherical
The place is wildcatter Jerry?
The Cowboys proprietor, who serves as common supervisor as properly, asserted that successful in a league of parity calls for creativity.
“We will probably be unconventional if we expect it should assist our group,” Jones stated.
But later, as he preached accountability’s everlasting significance, the 79-year-old weighed in on the place his philosophies have shifted since his 1989 buy of the Cowboys.
“There’s in all probability much less risk-taking in me right now than it in all probability was round 30-something years in the past,” he stated.
Upon first pay attention, the 2 mindsets appear incongruent. However Jones defined additional that he’s much less prone to pay high greenback or draft premium for gamers whose availability and rapid readiness he can’t depend on. Jones cited that availability concern in defending why the Cowboys misplaced cross rusher Randy Gregory to the Broncos in free company, and he reasoned 2021 second-round cornerback Kelvin Joseph’s historical past of crimson flags by saying “we thought he was one of many high, talent-wise,” including that Joseph “bought docked” on off-field issues. Jones emphasised that rookies should be able to contribute on a group strapped by payouts like quarterback Dak Prescott’s $40 million-per-year common charge, hoping the Cowboys will discover impression first- and second-rounders like 2020 picks CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs, in addition to 2021 first-round linebacker Micah Parsons.
“We’d like these gamers to play instantly,” Jones stated. “Perhaps somewhat extra conservative about (drafting) gamers on the come which have some creating to do, have to get some energy – as a result of I really feel like we have to use them now.”
Cowboys’ high positions of want in draft
Followers, scouts and even energetic roster members have voiced the necessity for the Cowboys to improve at key positions. Receiver, offensive line and cross rusher arguably high the listing, tight finish a middle- to late-round chance whereas cornerback grew to become a extra believable transfer after police linked Joseph to the scene of a deadly taking pictures. The Cowboys take into account this a deep draft at receiver, which may reassure them they needn’t spend their twenty fourth decide on a cross catcher if an elite participant isn’t there. McCarthy stated offensive line versatility and positional flexibility are valued much more extremely with the NFL’s growth to 17 regular-season video games.
And but, the Cowboys insist their roster will allow them to actually take into account one of the best gamers out there. They gained’t say aloud how dire a receiver decide is regardless of buying and selling four-time Professional Bowler Amari Cooper to the Browns and figuring out that re-signed Michael Gallup is anticipated to overlook two to a few video games finishing ACL tear restoration. The Cowboys didn’t concede Tuesday that their offensive line was a weak hyperlink in 2021 even earlier than they lower beginning proper deal with La’el Collins and allowed beginning left guard Connor Williams to signal with the Dolphins in free company. And definitely, they didn’t affirm the damage of dropping Gregory, as an alternative sticking to their occasion line that the mix of re-signing Dorance Armstrong and including Dante Fowler Jr. will supply superior profit to Gregory’s solo availability and talent.
The Cowboys dismissed any notion of positional urgency.
“I don’t suppose we’ve got any ‘musts’ going into the draft,” Stephen Jones stated. “Clearly you’d wish to search for 9 picks later and hope that you just actually helped your self throughout the board when it comes to not solely bettering your self with front-line gamers but additionally depth and issues of that nature. (However) I wouldn’t say we’ve got any ‘musts.’”
New chapter for NFL draft after COVID-19 restrictions
The NFL has eradicated the strict COVID-19 protocols that shifted the analysis and draft course of in McCarthy’s first two drafts as Cowboys head coach. Now, scouts, front-office members and coaches are assembly all collectively in particular person to simulate draft situations. The scouting mix and its in-person interviews returned, as did professional days and the Cowboys’ Dallas Day internet hosting native prospects for a gaggle exercise for the primary time since 2019. And but, the Cowboys are nonetheless availing themselves of digital sources, be it gamers tuning in for nearly for offseason conferences to permit for 100% mixed participant attendance or Zooming with draft prospects when additional info was sought. McCarthy believes the method has allowed the group to know not simply participant expertise but additionally participant match with scheme and training imaginative and prescient higher than in earlier years.
“Match is an enormous a part of a whole lot of our conversations,” McCarthy stated. “It makes us stronger as a gaggle, the decision-making course of is tighter. That is yr three. Yr one, we have been digital. Final yr was extra holistic. And that is actually the primary full yr that we’ve had as a employees. Our scouts are in-house, so this has clearly been one of the best means of my time right here due to the interplay, whether or not it’s on the street, getting out and seeing these gamers of their professional days and likewise interacting together with your scouts on the street. Simply a lot extra collaboration, interplay, and I believe with that it undoubtedly it improves your decision-making course of.”
Who will make the selections?
Jerry Jones addressed each significantly and in jest who will in the end make choices and the way when the clock begins to tick. Jones emphasised how he has the ultimate say however incorporates enter from a number of personnel and training colleagues earlier than pulling the set off. Stephen Jones argued Tuesday that Jerry Jones’ twin position as proprietor and common supervisor offers the group a bonus ought to they resolve to eschew an apparent choice or in any other case transfer aggressively.
“Having Jerry because the proprietor and common supervisor, we will make fast choices, could make onerous choices rapidly,” Stephen Jones stated. “So I believe that provides us a bonus when it comes to if we resolve to do one thing that’s on the actual aggressive facet, then we will do it.”
Buying and selling the tenth total decide to the division-rival Eagles final yr, and choosing Parsons at 12 was one instance of that strategic wheeling and dealing. On the time, questions abounded about why the Cowboys eschewed their wants for depth at a seemingly strong roster place, and all of the extra so choosing a participant 16 months faraway from his final faculty efficiency. The outcome: Parsons dominated from each protection linebacker and pass-rusher packages, driving a 13-sack, 84-tackle, three-forced-fumble marketing campaign to unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Yr honors.
“We had no concept Micah Parsons was going to be there,” Jerry Jones stated. “All of us had our eye on corners. The dangerous factor would have been to haven’t been versatile or keen do one thing that you just actually hadn’t gone to mattress the evening earlier than considering (doable). Flexibility, we’ve got it right here.”
Jerry Jones jested about how a lot better that decide fared than the Cowboys’ 2017 first-round collection of Taco Charlton, whom Dallas lower after two years. Charlton has since been signed by the Dolphins, Chiefs and Steelers, averaging two begins per yr.
“There’s a whole lot of speak on this enterprise about who makes the decision,” Jerry Jones quipped. “Taco was Stephen’s name. Parsons was my name.”
Would the Cowboys take into account a commerce and why?
Jerry Jones stated final week he would take into account buying and selling up. He strengthened Tuesday his willingness to entertain offers up and down whereas indicating his philosophy emphasizes discussing stated strikes greater than appearing on wild schemes.
“There’s nothing harmful about considering loopy issues,” Jerry Jones stated. “What’s harmful is once you get on the market and decide.”
The Cowboys don’t search to emulate the defending Tremendous Bowl champion Rams’ blueprint of mortgaging draft picks in daring trades for veterans. Dallas as an alternative doubled down on its perception the group construct its roster by way of the draft. Followers might have a look at the postseason sputters, and 26-year championship drought, as indications that Dallas’ entrance workplace is falling quick. However the Cowboys have drafted 16 Professional Bowlers since 2019, essentially the most within the NFL by way of that span (the Chiefs and Vikings rank second at 15 every). Between the rookie class that looms, expectations Prescott performs his healthiest season in three years and continued reliance on defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s knack for maximizing expertise, Jerry Jones says he believes his group could be as gifted as final yr’s 12-5, NFC East champion group that misplaced within the wild-card spherical.
“I believe we will very simply be the place we have been final yr talent-wise or be capable to play at that sort of expertise degree,” Jones stated. “I am not keen to concede in any respect that by the point we get to the playoffs this coming yr that we can’t be each bit the group that we had going into the playoffs final yr.”
Observe USA TODAY Sports activities’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.
This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Cowboys: 5 takeaways from group’s pre-NFL draft press convention
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Dallas, TX
Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown named the x-factor for Dallas
![Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown named the x-factor for Dallas Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown named the x-factor for Dallas](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zE-9CIQxsplhodJ2dkqKGWQjG_c=/0x236:2307x1444/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25597701/usa_today_23866642.jpg)
The Dallas Cowboys era of safety-turned-linebacker is over. Or is it? Guess it depends on your strict definition.
We all know that under Dan Quinn, the Cowboys former defensive coordinator, taking a safety and finding a role for them at linebacker was the norm. It started with Keanu Neal and carried on with players like Jayron Kearse and Markquese Bell.
But Dan Quinn is now the head coach for the Washington Commanders, and former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is back for a second go around. Quinn’s defense was built on speed, stunts and overloads to disrupt offenses. Zimmer’s defense is much more meat and potatoes, with an adherence to bigger-sized players capable of stuffing the run, topped with a dash of disguised blitzing to unbalance things.
So in that sense, it seems like the converted safety at linebacker is out of favor in Dallas. Except for DeMarvion Overshown. Overshown’s conversion started in college, so it’s not quite like what was being done under Quinn, but he is a fast linebacker that will be used to cover tight ends and running backs as well as run sideline-to-sideline in run defense. But he also may have another component we haven’t talked as much about – a blitz specialist in Zimmer’s disguise scheme.
In a recent ESPN article, Overshown was named as the team’s x-factor.
New defensive coordinator (and former Vikings head coach) Mike Zimmer has historically used linebacker-sized linebackers to make his defense work, and he brought in longtime Viking Eric Kendricks accordingly. Kendricks’ best football is behind him, however, and if the veteran is forced into a starting role beside Damone Clark, the Cowboys will struggle in coverage over the middle of the field.
Overshown is Dallas’ best bet at finding a three-down linebacker on the roster — better than Bell, Kendricks or 2024 third-round selection Marist Liufau. Of the undersized options, he has the sideline-to-sideline range and violence into contact that will remain viable against the run. If he converts two promising preseasons into successful regular-season play, he’ll quickly become a playmaker Zimmer deploys on his complex blitzes, too.
So obviously the author of the ESPN piece is a little off-target in saying Eric Kendricks might be forced into a starting role; Zimmer actually brought Kendricks in to be the starter and to lead the defense. But beyond that, there is some merit to Overshown being an x-factor player.
Cowboys fans have seen the talent in training camp and preseason, but haven’t seen it on the field yet when it counts because of injury. But Overshown is now healthy.
“I feel great,” said Overshown through his trademark ear-to-ear smile. “Just making it to the season healthy is a plus, so we’re already doing better than last year.”
[…]
“I felt great even going into the last [preseason] week,” he explained. “It was just making sure I was healthy enough for Week 1 and making sure there were no bumps or bruises, or something that could’ve been avoided.”
Overshown’s ability to run with faster receiving-types should automatically qualify him for some third-down duty. He also shows plenty of ability to be productive in run defense with the addition of some beef ahead of him at defensive tackle. His speed and agility might also be an asset when it comes to deploying Zimmer’s blitz package.
For all those reasons calling him an x-factor is legit.
Dallas, TX
Man dies after being shot in head in Dallas
![Man dies after being shot in head in Dallas Man dies after being shot in head in Dallas](https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/08/31/6ffb703a-3222-4e7d-a0b2-a382e83a3fee/thumbnail/1200x630/3557e995b5395834fe10ec0edd4c2264/95586945-03bf-470d-b530-c97381fe8671.jpg?v=25685eaa472b1a5dbb5bd46ae506d232)
DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one man dead.
Police reported that officers responded to a call about the shooting on I-30 at North Westmoreland Road around 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a man had been shot in the head. Dallas Fire Rescue transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Dallas, TX
Slain Dallas Police Officer remembered for servant's heart at Friday night vigil
![Slain Dallas Police Officer remembered for servant's heart at Friday night vigil Slain Dallas Police Officer remembered for servant's heart at Friday night vigil](https://media.nbcdfw.com/2024/08/vd_More-4-Oakcliff-Vigil_raw-08-30-2024-08.22.43-PM_2024-08-30-21-53-50.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&resize=1200%2C675)
In an Oak Cliff parking lot turned memorial, two families united to honor Darron Burks, a man who left an indelible mark in both the fraternity brotherhood and the world of law enforcement.
“This crowd speaks highly of him and everyone knows what Brother Burks stood for. He was a pure guy. He was very pure,” said Kenneth McCloud.
Dozens gathered in the For Oak Cliff parking lot on Friday for a candlelight vigil to remember Burks, who was gunned down just feet from where he was standing just a few nights earlier.
“It hurts. I think I’m cried out today,” said Fredrick Bishop.
Bishop first met Burks through the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi.
Although they never crossed paths at Paul Quinn College, as alumni, they both shared a commitment to their fraternity’s mission of service.
At a homecoming a couple of years ago, Bishop said that shared passion for helping others further bonded the friends when Burks sought Bishop’s help joining the Dallas Police Department.
After more than 20 years, Bishop is honorably retired from the force.
“He got to the point where he said let me see where I can do more and he wanted to serve more,” he said.
At Friday’s vigil, the men and women of Burks’s police academy class stood shoulder to shoulder with his fraternity brothers and those who knew him from his nearly two decades-long career as an educator and coach.
As they lit candles and shared stories and prayers, loved ones encouraged each other to focus on memories of good times rather than dwelling in sadness.
It’s just one of the ways they said their friend and brother would want to be remembered.
“Work to continue his vision. His vision of service to young people. His service to making a mark here in this city,” said Dallas City Council member Carolyn King Arnold.
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