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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
link
4/26/06
4/26/06
Carpenter would work at No. 18
[SIZE=-1]03:55 PM CDT on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
Matt Mosley
Archive
E-mail | Bio
One of the best things about covering the NFL draft is the access to ridiculously large amounts of information.
The only downside is your next door neighbor has the exact same information.
The one big advantage I have is sharing a new office with one of the nation's most respected draft experts, Rick "Goose" Gosselin. If the two of us ever decided to actually use the office, this would become an even bigger advantage.
But on Tuesday, the two of us holed up and discussed the draft for a couple of hours. I asked hard-hitting questions such as, "Who is Manny Lawson?" and recommended several Broadway musicals to Goose.
And by the way, if you want to see the two of us discussing the draft, check out the archived version of Monday's groundbreaking Hummer NFL Draft Webcast in the box below.
One of the benefits to my job this time of year is getting phone calls from Sporting News Radio and other national outlets asking me to select for the Cowboys in mock drafts. The producers of these shows usually give me at least three minutes' notice since the only reason they're calling in the first place is that one of my colleagues has stood them up.
CowboysPlus.com
Blog: Henson's European Experience
Carpenter would work at No. 18NFL Draft WebcastJerry Jones on NFL Draft Webcast (7:28)More Cowboys
It's hard to turn someone down when their sales pitch goes something like, "I'm about to get fired if I don't find someone to make this pick!"
On Sunday, I completely hijacked the Sporting News show, going about five minutes over my allotted time.
"OK, Matt, we have to head out to San Diego now," said the host as he finally cut me off in mid-sentence.
Although I reserve the right to change my mind, I've picked Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter every time at No. 18. Some of my Valley Ranch operatives assure me that this is a very safe pick at this point.
We've been over this before, but it bears repeating that Cowboys coach Bill Parcells once coached Carpenter's father, Rob, with the Giants. You can never discount the personal connection factor when it comes to Parcells. As he shuffles into his mid-60s, the gruff coach seems to be getting more and more sentimental.
Rob was also a high school teacher after his playing days were over, and Parcells has a great appreciation for coaches and teachers.
That said, all you care about is whether Carpenter can chase down a quarterback. And from all indications, he most certainly can. He's viewed as having the best closing speed over a 10-yard area in the draft and he's also capable of dropping back in coverage.
He has the type of versatility that Parcells covets and he might take some pressure off DeMarcus Ware on the other side.
When I bumped into Ware at a benefit dinner the other night, he was also talking about Carpenter. He's excited about the prospect of adding another dynamic pass rusher.
"Let them double-team him," Ware joked. "I welcome that opportunity."
He said he could envision a Michael Strahan-Osi Umenyiora type pass-rushing tandem. For those of you who don't follow the Giants, this is becoming the most feared tandem in the league.
The only problem is that with the proliferation of the 3-4 defense, several other teams are taking a long look at Carpenter. The Patriots could be waiting to draft him three picks behind the Cowboys, and don't rule out Cleveland at No. 12. At some point, there will be a run on pass-rushing linebackers, and guys such as Carpenter and Florida State's Kam Wimbley could go off the board higher than any of us expected.
One of the interesting things that you may see Saturday is one of the draft's highest-rated offensive tackles, USC's Winston Justice, free-falling down the draft board. I've seen a lot of mock drafts with him in the top 12, but the guy I trust the most has Tampa Bay taking him at No. 24.
Would the Cowboys abandon their plan to bolster the defense with the first pick if Justice is available? It's not likely.
Justice has a tremendous amount of potential, but he's still known as a finesse player who can end up in his quarterback's lap if someone drills him in the chest. If this is starting to sound like another former USC offensive tackle, we're on the same page.
Gosselin had the Cowboys taking North Carolina State defensive end Manny Lawson in his second mock draft. Lawson played in the shadow of the best defensive player in this draft, Mario Williams.
Lawson has actually been compared to Ware. He's an accomplished track athlete and he's actually known for giving more consistent effort than Williams. When you hear about a player blocking seven punts during his career, it speaks directly to his high energy and effort.
In the few highlights I've seen of him, he appears to have skinny legs, and I've been told he relies almost exclusively on his speed in the pass rush. He'd have to add some bulk to his 245-pound frame, but at 6-6, that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Make sure you drop by Thursday, when I'll offer some names for the next few rounds. Sure, it's more fun to talk about the first-round pick, but it's the next few rounds that could help form the foundation for a playoff team.
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Dispatch
4/26
Carpenter is heading to NFL on his merits
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Rob Carpenter was not one of those ex-athletes who pushed his sons to follow in his footsteps.
The former NFL running back didn’t allow his oldest son Bobby to play football until he was 13. Even after that, Rob and his wife, Susie, were careful to let Bobby and younger brothers Jonathan, George and Nathan choose their own paths.
Bobby also was a swimmer and played soccer and basketball.
"My dad has been pretty hands off," Bobby, an Ohio State linebacker, said of Rob, now the Lancaster High School football coach. "He coached me but never really pushed."
It wasn’t until Bobby attended the NFL combine in February that he realized his father’s legacy might help him in this weekend’s draft.
As he made the rounds, meeting with officials from team after team, invariably somebody who played with or coached his father would ask him to say hi to Rob.
"The biggest thing is the relationships he had with the guys, he knows someone on almost every franchise, it seems like," Bobby said. "So I guess that kind of gives me a little advantage there, being able to talk to someone at pretty much every place I went knowing that, ‘Hey, this guy knew my dad and really respects him and thinks a lot of him.’
"So hopefully, his reputation will precede me, and people will kind of look at me in the same light."
There are similarities and differences between father and son. Rob developed a reputation for toughness during his 10-year NFL career (1977-86) with the Houston Oilers, the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams. He rushed for 4,363 yards, seldom as the top rushing option.
In a 1979 playoff game, Rob suffered a sprained ankle being tackled. Legs dragging behind him, he pulled himself to the sideline with his arms. Twenty-six years later, Bobby hopped off the field without help after suffering a broken bone in his lower leg at Michigan.
It’s likely, though, that Rob will admit he lacked the athleticism of Bobby, who is 6 foot 3, 255 pounds and ran a 4.6-second 40-yard dash earlier this year despite not being recovered from his injury.
That’s why Rob was a late third-round draft pick out of Miami University, while Bobby is a likely late first-round pick Saturday.
Bobby said his leg is pain free and, "I’m able to run and do everything I need to do."
Most draft projections have Carpenter being selected between New England at No. 21 and Pittsburgh at No. 32.
Rob said he doesn’t think being a first-rounder is of paramount importance.
"I told him my goal for him is to get drafted by a team that’s capable and that wants to win the Super Bowl," Rob said. "He’s capable of being a first-rounder, but as parents, we just want him to go to a good team, and hopefully close."
Although Bobby toddled around Giants training camps, he was just 3 years old when Rob’s NFL days ended, so it’s tough to say the pro game made an impression.
A bigger influence was the time Bobby spent at Rob’s side at Lancaster, sometimes helping call plays. Of course, as the coach’s son, he had all the weight-room access he wanted.
The fact that Bobby caught the football bug on his own, rather than having it handed down to him, means a lot to his father.
"He’s been around all the high-school locker rooms, the games I’ve coached," Rob said. "He’s seen the whole process, the highs and lows of football and competing. He caught that desire early in life and he’s worked hard for it ever since, so it’s rewarding."
[email protected]
4/26
Carpenter is heading to NFL on his merits
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Rob Carpenter was not one of those ex-athletes who pushed his sons to follow in his footsteps.
The former NFL running back didn’t allow his oldest son Bobby to play football until he was 13. Even after that, Rob and his wife, Susie, were careful to let Bobby and younger brothers Jonathan, George and Nathan choose their own paths.
Bobby also was a swimmer and played soccer and basketball.
"My dad has been pretty hands off," Bobby, an Ohio State linebacker, said of Rob, now the Lancaster High School football coach. "He coached me but never really pushed."
It wasn’t until Bobby attended the NFL combine in February that he realized his father’s legacy might help him in this weekend’s draft.
As he made the rounds, meeting with officials from team after team, invariably somebody who played with or coached his father would ask him to say hi to Rob.
"The biggest thing is the relationships he had with the guys, he knows someone on almost every franchise, it seems like," Bobby said. "So I guess that kind of gives me a little advantage there, being able to talk to someone at pretty much every place I went knowing that, ‘Hey, this guy knew my dad and really respects him and thinks a lot of him.’
"So hopefully, his reputation will precede me, and people will kind of look at me in the same light."
There are similarities and differences between father and son. Rob developed a reputation for toughness during his 10-year NFL career (1977-86) with the Houston Oilers, the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams. He rushed for 4,363 yards, seldom as the top rushing option.
In a 1979 playoff game, Rob suffered a sprained ankle being tackled. Legs dragging behind him, he pulled himself to the sideline with his arms. Twenty-six years later, Bobby hopped off the field without help after suffering a broken bone in his lower leg at Michigan.
It’s likely, though, that Rob will admit he lacked the athleticism of Bobby, who is 6 foot 3, 255 pounds and ran a 4.6-second 40-yard dash earlier this year despite not being recovered from his injury.
That’s why Rob was a late third-round draft pick out of Miami University, while Bobby is a likely late first-round pick Saturday.
Bobby said his leg is pain free and, "I’m able to run and do everything I need to do."
Most draft projections have Carpenter being selected between New England at No. 21 and Pittsburgh at No. 32.
Rob said he doesn’t think being a first-rounder is of paramount importance.
"I told him my goal for him is to get drafted by a team that’s capable and that wants to win the Super Bowl," Rob said. "He’s capable of being a first-rounder, but as parents, we just want him to go to a good team, and hopefully close."
Although Bobby toddled around Giants training camps, he was just 3 years old when Rob’s NFL days ended, so it’s tough to say the pro game made an impression.
A bigger influence was the time Bobby spent at Rob’s side at Lancaster, sometimes helping call plays. Of course, as the coach’s son, he had all the weight-room access he wanted.
The fact that Bobby caught the football bug on his own, rather than having it handed down to him, means a lot to his father.
"He’s been around all the high-school locker rooms, the games I’ve coached," Rob said. "He’s seen the whole process, the highs and lows of football and competing. He caught that desire early in life and he’s worked hard for it ever since, so it’s rewarding."
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CBS CFB Gallery
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[FONT=arial,helvetica] Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter , center, poses with his mother Susie Carpenter, left, and father Rob Carpenter Friday, March 30, 2006 on their farm in Lancaster, Ohio. At about the time that fans will start crowding into Radio City Music Hall in New York City for the NFL draft on Saturday, the Carpenter family will swing open the doors to its home. Rob Carpenter, the patriarch of the family, is the head football coach at Lancaster High School, about a half hour southeast of sprawling Columbus. Rob grew up in Lancaster and went on to spend 10 years in the NFL as a running back. While other potential draftees will be putting on suits and primping for the cameras in New York, Carpenter's son Bobby will be back in his hometown surrounded by the people he loves most. (AP Photo/Jamie Sabau) **ONE TIME USE ONLY**[/FONT]
click to enlarge
[FONT=arial,helvetica] Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter , center, poses with his mother Susie Carpenter, left, and father Rob Carpenter Friday, March 30, 2006 on their farm in Lancaster, Ohio. At about the time that fans will start crowding into Radio City Music Hall in New York City for the NFL draft on Saturday, the Carpenter family will swing open the doors to its home. Rob Carpenter, the patriarch of the family, is the head football coach at Lancaster High School, about a half hour southeast of sprawling Columbus. Rob grew up in Lancaster and went on to spend 10 years in the NFL as a running back. While other potential draftees will be putting on suits and primping for the cameras in New York, Carpenter's son Bobby will be back in his hometown surrounded by the people he loves most. (AP Photo/Jamie Sabau) **ONE TIME USE ONLY**[/FONT]
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ABJ
4/27
Family, friends to surround linebacker on big day
RUSTY MILLER
Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio - At the time fans begin crowding into Radio City Music Hall in New York City for Saturday's first day of the NFL draft, the Carpenters will swing open the doors to their home in Lancaster, Ohio.
Rob Carpenter, the family patriarch, is the head football coach at Lancaster High, about a half-hour drive southeast of Columbus through a mix of urban sprawl and farm fields.
He grew up in Lancaster and spent 10 years in the NFL as a running back. His wife, Susie, is also a teacher and coach in their hometown. Their roots run deep in the community where Friday Night Lights isn't a book or movie but a typical week in the autumn.
This Saturday belongs to their son, Bobby. A ferocious and precocious linebacker while playing for his father and then at Ohio State, Bobby is projected to be a possible first-round draft pick.
"We've got a bunch of food for all of his high-school buddies to come here and watch it with him," Rob says, chuckling. "Everybody's excited for him."
While other potential draftees will be putting on Armani suits and primping for the cameras in New York, Bobby will be surrounded by the people he loves most. He turned down the chance to attend the draft so he could shoot pool and play table tennis with younger brothers Jonathan, George and Nate and while away the time until his name is announced at the podium.
"Something good's going to happen for Bobby," Susie said. "We just want to focus on that. We'll be happy, whatever team picks him."
Neighbors, relatives, friends, teachers and teammates will pack into the Carpenter home, set on 30 acres on the outskirts of Lancaster. They'll hold their breaths to find out where Bobby - a 6-foot-3, 255-pounder with shoulder-length blond hair - will play as a professional. Wherever it is, they know it won't replace home.
"I'll be at my parents' house," he said of his draft day plans. "It's something special I can share with them."
Unlike several other stage-door parents who have pushed and prodded their kids every step of the way into the NFL, Bobby has not been preprogrammed for draft day - even though his father was a third-round draft pick of the Houston Oilers in 1977 and earned his paycheck by blocking for Earl Campbell.
The Carpenters' approach to parenting was to show their boys the possibilities. Bobby wasn't permitted to play organized football until he was 13. His mother insisted that he take piano lessons. He was a competitive swimmer long before he put on shoulder pads.
Growing up in an athletic, active family headed by coaches, it was only natural for Bobby to take up football. He excelled while playing for his father, but it was repeatedly made clear to him that he would not be treated differently because he was an athlete and would not receive any special treatment because he was the coach's son. If anything, it worked the other way.
Bobby migrated to Ohio State where the Buckeyes won the national championship his first year. As a freshman, he mostly watched from the sideline and learned in practice by watching standout linebackers Cie Grant and Matt Wilhelm.
In time, he joined with A.J. Hawk - a likely top-10 pick on Saturday - and Anthony Schlegel to form one of the best linebacking crews to play for the Buckeyes. Carpenter's teams went 43-8 during his career, although he missed the final two victories over rival Michigan and Fiesta Bowl opponent Notre Dame after breaking his foot on the first play against Michigan.
Fully healed, he was a gadfly at the NFL scouting combine in February. Almost every team he spoke with wanted to know about him - and his father.
"My dad's been pretty hands-off with me, but the biggest thing is the relationships he has with a lot of (NFL) guys," Bobby said. "He knows someone at almost every franchise. That kind of gives me a little advantage there, being able to talk to someone pretty much every place I went and knowing that, hey, this guy knew my dad and respects him. Hopefully, his reputation precedes me and people will look at me in that same light."
Rob has tried to answer his son's questions, but - just like when he was growing up - wants him to come to his own conclusions. He is hesitant to even discuss his playing days and adapting to the NFL lifestyle.
"It's a very transient society," he said simply.
The Carpenters lived in New York, Houston and Los Angeles during Rob's playing days. Entrenched in small-town Ohio, those days are distant memories.
Even though Saturday is a day of celebration for Bobby, it also is a turning point. No one knows that better than Susie.
"This is his big dream. This has been one of the goals in his life," she said. "The other thing is, though, he won't be able to come home as often. He likes to come home. He likes to come back and watch his brothers play. He's very involved with the family - and I'll miss that. He's growing up."
Rob looks at the draft as another milestone, like when he taught Bobby to ride a bike or bait a hook.
"He did everything the right way growing up, so I'm excited for him," he said. "He's ready to start his new life."
When Bobby's name is announced, there will be shouts and hugs and laughter. A big contract and a bright future are just around the corner - somewhere far away from the house on the edge of town.
Being steeped in the NFL doesn't make letting go any easier.
"He'll always be my little boy," Susie said, trying to keep her voice from cracking. "But that's OK."
4/27
Family, friends to surround linebacker on big day
RUSTY MILLER
Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio - At the time fans begin crowding into Radio City Music Hall in New York City for Saturday's first day of the NFL draft, the Carpenters will swing open the doors to their home in Lancaster, Ohio.
Rob Carpenter, the family patriarch, is the head football coach at Lancaster High, about a half-hour drive southeast of Columbus through a mix of urban sprawl and farm fields.
He grew up in Lancaster and spent 10 years in the NFL as a running back. His wife, Susie, is also a teacher and coach in their hometown. Their roots run deep in the community where Friday Night Lights isn't a book or movie but a typical week in the autumn.
This Saturday belongs to their son, Bobby. A ferocious and precocious linebacker while playing for his father and then at Ohio State, Bobby is projected to be a possible first-round draft pick.
"We've got a bunch of food for all of his high-school buddies to come here and watch it with him," Rob says, chuckling. "Everybody's excited for him."
While other potential draftees will be putting on Armani suits and primping for the cameras in New York, Bobby will be surrounded by the people he loves most. He turned down the chance to attend the draft so he could shoot pool and play table tennis with younger brothers Jonathan, George and Nate and while away the time until his name is announced at the podium.
"Something good's going to happen for Bobby," Susie said. "We just want to focus on that. We'll be happy, whatever team picks him."
Neighbors, relatives, friends, teachers and teammates will pack into the Carpenter home, set on 30 acres on the outskirts of Lancaster. They'll hold their breaths to find out where Bobby - a 6-foot-3, 255-pounder with shoulder-length blond hair - will play as a professional. Wherever it is, they know it won't replace home.
"I'll be at my parents' house," he said of his draft day plans. "It's something special I can share with them."
Unlike several other stage-door parents who have pushed and prodded their kids every step of the way into the NFL, Bobby has not been preprogrammed for draft day - even though his father was a third-round draft pick of the Houston Oilers in 1977 and earned his paycheck by blocking for Earl Campbell.
The Carpenters' approach to parenting was to show their boys the possibilities. Bobby wasn't permitted to play organized football until he was 13. His mother insisted that he take piano lessons. He was a competitive swimmer long before he put on shoulder pads.
Growing up in an athletic, active family headed by coaches, it was only natural for Bobby to take up football. He excelled while playing for his father, but it was repeatedly made clear to him that he would not be treated differently because he was an athlete and would not receive any special treatment because he was the coach's son. If anything, it worked the other way.
Bobby migrated to Ohio State where the Buckeyes won the national championship his first year. As a freshman, he mostly watched from the sideline and learned in practice by watching standout linebackers Cie Grant and Matt Wilhelm.
In time, he joined with A.J. Hawk - a likely top-10 pick on Saturday - and Anthony Schlegel to form one of the best linebacking crews to play for the Buckeyes. Carpenter's teams went 43-8 during his career, although he missed the final two victories over rival Michigan and Fiesta Bowl opponent Notre Dame after breaking his foot on the first play against Michigan.
Fully healed, he was a gadfly at the NFL scouting combine in February. Almost every team he spoke with wanted to know about him - and his father.
"My dad's been pretty hands-off with me, but the biggest thing is the relationships he has with a lot of (NFL) guys," Bobby said. "He knows someone at almost every franchise. That kind of gives me a little advantage there, being able to talk to someone pretty much every place I went and knowing that, hey, this guy knew my dad and respects him. Hopefully, his reputation precedes me and people will look at me in that same light."
Rob has tried to answer his son's questions, but - just like when he was growing up - wants him to come to his own conclusions. He is hesitant to even discuss his playing days and adapting to the NFL lifestyle.
"It's a very transient society," he said simply.
The Carpenters lived in New York, Houston and Los Angeles during Rob's playing days. Entrenched in small-town Ohio, those days are distant memories.
Even though Saturday is a day of celebration for Bobby, it also is a turning point. No one knows that better than Susie.
"This is his big dream. This has been one of the goals in his life," she said. "The other thing is, though, he won't be able to come home as often. He likes to come home. He likes to come back and watch his brothers play. He's very involved with the family - and I'll miss that. He's growing up."
Rob looks at the draft as another milestone, like when he taught Bobby to ride a bike or bait a hook.
"He did everything the right way growing up, so I'm excited for him," he said. "He's ready to start his new life."
When Bobby's name is announced, there will be shouts and hugs and laughter. A big contract and a bright future are just around the corner - somewhere far away from the house on the edge of town.
Being steeped in the NFL doesn't make letting go any easier.
"He'll always be my little boy," Susie said, trying to keep her voice from cracking. "But that's OK."
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
Dispatch
4/28/06
4/28/06
RUMBLINGS
Friday, April 28, 2006
BOB HUNTER
</IMG>
You never know what to believe before the NFL draft, but the New England Patriots apparently are interested in Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter with the 21 st pick. believe he would be a good fit for a 3-4 defense, like his bloodlines (his father Rob is a former NFL standout and the current Lancaster High School coach) and the fact that he reminds them of Mike Vrabel, another versatile former OSU linebacker who has worked out great for coach Bill Belichick.
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel also told The Boston Globe that Patriots coaches have "spent a lot of time" in Columbus, although he made it clear that they are interested in other Buckeyes as well.
"I think they like (Carpenter) a lot," Tressel said. "I think they like (receiver) Santonio Holmes. I think they like (center) Nick Mangold. Obviously everyone loves A.J. Hawk, but he’ll be long gone when they draft. But the Patriots, heck, they’ve had probably four or five or six different coaches here along, of course, with their personnel department. I think Bobby would be a good fit in their scheme."
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Link
5/1
'Boys see solid draft part of spectacular D
By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
GETTY IMAGES/DOUG BENC
The Cowboys hope Pat Watkins of Florida State will end their search for a true free safety.
IRVING -- Cowboys coach Bill Parcells was again a no-show on Sunday, the final day of the 2006 NFL Draft.
He has not talked publicly since the NFL Scouting Combine in February. More succinctly, he has had nothing to say since the Cowboys signed controversial receiver Terrell Owens on March 18.
Parcells was expected to emerge draft weekend, as he has the past three years to talk about the team's picks and catch up on the off-season.
Owner Jerry Jones said Parcells might talk at next weekend's rookie minicamp when the Cowboys get their first close-up look at their draft picks.
"He's probably picking his spots, anticipating a good time to do it," Jones said.
Jones, who seems to be resurfacing as the face of the Cowboys, finds it all quite amusing.
He could not care less whether Parcells talks to the media, as long as he keeps coming in loud and clear in the Cowboys' draft room.
After choosing defenders with six of their eight picks in 2005, the Cowboys were defensive-minded again in 2006 with four of their first six picks going to defense -- Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter, Grambling State end Jason Hatcher, Florida State safety Pat Watkins and Louisville tackle Montavious Stanley.
Surprising?
It shouldn't be. Parcells is a defensive-minded coach whose two Super Bowl title teams with the New York Giants were led by strong defenses.
After going along with Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and the 4-3 defense his first two years, Parcells switched to his favored 3-4 alignment last season.
Jones said he has bought into Parcells' philosophy that the 3-4 defense is the best way to win in the NFL and plans to remain committed to it long after Parcells is gone.
But Jones' draft-day moves were not just about the future. He believes that shoring up the defense from a very good unit to a potentially great unit is the best way for the Cowboys to make a serious championship run in 2006.
"It's more of where we are right now and what's the best way to do that this year," Jones said. "I felt if we could really make the defense outstanding now, that that was our best chance to compete at a high level."
Considering what the Cowboys got last year in the draft on defense -- three starters in linebacker DeMarcus Ware and ends Marcus Spears and Chris Canty -- Jones believes the Cowboys are headed down that path after what they accomplished the past two days.
Carpenter was clearly the gem of the 2006 draft class that can be described as solid more so than spectacular.
Picked 18th overall, the versatile Carpenter is expected to complement Ware and form an imposing outside linebacker tandem for the future. While the third-round pick Hatcher is a relative unknown, he is thought to have a tremendous upside.
Some scouts believe he can be more dominant in the NFL than he was in college. Jones said he compares favorably to defensive tackle Leon Lett, who developed into a force for the Cowboys after being a seventh round pick out of Emporia (Kan.) State in 1991.
The Cowboys traded up in the fifth round to get Watkins, who is rangy and has good ball coverage skills. He could fill their need for a true free safety, although he is expected to make an immediate impact on special teams.
The 6-foot-2, 314-pound Stanley should provide depth at nose tackle behind starter Jason Ferguson, giving the Cowboys another space clogging run stopper in the middle off their 3-4 defense.
While there was little sizzle to the Cowboys' draft, it can be described as solid. Jones was certainly pleased with their work.
His only regrets were not getting an offensive lineman earlier in the draft, though not by sacrificing the defensive prospects they did get.
The Cowboys' focus was clear: build a championship team the Parcells way -- with an elite defense.
5/1
'Boys see solid draft part of spectacular D
By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
GETTY IMAGES/DOUG BENC
The Cowboys hope Pat Watkins of Florida State will end their search for a true free safety.
IRVING -- Cowboys coach Bill Parcells was again a no-show on Sunday, the final day of the 2006 NFL Draft.
He has not talked publicly since the NFL Scouting Combine in February. More succinctly, he has had nothing to say since the Cowboys signed controversial receiver Terrell Owens on March 18.
Parcells was expected to emerge draft weekend, as he has the past three years to talk about the team's picks and catch up on the off-season.
Owner Jerry Jones said Parcells might talk at next weekend's rookie minicamp when the Cowboys get their first close-up look at their draft picks.
"He's probably picking his spots, anticipating a good time to do it," Jones said.
Jones, who seems to be resurfacing as the face of the Cowboys, finds it all quite amusing.
He could not care less whether Parcells talks to the media, as long as he keeps coming in loud and clear in the Cowboys' draft room.
After choosing defenders with six of their eight picks in 2005, the Cowboys were defensive-minded again in 2006 with four of their first six picks going to defense -- Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter, Grambling State end Jason Hatcher, Florida State safety Pat Watkins and Louisville tackle Montavious Stanley.
Surprising?
It shouldn't be. Parcells is a defensive-minded coach whose two Super Bowl title teams with the New York Giants were led by strong defenses.
After going along with Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and the 4-3 defense his first two years, Parcells switched to his favored 3-4 alignment last season.
Jones said he has bought into Parcells' philosophy that the 3-4 defense is the best way to win in the NFL and plans to remain committed to it long after Parcells is gone.
But Jones' draft-day moves were not just about the future. He believes that shoring up the defense from a very good unit to a potentially great unit is the best way for the Cowboys to make a serious championship run in 2006.
"It's more of where we are right now and what's the best way to do that this year," Jones said. "I felt if we could really make the defense outstanding now, that that was our best chance to compete at a high level."
Considering what the Cowboys got last year in the draft on defense -- three starters in linebacker DeMarcus Ware and ends Marcus Spears and Chris Canty -- Jones believes the Cowboys are headed down that path after what they accomplished the past two days.
Carpenter was clearly the gem of the 2006 draft class that can be described as solid more so than spectacular.
Picked 18th overall, the versatile Carpenter is expected to complement Ware and form an imposing outside linebacker tandem for the future. While the third-round pick Hatcher is a relative unknown, he is thought to have a tremendous upside.
Some scouts believe he can be more dominant in the NFL than he was in college. Jones said he compares favorably to defensive tackle Leon Lett, who developed into a force for the Cowboys after being a seventh round pick out of Emporia (Kan.) State in 1991.
The Cowboys traded up in the fifth round to get Watkins, who is rangy and has good ball coverage skills. He could fill their need for a true free safety, although he is expected to make an immediate impact on special teams.
The 6-foot-2, 314-pound Stanley should provide depth at nose tackle behind starter Jason Ferguson, giving the Cowboys another space clogging run stopper in the middle off their 3-4 defense.
While there was little sizzle to the Cowboys' draft, it can be described as solid. Jones was certainly pleased with their work.
His only regrets were not getting an offensive lineman earlier in the draft, though not by sacrificing the defensive prospects they did get.
The Cowboys' focus was clear: build a championship team the Parcells way -- with an elite defense.
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5/1
Cowboys' future takes shape with picks
May 1, 2006
Cowboys picks
(With draft round, overall pick, position, college)
1 (18) Bobby Carpenter, lb, Ohio State; 2 (53) Anthony Fasano, te, Notre Dame; 3 (92) Jason Hatcher, de, Grambling; 4 (125) Skyler Green, wr-kr, LSU; 5 (138) Pat Watkins, db, Florida State; 6 (182) Montavious Stanley, dt, Louisville; 7 (211) Pat McQuistan, ot, Weber State; 7 (224) E.J. Whitley, c, Texas Tech.
By Brian Vernellis
[email protected]
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' selection of Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter with the 18th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft wasn't really a surprise. What really came as a stunner was their move in the second round, taking Notre Dame tight end Anthony Fasano.
Tight end wasn't considered to be one of the Cowboys' areas of concern, heading into the draft. In fact, they had signed Ryan Hannam to bolster their tight end ranks.
General manager/owner Jerry Jones revealed the rationale for selecting Fasano -- a new offensive philosophy.
"From early spring before the draft, we had decided that scheme-wise if we could have two starting tight ends that's the way we want to go into the future," Jones said.
"We didn't change our offensive philosophy for almost 15, 16 years. The personnel that we brought in at least were intended to fit that philosophy."
Head coach Bill Parcells did not make himself available for comments at the end of Saturday's selections, breaking from protocol.
The offensive change should make the Cowboys more unpredictable for defenses to read. Jones said this system will remain in place after Parcells' departure.
"This juices up our offense to allow us to have two tight ends and put (Fasano) on the same side as (Terrell Owens) and put Jason Witten on the same side as Terry Glenn," Jones said.
Fasano is a solid pick in the second round. He's familiar with the system the Cowboys want to employ after his time at Notre Dame.
The Irish use the same system and even the same terminology. Jones expects Fasano and Carpenter to become starters this year.
"I think I'm an every down player, running situations, passing situations," Fasano said. "I played in a system where multiple tight ends are used and I'm used to playing with other people and adjusting to any role to fit."
He has excellent hands for a tight end, grading out near the top of the scale. His run blocking though was his lowest attribute, according to NFL Scouting.
Defensively, Carpenter will quicken the Cowboys' conversion to a 3-4 scheme.
"Since (Parcells) got here we've had a change in philosophy," Jones said. "On defense, it's obvious. Carpenter lets us continue down that road.
"Last year's draft plus drafting Carpenter lets us cover a lot of ground in becoming a 3-4 team. I don't intend to change that for a long time to come because you can't be flipping out of systems."
Carpenter has a connection to Parcells. His father, Rob Carpenter, was a running back for the New York Giants during Parcells' years.
Carpenter the younger brings the size (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) that Parcells loves in a linebacker and will help in a 3-4 scheme where he's expected to jump into run plays and take on linemen.
"They've talked a lot about playing the strong outside linebacker opposite (DeMarcus Ware) who's a tremendous pass rusher, doing some pass coverage responsibilities, some pass rush," Carpenter said.
"They asked me to do a lot of different things. My overall savvy for the game will hopefully develop me in that spot."
The Cowboys were keen on Carpenter's and Fasano's work ethic and passion for the game. Those were qualities they looked for in their first two picks.
Since both are expected to be starters, that drive and determination will be necessary.
"Where I think the biggest risk is you misjudge the motor, how much football means to somebody or their ability to understand what an opportunity they've got," Jones said.
"We've had players that come in here and don't realize they can change their lives. It's that big a deal if they'd get out here and work like a pro. When you get someone that has a Michael Irvin or a Russell Maryland work ethic, you get skill along with it.
"Those take a lot of the risk out of it for me. They both just live and breathe football."
Dallas completed its first day in the draft by selecting Grambling defensive end Jason Hatcher, who has tremendous pro potential. The Cowboys have depth at defensive end which will allow Hatcher to develop without rush.
The Cowboys added a return man by taking LSU receiver Skyler Green in the fourth round.
They took Florida State free safety Pat Watkins in the fifth round, Louisville defensive tackle Montavious Stanley in the sixth round and Weber State tackle Pat McQuistan and Texas Tech center E.J. Whitley in the seventh round.
5/1
Cowboys' future takes shape with picks
May 1, 2006
Cowboys picks
(With draft round, overall pick, position, college)
1 (18) Bobby Carpenter, lb, Ohio State; 2 (53) Anthony Fasano, te, Notre Dame; 3 (92) Jason Hatcher, de, Grambling; 4 (125) Skyler Green, wr-kr, LSU; 5 (138) Pat Watkins, db, Florida State; 6 (182) Montavious Stanley, dt, Louisville; 7 (211) Pat McQuistan, ot, Weber State; 7 (224) E.J. Whitley, c, Texas Tech.
By Brian Vernellis
[email protected]
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' selection of Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter with the 18th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft wasn't really a surprise. What really came as a stunner was their move in the second round, taking Notre Dame tight end Anthony Fasano.
Tight end wasn't considered to be one of the Cowboys' areas of concern, heading into the draft. In fact, they had signed Ryan Hannam to bolster their tight end ranks.
General manager/owner Jerry Jones revealed the rationale for selecting Fasano -- a new offensive philosophy.
"From early spring before the draft, we had decided that scheme-wise if we could have two starting tight ends that's the way we want to go into the future," Jones said.
"We didn't change our offensive philosophy for almost 15, 16 years. The personnel that we brought in at least were intended to fit that philosophy."
Head coach Bill Parcells did not make himself available for comments at the end of Saturday's selections, breaking from protocol.
The offensive change should make the Cowboys more unpredictable for defenses to read. Jones said this system will remain in place after Parcells' departure.
"This juices up our offense to allow us to have two tight ends and put (Fasano) on the same side as (Terrell Owens) and put Jason Witten on the same side as Terry Glenn," Jones said.
Fasano is a solid pick in the second round. He's familiar with the system the Cowboys want to employ after his time at Notre Dame.
The Irish use the same system and even the same terminology. Jones expects Fasano and Carpenter to become starters this year.
"I think I'm an every down player, running situations, passing situations," Fasano said. "I played in a system where multiple tight ends are used and I'm used to playing with other people and adjusting to any role to fit."
He has excellent hands for a tight end, grading out near the top of the scale. His run blocking though was his lowest attribute, according to NFL Scouting.
Defensively, Carpenter will quicken the Cowboys' conversion to a 3-4 scheme.
"Since (Parcells) got here we've had a change in philosophy," Jones said. "On defense, it's obvious. Carpenter lets us continue down that road.
"Last year's draft plus drafting Carpenter lets us cover a lot of ground in becoming a 3-4 team. I don't intend to change that for a long time to come because you can't be flipping out of systems."
Carpenter has a connection to Parcells. His father, Rob Carpenter, was a running back for the New York Giants during Parcells' years.
Carpenter the younger brings the size (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) that Parcells loves in a linebacker and will help in a 3-4 scheme where he's expected to jump into run plays and take on linemen.
"They've talked a lot about playing the strong outside linebacker opposite (DeMarcus Ware) who's a tremendous pass rusher, doing some pass coverage responsibilities, some pass rush," Carpenter said.
"They asked me to do a lot of different things. My overall savvy for the game will hopefully develop me in that spot."
The Cowboys were keen on Carpenter's and Fasano's work ethic and passion for the game. Those were qualities they looked for in their first two picks.
Since both are expected to be starters, that drive and determination will be necessary.
"Where I think the biggest risk is you misjudge the motor, how much football means to somebody or their ability to understand what an opportunity they've got," Jones said.
"We've had players that come in here and don't realize they can change their lives. It's that big a deal if they'd get out here and work like a pro. When you get someone that has a Michael Irvin or a Russell Maryland work ethic, you get skill along with it.
"Those take a lot of the risk out of it for me. They both just live and breathe football."
Dallas completed its first day in the draft by selecting Grambling defensive end Jason Hatcher, who has tremendous pro potential. The Cowboys have depth at defensive end which will allow Hatcher to develop without rush.
The Cowboys added a return man by taking LSU receiver Skyler Green in the fourth round.
They took Florida State free safety Pat Watkins in the fifth round, Louisville defensive tackle Montavious Stanley in the sixth round and Weber State tackle Pat McQuistan and Texas Tech center E.J. Whitley in the seventh round.
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Star Telegram
5/3
Posted on Wed, May. 03, 2006
Draft questions have answers
By RANDY GALLOWAY
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
First, there's the draft, then there's what comes next for NFL clubs.
That's the reaction and the grading process from the national army of draft gurus.
Based on what I've seen, the Cowboys' selections over the weekend seemed to have passed inspection, falling somewhere in the C-plus category.
But a few flaws, from the first round on down, have been mentioned.
Such as:
Bobby Carpenter was reportedly "yellow-lined" by one team, meaning on that club's war room board he had been eliminated from consideration for reasons other than his football talent.
What was the second-round selection of a tight end all about, and why did that make sense?
In one of the most prevalent knocks, the third round is no place to be drafting project players.
And how could the Cowboys have ignored some of the offensive linemen who unexpectedly fell out of the first round?
For answers, let's go this morning to Jeff Ireland, the team's 36-year old director of player personnel, and for the second year, the architect of the draft.
A sampler:
Me: "Jeff, a tight end in the second round? That was a surprise."
Him: "A surprise to you [media] guys, maybe."
Obviously, Ireland was ready with rebuttal.
OK, a national dot.com NFL writer, respected for his sources, said a team removed Carpenter from first-round consideration because it deemed him "too cocky, and uncoachable."
But as the Cowboys were waiting on Saturday for the 18th pick of the first round to arrive, they had four players "of interest" pegged for that spot.
"Carpenter was the only one who would have kept us at 18," Ireland said. "With the other three, we would have traded down."
OK, he's telling us that Carpenter, the linebacker from Ohio State, was a first-round target. That's a common NFL company line after a draft, but I also trust Ireland for his honesty.
But what about "too cocky" and "uncoachable?"
It's all a matter of opinion and research.
"As with most teams, we spent a lot of time investigating the background of players," Ireland said.
"The uncoachable part is absolutely untrue, at least based on what we know, and I think we know a lot about Bobby Carpenter."
Then it came down to the dividing line between cocky and too cocky.
"Carpenter is a high intensity guy, and very, very motivated," Ireland said. "He's the kind of player who sets high standards for himself and his team, and he's vocal about that.
"Will he get in a teammate's face? Yes. Will he rub some players the wrong way? Probably."
For Ireland, that was part of the appeal of Carpenter.
"As an organization, we want a player who feels that way, and competes that way," he said. "I can see where a team would take that part of his personality as a negative.
"But not us. We combined that with his talent on the field, and we see it as a big positive."
Then there's Anthony Fasano, the second-round pick out of Notre Dame.
A tight end.
Why do that after allowing Dan Campbell to leave?
In a two-tight end offensive set, which is the philosophy the Cowboys are going with, isn't one supposed to be a strong blocker? That was Campbell.
"Why does he have to be mainly a blocker?" answered Ireland. "Yes, I know that's the case with some teams, but we don't think that has to be the rule.
"We felt like we were making an upgrade here with another tight end who can be a receiving threat, and we like how that causes a defense to react."
Fasano was not a specific second-round target, according to Ireland, "because we felt there were several guys with similar value available to us. By the time we picked, a couple of them were gone. We still had options, and we thought this was by far the best for us."
OK, why Fasano instead of, say, David Thomas, the tight end from Texas who went in the third round to New England?
"Size is the main reason, and blocking ability would be the other," Ireland said. "Fasano can play at around 260 pounds. Thomas is a very good receiver, but he's trying to bulk up to 250 after playing at around 235. I think Thomas will be good. I think Fasano gave us more options."
In the third round, the Cowboys went small school by taking Grambling defensive end Jason Hatcher. Immediately, Hatcher was tagged as a "project" player, which is a third-round no-no.
Ireland agrees on the no-no part, "which is exactly why we don't think he's a project," he added. "We drafted Jason Hatcher to be able to make a contribution this season at a position where we need some depth."
Clip-and-save on that one.
And with some once highly regarded offensive linemen doing a free-fall out of the first round, there were obviously some "character" issues at work in some of those cases.
But the Cowboys also need help in that area.
"We had an interest in those linemen," Ireland said, "but it was the second round, and in the end we made the decision to go with the best player on our board. That was Fasano.
"And it was the same with taking Carpenter in the first round. We went with our board."
The Cowboys hit big with second-day picks (rounds four through seven) a year ago, which pushed Ireland's first draft into the A-plus category.
"I can't say right now if we were that good again," he noted, "but like last year, I feel very good at the moment about what we did in the second day."
The post-mortem on any draft brings questions. And Jeff Ireland delivered his answers.
5/3
Posted on Wed, May. 03, 2006
Draft questions have answers
By RANDY GALLOWAY
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
First, there's the draft, then there's what comes next for NFL clubs.
That's the reaction and the grading process from the national army of draft gurus.
Based on what I've seen, the Cowboys' selections over the weekend seemed to have passed inspection, falling somewhere in the C-plus category.
But a few flaws, from the first round on down, have been mentioned.
Such as:
Bobby Carpenter was reportedly "yellow-lined" by one team, meaning on that club's war room board he had been eliminated from consideration for reasons other than his football talent.
What was the second-round selection of a tight end all about, and why did that make sense?
In one of the most prevalent knocks, the third round is no place to be drafting project players.
And how could the Cowboys have ignored some of the offensive linemen who unexpectedly fell out of the first round?
For answers, let's go this morning to Jeff Ireland, the team's 36-year old director of player personnel, and for the second year, the architect of the draft.
A sampler:
Me: "Jeff, a tight end in the second round? That was a surprise."
Him: "A surprise to you [media] guys, maybe."
Obviously, Ireland was ready with rebuttal.
OK, a national dot.com NFL writer, respected for his sources, said a team removed Carpenter from first-round consideration because it deemed him "too cocky, and uncoachable."
But as the Cowboys were waiting on Saturday for the 18th pick of the first round to arrive, they had four players "of interest" pegged for that spot.
"Carpenter was the only one who would have kept us at 18," Ireland said. "With the other three, we would have traded down."
OK, he's telling us that Carpenter, the linebacker from Ohio State, was a first-round target. That's a common NFL company line after a draft, but I also trust Ireland for his honesty.
But what about "too cocky" and "uncoachable?"
It's all a matter of opinion and research.
"As with most teams, we spent a lot of time investigating the background of players," Ireland said.
"The uncoachable part is absolutely untrue, at least based on what we know, and I think we know a lot about Bobby Carpenter."
Then it came down to the dividing line between cocky and too cocky.
"Carpenter is a high intensity guy, and very, very motivated," Ireland said. "He's the kind of player who sets high standards for himself and his team, and he's vocal about that.
"Will he get in a teammate's face? Yes. Will he rub some players the wrong way? Probably."
For Ireland, that was part of the appeal of Carpenter.
"As an organization, we want a player who feels that way, and competes that way," he said. "I can see where a team would take that part of his personality as a negative.
"But not us. We combined that with his talent on the field, and we see it as a big positive."
Then there's Anthony Fasano, the second-round pick out of Notre Dame.
A tight end.
Why do that after allowing Dan Campbell to leave?
In a two-tight end offensive set, which is the philosophy the Cowboys are going with, isn't one supposed to be a strong blocker? That was Campbell.
"Why does he have to be mainly a blocker?" answered Ireland. "Yes, I know that's the case with some teams, but we don't think that has to be the rule.
"We felt like we were making an upgrade here with another tight end who can be a receiving threat, and we like how that causes a defense to react."
Fasano was not a specific second-round target, according to Ireland, "because we felt there were several guys with similar value available to us. By the time we picked, a couple of them were gone. We still had options, and we thought this was by far the best for us."
OK, why Fasano instead of, say, David Thomas, the tight end from Texas who went in the third round to New England?
"Size is the main reason, and blocking ability would be the other," Ireland said. "Fasano can play at around 260 pounds. Thomas is a very good receiver, but he's trying to bulk up to 250 after playing at around 235. I think Thomas will be good. I think Fasano gave us more options."
In the third round, the Cowboys went small school by taking Grambling defensive end Jason Hatcher. Immediately, Hatcher was tagged as a "project" player, which is a third-round no-no.
Ireland agrees on the no-no part, "which is exactly why we don't think he's a project," he added. "We drafted Jason Hatcher to be able to make a contribution this season at a position where we need some depth."
Clip-and-save on that one.
And with some once highly regarded offensive linemen doing a free-fall out of the first round, there were obviously some "character" issues at work in some of those cases.
But the Cowboys also need help in that area.
"We had an interest in those linemen," Ireland said, "but it was the second round, and in the end we made the decision to go with the best player on our board. That was Fasano.
"And it was the same with taking Carpenter in the first round. We went with our board."
The Cowboys hit big with second-day picks (rounds four through seven) a year ago, which pushed Ireland's first draft into the A-plus category.
"I can't say right now if we were that good again," he noted, "but like last year, I feel very good at the moment about what we did in the second day."
The post-mortem on any draft brings questions. And Jeff Ireland delivered his answers.
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When I hear the word "cocky" I think of someone who thinks that they are better than someone else (as a person) / puts themselves above other people...
Well this "cocky" player spent an hour or more after every home game signing autographs along with Hawk and Schlegel...well after the team buses left them...even after the stadium officials moved everyone outside and locked the gates...and until every single person (young and old, man, woman, or child) got the picture and/or signature they asked for from Bobby C and the others LBs. Bobby was one of the most approachable, accomodating, well mannered, fan-friendly, class-act guys on this team, and there is obviously at least one NFL team that doesn't have a very clear idea of what he is really all about.
I'm thrilled for Carp and his family that he is going to a coach and franchise that does. Good luck in Dallas, Bobby. :osu:
Well this "cocky" player spent an hour or more after every home game signing autographs along with Hawk and Schlegel...well after the team buses left them...even after the stadium officials moved everyone outside and locked the gates...and until every single person (young and old, man, woman, or child) got the picture and/or signature they asked for from Bobby C and the others LBs. Bobby was one of the most approachable, accomodating, well mannered, fan-friendly, class-act guys on this team, and there is obviously at least one NFL team that doesn't have a very clear idea of what he is really all about.
I'm thrilled for Carp and his family that he is going to a coach and franchise that does. Good luck in Dallas, Bobby. :osu:
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Buckin' A
Veritas Aequitas
Some of the locals around Lancaster describe him the same way. I've even heard some wish a bad draft status on him b/c the y disliked him so much b/c of his cockiness and arroganance growing up in Lancaster. Cocky or not, I thought he represented tOSU well, and the guy makes plays...period.
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