Posts tagged FelixJones at FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

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Jerry Jones Is Unconcerned That Marion Barber Prefers to Lift Weights at Home

Because it's May and there's not much else going on, something as innocuous as a player missing a weight-lifting session can suddenly become a front-page scandal. Perhaps that's a little too breathless, but you get the point.

Cowboys running back Marion Barber is looking for a long-term deal, and as a result, he has yet to sign his one-year, $2.6 million restricted free agent tender offer. He's also not participating in the team's offseason workouts, which, depending on your perspective, is potentially a big deal. Owner Jerry Jones, is unconcerned, and he doesn't think it'll have any bearing on Barber's performance once the season starts. You know, because it's May:
Although Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is disappointed with running back Marion Barber electing not to work out with the team thus far this off-season, he doesn't feel it [it's an issue]. ...

"I don't see that it will have a negative impact in his playing this year," Jones said Wednesday during the Cowboys' annual golf tournament for some of its corporate partners.
I think that's right. Players are primarily working out this time of year, and whether it's in Dallas or somewhere else, I don't think it much matters, especially since Barber's familiar with the Cowboys' offense.

The team is hoping to sign both Barber and safety Ken Hamlin prior to training camp, and you have to think they feel pretty good about their chances. There was some grumblings from the Dallas-area media that the team should've taken Rashard Mendenhall over Felix Jones with the 22nd pick, but if the Cowboys consider Barber a part of the immediate future, Jones makes more sense. Now all that's left to do is to give Barber a bunch of money.

One Dallas Morning News Sportswriter Must Really Love Hate Mail



It didn't take long after the Cowboys selected Felix Jones with the 22nd-overall pick before fans and media (mostly media) questioned whether the Jerry Jones All-Stars had drafted the wrong running back.

I can understand the argument that Jones offers a nice change-of-pace to Marion Barber's bruising style, but there is the little issue of keeping Barber beyond this season.

Like just about everybody else, the Dallas Morning News' Albert Breer has an opinion: "Remember, none of this is anything against Felix Jones. I'm guessing he'll be a good addition to the Cowboys offense. But Rashard Mendenhall will be better. Much better."

Predictably, Cowboys fans took Breer's comments personally, and let him know as much via the electronic mail system. So today, on his blog, Breer went about addressing two of the biggest complaints: Jones brings more speed, and Jones is the game-breaker Mendenhall isn't. Concerning the former, Breer writes:
Really? That's funny. I've got the official combine results. And they happen to say that Mendenhall ran a 4.45 there, while Jones clocked a 4.47.

So how about explosiveness and agility? Both players had 33.5-inch verticals, while Mendenhall ran a better short shuttle (4.18-4.19) and Jones had a better broad jump (10.4-9.9).
And for the latter:
This one cracks me up. Apparently people missed the Rose Bowl. You know, when Mendenhall flat out ran away from USC -- probably the fastest defense in the nation -- for a 79-yard run and a 55-yard catch.
In my experience, trying to reason with the clinically insane is the best way to win an argument and put the issue to rest.

Did the Cowboys Draft the Wrong Running Back in the First Round?



Well, that didn't take long: a few hours after the Cowboys used their 22nd pick to take Felix Jones -- better known as that guy who would occasionally spell Darren McFadden at Arkansas -- the Dallas Morning News' Jean-Jacques Taylor asks a question some fans were no doubt thinking when the Cowboys went on the clock:
You don't draft a complementary player in the first round when you have an opportunity to select a franchise back. Ever. But that's what the Cowboys did Saturday.

By drafting Felix Jones instead of Rashard Mendenhall, the Cowboys finished Day 1 of the NFL draft with a good haul instead of a phenomenal one after also selecting South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins and Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett.
Taylor equates yesterday's choice to pass up on Mendenhall to the Cowboys' "ill-fated 1995 draft decision to pick a bunch of backups because their roster was so talented." Eh, that seems a tad overreactive, although I certainly understand the sentiment. Blogging the Boys puts the Jones pick in perspective:

Fantasy Spin: Felix Jones The Next Julius?

Fantasy FanHouse will be chiming in throughout the NFL draft with fantasy analysis of each fantasy relevant pick.

The Cowboys, out of the Bill Parcells regime, let Julius Jones go after Marion Barber, III, had become their elite running back. And with good reason. Now, it appears the speedy Felix Jones will be taking his spot as the change-of-pace, home-run type back in the Cowboys offense.

It might be tough for Jones to actually be fantasy relevant next year. Because of MB3's talent, and status as goalline back, Jones will probably only be able to accrue fantasy points for owners in 2008 by breaking off long runs when he's given touches. It still seems likely that he will get at least 10 carries a game though, which could make him valuable. For single league purposes, expect to only draft Jones in the late rounds as a handcuff or upside bench pick, barring a holdout by Barber.

Keeper leagues will be faced with a different quandry though. It seems unlikely that the Cowboys would want to let Barber walk, so Jones may struggle to be really relevant, really quickly. If that's case, meaning Barber stays in Dallas, Jones has to be considered at best the fourth, maybe fifth best fantasy running back option taken so far in the first round (behind Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Rashard Mendenhall and possibly Chris Johnson) so far.

NFL Draft: Jerry Jones Jonesing for Felix Jones to Replace Julius Jones in Dallas

Just like I said in the FanHouse Mock Draft, Arkansas' Felix Jones will be a perfect addition to the Dallas Cowboys.

Forget the whole Jerry-Jones-loves-Arkansas thing; Felix Jones plugs right in where Julius Jones (okay that is three Joneses in one sentence) played last year. Felix will share the load with Marion Barber in the Cowboys backfield. He's that explosive back who is the kind of home run hitter that opens up all kinds of things in that offense.

Imagine having to face the powerful Barber, dealing with Tony Romo while covering Terrell Owens and Jason Witten. Then the speedy Felix Jones walks on the field and can just pop off a huge run (on a carry or a reception). Scary.

Ego won't be a problem because he was able to be "the other guy" to Darren McFadden at Arkansas. One of those knocks against him was questions if he has to carry the load at the NFL level. He won't have to.

Felix was also an All American returner which will help out tremendously. Dallas has hit a home run on this one.

Previously on FanHouse:
Did a Cameraman Expose the Cowboys DB Draft Rankings?
FanHouse Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Select RB Felix Jones No. 22
FanHouse Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Select CB Aqib Talib No. 28
PacMan or No PacMan: Cowboys Draft Plans Won't Change
Cowboys Might Be Better Off Trading for a Wide Reciever Instead of Drafting One

22. Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, Arkansas

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wanted to add an Arkansas running back, and even if this isn't the Arkansas running back who would have been his first choice, Felix Jones will still make Jerry Jones happy.

The question, though, is whether running back was really a need for the Cowboys. Yes, Julius Jones is gone and Marion Barber is not under contract, but realistically, Barber is going to be a Cowboy in 2008, and with Barber as the starter, running back seems more like a luxury for the Cowboys than a need.

Throw in the fact that the Cowboys passed on Rashard Mendenhall in order to select Felix Jones, and I don't like this pick very much at all.

Previously on FanHouse:
Did a Cameraman Expose the Cowboys DB Draft Rankings?
FanHouse Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Select RB Felix Jones No. 22
FanHouse Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Select CB Aqib Talib No. 28
PacMan or No PacMan: Cowboys Draft Plans Won't Change
Cowboys Might Be Better Off Trading for a Wide Reciever Instead of Drafting One

College Eye for the NFL Guy: Felix Jones

Whatever you say ... number two!

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

Pro Football Weekly 2008 NFL Draft Guide


Thinly built and not built to withstand heavy contact or carry the workload. Lacks the strength to run between the tackles and likes to bounce everything outside. Would be most effective in a complementary role alongside a bruiser such as [Darren] McFadden, where Jones could use his speed and quickness to create in space.

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED ...

Second round, a slim possibility for the first round if someone really falls in love with him.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR THREE YEAS IS SAYING

Although Jones will likely end up a complementary runner, it's more than a little premature to write off his chances as a primary back. He played in a power running offense against SEC defenses that knew Jones was coming. Yet he was still productive, even as a true freshman.

Although he bounces outside a lot, he did run a good deal inside with success. He was also more consistently healthy than teammate McFadden.

Jones has a shot to be an everydown back. He's over 200 pounds and has shown some ability to play the inside game in the NFL. His speed will be an obvious asset and he is quite explosive if given a crease.

FanHouse Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Select Felix Jones No. 22

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

A team like Dallas is adding depth at this spot. What Jerry Jones (and a lot of us) once thought would be a high pick (this is the draft pick the Cowboys received from Cleveland for last year's first round pick) has now become a pick in the back third of the first round.

We knew that Jones coveted his alma mater Arkansas' Darren McFadden. Well, he can get his understudy in Felix Jones.

Jones is the perfect compliment to Marion Barber. With Julius Jones gone (I know, that's a lot of Joneses), Dallas needs someone to share the load with Barber. He's a strong back with explosiveness and can turn small runs into big plays. Ego won't be a problem since he shared Arkansas' backfield with McFadden.

Felix Jones is an excellent blocker and is an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. He's also an All-American kick returner.

Lovie Smith Breaks Bread With the Razorback Running Backs

Sometimes you have to wonder if NFL coaches go on all these pre-draft visits because of genuine interest in the players, as a smokescreen to occlude their real plans or because they're looking to load up on frequent flier miles to take their wives to Tahiti. Lovie Smith's trip to Fayetteville for lunch with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones seems like the latter.

McFadden isn't going to be around when the Bears pick at 14, unless he's planning to spend the pick gained in the Lance Briggs tampering decision to trade up. That plus the general desire for McFadden around the league makes it an ineffective manuever to throw teams off their scent. Jones, on the other hand, might be a bit of a reach at that spot, especially when you look at the Bears substandard offensive line.

There could be another reason for Chicago's interest. Cedric Benson isn't a guarantee to keep his job if healthy but if his fractured left ankle hasn't healed sufficiently, the team would need more than competition for him this summer. That immediate need wouldn't quite justify the Bears taking a back before addressing their needs up front but it would make it a bit easier to understand. I still think Mrs. Smith's just angling for a drink with an umbrella in it, though.

It Might Make More Sense for the Cowboys to Draft the Other Arkansas RB


It seems kind of odd that whenever the talk turns to the draft and the Dallas Cowboys, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden's name comes up. Not so much that he gets a mention -- depending on who you listen to, he's one of the best running backs in the country -- but that his college backfield mate, Felix Jones, seldom does.

You know the rumors: the Cowboys could conceivably use their two first-round picks to trade way up the draft board to take McFadden. Owner Jerry Jones is an Arkansas alum and allegedly has a Flozell Adams-sized woodrow for McFadden.

Assuming there's even a chance this will happen, let me throw this out there: why wouldn't the Cowboys just stay put and take Jones with the 22nd pick? San Antonio Express-News' Tom Orsborn thinks Jones would be a better fit in Dallas.
Jones has the perfect temperament to share carries with Pro Bowl pick Marion Barber, a restricted free agent Dallas is sure to retain.

For three seasons, Jones was content to operate in the large shadow cast by McFadden. Although he told reporters in Indianapolis he's eager to create a name for himself, Jones acknowledged he enjoyed playing with McFadden because they were a "tremendous tandem."
If nothing else, Jones should get points for selflessness. Ultimately, it comes down to on-field production, which goes back to why the Cowboys would give up so much for McFadden. For all the money it will cost to sign him, he'd have to be a feature back. With Barber currently on the roster, that seems like a dumb idea.

Which is why there's no chance it hell it happens. Right?

Texans Looking at DB Jacques Reeves, OL Rex Hadnot



First I want to say thank you to the Houston Texans website staff for being blog-friendly and fixing their embeds so they don't autoplay. The above HoustonTexans.com video is of Texans secondary coach, Jon Hoke talking about the secondary players in this year's draft, and what the Texans are looking for when scouting free agents and potential draft picks. If you just want to read the interview, check out this link.

Reports say that the Texans are looking in free agency at Dallas CB Jacques Reeves and Dolphins Rex Hadnot as a center/guard. I don't believe taking Reeves would preclude getting a cornerback in the draft because the Texans need tons of secondary help.

Cowboys Have Plenty of Options Outside of Darren McFadden


It's the time of year when there isn't much hard news to report -- free agency doesn't start for 11 days, the NFL Combine is still a few days away, and the draft won't take place for another two months -- so more than usual, we're left to speculate.

Heading into the 2007 college season, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden was a sure first-round pick. That hasn't change although opinions vary on how good he might be in the NFL. Rumors have former Arkansas alum Jerry Jones very interested in McFadden, so much so that he would entertain the idea of trading up in the draft to grab him.

Jones denied it last week. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mac Engel writes that "the Cowboys' scouts are preaching to go for singles and doubles and pass on the allure of the home run." And he even offers some handy alternatives to moving up to grab McFadden.

Opinions are split on if McFadden is even the best running back in the draft. People who pay attention to such things think that his teammate, Felix Jones, could be better. In any case, the Cowboys, selecting 22nd overall, will have a chance to land one of the top three or four running backs, and, hell, who knows, maybe even get McFadden (okay, that probably won't happen).

Is Any Player Worth the First-Overall Pick?


The Dolphins are telling anyone who will listen that they're willing to trade the first-overall pick. The Chicago Tribune's Dan Pompei talked to seven NFL personnel guys and asked them who they would take if stuck with the draft's top selection.

Two went with Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, two others took Virginia defensive end Chris Long, two more settled on Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, and LSU's Glenn Dorsey got one vote.

Unsurprisingly, none of the front-office types thought any one player is worth the salary that goes along with being the first-overall pick. Furthermore, while Ryan is considered the best available quarterback in this year's class, he doesn't rate as highly as JaMarcus Russell, Eli Manning or Carson Palmer.

And while Chris Long will probably have a solid NFL career, one NFL executive doesn't think he'll be a Hall of Famer like his old man. Which would be nice for that kinda dough.

I think everybody agrees that taking a running back that high is, well, stupid, and some scouts aren't so sure that McFadden's teammate, Felix Jones, isn't a better NFL prospect.

Rashard Mendenhall May Go Pro For His Brother

It's generally a common perception that when a player leaves college early to join the NFL, he's doing it for the money. After all, for a few select juniors it's not like sticking around for a senior season is going to help your draft position.

Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall hasn't made a decision as to whether or not he's coming back to Champaign next season, but if he does decide to leave, money won't be the only factor. He'd also like to see his brother Walter get a chance to play.
"That would give Walt a chance," Mendenhall said of joining the NFL after his junior season. "And that's all he needs.

"Everybody talks about me, but I'm waiting to see him. As big and fast as he is, he can do things that people have never seen. That's how I've always felt. Not just because he's my brother."
Walter Mendenhall is a junior running back for Illinois and he's a year older than his little brother Rashard. Walter has only carried the ball four times for 57 yards this season thanks to his brother's dominance. All four carries came in Illinois rout of Minnesota.

As for what Rashard's final factor will be in making his decision, it's all going to depend on where he feels he's going to be drafted. Some have him projected to be a first round pick, while others don't think he'll go before the third round. According to ESPN.com's rankings, Mendenhall is the fourth best running back prospect in college right now, trailing only Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart and Felix Jones.

My gut says Rashard declares for the NFL after Illinois plays in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.

NFL Draft: Arkansas RBs Darren McFadden, Felix Jones Both First-Round Picks?


Most people consider Arkansas running back Darren McFadden the odds-on favorite to be the first choice in the 2008 NFL draft. McFadden helped his cause with a big game yesterday.

But is it possible that McFadden isn't the only Arkansas running back who will be chosen in next year's first round? Matt Mosley of ESPN's Hashmarks blog reports that he's talked to NFL scouts who think Felix Jones could go as high as No. 15 overall.

Both McFadden and Jones are juniors, but there's a good chance they'll both declare for next year's draft, especially if, as expected, Arkansas fires head coach Houston Nutt. Mel Kiper ranks McFadden as the best junior running back in the country and Jones third, behind Oregon's Jonathan Stewart.

One school producing two highly drafted running backs isn't at all unusual; to cite one example, Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams of Auburn were both Top 5 picks in the 2005 draft. I don't think Jones is going quite that high, but I do think they're both first-round prospects.