Cowboys & Giants 2007 Draft Picks
Spencer, Ross, & Steve Smith among top picks by New York & Dallas
As teams in the NFC East look to improve we take a look at each rookie selected by the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys, under a new regime, look to turn to a more aggressive style of defense. Judging by their first round draft choice, DE Anthony Spencer, we see the plan. Spencer will line up opposite DeMarcus Ware to provide pressure from the other side, look for this to be a gradual transition depending on how Greg Ellis comes back from injury and unhappiness about his contract. Tackles James Marten and Doug free look to add depth and compete for time at the tackle spots as age and injury are beginning to catch up to Flozell Adams. Isaiah Stanback is a player that may be asked to move to receiver a la Patrick Crayton, which wouldn’t be a bad move as both T.O. and Terry Glenn (while still very good) are getting up in age.
Kicker, Nick Folk will battle with Martin Gramatica for the duties this season. Deon Anderson is a versatile fullback that could be eyeing Lousaka Polite’s (cut, resigned, cut, resigned) position. The Cowboys drafted two cornerbacks this year; Courtney Brown has all of the physical tools, but has to work on his technique and get used to playing against a better level of competition, while Alan Ball is a cover two corner but lacks the overall strength to hold the point in the run game.
Going into the draft the Giants had many glaring weaknesses, we shall see if they properly addressed any of them. The rookie that figures to see the field the earliest is wide receiver Steve Smith. Smith should fit nicely as the third receiver (assuming Amani Toomer is 100%). Top pick Aaron Ross is another in a long line of Texas defensive backs to go high on the draft, although raw, Ross should break into the rotation and possible contend for a starting position if one of the incumbents (Sam Madison) should falter. The Giants are already trying Zak DeOssie out at long snapper, to see if they can get more value out of him being on the roster.
Jay Alford is a very steady player, far from a superstar, but in this group he may compete for playing time. Kevin Boss will compete with Darcy Johnson to be Jeremy Shockey’s back up. Tackle Adam Koets will walk into a position on the two-deep behind Kareem McKenzie so we will see a lot of him in the preseason. Safety Michael Johnson will have to earn his spot the hard way on special teams, while Ahmad Bradshaw could be a third down option at running back.
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