IRVING, Texas (AP) -Jerry Jones stands by his assertion that it was a special draft for the Dallas Cowboys, even without picks in the first or second round.
The Cowboys owner even repeated what he said immediately after the draft, that an emphasis was put on special teams when making their NFL-high 12 picks last weekend. But Jones clarified his expectations Friday as those dozen players wrapped up their first workouts of a three-day minicamp.
“I think what was interpreted is because we think these guys can come in initially and really be contributors on special teams that at some point we don’t think they can be a starter,” Jones said. “Many of them eventually, I think, will be able to compete for starting in the NFL.”
Still, for now their biggest contribution for the Cowboys is expected to be on special teams. This team is loaded with returning starters just about every position. And the rookies know it.
d the emphasis on special teams was evident by what Cowboys officials told him before the draft and after he was picked.
“I not only like it, but I study it and I just love playing it. When you’re on kickoffs, run down there full speed and just hit the heck out of somebody,” Hodge said.
“My main thing is to get on as many special teams as I can,” said safety Michael Hamlin, a fifth-round pick out of Clemson. “My thing is to be one of the playmakers on special teams and work my way up the depth chart on defense.”
Cowboys special teams made several costly mistakes last season, including a blocked punt in overtime at Arizona that the Cardinals recovered for the winning touchdown. Pro Bowl punter Mat McBriar broke his foot on the play and was lost for the season.
Dallas also finished last in the NFC in average punt return yardage.
The Cowboys, who began last season with Super Bowl expectations, instead finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs by one game.
Special teams coach Bruce Read was fired after the season and replaced by Jacksonville assistant Joe DeCamillis, who previously worked with coach Wade Phillips in Denver and Atlanta. He was also a special teams coach for the New York Giants.
okies.
“The owner, when he comes out and says we addressed special teams in the draft, I’d say that gets their attention pretty quick,” DeCamillis said. “Those guys are going to be capable of playing in the National Football League other than special teams. Until they get a chance to play, they’re going to be real productive on (special) teams.”
Phillips said the Cowboys drafted players that could help on special teams, “not special teams players that might be football players.”
The top pick was linebacker Jason Williams from Western Illinois, selected 69th overall in the third round, six picks before Ball State offensive tackle Robert Brewster. They also got linebackers Victor Butler and Brandon Williams in the fourth round, before Hodge.
“We drafted four talented, athletic guys that hopefully by design give us quality depth at each position and give us more special teams power,” linebackers coach Reggie Herring said of his new quartet. “Everybody’s dream is to have quality backups and great special teams play while developing them as players for future starters down the road.”
Notes: Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said negotiations with Pro Bowl LB DeMarcus Ware are ongoing. “These things take time,” Jones said. “We obviously want DeMarcus to be a Cowboy for his career. That’s our goal.” … The minicamp will conclude with two workouts Saturday and one Sunday.
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