We've been focusing so much on the lackluster Cowboys' draft that we've perhaps missed the biggest story of all.

The Eagles and Giants had terrific drafts and addressed key needs. They put more distance between themselves and the Cowboys. This is not good news for Jerry Jones, who hopes to be more than competitive when his brand spanking new palace opens in Arlington this season.

Philadelphia started by selecting Missouri receiver Jeremy Maclin with the 19th overall pick. Maclin could be the bigtime wideout Donovan McNabb hasn't had since Terrell Owens left. He most certainly gives the Eagles a better option than Hank Baskett. Maclin will look very nice opposite the emerging DeSean Jackson.

The Eagles also got deeper at running back after selecting LeSean McCoy from Pitt. McCoy was one of the country's top-recruited backs coming out of high school, but a broken ankle put a stop to that. He's recovered nicely, meaning the Eagles won't be a pushover when the next inevitable Brian Westbrook injury happens.

And we haven't even talked about the signing of all-pro tackle Jason Peters.

As for the Giants, they just got better on offense as well. With Plaxico Burress out of the fold, New York had few offensive weapons down the stretch.

Not anymore.

The G-Men drafted two outstanding young receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden. Those two alone could make the Cowboys' secondary miserable for years. Also not to be overlooked, the drafting of Wisconsin tight end Travis Beckum. I covered Beckum for two years when I worked in Milwaukee and saw each of his home games. The man is a beast of an athlete and was on track to becoming the top tight end in the nation before breaking his leg during his senior season. How much of an impact he'll make in his rookie season is up in the air, but if he can get back to close to the athlete he was before, the Cowboys are in trouble. Beckum brings the skills of a receiver to the tight end position, much like Antonio Gates.

And what did the Cowboys do? The likes of quarterback Stephen McGee, kicker David Buehler, and a host of others who may or may not have an impact.

Let's hope the Dallas starters play at a much higher level this season....and stay healthy too.

1 Comments

wilback said:

Doesn't matter. Jerry Jones is a fool and you
can't fix that.

April 28, 2009 6:44 PM

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