Jerry Jones: Don’t Call Dallas Cowboys 2008 First Round Picks ‘Busts’
By Josh Sanchez
The Dallas Cowboys had an excellent opportunity to improve their team in the 2008 NFL Draft when the team held two first-round picks, but after selecting running back Felix Jones and cornerback Mike Jenkins the team left their fans with a lot to be desired.
Both Jones and Jenkins were free agents this season, and neither was expected to return to the Cowboys this season. In fact, Jenkins signed with the Oakland Raiders today, but Jones remains a free agent.
Many are calling the Cowboys first round picks “busts” because they did not live up to the expectations that surrounded them when they warranted a first-round pick, but Dallas owner Jerry Jones doesn’t want anyone to use that term to label his former draft picks.
“We got starting time out of both of them,” Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News. “That’s not enough, but those guys aren’t NFL busts. We were proud to have [Felix Jones] with that No. 1 pick, and as late as last year I was proud to have that No. 1 in Jenkins. But it is five years down the road now.”
The picks may not be busts, but when you consider some of the players that were selected after Jones and Jenkins at their positions — Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte at running back and Brandon Flowers at cornerback — the Cowboys certainly could have done better.
But, hey, hindsight is 20/20.
Both Jones and Jenkins could benefit from a fresh start, but we will have to see how they perform for a new squad once they get the chance.