By Jon Machota , Staff Writer Contact Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
By RAINER SABIN and JON MACHOTA
The Cowboys, like everyone else, live with regret. We take a look at the players they probably wish they hadn't passed on in recent drafts. Here is the 2009 edition of lament:
5.) William Moore, S, Missouri, Drafted 55th overall by the Atlanta Falcons
The 2012 Pro Bowler signed a five-year, $32 million deal with the Falcons in 2013. In his career, he has started 72 games and made 16 interceptions. Moore would have upgraded the safety position on the Cowboys' rosters of the past.
4.) Mike Wallace, WR, Mississippi, Drafted 84th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Would the Cowboys have drafted Dez Bryant one year after taking Mike Wallace? That’s hard to say. But Wallace averaged more than 1,000 yards and eight touchdown receptions in his four years in Pittsburgh. Since leaving the Steel City, he has produced diminishing returns in stints with Miami and Minnesota. He signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in March.
3.) Arian Foster, RB, Tennessee, Signed as an undrafted rookie by the Houston Texans
Yes, every team passed on Foster multiple times. But a four-time Pro Bowler has to be mentioned even if the Cowboys felt great about Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Foster has dealt with a slew of injuries, but he has averaged 4.5 yards per carry during his career.
2.) Julian Edelman, WR, Kent State, Drafted 232nd overall by the New England Patriots
Edelman, at 5-10, was easy to overlook. But the former college quarterback has become an integral part of the Patriots’ offense and special teams units over his career. As one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, Edelman has made 153 catches the last two seasons and remained a vital contributor despite injuries..
1.) LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh, Drafted 53rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys could have selected McCoy in the second round, but they traded back to acquire more picks. McCoy then became one of the best runners in the league, making the Pro Bowl four times and rushing for more than 1,000 yards in four different seasons. This past season, his first in Buffalo, he gained 895 yards on the ground despite playing in 12 games.
Cowboys' 2009 Draft Picks
Round 3: (69) Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois / (75) Robert Brewer, T, Ball State
Round 4: (101) Stephen McGee, QB, Texas A&M / (110) Victor Butler, LB, Oregon State / (120) Brandon Williams, DE, Texas Tech
Round 5: (143) DeAngelo Smith, CB, Cincinnati / (166) Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson / (172) David Buehler, K, USC
Round 6: (197) Stephen Hodge, S, TCU / (208) John Phillips, TE, Virginia
Round 7: (227) Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati / (229) Manuel Johnson, WR, Oklahoma
By RAINER SABIN and JON MACHOTA
The Cowboys, like everyone else, live with regret. We take a look at the players they probably wish they hadn't passed on in recent drafts. Here is the 2009 edition of lament:
5.) William Moore, S, Missouri, Drafted 55th overall by the Atlanta Falcons
The 2012 Pro Bowler signed a five-year, $32 million deal with the Falcons in 2013. In his career, he has started 72 games and made 16 interceptions. Moore would have upgraded the safety position on the Cowboys' rosters of the past.
4.) Mike Wallace, WR, Mississippi, Drafted 84th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Would the Cowboys have drafted Dez Bryant one year after taking Mike Wallace? That’s hard to say. But Wallace averaged more than 1,000 yards and eight touchdown receptions in his four years in Pittsburgh. Since leaving the Steel City, he has produced diminishing returns in stints with Miami and Minnesota. He signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in March.
3.) Arian Foster, RB, Tennessee, Signed as an undrafted rookie by the Houston Texans
Yes, every team passed on Foster multiple times. But a four-time Pro Bowler has to be mentioned even if the Cowboys felt great about Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Foster has dealt with a slew of injuries, but he has averaged 4.5 yards per carry during his career.
2.) Julian Edelman, WR, Kent State, Drafted 232nd overall by the New England Patriots
Edelman, at 5-10, was easy to overlook. But the former college quarterback has become an integral part of the Patriots’ offense and special teams units over his career. As one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, Edelman has made 153 catches the last two seasons and remained a vital contributor despite injuries..
1.) LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh, Drafted 53rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys could have selected McCoy in the second round, but they traded back to acquire more picks. McCoy then became one of the best runners in the league, making the Pro Bowl four times and rushing for more than 1,000 yards in four different seasons. This past season, his first in Buffalo, he gained 895 yards on the ground despite playing in 12 games.
Cowboys' 2009 Draft Picks
Round 3: (69) Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois / (75) Robert Brewer, T, Ball State
Round 4: (101) Stephen McGee, QB, Texas A&M / (110) Victor Butler, LB, Oregon State / (120) Brandon Williams, DE, Texas Tech
Round 5: (143) DeAngelo Smith, CB, Cincinnati / (166) Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson / (172) David Buehler, K, USC
Round 6: (197) Stephen Hodge, S, TCU / (208) John Phillips, TE, Virginia
Round 7: (227) Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati / (229) Manuel Johnson, WR, Oklahoma
He even loved the Beuhler selection. But no, he's not an idiot homer cheerleader for everything the team does.
