Draft History: 2005

 

Position: Defensive end

Height, weight: 6-4, 251

College: Troy

What about him? He is considered by many to be the best pass rusher in the draft. He finished with 27½ sacks in his four-year career, including 10½ sacks his senior year when he rocketed up the draft board. He played linebacker at the Senior Bowl, showing he can make the move if needed. He is scheduled to graduate May 6 with a degree in Business Information Systems.

What he said: I feel like I have that motor just like [Indianapolis'] Dwight Freeney to get around the corner and be very effective as a pass rusher. And when things are going away, being able to run down the ball from the backside and be able to make plays.

Did you know? He is the first player from Troy to be chosen in the first round. The New York Giants selected Osi Umenyiora in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2003 draft.

Instant analysis: An explosive player with great quickness … Cowboys thought he was the best pass rusher in the draft … No pressure since Parcells compared him to Giants Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor … Owner-general manager Jerry Jones and Parcells talked about his amazing leg strength … He's still a little raw so the Cowboys must be patient … Relies almost too much on his speed at times.

Quote/unquote: "He reminds me of guys I used to have. He is a 6-4, 250 guy who has very good speed. I was particularly impressed with him in the higher level of competition. When he played against LSU and some of those schools, that is a good a gauge to see how he is going to compete. Troy. Their program is on the upswing." – Bill Parcells

Where he fits in: Ware will play outside linebacker in the Cowboys' 3-4 defensive scheme that no one wants to admit they're going with … He can also play in the 4-3, but his defensive end days are over.

Grade: B+ Merriman may have made more of an immediate impact, but Ware has more upside.

• Demarcus Ware bio, stats

Position: Defensive end

Height, weight: 6-4, 307

College: LSU

What about him? He can play end in a 3-4 scheme and tackle in a 4-3, bringing the versatility Bill Parcells likes in a defensive lineman. He played fullback, tight end and defensive end in his freshman year. He finished his career with 19 sacks, which is fifth most in school history, and his 34½ tackles behind the line of scrimmage are seventh most.

What he said: "You see Coach Parcells and a lot of the other coaches in the NFL, and it definitely makes your blood boil. You want those guys to think they need you on their team and make them want the type of player you are."

Did you know? He was a big-time college basketball recruit and was offered scholarships by Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse and St. John's. He attempted to play both sports at LSU his freshman year.

Instant analysis: He's a tremendous athlete for a 305-pound guy. He used to be a tight end … Has the size and quickness to be effective against double teams … Parcells will try to break him of that reputation for taking plays off … He doesn't get to the quarterback that often, but he can create pressure.

Quote/unquote: "If you are just looking for a solid defensive end that fits the prototype – which is 280-plus – he fit that. We were looking for a little more size. With he and Ferguson, we got that." – Bill Parcells

Where he fits in: Spears will play defensive end in the 4-3 or 3-4. Parcells desperately wanted more size in the front four, and with Spears, that's what he got. He will immediately start at right defensive end.

Grade: B Cowboys got tremendous value with this pick. They stuck with the plan of building up the defense. They would've been comfortable taking him at No. 11. Imagine how good they feel about getting him at No. 20.

• Marcus Spears bio, stats

Position: Linebacker

Height, weight: 6-2, 240

College: Tennessee

What about him? Burnett missed most of the 2002 season after knee surgery, but came back to make 210 tackles over the past two years. He was the SEC's defensive player of the week after registering a career-high 16 tackles against Florida last season.

Did you know? He and Michael Munoz were first Volunteers to be selected captain in consecutive years since 1924-25 (J.G. Lowe). He also earned his degree in sport management in 2003 and was a two-time academic All-SEC.

Instant analysis: Another high character guy … Is a big player (6-3, 230) who can go sideline to sideline … Had first-round talent, but the downside was that he got lost in coverage from time to time … Makes huge hits, and the Cowboys could use that from a linebacker.

Quote/unquote: "He has got good range. He is a high producer. He was a three-year starter at Tennessee. He has flexibility as well within both schemes." – Bill Parcells

Where he fits in: Burnett could challenge for a starting job in the 3-4. He has more athletic ability than Al Singleton, but he has a lot to learn in coverage. Burnett and Ware have the talent to start for the next several years.

Grade: B Pretty good value at this pick. The Cowboys were elated to get him.

• Kevin Burnett bio, stats

Position: Running back

Height, weight: 6-0, 212

College: Minnesota

What about him? Had 35 rushing touchdowns despite splitting time in 2004 with Laurence Maroney … His 4,495 all-purpose yards rank second in school history … Had seven 100-yard rushing games in 2003 … Has returned kicks and punts.

Did you know? His father also starred at Minnesota and went on to play running back in the NFL for the Vikings and Jets from 1981-89.

Instant analysis: Is an excellent athlete with a 40-inch vertical. He's an elusive player, but he's still big enough to take a pounding … He doesn't have the moves in the open field that Julius Jones does. But who does?

Where he fits in: Barber is the backup to Julius Jones at running back. He didn't catch a lot of passes in college, but he'll have to learn how at this level … The Cowboys will give him a look in the return game.

Grade: B This is a solid pick. The Cowboys couldn't completely ignore the offensive side of the ball. Barber should be an immediate contributor and that's not all that common for a second-day selection.

• Marion Barber bio, stats

Position: Defensive end

Height, weight: 6-7, 285

College: Virginia

What about him? He played in only four games as a senior because of a torn ACL in his left knee. In 2002 and '03 he led ACC defensive linemen in tackles. He suffered a detached retina when he was hit in the head by a beer bottle during an altercation in which he was a bystander.

What he said: I have quite a few Coach Parcells moments and memories from [former Parcells' assistant, current Virginia coach Al Groh]. He's kind the person I would like to play for. He told me he's an intense coach. He's a disciplinarian, but he's a player's coach and that I would look forward to playing under him.

Did you know? He did not begin playing football until his junior year at Charlotte (N.C.) Latin School, but he had 161 tackles and 12 sacks ... His mom has been a Methodist minister for 20 years.

Quote/unquote: "I'm hoping to be ready to participate in minicamp. I'll be down there on Thursday and they'll evaluate me and we'll go from there."

Instant analysis: He has tremendous size and he's able to punch offensive tackles off stride. He's versatile enought to fit into a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme ... Has very solid pass-rushing techniques ... The downside is that he's been known to take a play or two off.

Grade: B- This pick could pay off down the road. Don't be surprised if he sits this season out. The Cowboys got excellent value with this pick.

• Chris Canty bio, stats

Position: Safety

Height, weight: 6-2, 199

College: Ball State

What about him? He started 45 of the 46 games he played and had more than 100 tackles every season. He was a two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, who the Cowboys believe can play free or strong safety.What he said: I heard everything from the fourth round to the seventh round. It was a pretty long day. At each pick I thought I had a chance. I couldn't be in a better situation. I'm a huge Coach Parcells' fan and a huge Cowboys' fan. I feel grateful for the opportunity they've given me.

Did you know? His given first name is Arthur. He was married in December and has a daughter. Caught a lot of attention with a strong combine and had scored high on the Wonderlic exam.

What about him? Started 45 of the 46 games he played in at Ball State … He had 508 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries over his college career … Was a two-time recipient of the Mark Hays Inspirational Award at Ball State … Played strong safety.

Instant analysis: Had a 39 1/2-inch vertical at the combine and he has the ability to change direction well … Doesn't have a lot of upper body strength and doesn't have a lot of range in coverage.

Where he fits in: He came to the right place. The Cowboys need a cover safety, and he'll have a chance to compete for the job.

Quote/unquote: Asked what it would be like to play next to Roy Williams, Beriault said, "It's a dream come true."

Grade: B- At this point in the draft, it becomes a bit of a crapshoot. But Beriault was an excellent college player and he has enough upside to at least contribute as a special teams player pretty soon.

• Justin Beriault bio, stats

Position: Offensive tackle

Height, weight: 6-5, 347

College: Pittsburgh

What about him? He will make the move to right tackle after spending the last three years on the left side. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Petitti will have to drop some weight. As a redshirt freshman, he ended Syracuse's Dwight Freeney's consecutive games with a sack streak at 15 ... Said he played at 355 pounds during college, but has already been told to lose weight by Parcells … Had a 42-game staring streak during college … Had 79 "knockdown" blocks his senior season and helped spring five touchdowns.

What he said: I thought they were going to take a lineman sooner or later. Coach Parcells called me and it was crazy for me because I've been a big Giants fan all my life, especially when he was the coach. I was star-struck when he called.

Did you know? He is the first Pittsburgh offensive lineman to earn All-Big East honors three straight years since multi-Pro Bowl pick Ruben Brown did so from 1992-94 ... Ran a 5.25 in the 40-yard dash. His father played football at Lafayette.

Instant analysis: Is a huge player, but still moves pretty well … Has a solid base and uses his hands well to knock linemen off stride … That said, he can crossed up pretty easily and stamina is a major issue.

Where he fits in: The Cowboys have an opening for him at right tackle. We'll see if this player can make the transition from left to right tackle.

Quote/unquote: "Jerry Jones got on the phone and said, 'Rob, we've changed our mind. We're not going to draft you.' ” My heart just dropped." Fortunately for Petitti, Jones was teasing.

Grade: B- Another left tackle who is supposed to make the transition. He has a lot of size and was a solid college player, but so was Jacob Rogers.

• Rob Petitti bio, stats

Position: Defensive tackle

Height, weight: 6-3, 295

College: Auburn

What about him? Coach Bill Parcells hit on Jason Ferguson in the seventh round of the 1997 draft and hopes to do the same with Ratliff. He is a true run stopper. He started every game his senior year, recording 37 tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles.

What he said: At first I looked at it like, 'OK, I'm going to have to be a free agent.' When the Cowboys called I felt relieved, but at the same time I felt like I was kind of looked over and it's left me real, real hungry that I've got something to prove. Which I do."

Did you know? He entered Auburn as a tight end, catching 46 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior at Lowndes County (Ga.) High School. He went to Hargrave Military Academy after high school.

Instant analysis: Is a good athlete who played tight end his freshman season in college … Has long arms and has a big frame on which to put more weight … Can get tied up inside at times and doesn't use his hands especially well.

Where he fits in: If he can earn a spot on the team, he would add some versatility. He'll have to find a way to help on special teams.

Quote/unquote: "It left me real, real humble; like I have something to prove," said Ratliff about being picked in the final round.

Grade: B Who in the world knows at this point in the draft? He's a high character player, which was a recurring theme during this draft.

• Jay Ratliff bio, stats