Newman is first pick of Parcells era

Big D adds 'D' DALLAS (AP) -- The Cowboys added to their defense and team speed by selecting LSU linebacker Bradie James and Wisconsin cornerback B.J. Tucker in the fourth and sixth rounds of the NFL draft Sunday. Dallas did not have a selection in the fifth round. Using a pick from Kansas City, the Cowboys also drafted Hampton wide receiver Zuriel Smith in the sixth round. The Cowboys added Colorado guard/tackle Justin Bates in the seventh round, and traded their second pick in the seventh round for Detroit running back Aveion Cason. James, at 6-2 and 242 pounds, seems to fit head coach Bill Parcells' mold of big linebackers. He was a first-team All-American and first-team All-Southeastern Conference pick last season and ranks second in LSU history with 418 tackles, including 32 for a loss. He set the Tiger record for tackles in a season with 154 in 2002. SEC coaches praised his quick closing burst and his ability to meet ball carriers before they can turn the corner. LSU finished fifth in the nation in total defense, 278.8 yards per game as it held eight of 12 opponents to fewer than 300 yards. Tucker, a starter in all the Badgers' games last season, had 72 tackles and five interceptions. Tucker, 5-10 and 188 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds at the NFL combine, good for the second-fastest time. He also ran track at Wisconsin and finished second in the 100 meters at the Big 10 Outdoor Track Championships. As a senior in 2002, Tucker was a second-team All-Big 10 Conference selection. The West African native moved to the United States from Sierra Leone in 1990. Smith was a four-year starter at Hampton and caught 52 passes for 761 yards and six touchdowns as a senior in 2002. He also averaged 18.1 yards on 26 punt returns, one of which was for a touchdown. Over his four-year career, the 6-2, 180-pound receiver averaged 16.8 yards per punt return, including five touchdowns, four of which came in his 2001 junior season. Bates was an all-Big 12 Conference selection as a senior in 2002. Cason rushed for 107 yards and caught 19 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in 2002.

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The first draft pick of the Bill Parcells-Jerry Jones partnership lacked fireworks -- no big trade, hardly even any debate.

Making what Jones called the safe choice, the Dallas Cowboys selected cornerback-returner Terence Newman from Kansas State with the fifth overall pick Saturday.

Newman's proven ability at cornerback, a position where the team needed help, plus his return skills overshadowed questions about nerve damage in his left shoulder and the fact he'll be 25 when the season begins, about two years older than the average first-rounder.

Second-round pick Al Johnson, a center from Wisconsin, and third-rounder Jason Witten, a tight end from Tennessee, also were considered among the tops at their position, giving the Cowboys their second straight solid draft.

But the intrigue in this draft went beyond whom Dallas took. It was about how the new head coach and his new boss got along in the first pressure-packed test of their business relationship.

Jones said they were "very much on the same page." Parcells described himself as "just part of the process."

"As I've said from the beginning, this is a `we' decision," Jones said after taking Newman. "Bill is very involved. He has tremendous respect from me and I really do listen to his input. He very much does influence the decisions that we make."

Parcells, speaking after all three picks were made, said: "I gave my opinion, just like everyone else. It had substantial weight, but it wasn't the entire reason anybody was taken."

The biggest indication of Parcells' influence was how Newman was treated -- or, rather, not treated.

In past years, Jones has flown in top picks either on draft day or the day after. Jones joked he wasn't doing it with Newman because he was in New York, which was too expensive of a flight.

Parcells, though, said "we decided not to," adding that he's never done anything like that before and didn't want to start now.

"I like to bring them all in together," Parcells said. "I don't if care if he was drafted first or 300th. He's part of the team now."

Jones loves hyping his picks and he didn't hesitate this time, comparing Newman's speed to Deion Sanders.

Parcells said such a comparison was "a little premature ... in fact, very premature."

"He's got the skill and potential to impact our team immediately," Jones said. "We certainly feel like we're getting a player who gives us pretty good confidence he's going to be a significant contributor."

Parcells' take: "This is a pretty gifted athlete who hopefully at some point can make a pretty significant contribution here. I've learned a long time ago not to predict how anybody will fit in. You never really know exactly how a player is going to play until you get them."

The 5-foot-10, 189-pound Newman was an All-American last season, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. He intercepted five passes and deflected 14 despite teams often not throwing to his side of the field.

He's likely to unseat Mario Edwards and join Derek Ross as the starters at cornerback. Combined with safeties Roy Williams and Darren Woodson, the defensive backfield can now be considered one of the Cowboys' strengths.

Newman also returned three punts and one kickoff for touchdowns in four seasons at K-State. He even saw action at receiver.

Parcells said Newman was drafted to play corner and maybe return punts. Parcells made it clear that returning kicks in the NFL is much more difficult than in college, saying "you have to have a certain mentality."

"Now, do I know whether Terence Newman has that mentality? No. But I do coach the punt returners myself. Always have. So we'll find out very quickly," Parcells said. "And I don't know whether we'll even use him if he could do it. We'll see what we have."

Jones and Parcells never interviewed Newman, even canceling a get-together scheduled for last week under the premise they didn't think he'd last until No. 5.

Odds are it was just typical draft gamesmanship. They said extensive research by their scouts made them comfortable taking him.

Although Newman was worried the cancelation meant they didn't want him, he's happy to play for a team he grew up watching. His mom lives in the area and is a Cowboys fan.

"This fits me perfect," he said. "All I can do is come in and do my best to compete and help out any way I can."

Parcells said he's hoping the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Johnson can solidify a position that has "held me hostage" and he's looking for Witten to help fill a position that's been "an integral part of the offensive style that we try to run."

"Jason Witten is a big, fast guy who's shown the ability to catch the ball well and hopefully can block adequately enough to allow us to do some things," Parcells said, offering as much praise as he gave any of the picks.

Jones said Dallas wanted an offensive lineman in either the second or third round because of all the problems they had there last season.

If Johnson can win the center job, Andre Gurode can stay at guard and Matt Lehr and Tyson Walter can be backups. Parcells also was glad to have such versatility.

 

Related information

Stories

Peter King: NFL Draft -- Five things I think I think, Part 1 Palmer first Heisman winner at No. 1 since '87 In stunning move, Bills take chance on McGahee Peter King: NFL Draft -- Five things I think I think, part IV Palmer nervously, officially becomes a Bengal After trading up, Jets get their man: Robertson Lions draft WR Rogers for 'accountability' Don Banks: Ravens reflect on their draft's good luck Burning Questions: Ravens' draft

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video