1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:04,800 Speaker 1: We bring to you Dallas Cowboys Executive vice president Stephen Jones. 2 00:00:04,920 --> 00:00:09,520 Speaker 1: Good afternoon, sir, Good afternoon, Gas. How you doing. We're 3 00:00:09,560 --> 00:00:13,680 Speaker 1: doing pretty good. Great. I gotta know, how were you doing? 4 00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:16,800 Speaker 1: When Jerry was talking about first round grades and then 5 00:00:16,840 --> 00:00:19,639 Speaker 1: appeared to flash a sheet of paper that looked like 6 00:00:19,720 --> 00:00:25,239 Speaker 1: it had y'all's grades on it. I thought it was 7 00:00:25,280 --> 00:00:27,840 Speaker 1: an interesting conversation. But we still got a lot of 8 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:31,600 Speaker 1: draft left, so there's some things on there we probably 9 00:00:31,640 --> 00:00:35,240 Speaker 1: don't want published. But obviously he was making his point. 10 00:00:35,280 --> 00:00:39,600 Speaker 1: And you know, like we said, we feel really good 11 00:00:39,600 --> 00:00:44,320 Speaker 1: about our pick and Tyler Smith and I really think 12 00:00:44,360 --> 00:00:45,960 Speaker 1: that he's going to bring a lot to the table 13 00:00:46,040 --> 00:00:48,640 Speaker 1: for us in terms of, you know, what we have 14 00:00:48,720 --> 00:00:53,080 Speaker 1: there in the offensive line. And you know that it 15 00:00:53,240 --> 00:00:55,200 Speaker 1: was getting pretty tense there at the end. We had 16 00:00:55,240 --> 00:00:57,840 Speaker 1: some options to move down, but we were certainly running 17 00:00:57,840 --> 00:01:00,840 Speaker 1: out of players that we were comfortable with taking in 18 00:01:00,880 --> 00:01:04,640 Speaker 1: the first round. Can you tell us anything more about that? 19 00:01:04,680 --> 00:01:07,400 Speaker 1: Because the rumblings were that the Titans might have been 20 00:01:07,400 --> 00:01:09,360 Speaker 1: trying to trade up to your very pick, maybe to 21 00:01:09,440 --> 00:01:13,320 Speaker 1: take the exact player that y'all took. Can you tell 22 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:17,920 Speaker 1: us and your fan base anything more about that. Well, 23 00:01:17,959 --> 00:01:21,800 Speaker 1: we had two two options right at the end, as 24 00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:25,320 Speaker 1: many as three along the way, and I think a player. 25 00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:27,720 Speaker 1: One team lost a player along the way, But we 26 00:01:27,760 --> 00:01:29,800 Speaker 1: had to want to pick while we were on the clock, 27 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:32,760 Speaker 1: and it's unfair to mention teams. But there was a 28 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:37,280 Speaker 1: team that I'm actually close with the coach and when 29 00:01:37,319 --> 00:01:39,479 Speaker 1: we took the player, he said, be glad you didn't 30 00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:41,280 Speaker 1: make the trade. That was who we were going to pick, 31 00:01:42,920 --> 00:01:45,200 Speaker 1: and so we didn't. I like it. I like that 32 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:48,200 Speaker 1: a lot, all right. So there are some thoughts on 33 00:01:48,480 --> 00:01:52,360 Speaker 1: Smith that he is h maybe not as polished as 34 00:01:52,400 --> 00:01:54,840 Speaker 1: a as a prospect to go straight in and just 35 00:01:54,960 --> 00:01:57,960 Speaker 1: run this thing. But watching him, he's strong, he has 36 00:01:58,040 --> 00:02:00,120 Speaker 1: quick feet. We're just kind of checking out what he 37 00:02:00,160 --> 00:02:02,080 Speaker 1: can do. He doesn't get beat by little guys too. 38 00:02:02,520 --> 00:02:04,760 Speaker 1: What did y'all love about him? And what is the 39 00:02:05,240 --> 00:02:08,840 Speaker 1: plan this year and into the future for him? Well, 40 00:02:08,880 --> 00:02:11,000 Speaker 1: I think Mike was cleared and it's a good plan 41 00:02:11,160 --> 00:02:13,960 Speaker 1: that the one that we've all bought into. You know, 42 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:16,359 Speaker 1: he's going to play on the left side there. Uh, 43 00:02:16,560 --> 00:02:19,600 Speaker 1: you know, Tyrants probably the best in the business at 44 00:02:19,680 --> 00:02:22,440 Speaker 1: left tackle. But at the same time, we all know 45 00:02:22,840 --> 00:02:25,480 Speaker 1: the past four or five years he's miss tying and uh, 46 00:02:25,919 --> 00:02:27,720 Speaker 1: you know, it's important that we have a guy who 47 00:02:27,760 --> 00:02:30,679 Speaker 1: can slide out there and you know, be more than adequate. 48 00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:36,320 Speaker 1: And uh certainly, ultimately I do think, uh, Tyler Smith, 49 00:02:36,960 --> 00:02:39,960 Speaker 1: you know, can be a top left tackle in this league. 50 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:42,359 Speaker 1: This will obviously give him time a tyrant out there 51 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:45,760 Speaker 1: to develop into that. And in the meantime he'll be 52 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:49,360 Speaker 1: working there with Connor McGovern there at left guard, and 53 00:02:49,360 --> 00:02:52,400 Speaker 1: it'll create great competition. As we all know, all these 54 00:02:52,440 --> 00:02:57,040 Speaker 1: linemen play during the course of a season. And uh, 55 00:02:57,440 --> 00:03:00,160 Speaker 1: you know, feel good about the right side obviously, who 56 00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:03,160 Speaker 1: had a you know, we put a big resource into 57 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:07,240 Speaker 1: ball last year, and I think he's gonna hold down 58 00:03:07,280 --> 00:03:10,959 Speaker 1: the right side there and battle with steel and h 59 00:03:11,320 --> 00:03:13,400 Speaker 1: you know, be prepared to back up. It's something were 60 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:17,280 Speaker 1: to happen to Zach. So feel good about that. And 61 00:03:17,280 --> 00:03:19,560 Speaker 1: then we got a draft picked last year. Farniaco will 62 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:22,280 Speaker 1: be guy and competing there with buy days and we'll 63 00:03:22,320 --> 00:03:24,280 Speaker 1: see what the draft rings. I mean, we could, uh 64 00:03:24,680 --> 00:03:26,839 Speaker 1: you know, before it's over, add a little more depth there. 65 00:03:27,320 --> 00:03:29,960 Speaker 1: He certainly, you know, can't have enough big guys up 66 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:33,160 Speaker 1: front there. But feel good about what the future holds 67 00:03:33,200 --> 00:03:36,480 Speaker 1: for Tyler Smith and what he can do for us. 68 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:39,680 Speaker 1: He only played sixteen games at Tulsa. He is uh, 69 00:03:40,080 --> 00:03:42,240 Speaker 1: you know, he was red shirted and then he played 70 00:03:42,280 --> 00:03:45,720 Speaker 1: half a season because of the pandemic Tulsa didn't play 71 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:48,280 Speaker 1: a full slate of games, and then obviously played a 72 00:03:48,360 --> 00:03:51,080 Speaker 1: full slate this year. But you know, we think they're 73 00:03:51,160 --> 00:03:53,160 Speaker 1: straight up with him. He's only going to get better. 74 00:03:53,720 --> 00:03:55,680 Speaker 1: As you said, he's got all the tools. He's got 75 00:03:55,720 --> 00:03:59,320 Speaker 1: great length, he's got great size, great athletic ability. Does 76 00:03:59,360 --> 00:04:03,320 Speaker 1: have something you know that we'll clean up. But you know, 77 00:04:03,360 --> 00:04:06,080 Speaker 1: that's why you have coaches in the NFL. You bring 78 00:04:06,080 --> 00:04:08,760 Speaker 1: these guys in here and you coach them up and 79 00:04:08,760 --> 00:04:11,160 Speaker 1: and they get better. He certainly got the aptitude to 80 00:04:11,200 --> 00:04:14,920 Speaker 1: do it. You know, he's a smart young man and 81 00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:17,520 Speaker 1: just like I said, feel good about his future. Now. 82 00:04:17,720 --> 00:04:20,000 Speaker 1: One of the things that you are no doubt aware 83 00:04:20,040 --> 00:04:23,040 Speaker 1: of is folks favorite pastime in the world is to 84 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:26,719 Speaker 1: second guest draft picks. Now, the person taken right after 85 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:30,559 Speaker 1: y'all made your selection was what a lot of people 86 00:04:30,600 --> 00:04:32,880 Speaker 1: think is the best center in the draft. You just 87 00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:36,560 Speaker 1: mentioned the pick y'all made last year, and then be odish. 88 00:04:37,360 --> 00:04:41,120 Speaker 1: How do y'all feel about the center position? Can you 89 00:04:41,120 --> 00:04:42,720 Speaker 1: tell us a little bit more because you said there 90 00:04:42,720 --> 00:04:46,279 Speaker 1: could be a competition? Is there no established starter there 91 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:49,200 Speaker 1: right now or how do you feel about that? Yeah? 92 00:04:49,279 --> 00:04:51,440 Speaker 1: I think the oddest is the man to beat for sure. 93 00:04:52,040 --> 00:04:54,919 Speaker 1: You know, obviously Faniac is going to push him. But 94 00:04:55,320 --> 00:04:57,440 Speaker 1: I think the hot it just gets better each year. 95 00:04:57,640 --> 00:05:01,559 Speaker 1: And you know, we're just would be candid. We weren't 96 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:05,960 Speaker 1: into a center only type situation, you know, with what 97 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:08,240 Speaker 1: that brought to the table with the first round pick. 98 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:12,880 Speaker 1: You know, we wanted more flexibility in our offensive lineman 99 00:05:12,920 --> 00:05:16,159 Speaker 1: and certainly the ability to play the premier spot in 100 00:05:16,160 --> 00:05:18,960 Speaker 1: the line in the left tackle position. Uh, you know, 101 00:05:19,000 --> 00:05:23,520 Speaker 1: we just felt like a smith had more value in 102 00:05:23,560 --> 00:05:27,159 Speaker 1: the second round this evening the plan, Like, I know, 103 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:29,359 Speaker 1: we're all kind of looking at it right now. Is 104 00:05:29,400 --> 00:05:31,800 Speaker 1: there more of a plan to stay? Do you have 105 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:35,080 Speaker 1: interest in moving up? Is there a specific position on 106 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:38,080 Speaker 1: offense or defensive side that you're like, we now it's 107 00:05:38,080 --> 00:05:41,359 Speaker 1: time to go attack this a little more. Yeah, I 108 00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:44,240 Speaker 1: mean it's just uh, you know, it's two for one again. 109 00:05:44,360 --> 00:05:46,320 Speaker 1: I mean you got to sit there and say, is 110 00:05:46,360 --> 00:05:49,279 Speaker 1: there anyone as we moved forward. Uh, you know, is 111 00:05:49,279 --> 00:05:53,120 Speaker 1: there anyone you know worth that move up? And you know, 112 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:56,479 Speaker 1: you certainly, Uh, there's some good football players, as we 113 00:05:56,560 --> 00:06:00,200 Speaker 1: mentioned in some of the pre draft stuff this draft, 114 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:03,479 Speaker 1: as heavily waited toward the medals. So you want to 115 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:07,000 Speaker 1: be careful because you've got some great opportunities to really 116 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:09,279 Speaker 1: improve this football team. And I do think there's going 117 00:06:09,320 --> 00:06:12,160 Speaker 1: to be a really good football player sitting there when 118 00:06:12,200 --> 00:06:14,440 Speaker 1: we pick. But if there's a you know, the right 119 00:06:14,480 --> 00:06:17,200 Speaker 1: guy that we really like sitting there and it's a 120 00:06:17,279 --> 00:06:19,920 Speaker 1: surprise that he's sitting there, then we certainly would consider, 121 00:06:20,839 --> 00:06:23,760 Speaker 1: always would consider a move up if we felt like 122 00:06:23,839 --> 00:06:26,560 Speaker 1: that was the right thing to do, and vice versa. 123 00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:28,479 Speaker 1: If there's four or five guys sitting there, we like, 124 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:31,719 Speaker 1: you know, we're not going to hesitate to move down. 125 00:06:32,480 --> 00:06:36,200 Speaker 1: But just as we decided to do last night, we 126 00:06:36,240 --> 00:06:38,520 Speaker 1: didn't think the risk was worth the reward and turned 127 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:41,120 Speaker 1: out you know that it was right. Well, we were 128 00:06:41,200 --> 00:06:44,240 Speaker 1: right and staying right there and picking our gay. Obviously, 129 00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:47,760 Speaker 1: y'all are super busy during the draft. Do you get 130 00:06:47,800 --> 00:06:51,120 Speaker 1: the opportunity to like really focus on what some of 131 00:06:51,120 --> 00:06:53,880 Speaker 1: your divisional rivals are doing and like, what do you 132 00:06:53,960 --> 00:06:56,680 Speaker 1: think when you see a move for a J Brown 133 00:06:56,920 --> 00:07:00,760 Speaker 1: now coming into your division? I mean you take notice. 134 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:03,479 Speaker 1: I mean I think I said last night, you know, 135 00:07:03,520 --> 00:07:06,760 Speaker 1: the whole East got better last night. And you know 136 00:07:06,760 --> 00:07:09,720 Speaker 1: when you take draft picks, and especially high draft picks. 137 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:12,640 Speaker 1: The Giants had two picks in the top ten. The 138 00:07:12,680 --> 00:07:15,920 Speaker 1: Eagles were obviously loaded up with picks coming into the draft, 139 00:07:16,520 --> 00:07:20,040 Speaker 1: and uh certainly improved themselves. They use one of them 140 00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:22,680 Speaker 1: to go get a better player, and you know, another 141 00:07:22,680 --> 00:07:24,400 Speaker 1: one of them just to improve their team with a 142 00:07:24,440 --> 00:07:27,600 Speaker 1: big man. And I just feel like, uh, you know 143 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:32,080 Speaker 1: that they improved themselves as well. And Washington improved themselves 144 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:36,600 Speaker 1: with a really polished receiver. So you know, that's that's 145 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:38,760 Speaker 1: the nature of the game. That's why you have the draft. 146 00:07:38,840 --> 00:07:41,760 Speaker 1: I mean, end of the day. If you're in if 147 00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:43,920 Speaker 1: you're not getting better as a team when you when 148 00:07:43,960 --> 00:07:47,440 Speaker 1: you draft, and you need to look in the mirrors. 149 00:07:47,440 --> 00:07:51,000 Speaker 1: So uh, there's no question. Uh, you know, the East 150 00:07:51,040 --> 00:07:53,240 Speaker 1: got better, but the Cowboys got better too, and we're 151 00:07:53,240 --> 00:07:55,520 Speaker 1: going to get better over the next two days. We 152 00:07:55,600 --> 00:07:58,240 Speaker 1: have a fun logistical question for you that we've been 153 00:07:58,240 --> 00:08:03,080 Speaker 1: wondering all day. How exactly are the jerseys going to 154 00:08:03,120 --> 00:08:05,880 Speaker 1: go for Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith? Are we gonna 155 00:08:05,920 --> 00:08:08,720 Speaker 1: have to spell the first three letters to go along 156 00:08:08,760 --> 00:08:11,040 Speaker 1: with the last name on their jersey? You're gonna be 157 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:15,640 Speaker 1: for the Mariners? Great question. I guess they just had 158 00:08:15,720 --> 00:08:19,840 Speaker 1: to go buy the number. Okay, you're gonna have to 159 00:08:19,880 --> 00:08:22,160 Speaker 1: know who to who buy their number and uh and 160 00:08:22,320 --> 00:08:24,560 Speaker 1: go from there. But of course I had putting a lot. 161 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:26,080 Speaker 1: I hadn't put a lot of thought in that's what 162 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:29,840 Speaker 1: we're here for, Steven, that's what we're here for. Well, uh, well, 163 00:08:30,320 --> 00:08:32,480 Speaker 1: I know we'll have that sort of out here for 164 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:35,720 Speaker 1: the press conference at two, and Tyler will have his 165 00:08:35,840 --> 00:08:38,280 Speaker 1: number and we'll be ready to roll. Did you think 166 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:40,400 Speaker 1: Bob Danovich was gonna make it? And there's gonna be 167 00:08:40,400 --> 00:08:45,960 Speaker 1: a Game seven, the MAVs game? There you go. I'm 168 00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:48,839 Speaker 1: a little focused on this draft right now. It's a 169 00:08:49,160 --> 00:08:52,240 Speaker 1: it's a heavy DFW sports happiness right now. We're all 170 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:54,080 Speaker 1: getting a lot of it right now. And then the 171 00:08:54,240 --> 00:08:57,320 Speaker 1: last thing, I know, you can make things happen. The 172 00:08:57,400 --> 00:08:59,960 Speaker 1: last thing we would request is I saw a player 173 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:03,400 Speaker 1: profile of Tyler Smith and it said his favorite NFL 174 00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:06,280 Speaker 1: player growing up was Barry Sanders. So if there's anything 175 00:09:06,360 --> 00:09:09,880 Speaker 1: you can do to fix that, imitate, Yeah, we would 176 00:09:09,880 --> 00:09:14,680 Speaker 1: really appreciate it. Well, I'm sure he will. I'm sure 177 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:17,520 Speaker 1: he's gonna get a lot of cowboy on him real quick, 178 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:21,280 Speaker 1: and no one. Like I said, he's a smart young 179 00:09:21,360 --> 00:09:23,199 Speaker 1: man and I'm sure he'll figure this out. And I 180 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:25,679 Speaker 1: heard there you go. Thank you very much, get sir, 181 00:09:25,679 --> 00:09:28,720 Speaker 1: appreciate your time. Thanks guys. Thank here.