First Draft Activity: Ayodele + Fasano= 4th Rounder
According to the DMN blog, the Cowboys have traded linebacker Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano to the Miami Dolphins for a fourth round pick this weekend. It is possible that neither player was going to contribute as much in 2008, but a 4th rounder seems low for these two.
Here’s the impact:
Linebacker
Ayodele’s tackles dropped from 84 to 57 between 2006 and 2007. With the signing of Zach Thomas this off-season, Ayodele appeared as if he would need to fight to keep his starting job. Thomas has had concussion problems, and whether he can survive the season is a big question. If/when Thomas cannot play, Bobby Carpenter is the primary backup.
Tight End
In two seasons, Fasano had 28 catches for 269 yards and one touchdown. His biggest play of the season, though, was a dropped pass against the Giants in the playoffs. His loss means that Tony Curtis should see more playing time. In 2007, Curtis has only three receptions, but all were for touchdowns.
Fourth Round Hits and Misses
The Cowboys have had a little bit of success during the fourth rounds of drafts this decade, but there were also quite a few misses.
Hits: Dallas had two fourth round hits in 2004 with Marion Barber and Chris Canty. Bradie James was a fourth rounder in 2003.
Misses: Other fourth round picks this decade: CB Kareem Larrimore (2000), LB Markus Steele (2001), FB Jamar Martin (2002), CB Bruce Thornton (2004), WR Skyler Green (2006).
Undetermined: WR Isaiah Stanback (2007), T Doug Free (2007).
