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FRISCO, Tex. -- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had plenty on his mind besides the NFL draft over the weekend. Jones said he was skeptical of a report from TMZ regarding another failed drug test by suspended defensive end Randy Gregory. Gregory is already serving a year-long suspension for repeated violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
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"I would be very skeptical," Jones said Sunday when asked about the TMZ report of Gregory not only failing a seventh test but also blowing off NFL drug treatment officials attempting to contact him, thus putting his future reinstatement and career in jeopardy.
Jones even acknowledges that he has optimistic hopes of Gregory returning to the league because of possible negotiations regarding changes to the NFL's drug policy in regards to marijuana.
Jones says that Gregory is in a good place and has a lot of support as he continues to deal with his issues, better than last year and at any time since he's been in the league.
Jones also vehemently denied a report that the team was trying to trade veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick during the draft.
"Absolutely not," Jones said when asked if they were trying to trade Scandrick. "That is completely erroneous. He is a valued member of our team. There is absolutely nothing we would do with Orlando other than have him on the field."
The news of a possible trade did not sit well with the prickly Scandrick.
"It's out of my control," Scandrick said via text. "If they don't want me, I'm just waiting it out."
Again, Jones denied it.
He said he plans to talk Scandrick to clear up the confusion, especially since the Cowboys took three cornerbacks in the draft.
Considering the free-agent losses at cornerback, moving Scandrick was curious at best. The only experienced players at the position on the roster are second-year man Anthony Brown and free-agent signee Nolan Carroll.
Round 1/28 - Taco Charlton, DE, 6-6, 277, Michigan
The Cowboys came into the draft desperate for a pass rusher. Charlton was the highest ranked one left on their board.
Round 2/60 -- Chidobe Awuzie, CB, 6-0, 202, Colorado
Awuzie is a versatile and physical defender who can play cornerback, slot and safety. He will compete for a starting role.
Round 3/92 -- Jourdan Lewis, CB, 5-10, 188, Michigan
A solid cover corner, Lewis was the Big 10 defensive back of the year over the more highly touted teammate Jabrill Peppers. Will play slot in the NFL.
Round 4/133 - Ryan Switzer, WR, 5-8, 181, North Carolina
This was the best punt returner in the draft and the Cowboys have already given him Lucky Whitehead's duties as the team's primary returner.
Round 6/191 - Xavier Woods, S, 5-11, 197, Louisiana Tech
The Cowboys gave him a fourth-round grade and traded next year's fifth-round pick to move up 20 spots to get him. Will compete for a starting role.
Round 6/216 -- Marquez White, CB, 6-0, 194, Florida State
A big physical cornerback who is an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli's cover 2 scheme.
Round 7/228 -- Joey Ivie, DT, 6-3, 301, Florida
A physical interior tackle who will be the team's one-technique of the future if not as a rookie.
Round 7/239 - Noah Brown, WR, 6-2, 221, Ohio State
A big wide receiver known for making contested catches. Should also make an impact on special teams.
Round 7/246 - Jordan Carrell, DT, 6-3, 300, Colorado
Marinelli likes to find nose tackles late in the draft. Carrell is a project but he has interior pass-rush moves.
