Now that Oklahoma Roy Williams has been release from the team, let’s take a quick look back at some players Dallas passed on in order to acquire Roy back in 2002. First, let’s set the scene:
Dallas was slated with the #6 pick, which they swapped out with Kansas City for #8 in a trade. The 8th pick in the draft was made by Dallas for defensive safety Roy Williams. Players of note drafted above him were QB David Carr, DE Julius Peppers, and QB Joey Harrington. Now let’s look at the players taken AFTER Roy in the 2002 draft, and daydream about “what if” they had come to Dallas:
11. Dwight Freeney, DE, Syracuse
One of the best defensive ends in the leauge. Imagine Freeney on one end and DeMarcus Ware on the other. Super. Bowl.
14. Jeremy Shockey, TE, Miami
Okay, let’s be honest. Shockey’s an ass. But he REALLY wants to win. And he fights. He’s tough. He makes plays. That about says it.
13. Donte Stallworth, WR, Tennessee
A quality #2 or #3 receiver, not fully appreciated in New England. But definitely contributes more than Roy.
15. Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee
The defensive player with the biggest contract in the league. ‘Nuff said.
20. Javon Walker, WR, Florida State
A talented receiver plagued by injuries. Considered hard to work with by some QBs. A diva, perhaps. But I bet he knows his playbook. Sorry, Roy.
26. Lito Sheppard, CB, Florida
Again, I can barely bear to think it. Dallas could have picked one of the elite cornerbacks in the league. Good thing the front office saw the value of a horsecollarer!
29. Marc Colombo, OT, Boston College
Well, Colombo ended up here anyway, but isn’t he 10 times the player of a Roy Williams? Seriously. Should’ve given him the money and the pick instead.
51. Clinton Portis, RB, Miami
This hurts. I mean REALLY hurts. Portis is among the top 5 running backs in the league every year. Who did the Cowboys have at running back in 2002? Exactly. I don’t remember either.
65. Deion Branch, WR, Louisville
A skilled receiver who was touted as something special, but has been plagued by injuries. Perhaps this year he’ll show us why he’s the #2 receiver for Seattle.
91. Brian Westbrook, RB, Villanova
Wait. What?!?!? Seriously? THE Brian Westbrook? I’m going to be sick. Violently ill, even. Best swing pass receiving running back of the decade. A #1 or #2 Fantasy Football draft pick every single year. He is the reason the Eagles aren’t the Lions.
207. Chester Taylor, RB, Toledo
Another solid player. Playing backup to the great Adrian Peterson, but putting up 700-900 yds per season on average in his own right. A reliable player.
235. Ronald Curry, QB, North Carolina
Is this the SAME Ronald Curry that has been the Raiders top receiver? Looks like it, and he’d definitely have produced more than Roy Williams, even at very bottom of the draft.
That about does it for this little walk down fantasy lane. Whew! I’m exhausted. Good thing we had Roy Horsecollar Williams! We might have gotten stuck with one of these guys. Close one!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
umm, wheres Ed Reed, the best safety drafted in 10 years at least, in this list?
umm, wheres Ed Reed, the best safety drafted in 10 years at least, in this list?