Dallas Cowboys' choices reflect immediate plan

The Cowboys went into Saturday saying they would draft for now, and they followed that plan almost to the letter.

They passed on Illinois halfback Rashard Mendenhall to get Arkansas halfback Felix Jones because Jones has a style more complementary to the mauling Marion Barber.

They moved up to grab South Florida's Mike Jenkins because he's as pro-ready as they come at corner.

"That's what you hope; your first- and second-round guys can contribute," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "We feel good about all of them."

Each of the picks has a specific role that he can fill right away.

Felix Jones is expected to play different spots, in and out of the backfield. He also possesses the skills to contribute on passing downs, possibly allowing the coaches to position him and Barber on the field at the same time. Plus, his return skills should allow for an immediate impact on special teams.

"I bring some versatility," Jones said.

Though Jenkins won't play every down, the myriad substitution packages the Cowboys run on defense should allow him plenty of playing time. Even with the recent addition of veteran cornerback Pacman Jones, Dallas coveted Jenkins enough to deal its fifth- and seventh-round picks to move up three slots, from 28th to 25th, to grab Jenkins.

"The three years I was in San Diego, and here, the fourth corner has played a lot," Phillips said. "I think you can't get enough good corners."

Bennett proves that the Cowboys feel similarly about tight ends, a principle Jerry Jones said was instilled by former coach Bill Parcells.

All three picks reflect the team's philosophy of playing for today and worrying about tomorrow later.

"It's always great to bring them along," Phillips said. "We do expect them to help us some this year. When you take a first-round pick, you hope he helps you some, and we think both of those guys will be able to do that."

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