Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:04 PM)

Listening to new playlist I put together last night. Tamia, Bruno Mars and Think Like a Man soundtrack is the foundation. Old school. R&B. Cowboys, Mavs, Rangers, the draft, Larry Brown and SMU. It's all good. And if you want to continue the conversation on Twitter hit me at @JJT_ESPNDallas. Let's go!!

Kevin (Arlington)

Which current mavs players are unlikely to return if deron williams is signed next year?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:06 PM)

That's hard to say right now becasue we don't know what exact salary-cap implications will be. I'd say Dirk will return. Everyone else is up in the air, including Jet, Marion and Haywood. That said, the Mavs have earned the benefit of the doubt. You can trust they'll make a good decision. If not, we'll have a lot to debate. The whole key is signing Williams. If they don't get him, it has been an epic falure

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

When will we see Yu Darvish against Hiroki Kuroda in a game between the Yankees & the Rangers?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:07 PM)

tonight. 7 pm. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Yu better command his fastball or it will be a long night and he won't make it through the 5th

Ez 28 (Davis, CA)

Barron, Decastro, and Cox of the board. You taking Brockers or Poe?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:08 PM)

I would never, ever take Poe in the first round. The Cowboys don't need a boom or bust dude. They need ANYONE who can play. In that scenario, Brockers is the guy

Nick (Iowa)

Do you think the Cowboys will look for immediate contibutors in this years draft or young depth that can start in the future?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:09 PM)

When u finish 8-8 u need immediate contributors. The Cowboys aren't good enough to draft red-shirt players such as David Arkin, who they selected in the fourth round. Guy selected in the top 3 rounds MUST come in and contribute at a high level

Alex (CA)

If Cox, DeCastro, and Barron are all gone at 14, can you please explain why Brockers would be the better pick over Poe? In that event, help us fans understand the pick. Thanks.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:11 PM)

Brockers was a good player in the best college football conference in the country. He has the size to be a terriific 3-4 DE, which is what this team needs. Poe didn't always play hard and didn't dominate an average football conference. He might be good or he might be just a fat guy in the NFL. Dallas cant afford the bust factor. That's why I'd pass on Poe. Workout wonders don't impress me. Production on the football field does. Call me old fashioned.

Joe (Charlotte NC)

With all the clout being given to player like Upshaw, Barron, and Kirpatrick from Alabama could the Cowboys secretly be eyeing Hightower because of his flexibility in a Rob Ryan scheme?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:13 PM)

I don't think so. He'd be 4th on my list of Alabama defenders given this team's needs. In order of Alabama defenders, I'd take Barron, Kirkpatrick, Upshaw and hightower

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:19 PM)

U raise a good point. I looked up ALL the DL from LSU taken in the first round during the past decade. There have been three first rounders: Marcus Spears, Tyson Jackson (2009) and Glenn Dorsey. Spears has been solid, but unspectacular, which is what yu could also say about Dorsey. Jackson took a pay cut to stay with Chiefs. It doesn't mean Brockers won't be good, but I wouldn't just dismiss it

Joe m (Auburn,Ca)

Why is it that the talk about getting DeCastro in the first round has gone so quiet ? I understand the need for defense, however some of the best cowboy teams were when they had a dominating O line and in my mind Decastro paired with Smith and Free is a great start to get us back to the glory days. Your thoughts?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:21 PM)

The defense was a much bigger issue than the offense last season and the Cowboys signed two guards in FA and have two others who played last season that could fill the spot. DeCastro is fine, but bigger needs exist other places

Carlton (Florida)

what are the chances are we pick up SS, M. Barron? and how would that boost up our def?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:23 PM)

If Barron is still there, he'll be hard to pass up. He can cover TEs but might struggle the further he moves away from the line of scrimmage. That said, he'll bring some attitude to this defense, which is sorely needs. The Cowboys have been raving about him since the middle of the college football season. He would help quite a bit. He would help run defense. The Cowboys could use a thumper, and he's supposed to be excellent against TEs in coverage

Dan (Dallas)

Why is the NBA taking so long to hand down the punishment for Artest?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:23 PM)

They mmight be tryng to figure out how long James Harden is going to be out to match the punishment with the injury

Justin (Arlington)

What do you think about the possibility of the Cowboys drafting the WR Broyles from OU? He was tremendously productive in college but is coming off an ACL injury.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:24 PM)

You know how much the Cowboys love guys with torn ACLs such as Sean Lee (2010) and Bruce Carter (2011). Broyles in the fourth round is fine. ANy earlier and I'll just shake my head

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

I know you are not a fan of trading back, but trading back 4 or 5 spots can net you another late 2nd round or early 3rd round pick. If Barron is there for the 'Boys, however, I'm taking him.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:26 PM)

trading down in the first round will net the cowboys an additional 3rd round pick. Of the 14 players the Cowboys have selected in the third round since 2000, Jason Witten is the only Pro Bowl performer. So we should assume they're taking a lesser player by moving down, and they won't get a difference-maker in the third round. Stay put and get the guy you WANT - not the guy who's left

Marty (Dallas, TX)

Poe = Mamula. Ask the Eagles if they want to try that one again....

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:26 PM)

don't think so

cd wv [via mobile]

Any chance of Dallas pulling off a trade to Cleveland at 4 by giving up f Jones 2,4 and taking richardson and barring at 14

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:29 PM)

there u again trying to give a player you could not care less about for a first round pick. Why would Cleveland do that? You can move up to 4, but it would cost Dallas its second and third and they'd get a 5th back. I don't think that's a good idea

Bryan (Springdale, AR)

Wow, short chat today...they just keep getting shorter and shorter with the ESPN Dallas crew...and to think I brag about how objective you guys are.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:31 PM)

what are u talking about. I've never done a chat less than 30 minutes. and 90 percent of them are an hour. The other 10 percent are 45 minutes. If you have a problem with someone else's chat length, then mention that person by name and don't put me in it.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Can the Cowboys pull off a steal and get Jenoris Jenkins with their second round pick? Claiborne is the only corner with more talent in this draft.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:31 PM)

The Cowboys have NO interest in knuckleheads. None. Zero. Zip. NO CHANCE the Cowboys will take - even if he was available in the 7th round. They don't want knuckleheads or drug guys under Jason Garrett. Period.

Mike (Lewisville)

Do you think either Felix Jones or Mike Jenkins will be Cowboys beyond next season or will the Cowboys let them walk?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:33 PM)

They'll both be gone. Actually, Felix could return if he takes a club friendly deal. Jenkins will either have a great year that will price him out of the market or he'll struggle and they'll cut him. Carr got $50 million and has never made the Pro Bowl. Jenkins has made one. You can do the math

NYC Cowsheep (NYC)

JJT, Let's put aside the 1st Round. Anyone on your radar that the Cows should keep in mind that can be Day 2 or Day 3 gems? This team has so many holes, hopefully we can find a diamond in the rough.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:34 PM)

sorry, I don't follow the draft closely enough after the first round to give you names. All my years on the Cowboys beat burned me out from that perspective. That said, they need to focus on defense in rounds 2 and 3. The offense is good enough to compete at a high level, but the offense ain't

Jack (Ft. Worth)

Better odds of playing in Dallas next year: Josh Hamilton or Deron Williams?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:35 PM)

great question. I'm going to put it out on Twitter. I'd say Hamilton because the Nets can pay Williams nearly $30M more than Mavs can. That's a LOT of money to turn down

Brad (Toronto)

I heard a rumor that Kidd wants to go back to the Nets.. how accurate is that? It wouldn't make sense for Kidd to go to a rebuilding team.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:37 PM)

he has a house in the hamptons, he just bought. But he doesn't want to play for the Nets.. They have no chance to win a title in the next 2 years.

Nathan (Longview Tx)

I know your gonna say take the best player on your board at 14. But isnt the draft like women? It's a numbers game, the more you try the better chance you have of getting a good one. So why not make a trade with New England if possible? Grab a defensive guy and get that tight end from stanford!

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:38 PM)

nope. U take the best player, plug him in and let him go. Good team can throw darts. Mediocre teams need ball players. They can't afford to miss.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Should Mustang fans be excited about the hiring of Larry Brown and the credibility and possible success having him on the sideline brings? Or counting the days until he gets bored, leaves for a better job, or retires?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:39 PM)

sure they should be excited. He's better than Matt Doherty. But I think it's doomed to failure. There are so many hurdles to overcome. I don't know that a 71 YO Hall of Fame coach has the patience to work through it

Nathan (Longview Tx)

Why are you so high on Barron? He is not what we need. We dont need a safety who plays in the box and stuffs the run. Dont we need a guy with range? A guy who can cover all the talented recivers in the east?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:41 PM)

he's a thumper for sure and he's been lauded for his ability to cover tight ends. Tight ends are the latest rage, so you'll get your money's worth if he can handle Vernon Davis and Jimmy Graham and the other top TEs in the league

Jerry Jones (The Stadium)

Do I need to cut my losses with Romo if he falters again next year, costing me, and my team, more wins and respect? This stadium is too expensive for me not to be going deep into the playoffs.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:41 PM)

dude, that's so far off. If everyone played their position as well as Romo, this team would win 11 games. He's not greated than 10th on the list of this team's problems

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Do you think the league office will suspend Metta World Crazy for the remainder of the season?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:42 PM)

i'd suspend him for the first 2 series of the playoffs

Ted (Dallas)

No knucklehaeds under Jason Garrett? Explain Dez Bryant.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:42 PM)

garrett wasn't the head coach when he was drafted. If he was, he wouldn;t be here

Dustin (NC)

I know you dont want the Cowboys to trade back. What if the Cowboys trade up to get Barron. Say they moved up a a couple spots to catch teams off guard? Say they traded with KC?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:43 PM)

i wouldn't give up an additional 3rd to get Barron. I'd stay and take the dude I wanted when it was my turn to pick

Dustin (NC)

JJT I think I like Barron more for his leadership role on a major college program that win titles. That is something this defense can use. I think alot of fans over looks this with him. People don't understand how much difference a great leader can make on a team.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:44 PM)

leadership is fine. He won't be a leader when he first get hurt. That's important, but I want players. I'll worry about leadership later

Corey (D.C.)

I read every ESPN NFL chat religiously, but am so turned off by your attitude that I cant read yours anymore. You claim to "keep it real" and that people just cant handle it (ego stroke much?), but the reality is you are an arrogant jerk for no reason to your own followers. The floor is yours to rip me in your typical condescending fashion....

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:44 PM)

be blessed

Bevomav (Dallas)

From what I read the Cowboys have a good board but Jerry goes off the reservation and just grabs someone instead of the highest ranked player..One, do you believe this is true and two, if true is there anyone in the room who can stand up to Jerry?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:45 PM)

not true - aside from Quincy Carter back in the day

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:46 PM)

actually, you're taught to swing at a pitch u like. If u like the first one then swing at it. SOme guys like Hamilton might only see one strike, so they swing at it. Also pitchers try to get ahead 0-1, so they often throw strikes on the first pitch. As more pitchers see their approach, they'll get feweer strikes on the first pitch and they'll have to go deeper in the count

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Who's under more pressure to win big this year in the state of Texas, Mack Brown or Jason Garrett?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:47 PM)

another good question. I might have to put that on Twitter too. I'd say Jason. Mack ain't getting fired. Jason probably won't, but there's always that chance with Jerry in charge.

Nathan (Longview Tx)

Corey from DC is a dumb@%! Keep it real JTT!

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:48 PM)

i don't know why he's so sensitive. I'm not for everyone. Never claimed to be. I do me. No more, no less.

Rick (TX)

I've been in DFW for one NBA ring and two WS - does any of that compare in the slightest to the buzz when the Cowboys are doing well?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:49 PM)

sadly, no. We think it does because it has been so long since the Cowboys made a deep playoff run. Think about it: one playoff win in 17 years. Wow. That's is a loooooooong time not to have a shot at a title

clayton (wichita falls tx )

do u agree with mark cuban that this mavs team is better then last years i dont see how and do u think their is any way they get back to the top. thanks

Bevomav (Dallas)

Follow up to my last question..If not true should they consider someone to help them with the draft, especially on later rounds?

JJT

  (1:50 PM)

u can always continue conversation on Twitter at JJT_ESPNDallas. 10 minutes to go

Jason (Dallas)

What do you think of the Cowboys picking Brockers from LSU at 14? Sounds like he's a stout run stopper but doesn't offer much pass rush ability. Is that what the Cowboys need?

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Will the Texans have a better year than Dallas for the second consecutive season?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:51 PM)

i would think so. They should be a contender this season

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Will the Cowboys take a running back somewhere in the draft given Murray and Jones track record of being injury prone?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:52 PM)

i don't think so. They'll probably add one as a priority FA

Jason (Houston)

Any chance at Vinny Curry in the 2nd round? Thoughts on him?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:53 PM)

sorry, I have none. Outside of the 1st round, I don't too much attention to the draft. Baseball and basketball are higher priorities this time of year.

gregory brown (dallas)

Do you seriously think Jerry Jones will try and trade down ...does he think we're that stocked to trade down really ...with most of the same players we had last year ......hmmmm

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:53 PM)

I don't think there's any doubt, they want to trade down. You need a partner, though. Everyone wants to go down. They should stay put and take the guy they WANT at that spot. It aint complicated

clayton (wichita falls tx )

do u think this mavs team is better then last year like cuban claims

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:56 PM)

heck no. In fairness, I think he said it earlier this season. I didn't believe it then either.

clayton (wichita falls tx )

who of the 4 dfw teams is most like ly to win a championship this year ? id say rangers what do u think and why

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:56 PM)

the rangers. easy. I don't know of they will, but they'll be in the playoffs and have a chance to do it again

Vince (Philly)

How bout this Fletcher Cox? Get him and move Ratliff outside?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:57 PM)

i'm pretty sure he'll be gone by No. 14

clayton (wichita falls tx )

do the mavs have a deep playoff run in them

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:58 PM)

I don't see any tangible evidence they can win a playoff series against OKC or the Lakers

Casey (VA)

You always say, "take the best player available", yet if Barron or DeCastro are both there you say Barron. DeCastro is regarded as the sixth best player in this draft, he definitely would be the best player available. Please explain.

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (1:59 PM)

if Barron ad DeCastro are both available, it would depend on the Cowboys board. But if one was 6th and one was 7th, then I'd take the dude who filled a need. If one was 6th and one was 16, then I'd take No.6

Carlton (Florida)

What are your thoughts on getting a 3rd WR to fit in our system? and who you think would fit rite in?

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (2:00 PM)

they'll probaby draft a WR in the 4th round

Jean-Jacques Taylor

  (2:01 PM)

time for me to get to work on my column about WHY THE COWBOYS SHOULD NOT TRADE DOWN (surprise, surprise). It'll be on espndallas.com later tonight. If you want to chat later, hit me at JJT_ESPNDallas on Twitter. As my followers will attest, I respond to virtually every question. Peace