The Cowboys fell in love with David LaFleur before the 1997 NFL Draft and were determined to select him come hell or high-water. Getting nervous, Jerry Jones traded a third-round selection to a division rival, the Eagles, to move up a few spots so the Cowboys would be assured of getting LaFleur. What they received was a devastating blocker with shaky hands to say the least. Still, despite his many flaws, you see moments of domination in his play.

From 1997-1999, LaFleur was averaging a modest 19 catches per season for a sorry 7.8 yards per catch with 2 touchdowns. Last season, however, he played well and posted 35 catches for 322 yards. More importantly, he was a huge target in the end zone and scored seven big touchdowns while reducing the number of dropped passes that haunted both he and Eric Bjornson. Along the way, he also used his big body to open huge holes for Emmitt Smith. If the man could stay healthy and motivated, he could be something special.

At LSU, it was common knowledge that LaFleur experienced back spasms and I questioned the drafting of a man so big with such an injury history-- especially so soon after the great tight end Jay Novacek was forced into retirement due to chronic back pain. True to form, LaFleur underwent surgery to relieve pressure due to a herniated disk in his back. Other injuries in his career include a fractured right ankle, which required surgery. He needs to produce a big year in 2000, but currently he has missed most of training camp with a tender, uh, groin. It has plagued him throughout the off-season, and now it appears that it will be a problem throughout the 2000 season.

This really is a make or break year for David LaFleur. A free agent after the season, he needs to continue and build upon the solid progress he made in 1999. With great weapons at wide receiver, he should have room to roam in the middle of the field. It's up to him to make the most of his opportunity, and to prove this critic wrong. In my opinion, he has yet to prove his worth and justify the draft selections it took to sign him. And Jerry Jones, while not stating as much, brought in veteran Jackie Harris to provide some not so subtle motivation.

Backup: Jackie Harris- Louisiana Monroe  -  10th Season     Mike Luckey Arizona 2nd Year

First, the name Jackie in a Cowboys uniform brings back some bad memories. Geezz, wide open in the end zone! Oh well, moving on, this Jackie was brought in to motivate and push David LaFleur. He's a veteran who knows how to get open, and he will be insurance if LaFleur breaks down physically. He brings a good attitude to the locker room, and was on a Super Bowl team last season. He's had a very good training camp in 2000, but did get into a fight with DE Ebenezer Ekuban-- who outweighs him by thirty pounds. Not too smart, Jackie! Still, Aikman seems to have confidence in Harris, and that is important since the middle of the field should be an area where Harris and Aikman can make defenses pay for double coverage on the wide receivers.

Mike Luckey was a seventh-round long-shot to make the team as a rookie last season. He's not much of a pass catcher, and he made David LaFleur's hands look golden. Still, he was an effective blocker when asked to do so. Unfortunately, he tore multiple knee ligiments, and he is out for the season. In fact, his future in football is now in doubt. Now, the search for a blocking tight ends is underway, again. Such a search is terrifying to me given the lack of success in this area over the past few seasons. Please, just don't bring in Kendall Watkins or burn a draft pick in the search! Personally, instead of using a spare tight end off the waiver wire, I'd use an offensive line reserve players as the blocking tight end! That would open up a valuable roster spot elsewhere.

Major Losses : Eric Bjornson - Washington  -  6th Season 

First, let me get Bjornson's positives out of the way. He has good hands and usually catches balls thrown his way. Other than that, he is slow, injury prone, cannot get open, has mental breakdowns where he constantly catches critical third-down passes short of a first-down. An ex-quarterback and wide receiver at the University of Washington, Bjornson signed a free agency deal with the New England Patriots. He's being asked to make Patriots fans forget Ben Coates. Fat chance. Good luck, Eric-- and good riddance! His exit was about five years too late!

Rookie Impact: None