By Gerry Fraley
The Dallas Morning News
This is the NFL's version of looking for a needle in a haystack. Try to find the members of the Cowboys' draft class of 2009 on the field during today's game at Indianapolis.
It will be a challenge.
The Cowboys plan on having only two players from the dismal Class of '09 involved: kicker David Buehler and reserve linebacker Victor Butler. It has been this way all season.
As picks from the 2009 draft come of age with other clubs, the Cowboys have only an improving kicker, a backup linebacker and a hobbled tight end to show for their work. This is hardly the boost owner and general manager Jerry Jones expected this season from what he called a "red shirt" draft class.
"We've had some players we had to walk away from, and that's disappointing," said Stephen Jones, executive vice president and director of player personnel. "But we believed we were drafting players with talent, and we still believe the players who are here can help us."
The misses from 2009 will lead to a talent gap that will force the Cowboys to dive into the high-priced world of free agency to make up for the shortfall. The 2009 draft also increases the pressure on the Cowboys to do well in the next draft, when they could be among the top 10 for the first time since 2003.
Where are they now?
Whatever happened to the Class of '09?
Five picks have been released: linebackers Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge; defensive backs DeAngelo Smith, Michael Hamlin and Mike Mickens.
Four picks cannot get on the field. Linebacker Brandon Williams has been active for two games, two more than the total for offensive tackle Robert Brewster and wide receiver Manny Johnson. Quarterback Stephen McGee has been active for five games but has not left the sideline.
One pick is injured. Promising tight end John Phillips went out during training camp because of a damaged knee, the official injury of this class. Hodge and Brandon Williams also had knee surgeries.
"My mom told me that we should all buy a lottery ticket, because our [class'] luck has been bad," Butler said. "It'll change."
The Cowboys are dead last in the NFL when it comes to production from the 2009 draft. Count the ways in which they trail:
