Dallas Cowboys 2012 Draft: Could Memphis DT Dontari Poe Be an Option in Round 1?

My scouting report on Dontari Poe is up at the Times today, so click the link to get the full story. Here is a clip:

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Most players who weigh nearly 350 pounds need to lose weight.  Poe is the rare exception; he carries that weight extremely well.  His quickness and explosiveness are rare.  He shows a natural bend and supreme athleticism whenever he’s on the field.

Poe’s work ethic and desire are question marks.  On one hand, he has obviously been in the weight room, and he seems to enjoy playing football.  On the other, Poe seems to give up at times.  It is difficult to tell whether this is a conditioning issue, or a sign of something more serious.

You would think Poe would be nothing but a power player in the middle of the field, but that isn’t true.  While he has the ability to destroy smaller interior linemen, he doesn’t always do it.  At times, Poe seems to brace for impact before being blocked.  He doesn’t garner consistent pressure against either the run or pass, which isn’t a good sign.  Other times, however, he blows through blockers and cannot be stopped.  He’s an inconsistent player with the potential for dominating play.

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After Poe’s ridiculous combine performance (44 reps and a 4.98 40-yard dash at 346 pounds), he’s a surefire first-round selection.  Actually, there’s a chance he may not even be on the board for Dallas at pick No. 14.

If Poe is available, I still think the Cowboys should pass on him.  Many of you know I support the idea of acquiring a mammoth nose tackle of and moving Jay Ratliff to end for more plays, but I don’t think Poe is the right guy.

 Despite his size, Poe isn’t consistently dominant inside.  He has immense upside, but the Cowboys have too many holes to use their first draft pick on a player with a very low floor.  I’m really hoping Poe isn’t their man.

Previous Scouting Reports

Michael Brockers, DT/DE, LSU

Devon Still, DT/DE, Penn State

Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida/North Alabama

Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia