Cowboys 2010 Draft: A Nightmare Scenario

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For the sake of argument (and because we still have a month until the draft), we wanted to take a look at a “nightmare” draft for the Dallas Cowboys—the worst possible combination of 26 players taken before their selection.  This could provide us with a clearer understanding of what sort of player the Cowboys could secure should everything go haywire.

Players sure to be gone

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Jason Pierre- Paul, DE, USF

Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

Cowboys’ options that could be gone (each player given a 1-10 chance of being available)

Earl Thomas, S, Texas (2)

Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State (4)

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (3)

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers (3)

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland (6)

Charles Brown, OT, USC (5)

Mike Iupati, G, Idaho (5)

Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan (4)

Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida (7)

Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma (2)

Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama (2)

Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State (7)

Nate Allen, S, USF (9)

Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas (4)

Highest players left on our board

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Morgan is an excellent talent, but he may not fit the Cowboys’ scheme.  What would the team do if a top-tier player who does not fit their style of play drops to pick No. 27?

Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida

We have Spikes rated higher than most.  He would be a reach if the Cowboys used their first selection on him (not because of his talent, but because of his value to other teams).

Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

We just profiled McCourty and we really love his skill set.  Not many people would be thrilled with selecting a cornerback in the first round, but McCourty’s return ability might make it worth the investment.

Jahvid Best, RB, California

Best is obviously not a legitimate option for the Cowboys.

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Price is another player most do not believe can fit well into a 3-4 defense.  We believe he could make the transition to the five-technique though, so it will be interesting to see what Dallas does if Price is the best player left on their board.

Other Options

Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech

Great range and a natural fit in the Dallas D, but he is a reach at pick No. 27.

DeMaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

We really do not think the Cowboys will address the wide receiver position early in the draft.

Taylor Mays, S, USC

The Cowboys have had Mays in for a visit and they are apparently growing fond of the under-achieving USC star.  Let’s hope Mays does not drop to the Cowboys’ selection.

Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana

We think Saffold would be a huge first round reach, but the idea of him being drafted that high is picking up steam.  What will Dallas do if all of the top tackles are gone?  Could Saffold be an option?

If the draft unfolds as above, we think the Cowboys will select. . . Taylor Mays.  The team’s need at safety is overstated, but it is large enough that the Cowboys will select Mays if they have him rated as a top-tier player.

We would select. . . Derrick Morgan. Morgan is the highest-rated player left on our board and the Cowboys are in a position to select the best player available.  We believe his athleticism would allow for a smooth transition to 3-4 OLB.

What do you think?  Which player would you choose in this “nightmare” draft scenario?