Cowboys 2010 Draft: A Nightmare Scenario
March 25, 2010
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)
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State (4)
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (3)
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers (3)
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland (6)
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)
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?
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).
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.
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.
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?