Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft, 1.0
My initial mock draft for the Dallas Cowboys analyzes the team's needs and what talent may be available when it's their turn on the clock.
Despite the claims before the season began that the Cowboys were one of the most talented teams in the NFL, we have been witness to the fact that there are more than a few glaring holes. The offensive line, defensive line, and safety positions all need to be addressed.
If I were the GM (Jerry, are you reading?), I would start by...
OT Gabe Carimi
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Trading back into the first round and picking up OT Gabe Carimi...along with hopefully an additional second round pick, and if we're lucky we'll get a high pick in next year's draft as well.
This from ESPN's website on Carimi: Does an above-average job of picking up blitz. Shows great poise in pass protection. Recognizes and makes sound adjustments to line stunts. Shows ability to make in-game adjustments. Plays with an edge. Doesn't just sustain block. Drives defenders 10-15 yards downfield.
Why?
By drafting Carimi, the Cowboys could give RT Marc Colombo his walking papers. Colombo has been a big disappointment this season, and it's obvious he needs to be replaced. Carimi could come in and start day one at RT.
Wanna scout him yourself? Check this out... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zin3JvllXm0
FS Robert Sands
2 of 8With the first of two second round picks (after trading back into the first round) I would select FS Robert Sands. He is probably my favorite player in this draft. I've never seen a safety with his size make the kinds of plays that he does. I truly believe he could have a Polamalu-like presence on defense.
This from ESPN's website on Sands: Makes a quick diagnosis and fills downhill with conviction. A strong and reliable tackler. Not afraid to deliver big hit and can deliver violent strike. Displays good timing and execution when going down low and chopping out legs of ball carriers. Field awareness and football intelligence are above average. Makes a quick diagnosis and generally gets into strong initial position. Does a nice job of reading QBs eyes allowing him to get a quick break on the ball. Flashes ability to anticipate routes. Very aggressive and brings a physical presence down the middle of field.
Why?
Because the Alan Ball experiment has failed miserably. The Cowboys need a quality FS who can be a playmaker for their defense. I believe Sands could be that guy.
DE Pernell McPhee
3 of 8With the extra second round pick, I'd take DE Pernell McPhee. He's a big guy, perfect for the DE position on a 3-4 defense.
This from ESPN's website on McPhee: Plays with a relentless motor and works to the whistle. Tough and will fight through blocks and traffic when getting down the line of scrimmage. Appears to have a strong anchor which translates to the field. Stout and plays with leverage holding the edge. Possesses good point-of-attack skills and consistently gets penetration or draws to a stalemate with blockers. Closing burst is good and is relentless in pursuit of the quarterback.
Why?
The Cowboys need help on their DL. Marcus Spears has been a bust for where he was drafted. Not that he's been a bad player, but you expect much more production from a first round pick. It's likely he won't be back, but even if he is, McPhee could challenge him for the starting spot.
Another good video of what McPhee can do...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuBr52sVC5A&feature=related
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OG Marcus Cannon
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I'd select OG Marcus Cannon with my third round pick to shore up the interior of the offensive line.
This from ESPN's website on Cannon: Has quicker feet than anticipated. Plays with good balance. Gets set quickly for his size and shows some ability to mirror-and-slide in short area. Better awareness as a run blocker than in pass pro. Does a nice job peeling off his assignment and working to the second-level as a run blocker. Shows a good feel for angles and finding moving targets. Flashes a mean streak. He's clearly a competitive player and takes pride in what he does.
Why?
Leonard Davis has had a bad season, and at one point he was even benched for his play. He's been slow and lumbering, often completely missing people when he pulls. He's one of the biggest reasons for the Cowboy's inability to run the ball effectively this season. If Jerry decides he's more expensive than he's worth, Cannon could fill in nicely. Or, if Kyle Kosier does not get re-signed.
RB Delone Carter
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In the fourth round, I'd select RB Delone Carter. I believe he has good potential at the next level.
Why?
I think it's a given that Marion Barber will not be back next season. That leaves Felix Jones and Tashard Choice as the only two RB's left on the roster. Sure, they could fill the gap with Lonyae Miller from the practice squad, but I think Carter could push Choice more than Miller could.
Impressive video of Carter...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwFntQnWeEQ
CB Brandon Hogan
6 of 8In the fifth round, I'd go with another West Virginia defensive player...CB Brandon Hogan. Getting Hogan in this round would be a steal. His draft stock has dropped because of character issues and he tore his ACL last month, but there's no denying the talent he brings to the field. Would be a big upgrade to a weak Cowboys secondary.
This from ESPN's website on Hogan: Competes and plays with above-average intensity. At his best in zone coverage where he can use his above-average read-and-react skills. Does a nice job of maintaining strong position and marking targets coming into his area. Reads QB's drops well which allows him to get a quicker break on the ball. Quick diagnosis and fills down-hill with conviction. Not afraid to lower head and deliver violent strike. Strong wrap-up tackler and assignment sound in the open field.
Why?
The Cowboys need depth at the CB position. Newman and Scandrick were just okay this season. Jenkins had a really bad year, but I'm hopeful that's just a slump and that he'll return to Pro Bowl form next season. If he doesn't, Hogan would be good insurance.
WR Denarius Moore
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I'd take WR Denarius Moore in the sixth round. He played as well as any of the top WRs in the country this season. Comparable to Patrick Crayton I believe.
Why?
Under the assumption that Roy Williams will be gone after this season, that leaves Kevin Ogletree and Sam Hurd (if he returns) to battle for the third receiver spot. I think Moore could challenge them both, and he's a decent kick/punt returner as well.
Denarius Moore highlights...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iX8Uhc5H6I&feature=related
ILB Casey Matthews
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Finally, in the seventh round I'd take ILB Casey Matthews. I think this would be another steal of the draft. He's the brother of Clay Matthews from the Packers, and we all know how he's done this season. His coach said he's probably the most instinctual player he's ever been around.
Why?
I think it's safe to say that Sean Lee will be a nice fill-in for the aging Keith Brooking, whose better days are behind him at this point. Bradie James is still a decent player, but has always had his limitations. I think Matthews could challenge him in a couple of years for the starting spot.
Casey Matthews highlights...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUz2o2a_OXA
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