Dallas Cowboys Potential Draft Pick in 2011: Dontay Moch, DE/OLB, Nevada
There are situations when Combine numbers matter, and situations when they just arenโt all that important. ย For cornerbacks, the much-hyped 40-yard dash is actually pretty vital to predicting future success. ย If you donโt surpass a baseline of requisite straight-line speed, you simply arenโt going to be a great cornerback.
There are other positions, such as offensive line, whose 40-yard dash times are basically irrelevant. ย Iโd be interested in knowing a linemanโs 10-yard split and short shuttle times instead of how quickly he can cover 120 feet.
There are yet other spots where the numbers are simply a guide to either confirm or negate pre-Combine hunches. ย If the numbers match up with what a player did on tape, there isnโt much else to analyze. ย When the numbers are drastically different from what a prospect displayed on the film, however, itโs time to reassess that player.
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Nevadaโs Dontay Moch is one such prospect. ย On film, heโs incredibly raw. ย He doesnโt play with good instincts and seems to lack football intelligence, but itโs hard to ignore a 4.45 40-yard dashโthe fastest ever for a defensive endโand a 42-inch vertical. ย Can this athlete be molded into an effective 3-4 rush linebacker for the โBoys?
Scouting Report
Like I said above, Moch is incredibly raw. ย At 6โ1โ, 248 pounds, heโs slightly undersized for a rush linebacker. ย That shows in his game, as heโs frequently unable to hold up at the point-of-attack. ย Heโs got an incredible speed rush (as you might imagine), but his other pass-rush moves are below average. ย Iโd point out a play or two in the videos below during which Moch shows his speed rush, but itโs basically every pass play. ย The question is whether his speed rush isย sogood that his lack of a diversified pass-rush portfolio is even that important. ย At the very least, his incredible speed makes his other moves much more effective (even though they are still, in themselves, quite poor). ย If he can develop another quality move, watch out.
Moch reminds me a bit of Victor Butler. ย Butler was a pass rush specialist when he was drafted out of Oregon State (although heโs become a fine run defender). ย Moch doesnโt have the arsenal of moves that Butler possesses, but heโs in that same mold. ย Heโll have a ton of trouble holding up against the run in the beginning part of his NFL career, as he plays with poor leverage at times and really has trouble getting off of blocks. ย The strongest part of his run defense is backside pursuit (see the 3:13 mark below).
Rob Ryanโs 3-4 scheme actually seems to be a good fit for Moch, as Ryan employs plenty of packages in which he simply wants the best pass-rushers on the field. ย Plus, in my view, itโs better to stock up on one-dimensional pass-rushers than one-dimensional run-stuffers.
For me, Mochโs future comes down to his work ethic. ย He has the raw tools and thereโs definitely a football player inside of him. ย He has a frame which can and will add bulk and, if his on-field motor is any indication of his off-field work ethic, I think his incredible upside makes him worthy of a look in the middle rounds.
Projection
I have a feeling someone (Al Davis) will overpay for Mochโs potential. ย If he goes in the second-round, thatโs too high. ย I personally think youโll see Moch get drafted in that latter portion of that round or the early stages of round three. ย Dallas might take a look at him there, and although I donโt think it would be horrible value, there are areas of greater concern than outside linebacker (where Moch would clearly play in Dallas).
If teams place emphasis on game film, Moch could very well end up dropping into the fourth round. ย Thatโs the spot where I think heโd hold excellent value for the Cowboys and, outside of a second-round talent dropping there, the pick with which Iโd take a chance on the Nevada product. ย For me, the upside would be too great to pass on.
Other Potential Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks in 2011
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