The Count's Snap Judgement Mock Draft

[TheCount]

I'm assuming a few things here. One is that we do not sign Mankins or any other top OG in FA (although I sure hope we do), as I don't know that Jerry will want to spend it after my scorched earth plan that includes:

Cut Leonard Davis
Cut Marc Columbo
Place a modest tender (2nd rounder?) on Koiser
Cut Igor Olshansky
Resign Marcus Spears to something reasonable
Give Keith Brooking a heros send-off
1. Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California - 6'5 - 280
We miss out on the real prizes, Amukamara, Peterson and Fairley but land a franchise LT as a consolation prize. Move Free back to RT, Start Tyron at LT. Of course, he could be Vernon Gholston 2, what do I know.

2. Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida - 6'5 - 320
Not the best center in the world but a top tier guard prospect with some experience playing center. He starts at RG.

3. Benjamin Ijalana, OG, Villanova - 6'4 - 320
A 3rd offensive lineman? Better believe it. Koiser starts next season as the defacto starter at LG, but by the end of the year Ijalana is starting in his spot.

4. Kenrick Ellis, DE/NT, Hampton - 6-5 - 340
Has the size and strength to play NT but also the length and agility to play DE. Versatile in the way Nagta is for the Ravens.

5. Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon - 6-1 - 238
High motor, do everything player. Assignment sure and the future Robin to Sean Lee's Batman but gives us a nickle LB till then.

6. Mark LeGree, FS, Appalachian State - 6-0 - 200
I'm on board. Great in zone with a nose for the big play. AOA needs more time to stew anyway.

7. Brandon Bair, DE, Oregon - 6-6 - 272
I swear I'm not even really a Duck fan, but Bair has the size to be a developmental DE and he's been pretty productive, even taking into account that their offense often puts their D in a position to expect the pass while teams try to catch up.

7. Aldrick Robinson, WR, Southern Methodist - 5-10 - 178
Developmental receiver, obviously on the small side but an athlete with a chance to do some return work, which Ogletree sucks at.

[SDogo]

It looks like we took Tyron with out trading down which at that point I cant say I support this mock. He would be a terrible reach inside the top 10. Now if you have us picking 15th or so maybe but I'm still not a big fan.

Love your 6th round pick ;)

[TheCount]

It looks like we took Tyron with out trading down which at that point I cant say I support this mock. He would be a terrible reach inside the top 10. Now if you have us picking 15th or so maybe but I'm still not a big fan.

Love your 6th round pick ;)


From the way things look, I don't think we are gonna get a Top 10 pick.

[SDogo]

From the way things look, I don't think we are gonna get a Top 10 pick.


Based on the odds our 3 most likely spots are all top 10 spots.

4. 9%
5. 13%
6. 19%
7. 20%

______________

8. 7%
9. 9%
10. 8%

I would say the odds are still pretty good. It's going to clear up a whole lot after this week.

[RoyTheHammer]

1. Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California - 6'5 - 280
We miss out on the real prizes, Amukamara, Peterson and Fairley but land a franchise LT as a consolation prize. Move Free back to RT, Start Tyron at LT. Of course, he could be Vernon Gholston 2, what do I know.

Unless this guy is the strongest man in the world, im not sure how well 280 lbs is going to hold up against the constant beating that an OL takes each and every play in the NFL, going up against bigger stronger guys. Seems a bit light to be able to handle it, no?

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Pretty sure Kosier is an UFA. Hes 31

And dont like the draft.



Unless this guy is the strongest man in the world, im not sure how well 280 lbs is going to hold up against the constant beating that an OL takes each and every play in the NFL, going up against bigger stronger guys. Seems a bit light to be able to handle it, no?
Well, he definitely has no wasted pounds. Its all muscle.

He could put 20 lbs on very easily. But I dont want to mess w/ Free

[BrAinPaiNt]

Unless this guy is the strongest man in the world, im not sure how well 280 lbs is going to hold up against the constant beating that an OL takes each and every play in the NFL, going up against bigger stronger guys. Seems a bit light to be able to handle it, no?

Well a poster here who has some friends at USC says the cowboys (scouts) have been very interested in him.

Now I don't know if he is projected to go that high right now, but there are a couple of things to consider.

OTs normally will move up the draft, esp in a draft where it is not the best draft class for OTs.

The second thing is the cowboys scouting dept concerning O-Linemen. Will they rate him higher then others, will they rate others lower.

Who knows at this point.

I DO agree with you that he seems on the light side for an OT and that could be a concern.

[VACowboy]

LOVE Ijalana, Ellis and Legree, though I think Ijalana will be gone in the 2nd.

[TheCoolFan]

Wow 280 pounds is crazy. Even if he gets on a big NFL weight training program, realistically, I don't see him gaining more than 20-25 pounds, and that would still be considered light for an OT.

[burmafrd]

A 280 lb LT will wear down real fast against the pounding those bigger DE's will lay on him. There is not a single LT in the league lighter than 295 the last time I looked.

and this guy comes from a program noted for its weight trainers and strength coaches.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Christian Bale gained 100+ lbs. in a few months. And hes like 6 feet tall.

At 6'6" and absolutely ripped he can gain 20 by TC

[TheCount]

I agree that he's light, no doubt about that. I also thought the chances of us picking in the Top 10 would decrease dramatically with two wins to end the season which apparently isn't the case? Nick Fairley, Amukamara and Peterson are still my Top 3 favorites for us in the 1st.

Either way, if we traded down to get Tyron then we could still get the two guards I mentioned and someone extra in the 3rd, perhaps a CB.

If Koiser is gonna be an UFA, then I would think signing him to a modest contract would be in our best interest.

[WDN]

Im a fan of this.

I do believe that we were interested in the USC tackle last year that was drafted in the first round. If I remember he was considered light as well. Two things you have to remember. First, how long it takes for rookies to actually play in Dallas. He could spend another year in the weight room if that's the route they want to go. Second, with more teams going to the 3-4 and speed fishers the athletic tackle may be the way to go.

[TheCount]

As it turns out, apparently Smith is closer to a 3rd round prospect, I suspect that after he works out though he may be looking at the 2nd round based entirely on what he looks like with his shirt off.

In the 3rd though, I'd definitely take a shot at him.

[gmoney112]

Wow 280 pounds is crazy. Even if he gets on a big NFL weight training program, realistically, I don't see him gaining more than 20-25 pounds, and that would still be considered light for an OT.

He's 20 years old and sub 10% body fat. The guy can put on 40 pounds of fat and still be in better shape than most OL.

I've also seen this guy ranked anywhere from the #1 OT in the draft to a 4th rounder. Who knows.

[WDN]

As it turns out, apparently Smith is closer to a 3rd round prospect, I suspect that after he works out though he may be looking at the 2nd round based entirely on what he looks like with his shirt off.

In the 3rd though, I'd definitely take a shot at him.

Really? I have seen reports that had him listed as the top tackle in this years draft when there were rumors a couple of weeks that he was coming out early.

[TheCount]

Really? I have seen reports that had him listed as the top tackle in this years draft when there were rumors a couple of weeks that he was coming out early.

Yeah, I was under that impression as well. Not that he'd be the top in this draft but the top if he came out next year. Hard to say where he actually lands, but I suspect after the combine we'll hear a bit about him being in the 1st round or 2nd round at worst.

[WDN]

Well I doubt we will land the top three that I want.
1. Fairley
2. Wisconsin OT Camir (sp?)
3. TCU OL Cannon

I would probably have a heart attack if that happened.

[dogberry]

If we fire Colombo and Davis, our new linemen need to start next year.

But since Tony was only sacked 7 times, the draft should be all defense.

Urgh, having 17 personalities makes reaching a decision hard.

[TheCount]

Well I doubt we will land the top three that I want.
1. Fairley
2. Wisconsin OT Camir (sp?)
3. TCU OL Cannon

I would probably have a heart attack if that happened.

That would be a pretty good top 3 in my opinion as well, I hear all sorts of things about Cannon from 3rd to early 2nd.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

I highly, highly doubt Smith can step in and be a starter day one. I want someone who can step right in and contribute. He needs some grooming. Our line is in shambles. Therefore, no thank you. Sherrod all day

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Christian Bale gained 100+ lbs. in a few months. And hes like 6 feet tall.

At 6'6" and absolutely ripped he can gain 20 by TC

100 pounds in a few months? no way......

[TheCount]

100 pounds in a few months? no way......

You don't get tested for steroids in the movie industry.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

You don't get tested for steroids in the movie industry.

lol, I wasn't looking for a smart remark.

Incase you never knew, even on steroids, 100 pounds in 2-3 months is humanly impossible.

[DFWJC]

I bit ealry for Smith, but I love the idea of loading up on hogs IF the value is right.

Jacksonville has done that the last two seasons and now are seeing the benefits...and will see them for many years to come. The lead the league by far in rookie and 2nd year starts.

Go big, Dallas!

[gmoney112]

lol, I wasn't looking for a smart remark.

Incase you never knew, even on steroids, 100 pounds in 2-3 months is humanly impossible.

Well to be fair, Bale was at about 100 lb's for his previous movie role so most of the weight was just refeeding. 100 to 200 pounds isn't that impressive when you normally sit at about 200 to begin with

[TheCount]

Well to be fair, Bale was at about 100 lb's for his previous movie role so most of the weight was just refeeding. 100 to 200 pounds isn't that impressive when you normally sit at about 200 to begin with

Oh hell yes it is! :laugh2:

[UnoDallas]

A 280 lb LT will wear down real fast against the pounding those bigger DE's will lay on him. There is not a single LT in the league lighter than 295 the last time I looked.

and this guy comes from a program noted for its weight trainers and strength coaches.

Smith, 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, is significantly smaller than the NFL prototype at either of the tackle spots. But his quickness and agility are a lot better than the average tackle coming out of college. With a good pre-draft workout season, it's not hard to see Smith finding his way into the second or third rounds.


D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Considered an undersized offensive tackle after playing at 295 pounds during his senior year at Virginia,[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Brickashaw_Ferguson#cite_note-CrouseNYT-0) Ferguson officially weighed in at 312 for the NFL combine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_combine).[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Brickashaw_Ferguson#cite_note-2)

Ferguson started his college career listed at 260 pounds (118 kg), often dropping to 245 pounds (111 kg) through the regular season.

[Chris in Arizona]

Some things to consider with Tyron Smith...

The comparisons to D'Brickashaw Ferguson are not just about his weight. He is technically already very good and has quick hands and feet. His long arms help him compensate against bigger opponents because he gets his hands on defenders so fast he is usually the aggressor in match-up's.

The other thing is with pass-rushers getting smaller, quicker, and more athletic...

James Harrison 6'0" 242
LaMarr Woodley 6'2" 265
Dwight Freeney 6'1" 268
Trent Cole 6'3" 270
Elvis Dumervil 5'11" 260
Brandon Graham 6'2" 268

...why not combat that with someone with equal athelticism?

Two other things. Former USC tackle Charles Brown is already up to 330 lbs and Smith has been in contact with him and thinks he can get the weight easily. Smith is already done at USC and on his way to Arizona this week to start preparing for the draft.

Due to his weight you'd have to imagine the Cowboys will look extra hard at him (at the combine and film) so if they did draft him high it would mean they are convinced he is worth the risk.

[TheCount]

Some things to consider with Tyron Smith...

The comparisons to D'Brickashaw Ferguson are not just about his weight. He is technically already very good and has quick hands and feet. His long arms help him compensate against bigger opponents because he gets his hands on defenders so fast he is usually the aggressor in match-up's.

The other thing is with pass-rushers getting smaller, quicker, and more athletic...

James Harrison 6'0" 242
LaMarr Woodley 6'2" 265
Dwight Freeney 6'1" 268
Trent Cole 6'3" 270
Elvis Dumervil 5'11" 260
Brandon Graham 6'2" 268

...why not combat that with someone with equal athelticism?

Two other things. Former USC tackle Charles Brown is already up to 330 lbs and Smith has been in contact with him and thinks he can get the weight easily. Smith is already done at USC and on his way to Arizona this week to start preparing for the draft.

Due to his weight you'd have to imagine the Cowboys will look extra hard at him (at the combine and film) so if they did draft him high it would mean they are convinced he is worth the risk.

To be honest, I have very little faith in the Cowboys to make a move like this. Part of the reason I don't think we'll get Mankins either.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the same 5 starting next year and have us select some guy no one has heard of in the 3rd round to languish away on the depth chart for 3 years before we realize he can't play.

That's the pessimist in me.

I am hopeful we finally see the light this off season though and start focusing on what matters, and what has ruined our successful seasons year after year. The trenches.

[LatinMind]

im starting to think both CBs will be gone too.

1. Gabe Carmimi T Wisconin
2. Deunta Williams S North Carolina
3. Mike Pouncey C/G Florida

Would love this to happen

[burmafrd]

There are a lot of DE's that still go over 300 lbs, especially 3-4 DE's. And your trend of smaller lighter rushers is flawed if you look at the NFL as a whole. To claim that players will get smaller goes against what has been happening for 30 years and frankly against the whole history of the NFL. Ferguson had a lot of trouble early on; some of his weight gain was not muscle. Its also very wrong to claim that anyone can gain a significant amount of weight and not affect their quickness and flexibility; that is not always the case. As I have pointed out there is not one single NFL LT that is anywhere near as light. To bank on one is not a good idea; Smith needs a very hard look and they need to think very carefully. He is still quite young, but a lot of the time the lean guys cannot put on that much weight. He needs to gain at least 20 lbs to be competitive; and even then he would still be one of the lightest LTs in the league.

[Biggems]

I could live with this mock...if you traded down in the 1st and added an extra 2nd or even a 3rd and 5th.

If you did trade down and add a 2nd, who would you choose? We could possibly get SS DeAndre McDaniel, FS Deunta Williams, or OLB Dontay Moch....

[baj1dallas]

Makes zero sense imo to move Free to the right for an untested rookie. That just won't happen.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

There are a lot of DE's that still go over 300 lbs, especially 3-4 DE's. And your trend of smaller lighter rushers is flawed if you look at the NFL as a whole. To claim that players will get smaller goes against what has been happening for 30 years and frankly against the whole history of the NFL. Ferguson had a lot of trouble early on; some of his weight gain was not muscle. Its also very wrong to claim that anyone can gain a significant amount of weight and not affect their quickness and flexibility; that is not always the case. As I have pointed out there is not one single NFL LT that is anywhere near as light. To bank on one is not a good idea; Smith needs a very hard look and they need to think very carefully. He is still quite young, but a lot of the time the lean guys cannot put on that much weight. He needs to gain at least 20 lbs to be competitive; and even then he would still be one of the lightest LTs in the league.


At his height, weight, age, and ripped-nes he will put on weight rather easily. In fact, he would probably put it on even if it werent required for his job.

[TheCount]

At his height, weight, age, and ripped-nes he will put on weight rather easily. In fact, he would probably put it on even if it werent required for his job.

Is ripped-nes a clinical term? :D

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Is ripped-nes a clinical term? :D

In the case of Tryon Smith Id say yes.


O/U on the number of shirtless pics of him posted before April set at 19.

[Chris in Arizona]

There are a lot of DE's that still go over 300 lbs, especially 3-4 DE's. And your trend of smaller lighter rushers is flawed if you look at the NFL as a whole. To claim that players will get smaller goes against what has been happening for 30 years and frankly against the whole history of the NFL. Ferguson had a lot of trouble early on; some of his weight gain was not muscle. Its also very wrong to claim that anyone can gain a significant amount of weight and not affect their quickness and flexibility; that is not always the case. As I have pointed out there is not one single NFL LT that is anywhere near as light. To bank on one is not a good idea; Smith needs a very hard look and they need to think very carefully. He is still quite young, but a lot of the time the lean guys cannot put on that much weight. He needs to gain at least 20 lbs to be competitive; and even then he would still be one of the lightest LTs in the league.

3-4 DE's are usually lined up against Guards, with 3-4 OLB's lined up outside, speed-rushing the Tackles. 3-4 DE's and 4-3 DT's are almost the same thing.

I'm not suggesting that all linemen will get smaller. I am saying that if this kid is as talented as some are suggesting, him being 285 (probably 295 or 300 once he gets to the NFL) shouldn't be an issue. There are some big DE's he may struggle with just like there are some small, fast DE's that guys like Marc Colombo struggle with.

I also don't think a 20-year old kid who was juggling classes and football, who now can dedicate 100% of his time to football, will have any problem adding healthy weight .

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Usually by this time of year most dedicated draftniks are intimately familiar with just about every prospect who even has a remote chance to being selected in the first round. That’s not necessarily the case this time around though. In fact, there is at least one player who is among the best prospects at his position and a borderline first round pick with the potential to shoot up draft boards in the coming months. The guy I am referring to is Southern Cal offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

Smith is just a junior but with the Trojans ineligible to play in a bowl game due to NCAA sanctions he has already announced his intentions to enter the 2011 NFL Draft. Despite his relative anonymity, it’s not like Smith has emerged from nowhere. Coming out of high school Smith was regarded as one of the nation’s most coveted recruits and checked in at #15 on the Rivals100 list. Smith worked as a backup and special teamer as a true freshman in 2008, seeing action in ten games, before taking over as the starter at right tackle the past two seasons and earning 1st Team All-Pac-10 notice in 2010. A terrific two-way player, Smith excels as both a pass protector and run blocker and is also a sound technician who still has a ton of upside. In some ways will remind you of Winston Justice, minus the character concerns. An impressive physical specimen, Smith is extremely athletic with a large 6-5 frame, long arms and nimble feet. Perhaps the biggest concern with Smith as a pro prospect is his lack of ideal bulk. Smith reportedly weighs in at just 280 pounds, although any respectable pre-draft training facility should easily be able to get him up around the 300 pound mark by the Scouting Combine. Tyron Smith | USC TrojansHowever, will that be artificial mass or legitimate weight that Smith can maintain? Smith has admitted to having a high metabolism, which has hindered his ability to put on and keep on weight in the past. If Smith is unable to develop physically it will be a major red flag because there simply aren’t many little guys starting at offensive tackle in the NFL these days. Another question mark with Smith is his position. As I mentioned, Smith played right tackle at USC and while he certainly appears to have the tools to make the move to the left side at the next level that is something he must prove to scouts in workouts. With all that said, Smith is arguably as talented as any draft-eligible offensive tackle in the country.

Even though Tyron Smith isn’t a household name just yet he has actually been a prominent figure on the scouting trail for months now. I actually got the opportunity to see Smith in person back in September and came away very impressed. Stud blockers are always in high demand on Draft Day but this class lacks a “Franchise Left Tackle” prospect who is destined for the Top 5 overall. That doesn’t change the fact that there are a lot of teams with huge holes on their offensive lines though. Smith appears capable of taking advantage of that situation. Right now Smith is considered by most to be on that late first / early second round fringe. However, if Smith performs as well as expected in workouts his stock will undoubtedly soar. In fact, Smith could ultimately compete to be the first offensive tackle off the board in April. It’s been clear for some time now that offensive tackle was going to be a position to watch closely as the draft draws near because there is still a lot of separation that needs to take place when it comes to the top prospects. Guys like Anthony Castonzo of Boston College, Derek Sherrod of Mississippi State, Nate Solder of Colorado, Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin and DeMarcus Love of Arkansas are all candidates to be the first blocker chosen in the 2011 NFL Draft but now that he’s declared USC’s Tyron Smith is very much in the mix as well.

http://draftcountdown.com/draft-blog/2010/12/best-blocker/

[TheDallasDon]

As it turns out, apparently Smith is closer to a 3rd round prospect, I suspect that after he works out though he may be looking at the 2nd round based entirely on what he looks like with his shirt off.

In the 3rd though, I'd definitely take a shot at him.


What about TE, what does he run in the 40??? and the cone drill??? I mean the dude would be 1 of the best blocking TE plus he's 6'6. The dude has 6 pack WTH he's a OL y does he have abbs