BTB: Wes' Weekly Draft Chat: Don't Choke on the Smoke

[CCBoy]

Wes' Weekly Draft Chat: Don't Choke on the Smoke

Posted by Rafael


http://www.cowboysnation.com/2011/04/wes-weekly-draft-chat-dont-choke-on.html


(If you like draft types of discussion pertinent to the Cowboys, this is a good one)



Cowboys Nation: It appears that my franchise may be laying some thick smoke screens the week before the draft. I want to begin by asking about the top of the draft. I look at the top 20 on the mocks, on the NFL Network and there appears to be more churn than normal. I expect the top 15-20 is hardening. This year there seems to be more ups and downs with names in that range. What's your take on this?

Wes Bunting: What makes this class unique is that there are so many talented players at one position, defensive line. Depending on what team you talk to, one team might have Ryan Kerrigan first, and the next might have him ninth. And when you have a discrepancy like that, if you have him 1st, he's a top-10 pick and if you have him 9th, he's a 2nd-round pick. That's the biggest thing that goes along with it.

You also have a discrepancy at the quarterback position. Teams that need QBs are going to have the top guys highly ranked, in the top ten. Other may not have them high on their boards. I think those are the reasons for the change....

[CCBoy]

This is the direction that I would take, and from the onset of this upcoming draft:

At number 9, I think that Prince Amukamara will be too juicy for them to pass and Dallas will trade down to #13. This still keeps them in line for the top three positions at offensive tackle, and additionally adds a third round pick to the Dallas board. I would then await movements from below, to acquire additional board picks the first two days. But I wouldn't move below about the fourteen to fifteen pick place. I would add a dominant right tackle to the draft with the very first Dallas pick.

At the Lion's pick, they well could select from Anthony Castonzo, Tyron Smith, and Gabe Carmi. No matter how far was traded down to accumulate strong picks, I would ensure that I had one of those three tackles at the top of the draft.

Myself, I like a Castonzo 'mauler' on the right side. But any of these could be plugged into a right tackle role no matter what date around July that a CBA becomes a real possibility and practices are assured. Possibly earlier if the ruling within 72 hours opens up practices.

No matter what the accumulation was for Day Two, I would start off offering to New England the 2012 first round pick for their top of round 2 pick. Here, New England is always open to a productive trade for their picks. With the two second round picks, I would add a defensive lineman and interior lineman. Dallas would have two top of round picks and enough lower slots to maneuver and get who they desired in fact. Unlike previous years. Either that, or a CB/Safety that reaches the second round. Such as Texas' Aaron Williams at the top.

Resigning Sensabaugh, bringing in Huff, and then Williams would change dynamics in the secondary immediately.

With the adding of a draft of Castonzo, Williams, and then a Dan Watkins/Marcus Cannon, this would open up Day Three completely.

Then with a rather large up front picture accumulated in the third round, focus could return to the defense and consider targets at defensive line and linebacker positions.

This might allow more flexability in the eventual free agency to sign Dallas players in free agency and target a few outside veterans, such as Huff and a prominent defensive end as well. I would definitely resign Sensabaugh. Then attempt to bring Spears back as well.

Oh, and a valued center in the third day would be nice as well...say a Stephen Wisniewski.

[burmafrd]

If we trade past either the Vikings or the Lions Smith could very well be gone.

[casmith07]

The problem is that we're likely going to be unable to sign Michael Huff. Therefore, I like your scenario of trading our pick next year for New England's #33, but I would use that pick to select Rahim Moore, and then at #40 Stefen Wisniewski or Marcus Cannon, whoever grades out better.

Our secondary problems are due to safety play, not CB play. We need to find/groom Newman's replacement, true, but I think a player like Ras-I Dowling, Brandon Harris (rumored to be sliding), or Marcus Gilchrist could be that guy. Even Buster Skrine from Chattanooga, or Demarcus Van Dyke from Miami.

This draft should be all about shoring up weaknesses, regardless of the situation in free agency. I think Rahim Moore can do the job that Michael Huff would do just as well and at a fraction of the cost. I'd also like to add Deunta Williams if for some reason we are unable to keep Sensabaugh around, or as insurance/grooming.

The offensive line, in my opinion, is 2 years away from being set for a while -- we have Free, and we have an opportunity this draft alone to upgrade two of the remaining 4 spots. Next year, we can upgrade the remaining 2 spots. RT must be upgraded this off-season, as well as one of the two OG spots. C is the least of our concerns, I think.

It's interesting. We'll see what they're thinking on Thursday! One week left!!

[MarionBarberThe4th]

The problem is that we're likely going to be unable to sign Michael Huff.





What?

[CCBoy]

The problem is that we're likely going to be unable to sign Michael Huff. Therefore, I like your scenario of trading our pick next year for New England's #33, but I would use that pick to select Rahim Moore, and then at #40 Stefen Wisniewski or Marcus Cannon, whoever grades out better.

Our secondary problems are due to safety play, not CB play. We need to find/groom Newman's replacement, true, but I think a player like Ras-I Dowling, Brandon Harris (rumored to be sliding), or Marcus Gilchrist could be that guy. Even Buster Skrine from Chattanooga, or Demarcus Van Dyke from Miami.

This draft should be all about shoring up weaknesses, regardless of the situation in free agency. I think Rahim Moore can do the job that Michael Huff would do just as well and at a fraction of the cost. I'd also like to add Deunta Williams if for some reason we are unable to keep Sensabaugh around, or as insurance/grooming.

The offensive line, in my opinion, is 2 years away from being set for a while -- we have Free, and we have an opportunity this draft alone to upgrade two of the remaining 4 spots. Next year, we can upgrade the remaining 2 spots. RT must be upgraded this off-season, as well as one of the two OG spots. C is the least of our concerns, I think.

It's interesting. We'll see what they're thinking on Thursday! One week left!!

I was thinking of Williams as a top safety candidate in my projection. I was projecting him as free and Sensabaugh as the strong safety.

I was thinking that with the projected volumn of free agents this summer, that it might be feasable to have a lowered market and more of a chance for someone such as Huff, who has a small learning curve, and even an outside shot at Spears.

My preference is staying at number 9 and taking an offensive tackle...and then with the second round pick, taking the best interior offensive lineman available.

Your view as to what to do with a trade for New England's #33 pick is very insightful. As you state, it would take strain off the possible cap problems and serve a similar task as would Huff.

Good stuff as allways, on imput in the secondary. Appreciated...

Good Morning Sir! It shall be done!

[CCBoy]

What?

I think the implication is that with another CBA, the cap burdens this off season may prove extensive in nature.

[zrinkill]

So to break it down.

Do not choke on the smoke

Do not eat the cheese

Do not drink the Koolaid

Anything else?

[casmith07]

What?

The problem is multi-part.

1. Judge Nelson rules and there is no injunction. Free agency does not begin before the draft, and therefore we have a glaring hole at FS with uncertainty about when we'd be able to fill it.

2. Judge Nelson rules and there is an injunction, but the draft is in 7 days. Are we sure we want to bring in a guy for a visit the week of the draft and sign him, knowing that the agent has all of the leverage to get a deal in place with the draft around the corner?

3. The injunction is ruled, and we miss on Rahim Moore in the draft. Now we need a FS, and of the two potential options (Daniel Manning, Michael Huff) we end up paying an Antrel Rolle price for a guy to pull an Antrel Rolle in Dallas.

I'd much rather snag Rahim Moore and pay him 2nd round money to do an identical job to anyone that will command a cap-crippling salary in free agency. Home grow the talent.

[JPM]

So to break it down.

Do not choke on the smoke

Do not eat the cheese

Do not drink the Koolaid

Anything else?
Don't pee into the wind

[MarionBarberThe4th]

The problem is multi-part.

1. Judge Nelson rules and there is no injunction. Free agency does not begin before the draft, and therefore we have a glaring hole at FS with uncertainty about when we'd be able to fill it.

2. Judge Nelson rules and there is an injunction, but the draft is in 7 days. Are we sure we want to bring in a guy for a visit the week of the draft and sign him, knowing that the agent has all of the leverage to get a deal in place with the draft around the corner?

3. The injunction is ruled, and we miss on Rahim Moore in the draft. Now we need a FS, and of the two potential options (Daniel Manning, Michael Huff) we end up paying an Antrel Rolle price for a guy to pull an Antrel Rolle in Dallas.

I'd much rather snag Rahim Moore and pay him 2nd round money to do an identical job to anyone that will command a cap-crippling salary in free agency. Home grow the talent.


How about the part where Rahim Moore isnt any good and Michael Huff is? :p:

(The stick out tongue smiley is kind of gay, but its the best I can do w/o coming off like a dick)

[CCBoy]

How about the part where Rahim Moore isnt any good and Michael Huff is? :p:

(The stick out tongue smiley is kind of gay, but its the best I can do w/o coming off like a dick)

The reason for the initial comment was explained. Your querry above, was the trade off but on the economic side. The more immediate issue would be of necessity of training to get him up to speed. That additionally is an unknown as well.

[fortdick]

If we trade past either the Vikings or the Lions Smith could very well be gone.

Great, we get a starting RT then instead of a future LT that we dont need.

[Iago33]

Don't pee into the wind

Don't tug on Superman's cape--or is that Superpunk's . . . nevermind.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

The reason for the initial comment was explained. Your querry above, was the trade off but on the economic side. The more immediate issue would be of necessity of training to get him up to speed. That additionally is an unknown as well.


Rookies wouldnt be able to meet w/ coaches or get into an NFL conditioning program until this is all sorted out either.

At least Huff has experience w/ Ryan

(inb4yeabutHuffwasbenched)

[CCBoy]

Rookies wouldnt be able to meet w/ coaches or get into an NFL conditioning program until this is all sorted out either.

At least Huff has experience w/ Ryan

(inb4yeabutHuffwasbenched)

You followed direction well, in your post. Valid points, and some of the considerations by myself as well.