Mel Kiper 3 rounds

[supercowboy8]

Dallas Cowboys (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/dal/dallas-cowboys)

Top needs: G/C, CB, OLB, SS, DE, TE


Rd 1 (14) S Mark Barron (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27429/mark-barron)
Rd 2 (45) OLB Andre Branch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27557/andre-branch)
Rd 3 (81) CB Justin Bethel (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29027/justin-bethel)


Analysis: The Cowboys need to shore up their coverage and they get a lot of help here, both in the secondary and with an added piece in the pass rush. Barron makes too much sense. He has a good chance to be there at No. 14 and in this simulation he was. He provides an immediate upgrade. Branch is a guy scouts disagree on, but only on whether he's got the talent of a late-first grade. Midway through Round 2, Dallas can't go wrong, and he'll provide depth on the edge. You can't have too many pass-rushers. Bethel could be one of the sleepers of the draft. A star at Presbyterian, he has plenty of physical talent and Dallas isn't out of the woods in the secondary simply with the addition of Brandon Carr (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11363/brandon-carr).

I like Barron pick, not big on the Branch pick but wouldn't hate it.
I just do not understand the Justin Bethel pick at 81.


http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7827569/2012-nfl-draft-kiper-best-possible-picks-nfc-teams-rounds-1-3

[jterrell]

Barron and Branch make a lot of sense.

But I am not a fan of going small school CB in r3. We haven't hit on many small school DBs recently.

[SDogo]

Are you kidding, I'm 2 sheets to the wind and running around naked after the 1st two rounds. Branch in the 2nd........................oh yeah

[ABQCOWBOY]

I think Branch will be gone with one of New England's late 1st round picks. He fits what they do. I don't see him around in the 2nd.

[DFWJC]

Wow. Would love that highly unlikely draft.

[CATCH17]

Somebody of great value will be there in the 2nd.

Everyone always says so and so won't be there but the 2nd round is always full of guys you thought had no chance of making it to the 2nd.

[big dog cowboy]

I'm 2 sheets to the wind and running around naked after the 1st two rounds.

:eekmouse:

[Gaede]

Awesome.

Think rd. 3 might be too high for Bethel. Reminds me of Josh Thomas last year.

But the first two rounds are so good I'll just forget the reach.

[DFWJC]

Somebody of great value will be there in the 2nd.

Everyone always says so and so won't be there but the 2nd round is always full of guys you thought had no chance of making it to the 2nd.
This year even more than most there could be several that some teams have graded as 1st rounders that fall b/c others don't agree.

But Branch is one that I don't think will fall all the way to 45. jmo

[CowboysLaw87]

Are you kidding, I'm 2 sheets to the wind and running around naked after the 1st two rounds. Branch in the 2nd........................oh yeah

I'm with you SDogo. I've got Branch as the #16 player on my big board, and the #2 OLB in the draft. To get him at 45 is wildly unlikely IMO.

[tm1119]

Bethel is a reach, but whatever. Id be too happy with Barron and Branch to care.

[fortdick]

Doesn't get us an offensive starter, and only one defensive.

[Fredd]

I can't see Branch making it that far (into the 2nd)...of course, some mocks have Barron coming a little later, so if there is a way to swing a trade down, still get Barron and pick up an additional pick to get higher in the 2nd (either a higher pick or use it to move up), then giddyup...

[xwalker]

I would bet against Branch falling to #45.

Bethel in the 3rd? Come on, Mayne. He is a small school CB that ran 4.56 (combine) and 4.64 (pro day) forties.:banghead:

[cowboy_ron]

Are you kidding, I'm 2 sheets to the wind and running around naked after the 1st two rounds. Branch in the 2nd........................oh yeah
:laugh2:

[DaBoyz73]

Are you kidding, I'm 2 sheets to the wind and running around naked after the 1st two rounds. Branch in the 2nd........................oh yeah

Do all of a favor SDogo and keep your cloths on. Geesh! :eek:

[Wulfman]

I'd take Barron and Branch, if he were there. But I have him going to the Packers at #28 to play opposite Clay Matthews.

Also, think I Bethel is a significant reach in the third, particularly since some think he may need to switch to safety at the pro level and the 'Boys will already have taken Barron.

If they go corner in the third, I'm thinking it will be someone like Jamell Fleming or Casey Hayward, both of whom have visited Valley Ranch...assuming either of them is still available. I currently have them rated as high third rounders, so the Cowboys may need to move up a few picks if they want to get their services.

As always, a lot will depend who's sliding on draft boards, and why.

[VThokie7]

I'll be a homer, give me Hosley over Bethel and i'll be thrilled with those first 3 rounds.

[visionary]

I'll be a homer, give me Hosley over Bethel and i'll be thrilled with those first 3 rounds.

that would be a nice haul

barron
bethel
hosley

then

4a: Blake (OC)
4b: Broyles
5: Rainey
6: Akiem Hicks
7: whoever

that could be a great draft

[CowboysYanksLakers]

I'm with some of you who think Branch with the 2nd round pick is a pipe dream... I think he's a late 1st round pick.