My Line of Scrimmage Mock

[Dash28]

Originally Posted by Thick 'N Hearty

I like the mock, but the corner position – Newman's specifically – should be addressed. I like the DeCosta pick at 14, but I think I would go with Alfonzo Dennard from Nebraska at the 45th spot.

Dennard will be long gone before the 45th pick.

[Gaede]

Dennard's a first rounder, for sure. Would be a good option with small trade down

[robert70x7]

The Cowboys don't need to trade down. They are in a position in which there will be top tier talent at multiple positions and should take advantage of it.

[JohnsKey19]

Originally Posted by Hostile

This is going to focus on OL and Defensive front 7. In other words, blocking and tackling.

First of all in Free Agency I would go after Carl Nicks, Calais Campbell, and Laron Landry. I re-sign Laurent Robinson and Anthony Spencer.

I flip Free and Smith, and I move Ratliff to DE. He says he will play anywhere, but prefers NT. Well, he can play the Nose at times, but would start at LDE and Campbell at RDE.


#14. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford, 6'5", 315. I put him at RG (Nicks plays LG) and get ready to pass to set up the run. I believe this guy on sweeps right is every bit as potent as any Offensive weapon on a team. The pick just makes sense. Trade up to get him if you have to, but get him.

#45. Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis, 6'5", 350. A massive man who eats up double teams and pushes the pocket backwards. No more running up the middle. He starts.

[View Full Quote]#83. Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall, 6'3", 263. He could rise up the ranks, but right now he fits near here and I think he would be a steal. If we can't re-sign Spencer I'd consider him at #45 and would also consider starting him.

#114. Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State, 6'4", 305. He starts right away. I have that much faith he is better than Kowalski and Costa.

#145. Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU, 6'4", 305. Need OT depth. He is a RT at the NFL level.

#176. Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas, 6'1", 245. Need depth at ILB.

6th round Comp pick. Kavario Middleton, TE, Montana, 6'5", 250. Blocking TE who takes Bennett's roster spot when he leaves via FA.

#207. Donte Paige-Moss, OLB, North Carolina, 6'4, 260. Is leaving school too soon after an injury. Worth waiting for. Could be a late steal.

I have to admit, i don't much about the players in this mock draft outside of DeCastro but i do like the positions they address.

Your FA plan is a winner if you replace Landry with a solid CB. Landry is a huge injury risk with all the groin/hamstring problems and likely achilles surgery.

[MartinRamone]

I would love for that to happen, i really like this mock.

[CCBoy]

Originally Posted by Zaxor

at 14 put in kirkpatrick and that is a winner of a draft that leaves holland for rg till one of the others(arkin, nagy, kowolski) are ready hopefully add a few DB's via FA and good to go both offense and defense has been addressed.

Holland had a torn bicep and weight is a problem for his play. I see your projected need at cornerback in view as well. But that could be addressed in a second or third round area, and Landry's spot replaced by one of a large list of corners to hit free agency.

I am like Hos, and would solve the problem of the offensive line from the start. I would even consider drafting a top offensive tackle and either moving him inside for a season, or bump Free inside. With Nicks, and the 'rooks' the inside would be solid.

Picking up Kalil and pairing him with Smith would change the whole franchise for a decade.

[brooksey1]

Originally Posted by CCBoy

Holland had a torn bicep and weight is a problem for his play. I see your projected need at cornerback in view as well. But that could be addressed in a second or third round area, and Landry's spot replaced by one of a large list of corners to hit free agency.

I am like Hos, and would solve the problem of the offensive line from the start. I would even consider drafting a top offensive tackle and either moving him inside for a season, or bump Free inside. With Nicks, and the 'rooks' the inside would be solid.

Picking up Kalil and pairing him with Smith would change the whole franchise for a decade.

I love the mock. Do you think there is any chance Nagy can play Center? That was his position for a time in college.

[TheCount]

Originally Posted by brooksey1

I love the mock. Do you think there is any chance Nagy can play Center? That was his position for a time in college.

I think Nagy's future here is probably as a backup. I didn't see anything that suggested he had a future as an NFL starter this year. Heck, the blocking improved immensely once he got hurt and we put the old guys in. I'm not sure how a 7th round pick ended up starting for the Dallas Cowboys over a 4th round pick, but obviously that wasn't the dream scenario.

[jnday]

Originally Posted by TheCount

I think Nagy's future here is probably as a backup. I didn't see anything that suggested he had a future as an NFL starter this year. Heck, the blocking improved immensely once he got hurt and we put the old guys in. I'm not sure how a 7th round pick ended up starting for the Dallas Cowboys over a 4th round pick, but obviously that wasn't the dream scenario.

Nagy ended up starting due to lack of options . Fans took his starting as a sign that he was some up and coming hot prospect . Truth is that there was nobody else but Arkin and he was a project pick .

[CCBoy]

This is a tough season to judge progressions from. First there was huge delay from the formation of a coaching staff, to applying their collective experiences towards a goal. There were several dynamics involved at the top levels of organization. The team had to deal with an insurmountable object in their need to nomalize the cap prior to the end of this past season for the Cowboys. Due to dramatic decline on the right side of the line, the team found it had to additionally release both Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo. Andre Gurode was then released as he was one of the finalizing releases that would normalize the cap picture going into this season.

This necessitated that the Cowboys had to place a large value upon the draft, as well as project the addtion of veterans when salary demands weren't guaranteed for a season. A worse case scenario was that a 'rook' would need to be started but a single game.

The Cowboys were fortunate, projecting accurately, and were able to secure a quality tackle in Tyron Smith. This created a stable picture going into the season. The Cowboys drafted Arkin, Nagy, and Kowalski to add to a groomed and developing Costa.

Nagy won the top confidence of the coaching staff going through and out of Training Camp and was honored with the start in the opening game. Derrick Dockery then was added as the Veteran desired for position. Nagy was given the opportunity of continuity, until he was injured. That changed things, as shortly afterwards, Dockery was injured as well. A reconditioned Montae Holland was then brought in, but he needed a lead in time. That gave Arkin as well as Kowalski opportunities. Kowalski made a little more showing in the eyes of the staff. But that doesn't end opportunity for Nagy or Arkin.

The Star Magazine has Kowalski listed as a G/C. So I would assume that also indicates that both Nagy and Arkin are being considered for development primarily aimed at guard.

Now historically, unless a player was taken at the top of the draft, they just didn't see much playing time until they fully develop. Costa had two seasons to read a shot at the field. He is known by players as bulldog. He may have more merit than what is being given him on site. But with a new line coach and directions being taken up all the way to Jason Garrett now, players will be entering a new level of proof and team demands as a whole. The next step.

Immediately, the team must assess it's view of three veterans: Kyle Kosier, Holland, and Dockery. Then, there will be an intense competition between Nagy, Arkin, and Kowalski with everyone that is brought into camp this year.
I would project both Nagy and Kowalski will make it through camp this season. Most likely, I feel there will be an interior drafted lineman by the top of Day Three. That most likely will determine positional future at present....unless, Jerry decides to play one of his palmed Aces and grabs a quality guard in free agency. At times, that's like adding tomatillas and celantro to a Mexican dish. It just makes things more lively.

But for perspective, the Dynasty Period's offensive line consisted of:

T Mark Tuinei - Undrafted free agent
G Andre Gurode - drafted in the 2nd rd
C Mark Stepnoski - drafted in the 3rd rd
G Nate Newton - an undrafted free agent
T Erik Williams - drafted in the 3rd rd

As to Nagy, and if you really like him? Yea, he showed some fight, and he still has plenty on his plate to keep him in the fight. It's up to him now, but one doesn't get too many opportunites to shine and also get one's foot in the door for recognition. Couchscout can give you a good view of demonstrated and transferable skills. But only the coaches have real knowledge of where his heart, head, and skills lie in the NFL.

Hope that helps. And thanks for asking.

[batman36]

Originally Posted by CCBoy

This is a tough season to judge progressions from. First there was huge delay from the formation of a coaching staff, to applying their collective experiences towards a goal. There were several dynamics involved at the top levels of organization. The team had to deal with an insurmountable object in their need to nomalize the cap prior to the end of this past season for the Cowboys. Due to dramatic decline on the right side of the line, the team found it had to additionally release both Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo. Andre Gurode was then released as he was one of the finalizing releases that would normalize the cap picture going into this season.

This necessitated that the Cowboys had to place a large value upon the draft, as well as project the addtion of veterans when salary demands weren't guaranteed for a season. A worse case scenario was that a 'rook' would need to be started but a single game.

[View Full Quote]The Cowboys were fortunate, projecting accurately, and were able to secure a quality tackle in Tyron Smith. This created a stable picture going into the season. The Cowboys drafted Arkin, Nagy, and Kowalski to add to a groomed and developing Costa.

Nagy won the top confidence of the coaching staff going through and out of Training Camp and was honored with the start in the opening game. Derrick Dockery then was added as the Veteran desired for position. Nagy was given the opportunity of continuity, until he was injured. That changed things, as shortly afterwards, Dockery was injured as well. A reconditioned Montae Holland was then brought in, but he needed a lead in time. That gave Arkin as well as Kowalski opportunities. Kowalski made a little more showing in the eyes of the staff. But that doesn't end opportunity for Nagy or Arkin.

The Star Magazine has Kowalski listed as a G/C. So I would assume that also indicates that both Nagy and Arkin are being considered for development primarily aimed at guard.

Now historically, unless a player was taken at the top of the draft, they just didn't see much playing time until they fully develop. Costa had two seasons to read a shot at the field. He is known by players as bulldog. He may have more merit than what is being given him on site. But with a new line coach and directions being taken up all the way to Jason Garrett now, players will be entering a new level of proof and team demands as a whole. The next step.

Immediately, the team must assess it's view of three veterans: Kyle Kosier, Holland, and Dockery. Then, there will be an intense competition between Nagy, Arkin, and Kowalski with everyone that is brought into camp this year.
I would project both Nagy and Kowalski will make it through camp this season. Most likely, I feel there will be an interior drafted lineman by the top of Day Three. That most likely will determine positional future at present....unless, Jerry decides to play one of his palmed Aces and grabs a quality guard in free agency. At times, that's like adding tomatillas and celantro to a Mexican dish. It just makes things more lively.

But for perspective, the Dynasty Period's offensive line consisted of:

T Mark Tuinei - Undrafted free agent
G Andre Gurode - drafted in the 2nd rd
C Mark Stepnoski - drafted in the 3rd rd
G Nate Newton - an undrafted free agent
T Erik Williams - drafted in the 3rd rd

As to Nagy, and if you really like him? Yea, he showed some fight, and he still has plenty on his plate to keep him in the fight. It's up to him now, but one doesn't get too many opportunites to shine and also get one's foot in the door for recognition. Couchscout can give you a good view of demonstrated and transferable skills. But only the coaches have real knowledge of where his heart, head, and skills lie in the NFL.

Hope that helps. And thanks for asking.

I know that you meant Larry Allen.

[CCBoy]

Originally Posted by batman36

I know that you meant Larry Allen.

Oh Larry Allan, he was drafted in the second round but didn't join that line until 1994, and didn't get a Super Bowl ring until '95.

But that offensive line then had Ray Donaldson at center, and he was a 13 year Veteran with the Colts before being released and then picked up by Dallas.

[jnday]

CCBoy , I think one note to consider when considering the draft posiion of the 90's Cowboys is that during that time , the OL was a very undervalued postion . As the years progressed , teams are spending higher picks on these upper-tier line prospects and teams are doing a much better job of scouting the OL . Every year there are fewer and fewer quality prospects slipping through the cracks to the later rounds . IMO , picks in the first three rounds have to be invested to get quality results in a timely manner .

[CCBoy]

Originally Posted by jnday

CCBoy , I think one note to consider when considering the draft posiion of the 90's Cowboys is that during that time , the OL was a very undervalued postion . As the years progressed , teams are spending higher picks on these upper-tier line prospects and teams are doing a much better job of scouting the OL . Every year there are fewer and fewer quality prospects slipping through the cracks to the later rounds . IMO , picks in the first three rounds have to be invested to get quality results in a timely manner .

Some fine thoughts. I don't ever have a problem thinking through a scenario. That is actually the smart way to go.

I'm not a fan to about trying to lambast a player or stop rooting for a prospective roster player because of a humble beginning. I don't say you do, just talking here.

There is a lot to say about the physicality, size, and level of technique that has made it's way back down to the collegiate levels now. Quite a few NFL quality coaches have gone back there to develop things up. They take technique and training systems with them. So I would have to agree that along with that, that a permanent scouting system is in place, and it overlaps play of a player, all the way from junior years in High School.

So, I'd have to agree with the bulk of what you said about knowing general parameters of player by the time that he hits the Combine, to see where his top shelf potential is. Except for the very top speedsters, even those measureables and even speed can be improved through the early years of a career, if they are on roster, if they have top level training, and if they are extremely dedicated.

What I am saying in general, is that once a player reaches being a man, albeit young one, and enters the NFL...you just can't measure his heart. In a man's world, you can your own set of circumstances no matter how humble of a beginning one has. I believe in that, as I believe that a man should always have the right to hope.

I root accordingly...along the sidelines and at games. It all comes to mixing it up. Some people will ring tap and try to allow their own efforts at selection, to determine opportunity, and not really go upon the player's own effort. Dallas watches the player, and if he deserves a competitive opportunity, they give it to him because he deserves it.

That is why practice squad players who have worked and developed, have been hitting the roster and producing at strong NFL levels. At least for the Cowboys, once a general level of skill is reached, and those defineable by any competant scout, then opportunity to try out or a camp is offered to that player.

If a player indeed has the heart of a Champion, then he is give a star for his helmet. It then is upon him for how long he retains it...

[jnday]

I always tend to root for the very type player you describe . Considering the fact that we are both Cowboy fans , I will say Bill Bates is a good example of heart being an overriding factor of physical abilities . There are too many examples to name , but heart and will- power has produced some of the greatest players ever .
I really don't care for the position that the Cowboys have put themselves in with the current OL situation . Romo needs protection now . This creates a situation in which the team must use high draft picks or big money free agents to get the immediate help that Romo needs . Poor scouting and bad luck has got the team in a position that prohibits the ability to wait on some these young guys to show the heart and ability that they may have . Once again , it is not a position that I care for, but I think it is a realistic take on the current situation .
Forgive my rambling , but I am enjoying the discussion .