4 Round Mock with Trades (long)

[AsthmaField]

I usually never do any mocks with trades because they are so difficult to foresee, and I typically try to get as close to what I think will actually happen as possible.

This time however, I decided to do one that isn't what I think will happen, but is instead what I would like to see happen. It is still players going about where I think they will, but I chose players I would like to see us draft instead of who I think they will (although they are one and the same in many instances).

Probably won't happen, but Rob Ryan would likely be a happy camper if it did.

I gave a write up for all the round 1 picks and also for the Cowboys picks through round 4, and then added some comments at the end about who we picked.

___________________


1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck | QB | Stanford
Everyone has known Luck would be the pick for the Colts since the end of November last year. He’s the real deal and as close as you can get to a sure thing at the QB position.

2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis)
Robert Griffin III | QB | Baylor
Washington hopes that RGIII is the missing piece that has kept the Shanahan offense below average since the offensive minded coach took over two years ago. He has the mobility that Shanahan wants as well as a strong arm and leadership qualities. The Redskins better hope Griffin can play because they gave up a king’s ransom to move up 4 spots for him.

3. Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil | OT | USC
The best Tackle in this draft by a large margin and the Vikings have a big need at OT. Easy decision for them since there were no takers for a trade up to #3.

4. Cleveland Browns
Trent Richardson | RB | Alabama
Holmgren cant pass up a sure fire stud at RB, even though it will mean passing on Tannehill. Some Talent evaluators are calling Richardson the best player overall in the entire draft regardless of position. A true workhorse back that will tire down defenses. An AFC North RB if there ever was one.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Morris Claiborne | CB | LSU
Need meets value in Tampa as the Bucs make the smart choice and take the draft’s best CB. The last of this year’s blue-blue chippers.

6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
Justin Blackmon | WR | Oklahoma State
While Blackmon’s stock is a little down because of maturity issues and Michael Floyd’s stock is on the rise because of his stellar measurables and impressive interviews, St. Louis does the smart thing and takes the player that consistently made play after play all throughout his career. Blackmon has been looked at as the best WR in college football because of his play on the field and his few off the field concerns aren’t enough to scare off a team in dire need of targets for their franchise QB.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Fletcher Cox | DE-DT | Mississippi State
After thinking long and hard about picking WR Michael Floyd, the team decides to take the athletic DT with stellar intangibles and little downside. WR’s can be found later but defensive tackles like Cox are rare and difficult to find outside of the first round.

8. Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill | QB | Texas A&M
Even though Tannehill is still raw, he has physical traits as good as any QB in this draft and the intangibles to match them. Sherman convinces his new team to gamble on a player that could pay off big-time at what is considered to be by far the most important position in all of football. His mobility and his ability to throw on the run should come in handy in Miami.

9. Carolina Panthers
Michael Floyd | WR | Notre Dame
A close second to Blackmon, Floyd will provide a quality target for Cam Newton to continue his development. Floyd has the impressive speed, size, intelligence, and athleticism of a franchise WR and would create significant match-up problems for defenses opposite still dangerous Steve Smith.

10. Buffalo Bills
Cordy Glenn | OLT | Georgia
GM Buddy Nix decides to take a chance on a huge, athletic player who many think should be a guard but has the ability to play tackle. OLT Demetress Bell signed with Philadelphia, leaving the Bills in need of a tackle and Glenn showed continual improvement at tackle as a senior and gives the Bills reason to believe he can play outside at the next level.

11. Kansas City Chiefs
Dontari Poe | NT | Memphis
Romeo Crennel knows that Poe has rare physical traits and could be a difference maker at the NT position in his defense. His lack of big plays in college is a concern for KC, but the defensive minded coach feels like he can mold him into a dominant defensive lineman.

12. Seattle Seahawks
Riley Reiff | ORT | Iowa
Offensive tackles go early in the draft and Carroll knows their importance to the offense’s success. Carpenter was moved inside to guard paving the way for Reiff to play opposite the oft injured Okung.

13. Arizona Cardinals
David DeCastro | OG | Stanford
The Cardinals signed Adam Snyder in free agency to play RG but he is a versatile player who could easily play another interior position to make room for an elite player like DeCastro. The Stanford guard is exactly the type of player that OL coach Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt would fall in love with. He fits precisely the kind of player they’re trying to bring in. Too early for a guard? The Cardinals couldn’t care any less.

14. Chicago Bears (from Dallas)
Quinton Coples | DE | North Carolina
Chicago, surprised that the talented North Carolina DE slid out of the top ten, and in need of a DE opposite Peppers can’t pass up the chance to land the athletic Coples to add to their already stout defense. They need to up the supporting cast around Peppers and Couples would be a big step in the right direction. The Bears trade #19 and #50 for Cowboys #14.

15. Philadelphia Eagles
Luke Kuechly | MLB | Boston College
Despite trading for Ryans, the Eagles still need to upgrade what was a sorry LB corps. Kuechly is the best MLB in the draft and is as productive a LB as there has been in a few years. Reid doesn’t hesitate to add the instinctive, productive LB to his team.

16. New York Jets
Melvin Ingram | OLB | South Carolina
Rex Ryan is thrilled that one of the top pass rushers in the draft unexpectedly falls out of the top ten and into his ample lap. Ingram will add a pass rushing dimension that Ryan’s defense has been missing since taking over the Jets.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
Michael Brockers | DT | LSU
The Bengals’ recent defensive success has come about largely on the strength of its defensive line, where they have been stockpiling talent. They continue to do so as the raw but talented Brockers slides to their first pick.

18. San Diego Chargers
Whitney Mercilus | OLB | Illinois
The Chargers’ OLB’s are either aging (Jerrett Johnson, Shaun Phillips) or ineffective (Larry English), and since there isn’t an OG left that is worth the 18th pick, GM Smith takes the promising pass rusher with the cool last name. If he plays to his potential, Mercilus will go a long way to reviving a semi-dormant pass rush

19. Dallas Cowboys (from Chicago)
Mark Barron | S | Alabama
Dallas decides to make a small trade back with Coples, Ingram, Barron, Brockers and Mercilus still on the board. However, they get who they really wanted as the gamble that Barron would still be available at pick #19 pays off and Dallas is thrilled to finally fix the position that has been their achilles heel since Darren Woodson retired. Strong, smart, savvy, and athletic, Barron walks in as a day one starter and a huge piece of the puzzle for Rob Ryan. The Cowboys get a field general and enforcer for their secondary that suddenly looks a lot better with Carr and Barron roaming the back end.

20. Tennessee Titans
Dre Kirkpatrick | CB | Alabama
With the loss of Finnegan, corner becomes a significant area of need for the Titans. Kirkpatrick is a big, tenacious DB who has the strength to become a very good press cover corner against big WR’s like Andre Johnson. Tennessee needs a guard too, but all the best are gone.

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Stephon Gilmore | CB | South Carolina
The Bengals are looking to further strengthen their CB’s in a division where Pittsburgh and Baltimore are suddenly trotting out fast, athletic WR’s like Mike Wallace and Torrey Smith, while Cleveland is expected to add one or more wideouts in this year’s draft. Leon Hall is coming off achilles surgery and who can blame Mike Zimmer for not wanting to rely too much on Adam Jones?

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)
Kendall Wright | WR | Baylor
Holmgren was unable to trade up for Robert Griffin III but he is able to take Griffin’s favorite target in Wright. The speedster from Baylor excels at running under the deep ball and is a savvy target for whoever plays QB in Cleveland.

23. Detroit Lions
Janoris Jenkins | CB | North Alabama
Jenkins has serious off field concerns attached to his resume, but Jim Schwartz has shown in recent years, he does not mind taking chances on top talent with character concerns. Jenkins is the most natural CB in this years draft and has fantastic physical talent. If Suh and company can keep him in line and clean off the field, he has all-pro talent.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jonathan Martin | OT | Stanford
With no value at guard, the Steelers decide to take the athletic Martin to help protect Big Ben. Like mentioned earlier, tackles go early and often in the draft and Martin has the athleticism that can’t be taught.

25. Denver Broncos
Jerel Worthy | DT | Michigan State
Denver lost Brodrick Bunkley in free agency while they were pre-occupied with the Peyton Manning chase. He was a big reason for the Broncos defensive success late last season and is a big loss for them. Denver needs a CB, DT and RB, but for John Fox’s defense to work, he must have the big DT. Plus, there isn’t a corner worth taking at 25 and good RB’s can be found later. Much like OT’s, DT’s go early and so Denver takes the best one available.

26. Houston Texans
Courtney Upshaw | OLB | Alabama
In Wade Phillips 34 defense, you can never have enough OLB’s. Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed are good rushers but Upshaw provides another pressure player for a team that lost Mario Williams. Upshaw gives the Texans a third OLB and is strong enough to hold fast at the point of attack. They desperately need a WR opposite Andre Johnson, but don’t like their options at this spot.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans)
Andre Branch | DE/OLB | Clemson
After narrowly missing out on Upshaw, Belichick takes the next edge pass rusher on his board in Branch. The Clemson standout can play DE when the Patriots use a 4 man line but he also has the athleticism to play OLB when they play a 34 defense. New England has been in need of edge rushers for a while now and Branch will go a long way towards infusing that unit with youth and athleticism.

28. Green Bay Packers
Ronnell Lewis | OLB | Oklahoma
In desperate need of providing pressure opposite Matthews, the Packers surprise some with the selection of Lewis. However the strong, athletic Oklahoma defender has been steadily rising up in the eyes of NFL talent evaluators and could provide exactly what the team is looking for. He lacks some in lateral mobility but his straight line speed and above average strength are enticing.

29. Baltimore Ravens
Peter Konz | OC | Wisconsin
The age of Matt Birk dictates that something has to be done sooner rather than later to replace the aging pro bowler. Konz is viewed as the best center by far this year and some say he’s the best since Markice Pouncey went to Pittsburgh. There are some health and durability concerns, but he is such a good prospect that Baltimore will take the risk. Great intangibles.

30. San Francisco 49ers
Kevin Zeitler | OG | Wisconsin
Pairing Zeitler with Iupati would give SF one of the better guard tandems in the NFL. The guard spot opposite Iupati is in need of reinforcement and the smart, tough Zeitler would do the trick. The Wisconsin guard is Harbaugh’s kind of player and fills a major need.

31. Dallas Cowboys (from New England)
Dont’a Hightower | LB | Alabama
Rob Ryan loves the versatility the big LB from Alabama provides him, while Garrett loves the pedigree and intangibles. A powerful enforcer on defense who is a leader and is competitive in the extreme. A Nick Saban favorite, Hightower comes highly recommended from Garrett’s former mentor. The right kind of guy who is downright scary to opponents. He hits like a truck, simply intimidating offenses, and is exactly the kind of nasty player the defense has needed since Charles Haley left Dallas. Ryan will use him all over in his multiple defense. 34 LB, 43 DE, nickel DT, and Hightower was made for the 46. Short yardage and passing downs… he would be used in dozens of ways.

32. New York Giants
Bobby Massie | OT | Mississippi
A late riser, Massie has very good feet that would enable him to play either side in the pros. The Giants need an upgrade along the OL and the Ole Miss tackle would provide just that.


Dallas trades 14 to Chicago for the 19th and 50th picks.
Dallas takes:

Mark Barron | S | Alabama


Dallas trades 50th and their 2013 first round pick to New England for pick number 31. Dallas takes:

Dont’a Hightower | LB | Alabama

At pick 45 Dallas takes:

Amini Silatolu | OG | Midwestern State
Mean, nasty, with brute Polynesian strength and terrific movement skills, he would fit perfectly with what Garrett and Callahan are wanting to do with the OL. His upside is sky high and he is only available in the second round because he played at a small school. Silatolu would compete with a list of interior players that includes Arkin, Livings, Bernadeau, Kowalski, Nagy and Costa. Silatolu should win one OG spot easily.



Dallas Trades Felix Jones to Tampa Bay Bucs for their 3rd round pick #68 overall.

At #68 Dallas Takes:
Alfonso Dennard | DB | Nebraska
Good value as a third round pick. He has natural man cover skills and is one tough SOB… he will hit you. In his first season in Dallas he would be primarily playing 4th corner replacing the ineffective Alan Ball, which would be a huge upgrade. Dennard has playmaking ability and the attitude you want on defense and at corner. His low center of gravity makes him a natural to be a slot corner. There is potential there to be much more than a 4th corner.

At pick 81 Dallas takes:
Bruce Irvin | OLB | West Va
The only pick that isn’t “The right kind of guy” for Garrett. Still, at this point in the 3rd round and with his off the chart measurables, it’s acceptable to take a chance on the guy. Phenomenal physical traits in a guy who Ryan could use numerous ways to create pressure on QB’s. Rob would be like a kid on Christmas when drawing up ways to use Irvin.

At pick #113 Dallas takes:
Cyrus Gray | RB | Texas A&M
A three down back that the team really likes. Has nice physical skills and all the intangibles that Garrett covets in a player. Would compete with Phillip Tanner to be the primary backup to Murray. Gray has the skills and instincts to carry the offense if he is shoved into a starting role.


Note: Barron, Hightower and Dennard all have the intangibles that Garrett wants in a player.

Here is how Pro Football Weekly listed them with their traits both good and bad:

_______________

The following symbols were used to designate traits that translate well to future success:

P — Playmaker
T — Toughness
I — Instincts
C — Competitiveness
L — Leadership presence
The following alerts were used to designate glaring concerns about prospects:

X — Injury / medical history
Ch. — Character concerns
M — Mental limitations / intelligence issue
S — Strength deficient
W — Work ethic concerns

The following designations were used to classify players:

O — Overachiever
U — Underachiever
D — Developmental prospect
Z — Positional projection




Barron - T, I, C, L, X
The only negative is coming off the hernia surgery. Other than that he is listed with toughness, Instincts, Competitiveness, and Leadership Qualities.
That is a win.


Hightower - L, T, I, C
No negatives. Leadership, Toughness, Instincts, and Competitiveness.
They should've put a M for Mean, but they left that off.

Alfonso Dennard - T, C, X
Again, the only negative is coming off injury. They list Dennard as having Toughness and competitiveness.


It should be noted that Silatolu, Gray and Irvin have all three been mentioned as having a strong love for the game, while Silatolu in particular has been noted as having a mean streak a mile wide and liking to bury his opponent right up until the whistle blows (a good trait for an OL).

Adding Barron, Hightower, Irvin and Dennard to the defense would, IMO, go a long way toward not only vastly improving the unit... but it would help instill the mindset that the defense has been needing. A big shot of athleticism and toughness would go a long way towards fixing the D.

Silatolu has pro bowl potential on the OL and Gray would be a more than ample replacement for Felix, who would need to be replaced next offseason anyway. This way, the team gets something in return.

Sorry for the length.

[NeonDeion21]

I would take that in a heart beat. Excellent job.

[Teague31]

don't like to give up next year's #1 but hard not to like this list. good work.

[SDogo]

Great, Great job!

That took some work and it's much appreciated.

[funkytown]

Great mock and thanks for the hard work. Lots of thought went into that.

But I really hope we would not trade next years 1st to move up 20 spots and take Hightower. A player that would be 4th string on this team at ILB.

[AsthmaField]

Originally Posted by funkytown

Great mock and thanks for the hard work. Lots of thought went into that.

But I really hope we would not trade next years 1st to move up 20 spots and take Hightower. A player that would be 4th string on this team at ILB.

I agree about the first round pick, and I was torn in trying to decide if I would make that trade or not. I hate giving up a first, but...

Obviously, I disagree about Hightower, or I wouldn't have made that trade. I think Ryan would be able to use him so many different ways and his heart and head are what Dallas needs on D (IMO).

[Leadbelly]

Awesome work on the first round mock and great write-ups. Seems like it could be a very realistic (and disappointing) 1st day scenario, especially picks 1-26.

BUT

Trading back into Round 1...AND giving up a 1st next year...AND doing it for an ILB...what!

Just on points we come out as suckers by about 300.

But more than that, if he drops just a little into the 2nd you could move up from 45 for the cost of the 4th rounder. It'd get you to the late 30s - maybe Cleveland at 37. Throw in a 5th this year or a 4th next year and it probably gets you into 34/35 range.

[Macnalty]

Originally Posted by AsthmaField

I agree about the first round pick, and I was torn in trying to decide if I would make that trade or not. I hate giving up a first, but...

Obviously, I disagree about Hightower, or I wouldn't have made that trade. I think Ryan would be able to use him so many different ways and his heart and head are what Dallas needs on D (IMO).

I have tried to get Hightower into my mock but it becomes a Gordian knot with all the permutations. That is aiming pretty high with both Barron and Hightower(seems like being able to draft Tyron and JJ Watts), would be extremely happy if this came to fruition without somehow negotiating our first from next year.

[cowboy_ron]

Originally Posted by AsthmaField

I usually never do any mocks with trades because they are so difficult to foresee, and I typically try to get as close to what I think will actually happen as possible.

This time however, I decided to do one that isn't what I think will happen, but is instead what I would like to see happen. It is still players going about where I think they will, but I chose players I would like to see us draft instead of who I think they will (although they are one and the same in many instances).

Probably won't happen, but Rob Ryan would likely be a happy camper if it did.

I gave a write up for all the round 1 picks and also for the Cowboys picks through round 4, and then added some comments at the end about who we picked.

___________________


1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck | QB | Stanford
[View Full Quote] Everyone has known Luck would be the pick for the Colts since the end of November last year. He’s the real deal and as close as you can get to a sure thing at the QB position.

2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis)
Robert Griffin III | QB | Baylor
Washington hopes that RGIII is the missing piece that has kept the Shanahan offense below average since the offensive minded coach took over two years ago. He has the mobility that Shanahan wants as well as a strong arm and leadership qualities. The Redskins better hope Griffin can play because they gave up a king’s ransom to move up 4 spots for him.

3. Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil | OT | USC
The best Tackle in this draft by a large margin and the Vikings have a big need at OT. Easy decision for them since there were no takers for a trade up to #3.

4. Cleveland Browns
Trent Richardson | RB | Alabama
Holmgren cant pass up a sure fire stud at RB, even though it will mean passing on Tannehill. Some Talent evaluators are calling Richardson the best player overall in the entire draft regardless of position. A true workhorse back that will tire down defenses. An AFC North RB if there ever was one.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Morris Claiborne | CB | LSU
Need meets value in Tampa as the Bucs make the smart choice and take the draft’s best CB. The last of this year’s blue-blue chippers.

6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
Justin Blackmon | WR | Oklahoma State
While Blackmon’s stock is a little down because of maturity issues and Michael Floyd’s stock is on the rise because of his stellar measurables and impressive interviews, St. Louis does the smart thing and takes the player that consistently made play after play all throughout his career. Blackmon has been looked at as the best WR in college football because of his play on the field and his few off the field concerns aren’t enough to scare off a team in dire need of targets for their franchise QB.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Fletcher Cox | DE-DT | Mississippi State
After thinking long and hard about picking WR Michael Floyd, the team decides to take the athletic DT with stellar intangibles and little downside. WR’s can be found later but defensive tackles like Cox are rare and difficult to find outside of the first round.

8. Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill | QB | Texas A&M
Even though Tannehill is still raw, he has physical traits as good as any QB in this draft and the intangibles to match them. Sherman convinces his new team to gamble on a player that could pay off big-time at what is considered to be by far the most important position in all of football. His mobility and his ability to throw on the run should come in handy in Miami.

9. Carolina Panthers
Michael Floyd | WR | Notre Dame
A close second to Blackmon, Floyd will provide a quality target for Cam Newton to continue his development. Floyd has the impressive speed, size, intelligence, and athleticism of a franchise WR and would create significant match-up problems for defenses opposite still dangerous Steve Smith.

10. Buffalo Bills
Cordy Glenn | OLT | Georgia
GM Buddy Nix decides to take a chance on a huge, athletic player who many think should be a guard but has the ability to play tackle. OLT Demetress Bell signed with Philadelphia, leaving the Bills in need of a tackle and Glenn showed continual improvement at tackle as a senior and gives the Bills reason to believe he can play outside at the next level.

11. Kansas City Chiefs
Dontari Poe | NT | Memphis
Romeo Crennel knows that Poe has rare physical traits and could be a difference maker at the NT position in his defense. His lack of big plays in college is a concern for KC, but the defensive minded coach feels like he can mold him into a dominant defensive lineman.

12. Seattle Seahawks
Riley Reiff | ORT | Iowa
Offensive tackles go early in the draft and Carroll knows their importance to the offense’s success. Carpenter was moved inside to guard paving the way for Reiff to play opposite the oft injured Okung.

13. Arizona Cardinals
David DeCastro | OG | Stanford
The Cardinals signed Adam Snyder in free agency to play RG but he is a versatile player who could easily play another interior position to make room for an elite player like DeCastro. The Stanford guard is exactly the type of player that OL coach Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt would fall in love with. He fits precisely the kind of player they’re trying to bring in. Too early for a guard? The Cardinals couldn’t care any less.

14. Chicago Bears (from Dallas)
Quinton Coples | DE | North Carolina
Chicago, surprised that the talented North Carolina DE slid out of the top ten, and in need of a DE opposite Peppers can’t pass up the chance to land the athletic Coples to add to their already stout defense. They need to up the supporting cast around Peppers and Couples would be a big step in the right direction. The Bears trade #19 and #50 for Cowboys #14.

15. Philadelphia Eagles
Luke Kuechly | MLB | Boston College
Despite trading for Ryans, the Eagles still need to upgrade what was a sorry LB corps. Kuechly is the best MLB in the draft and is as productive a LB as there has been in a few years. Reid doesn’t hesitate to add the instinctive, productive LB to his team.

16. New York Jets
Melvin Ingram | OLB | South Carolina
Rex Ryan is thrilled that one of the top pass rushers in the draft unexpectedly falls out of the top ten and into his ample lap. Ingram will add a pass rushing dimension that Ryan’s defense has been missing since taking over the Jets.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
Michael Brockers | DT | LSU
The Bengals’ recent defensive success has come about largely on the strength of its defensive line, where they have been stockpiling talent. They continue to do so as the raw but talented Brockers slides to their first pick.

18. San Diego Chargers
Whitney Mercilus | OLB | Illinois
The Chargers’ OLB’s are either aging (Jerrett Johnson, Shaun Phillips) or ineffective (Larry English), and since there isn’t an OG left that is worth the 18th pick, GM Smith takes the promising pass rusher with the cool last name. If he plays to his potential, Mercilus will go a long way to reviving a semi-dormant pass rush

19. Dallas Cowboys (from Chicago)
Mark Barron | S | Alabama
Dallas decides to make a small trade back with Coples, Ingram, Barron, Brockers and Mercilus still on the board. However, they get who they really wanted as the gamble that Barron would still be available at pick #19 pays off and Dallas is thrilled to finally fix the position that has been their achilles heel since Darren Woodson retired. Strong, smart, savvy, and athletic, Barron walks in as a day one starter and a huge piece of the puzzle for Rob Ryan. The Cowboys get a field general and enforcer for their secondary that suddenly looks a lot better with Carr and Barron roaming the back end.

20. Tennessee Titans
Dre Kirkpatrick | CB | Alabama
With the loss of Finnegan, corner becomes a significant area of need for the Titans. Kirkpatrick is a big, tenacious DB who has the strength to become a very good press cover corner against big WR’s like Andre Johnson. Tennessee needs a guard too, but all the best are gone.

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Stephon Gilmore | CB | South Carolina
The Bengals are looking to further strengthen their CB’s in a division where Pittsburgh and Baltimore are suddenly trotting out fast, athletic WR’s like Mike Wallace and Torrey Smith, while Cleveland is expected to add one or more wideouts in this year’s draft. Leon Hall is coming off achilles surgery and who can blame Mike Zimmer for not wanting to rely too much on Adam Jones?

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)
Kendall Wright | WR | Baylor
Holmgren was unable to trade up for Robert Griffin III but he is able to take Griffin’s favorite target in Wright. The speedster from Baylor excels at running under the deep ball and is a savvy target for whoever plays QB in Cleveland.

23. Detroit Lions
Janoris Jenkins | CB | North Alabama
Jenkins has serious off field concerns attached to his resume, but Jim Schwartz has shown in recent years, he does not mind taking chances on top talent with character concerns. Jenkins is the most natural CB in this years draft and has fantastic physical talent. If Suh and company can keep him in line and clean off the field, he has all-pro talent.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jonathan Martin | OT | Stanford
With no value at guard, the Steelers decide to take the athletic Martin to help protect Big Ben. Like mentioned earlier, tackles go early and often in the draft and Martin has the athleticism that can’t be taught.

25. Denver Broncos
Jerel Worthy | DT | Michigan State
Denver lost Brodrick Bunkley in free agency while they were pre-occupied with the Peyton Manning chase. He was a big reason for the Broncos defensive success late last season and is a big loss for them. Denver needs a CB, DT and RB, but for John Fox’s defense to work, he must have the big DT. Plus, there isn’t a corner worth taking at 25 and good RB’s can be found later. Much like OT’s, DT’s go early and so Denver takes the best one available.

26. Houston Texans
Courtney Upshaw | OLB | Alabama
In Wade Phillips 34 defense, you can never have enough OLB’s. Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed are good rushers but Upshaw provides another pressure player for a team that lost Mario Williams. Upshaw gives the Texans a third OLB and is strong enough to hold fast at the point of attack. They desperately need a WR opposite Andre Johnson, but don’t like their options at this spot.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans)
Andre Branch | DE/OLB | Clemson
After narrowly missing out on Upshaw, Belichick takes the next edge pass rusher on his board in Branch. The Clemson standout can play DE when the Patriots use a 4 man line but he also has the athleticism to play OLB when they play a 34 defense. New England has been in need of edge rushers for a while now and Branch will go a long way towards infusing that unit with youth and athleticism.

28. Green Bay Packers
Ronnell Lewis | OLB | Oklahoma
In desperate need of providing pressure opposite Matthews, the Packers surprise some with the selection of Lewis. However the strong, athletic Oklahoma defender has been steadily rising up in the eyes of NFL talent evaluators and could provide exactly what the team is looking for. He lacks some in lateral mobility but his straight line speed and above average strength are enticing.

29. Baltimore Ravens
Peter Konz | OC | Wisconsin
The age of Matt Birk dictates that something has to be done sooner rather than later to replace the aging pro bowler. Konz is viewed as the best center by far this year and some say he’s the best since Markice Pouncey went to Pittsburgh. There are some health and durability concerns, but he is such a good prospect that Baltimore will take the risk. Great intangibles.

30. San Francisco 49ers
Kevin Zeitler | OG | Wisconsin
Pairing Zeitler with Iupati would give SF one of the better guard tandems in the NFL. The guard spot opposite Iupati is in need of reinforcement and the smart, tough Zeitler would do the trick. The Wisconsin guard is Harbaugh’s kind of player and fills a major need.

31. Dallas Cowboys (from New England)
Dont’a Hightower | LB | Alabama
Rob Ryan loves the versatility the big LB from Alabama provides him, while Garrett loves the pedigree and intangibles. A powerful enforcer on defense who is a leader and is competitive in the extreme. A Nick Saban favorite, Hightower comes highly recommended from Garrett’s former mentor. The right kind of guy who is downright scary to opponents. He hits like a truck, simply intimidating offenses, and is exactly the kind of nasty player the defense has needed since Charles Haley left Dallas. Ryan will use him all over in his multiple defense. 34 LB, 43 DE, nickel DT, and Hightower was made for the 46. Short yardage and passing downs… he would be used in dozens of ways.

32. New York Giants
Bobby Massie | OT | Mississippi
A late riser, Massie has very good feet that would enable him to play either side in the pros. The Giants need an upgrade along the OL and the Ole Miss tackle would provide just that.


Dallas trades 14 to Chicago for the 19th and 50th picks.
Dallas takes:

Mark Barron | S | Alabama


Dallas trades 50th and their 2013 first round pick to New England for pick number 31. Dallas takes:

Dont’a Hightower | LB | Alabama

At pick 45 Dallas takes:

Amini Silatolu | OG | Midwestern State
Mean, nasty, with brute Polynesian strength and terrific movement skills, he would fit perfectly with what Garrett and Callahan are wanting to do with the OL. His upside is sky high and he is only available in the second round because he played at a small school. Silatolu would compete with a list of interior players that includes Arkin, Livings, Bernadeau, Kowalski, Nagy and Costa. Silatolu should win one OG spot easily.



Dallas Trades Felix Jones to Tampa Bay Bucs for their 3rd round pick #68 overall.

At #68 Dallas Takes:
Alfonso Dennard | DB | Nebraska
Good value as a third round pick. He has natural man cover skills and is one tough SOB… he will hit you. In his first season in Dallas he would be primarily playing 4th corner replacing the ineffective Alan Ball, which would be a huge upgrade. Dennard has playmaking ability and the attitude you want on defense and at corner. His low center of gravity makes him a natural to be a slot corner. There is potential there to be much more than a 4th corner.

At pick 81 Dallas takes:
Bruce Irvin | OLB | West Va
The only pick that isn’t “The right kind of guy” for Garrett. Still, at this point in the 3rd round and with his off the chart measurables, it’s acceptable to take a chance on the guy. Phenomenal physical traits in a guy who Ryan could use numerous ways to create pressure on QB’s. Rob would be like a kid on Christmas when drawing up ways to use Irvin.

At pick #113 Dallas takes:
Cyrus Gray | RB | Texas A&M
A three down back that the team really likes. Has nice physical skills and all the intangibles that Garrett covets in a player. Would compete with Phillip Tanner to be the primary backup to Murray. Gray has the skills and instincts to carry the offense if he is shoved into a starting role.


Note: Barron, Hightower and Dennard all have the intangibles that Garrett wants in a player.

Here is how Pro Football Weekly listed them with their traits both good and bad:

_______________

The following symbols were used to designate traits that translate well to future success:

P — Playmaker
T — Toughness
I — Instincts
C — Competitiveness
L — Leadership presence
The following alerts were used to designate glaring concerns about prospects:

X — Injury / medical history
Ch. — Character concerns
M — Mental limitations / intelligence issue
S — Strength deficient
W — Work ethic concerns

The following designations were used to classify players:

O — Overachiever
U — Underachiever
D — Developmental prospect
Z — Positional projection




Barron - T, I, C, L, X
The only negative is coming off the hernia surgery. Other than that he is listed with toughness, Instincts, Competitiveness, and Leadership Qualities.
That is a win.


Hightower - L, T, I, C
No negatives. Leadership, Toughness, Instincts, and Competitiveness.
They should've put a M for Mean, but they left that off.

Alfonso Dennard - T, C, X
Again, the only negative is coming off injury. They list Dennard as having Toughness and competitiveness.


It should be noted that Silatolu, Gray and Irvin have all three been mentioned as having a strong love for the game, while Silatolu in particular has been noted as having a mean streak a mile wide and liking to bury his opponent right up until the whistle blows (a good trait for an OL).

Adding Barron, Hightower, Irvin and Dennard to the defense would, IMO, go a long way toward not only vastly improving the unit... but it would help instill the mindset that the defense has been needing. A big shot of athleticism and toughness would go a long way towards fixing the D.

Silatolu has pro bowl potential on the OL and Gray would be a more than ample replacement for Felix, who would need to be replaced next offseason anyway. This way, the team gets something in return.

Sorry for the length.

Well thought out

[AKATheRake]

Lot's of work and nice haul. To get something you have to give something.

Having 2 leaders like that on your defense through 1 draft does not happen to often so you have to think outside the box to make it happen.

[Sasquatch]

Best mock of the season. If it only worked out that way.

[AsthmaField]

Originally Posted by Leadbelly

Awesome work on the first round mock and great write-ups. Seems like it could be a very realistic (and disappointing) 1st day scenario, especially picks 1-26.

BUT

Trading back into Round 1...AND giving up a 1st next year...AND doing it for an ILB...what!

Just on points we come out as suckers by about 300.

But more than that, if he drops just a little into the 2nd you could move up from 45 for the cost of the 4th rounder. It'd get you to the late 30s - maybe Cleveland at 37. Throw in a 5th this year or a 4th next year and it probably gets you into 34/35 range.

I do hate giving next year's first, but that the price for walking out of this deep draft with 2 first rounders. Would I really do it? I'm not sure. However, I do feel like Hightower is very good value late in the first. The guy is a physical intimidator. A bully. a Winner. He's a leader on the field and is mad dog mean. We need a whole helping of that.

I'd love to add him to Ryan's defense.

Good points on his sliding into round 2, and that would be ideal... but I can't see him getting out of round 1. I'm afraid NY would take him at 32.

Here are a couple highlight videos of Hightower:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKBjc1PFvkI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXsxoisEmxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsU4NdZeZ1Q

[GloryDaysRBack]

where are you playing Hightower? OLB?

[AsthmaField]

Originally Posted by GloryDaysRBack

where are you playing Hightower? OLB?

Hightower's lack of a clear cut position is something that concerns me, but part of the decision to take Hightower lies in the fact that we have Ryan's multiple defense to use him in. He has the ability to play at the SOLB position some and rush the passer. He also could play inside in short yardage and goal line situations (where he would be scary on run blitzes or taking on the G and stacking), or the team could use him on middle blitzes from the ILB position (he destroyed a few QB's on delay blitz's up the middle). He could play strong side DE when the team uses a 4 man line in nickel situations, or he could even play inside as a 3-tech in obvious passing situation (like Aldon Smith, he has a knack for rushing from the DT position), allowing the team to have Spencer, Hightower and Ware on the field at the same time.

I honestly see Ryan using Hightower all over the front 7. Today's NFL is a game of substitution and Dont'a would be a huge, smart chess piece for Ryan to use however he sees fit. If he averaged as a rookie 10 snaps at ILB, say 6 at SOLB, 5 at 43 DE, and 4 at 43 (46) DT... then he is getting plenty of snaps to justify a late first round pick. That's just an example and is obviously a guess, but in his plays at those positions he certainly would have plenty of chances to make game altering stops, sacks, and hits.

Plus, his attitude and physicality would bring a dimension to the defense that's been missing since the Haley, Maryland, Woodson era. Dont'a is a field general on defense and sets the tone for that entire side of the ball (like Ray Lewis does for the Ravens D). Competitive, emotional, and plays with great instincts. Plays much faster than his 40 would indicate.

Watch the videos that I linked and pay attention to what Hightower does to the QB on the delayed inside blitz. He destroys them. When he hits he uncoils and simply blows up the ball carrier. Imagine what Eli, Vick or RGIII would be thinking after a couple of those (legal) blows. He would be in their heads. Ware gets to the QB a lot... but he doesn't hurt them when he gets there (~channeling my inner Gregg Williams~).

It's probably a pipe dream and I would imagine the team is taking a mindset closer to the one you have than what I have. But for the record, I think Hightower would be great for Ryan to have.

[AsthmaField]

Cowboys.com video on Hightower:

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multime...2B4AFBD6&cat=0


Says he loves the contact. One of the things that Jimmy Johnson said that his players had to have was a love for the contact aspect of football. He said they were going to be having a lot of contact for their entire careers, so they needed to love it.