Draft Thoughts/Opinions less then 2 weeks away!

[Cowboyny]

This is a weird draft.

I get the feeling the top 10 will ultimately end up looking very differently from what current mock drafts/player rankings suggest. I would not be surprised to see OL/DL players go a lot higher than people anticipate. I think Vega, Fano and Proctor will all go higher than people think, possibly in the top 10. Faulk and maybe Woods are also more likely to me to be in the 5-15 range rather than the 15-25 range.

I think Styles may fall further than expected. He blew up the combine and suddenly started going from the 20 range into the top 5? It would not be the first time, and it is a weird draft. But I'm not so sure.

I have heard the Browns might take Procter at 6. Every media scout has Styles going inside the top 5, even the most respected ones.

 

[Cowboyny]

Nakobie Dean was like CJ and JRod but smaller. A tackling machine with those same instincts at GA. He just can’t stay healthy and is on the smaller side. We tried to get him in FA and had a legit offer. Who knows what their plans are but expect a lot of surprises. We always go pick by pick through these drafts and see the Cowboys skip on a lot of good players because of “traits”…..

If CP prioritizes high level instincts, players like Allen/JRod will be considered despite their physical traits which have always been a McClay staple.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

There could be more options after the draft. The draft usually opens up a second market in May and June. We also still have a good amount of cap space

Oh I'm sure they have at least 2-3 post-draft options for vet players in their pockets

 

[Cowboyny]

Think of him as a poor mans Jalon Walker. His main skill set is as a pass rusher, but has the ability to play off ball on run downs. Definitely doesnt belong in the slot.

Their slot is going to play more like a linebacker than a corner.

 

[Cowboyny]

Oh I'm sure they have at least 2-3 post-draft options for vet players in their pockets

Remember, we thought they couldn't leave the 1st rd last yr without taking a WR. They never drafted one, but traded for Pickens shortly after.

 

[baltcowboy]

-reading the breadcrumbs, they are taking a 1st rd corner. They have brought in every possible 1st rd corner as a 30 visitor: McCoy, Delane, Hood, Johnson, Terrell, Cisse. Interesting to find out their pecking order of the group. Really like both Hood/Johnson. Terrell/Cisse could also be those inside/outside types.

-starting to believe both Rodriguez/Allen aren't on the Cowboys radar. Will McClay always targets long linebackers who can affect the passing game. There was a report that they were highest on Hill, Trotter & Golday who all possesses elite length for the position. Also, Sonny Styles who is most definitely a trade up target. Keep an eye out on long corners as well. Overshown/Murray last season both had over 32 inch arms. Our two projected corners have over 32 inch arms in Revel and Bland.

-big nickel is a priority by this new staff based on the prospects they have brought in as 30 visits as well as Schott recently saying how important the position is and it hasn't been addresses. Downs, McNeil-Warren, Stukes, Scott, Ramsey. The only one missing is Louis that tweener from Pitt. I think if they fail to land Downs, they may look to try to get another day 2 pick to land either a Stukes or Scott. Perkins could also be the wildcard here.

-watching these 2 edge rushers: Howell/Height after day 1. CP has strong ties being a former assistant with the Texas A&M program. Height, will be more of a designated pass rusher, but he as good as every edge in this class of just doing that. He had a great game against Utah where both their tackles are going to be drafted high.

-It wouldn't surprise me if the team doesn't draft a high linebacker or edge. They aren't going to be able to address all needs and still have cap space to either sign or trade for a veteran. Also, remember, the 2nd wave of fa post draft where more players will become available.

Good post, I would add Harold Perkins in your group with Height/Howell.
To be honest two secondary prospects with the first two picks along with Bland, Thompson, Revel, Hooker, and Durant could give us an elite secondary. Not a bad plan especially in this draft.

 

[Cowboyny]

Good post, I would add Harold Perkins in your group with Height/Howell.
To be honest two secondary prospects with the first two picks along with Bland, Thompson, Revel, Hooker, and Durant could give us an elite secondary. Not a bad plan especially in this draft.

That looks like their plan, fix the back end first. Agree, Perkins is among that grouping.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Miami could be asking too high of a price for Brooks, like they did with Fitzpatrick at the deadline last year. As it turned out, they got very little value in return for Fitzpatrick and allowed Chubb to walk. Brooks price will come down either during the draft or post draft.

Don't rule out the three that I mentioned in Hill, Golday and Trotter. It would be an interesting discussion between CP and McClay-McClay loves those athletic freaks and never puts an importance on instincts, where CP wants that instinctive player. We know Trotter is a 30 visitor, he has elite instincts in the run game, but has a lot of work needed with coverage. He is the so called poor man's Allen with better physical traits.

Agree, Styles is a serious trade up candidate. He fits McClay's prototype for the position and has improved his instincts with more experience.

Word is the Dolphins are asking for a day-2 pick for Brooks.......that's something we are already considering. So I'm not sure it's that. I think it has more to do with Brooks will need a new contract in 2027 or he walks and if that happens, guess what, we are back to square one.

My concern with Hill, Golday and Trotter is their learning curve. You would probably have to pair them with a bottom-feeding vet such as Wagner.

Bottom line is they are backed against the wall........but Schotty says they have a plan

 

[Hawkeye0202]

two secondary prospects with the first two picks along with Bland, Thompson, Revel, Hooker, and Durant could give us an elite secondary. Not a bad plan especially in this draft.

TWO 1st round picks to the secondary seem like an overkill to me, but I guess it's possible with Downs @12 and CB @ 20.

 

[reddyuta]

Will McClay does not have that great of track record on D. We haven’t had an alpha LB here in forever. We always pick these finesse LB’s and they flame out.

McClay is probably in hog heaven as he might love DB’s more than CP…..

also we draft dumb LBs,they cant do basic LB stuff properly.

 

[Aven8]

also we draft dumb LBs,they cant do basic LB stuff properly.

It’s because we go with these “traits” LB’s that can run like gazelles and are long but can’t find the B gap with a roadmap.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Their slot is going to play more like a linebacker than a corner.

I really dont think thats going to be the case. Thats not how his secondaries have operated in the past. I think expecting more of a LB in the slot is reading to much into comments. I think the Big Nickel conversation has taken on a life of its own

Either way, Perkins isn't a fit because as a LB, he isnt a coverage player. Putting him anywhere near the slot is a waste of talent. If Parker is going to waste talent like that, then just fire him now

 

[Cowboyny]

Word is the Dolphins are asking for a day-2 pick for Brooks.......that's something we are already considering. So I'm not sure it's that. I think it has more to do with Brooks will need a new contract in 2027 or he walks and if that happens, guess what, we are back to square one.

My concern with Hill, Golday and Trotter is their learning curve. You would probably have to pair them with a bottom-feeding vet such as Wagner.

Bottom line is they are backed against the wall........but Schotty says they have a plan

I think that maybe their plan

 

[baltcowboy]

TWO 1st round picks to the secondary seem like an overkill to me, but I guess it's possible with Downs @12 and CB @ 20.

Downs and a cornerback/ Delane and a safety. What if McCoy falls to 20. Downs and McCoy dream scenario…….

 

[Chasing6]

There could be more options after the draft. The draft usually opens up a second market in May and June. We also still have a good amount of cap space

Current cap space will be eaten up by rookie draft class.

 

[gtb1943]

TWO 1st round picks to the secondary seem like an overkill to me, but I guess it's possible with Downs @12 and CB @ 20.

We are not really fixing the D this year; its at least a two year work in progress. So if they go heavy DB in this draft, I have no problem with it.

 

[Acceptablename]

This is a weird draft.

I get the feeling the top 10 will ultimately end up looking very differently from what current mock drafts/player rankings suggest. I would not be surprised to see OL/DL players go a lot higher than people anticipate. I think Vega, Fano and Proctor will all go higher than people think, possibly in the top 10. Faulk and maybe Woods are also more likely to me to be in the 5-15 range rather than the 15-25 range.

I think Styles may fall further than expected. He blew up the combine and suddenly started going from the 20 range into the top 5? It would not be the first time, and it is a weird draft. But I'm not so sure.

Agreed very hard to predict this draft

 

[xwalker]

Again, you are thinking like them having a traditional slot like Jourdin Lewis. The big nickel is more of a box player that just covers the underneath zones and the backs out of the backfield. This player isn't going to see much man coverage responsibilities at all. There was a good write-up about the cover 8 scheme.

Maybe, but DeJean plays outside CB in the Eagles 3-4 alignments.
- That means he has CB type coverage skills.

 

[xwalker]

Most of the media scouts believe he is a off the ball linebacker. Too small to become a full time edge, but he can help in that area. Whomever drafts him, needs a plan how to use him. Heard someone say he is ideal for the Vikings blitzing scheme.

The media/fans might be underrating his Off-Ball upside because he spent so much time rushing the passer in college.

Most 3-4 OLBs move to DE in Nickel.
- Perkins would need to move to Off-Ball LB in Nickel.

Perkins is small (6-1, 223) but he ran a 4.4 forty.
- There is a place for him, even if it's in a rotation.

 

[rambo2]

-reading the breadcrumbs, they are taking a 1st rd corner. They have brought in every possible 1st rd corner as a 30 visitor: McCoy, Delane, Hood, Johnson, Terrell, Cisse. Interesting to find out their pecking order of the group. Really like both Hood/Johnson. Terrell/Cisse could also be those inside/outside types.

-starting to believe both Rodriguez/Allen aren't on the Cowboys radar. Will McClay always targets long linebackers who can affect the passing game. There was a report that they were highest on Hill, Trotter & Golday who all possesses elite length for the position. Also, Sonny Styles who is most definitely a trade up target. Keep an eye out on long corners as well. Overshown/Murray last season both had over 32 inch arms. Our two projected corners have over 32 inch arms in Revel and Bland.

-big nickel is a priority by this new staff based on the prospects they have brought in as 30 visits as well as Schott recently saying how important the position is and it hasn't been addresses. Downs, McNeil-Warren, Stukes, Scott, Ramsey. The only one missing is Louis that tweener from Pitt. I think if they fail to land Downs, they may look to try to get another day 2 pick to land either a Stukes or Scott. Perkins could also be the wildcard here.

-watching these 2 edge rushers: Howell/Height after day 1. CP has strong ties being a former assistant with the Texas A&M program. Height, will be more of a designated pass rusher, but he as good as every edge in this class of just doing that. He had a great game against Utah where both their tackles are going to be drafted high.

-It wouldn't surprise me if the team doesn't draft a high linebacker or edge. They aren't going to be able to address all needs and still have cap space to either sign or trade for a veteran. Also, remember, the 2nd wave of fa post draft where more players will become available.

I think that they trade up for a top player.