2007 Cowboys Mock, v1

[BlueStarDude]

Since the below mock is going to look a little odd, I'm going to wuss out and mention that in 2005 my January mock had us taking Spears at 11 and Merriman at 20 (long before the switch to the 3-4 was a given and before Merriman was a consensus first rounder); last year my first mock had us taking Carpenter with the first pick and Fasano in the third round. The below choices are less likely to hit, but I'm just so sick of watching the OL get pushed around. I originally had Louisville DT Amobi Okoye as the first rounder, but I think he'll go higher based on his tremendous upside. And I'm not bothering to list any 7th rounders at this point.

Other circumstances make this offseason harder to figure as well. Two years ago, most people could guess a good NT like Pat Williams or Ferguson was coming here. Last year, a veteran OT like Runyan or Fabini was a given. While the secondary and OL still have glaring needs, the free agent options are slim, and many teams have a lot of cap room: if you're a GM who wants to build long-term success, tread very carefully in this offseason's (likely expensive) free agent waters.

1. Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn
Is the 23rd pick too high for a guard? Not when he flashes Gene Upshaw-like potential. Great at getting to the second level and blocking in open space.

2. Josh Beekman, G/C, Boston College
Started 9 games at right guard and 3 games at center. A big lineman with good feet, strong drive, and who blocks well on the move. Two picks, two guards: overkill? Perhaps.

3. Jonathan Wade, CB, Tennessee
Struggled to live up to his potential until senior season. Durability could be a concern. Would be another track guy to team with TNew, but Wade's not just about speed, having finished the 2006 season tied for the SEC lead in passes defended. Displays a willingness to help out against the run, though he needs to improve his tackling a bit.

4. Mike Otto, T, Purdue
Needs to play a little stronger and a little quicker to be a pro LT, but has the potential. Could very well be off the board by time round 4 comes around. Jason Fabini wasn't good with the Jets in 05 or in his one play at LT for the Boys; Pat McQuistan is still a work in progress. Better depth is needed, and Otto might have the skills to take over for Flozell Adams in a year or two.

5. Marques Murrell, OLB, Appalachian State
Another draft, another LB relative of a former Parcells RB. As a 240-pound DE, Murrell disrupted opposing I-AA offenses the past two seasons. With Al Singleton a free agent, and Greg Ellis coming off an achilles injury and possibly being limited to a nickel DE role, the Cowboys will look to add OLB depth.

6. (from Jets, for Hunter) Jake Nordin, TE, Northern Illinois
Combines soft hands with good blocking skills. Missed the final eight games of the regular season with knee and ankle injuries. How much he's able to recover before April will determine how early he gets drafted on day two.

7. BPA

7. (from Jets, for Ryan) BPA

7. (from Saints, for Shanle) BPA

 

[SDogo]

Every pick is reach but the 2nd rounder.

 

[IndianaCowboyFan]

4. Mike Otto, T, Purdue
Needs to play a little stronger and a little quicker to be a pro LT, but has the potential. Could very well be off the board by time round 4 comes around. Jason Fabini wasn't good with the Jets in 05 or in his one play at LT for the Boys; Pat McQuistan is still a work in progress. Better depth is needed, and Otto might have the skills to take over for Flozell Adams in a year or two.

Plays LT at Purdue but Coach Tiller has said that he would be an All American at guard but Purdue didn't have anyone as good as he is at LT to replace him.

 

[BlueStarDude]

Every pick is reach but the 2nd rounder.

That certainly could turn out to be the case. And a guard at 22, as I noted, would be an awfully high pick to use on what's generally thought to be a "low impact" position. But guards can play Hall of Fame level football, too.

And just wanted to point out that Scott Wright has now moved Grubbs into the first round in his latest mock draft: "Ben Grubbs is a terrific athlete who actually played defensive tackle and tight end early in his college career before eventually moving to guard in 2004. Even though this isn't a sexy pick it would provide an upgrade and there are more than a few scouts who were enamored enough with Grubbs and and his potential to stamp a first round grade on him."

Also, Rob's Scouting has this to say on Grubbs: "the Left Guard has vaulted to the top of my board and has received a first round grade and a very high one at that."

And, FWIW, Scout.Com gives Jonathan Wade a Round 2 to 3 grade, similar to USA Today which believes he can land "in the second or third round."

 

[TwoSteppinJJ]

Love the Murrell pick. Dont like Beekman and I think we can get Grubbs in the 2nd. But I wouldnt be against drafting Grubbs in the first if he continues to rocket up draft boards...

 

[dallasfaniac]

I think Grubbs is a little high....I would rather take another position and gamble on an OG later.

I like the Beekman pick, but think he is rated higher than Grubbs. If you reversed the picks, Beekman in the first and Grubbs in the second it would look a little better. Of course even then I don't like taking guards that early.

I like Wade, but I have him rated as a 4th. He could climb up a bit but then it might be taking too early talentwise. I might still pull the trigger if corners are coming off though.

Like the Otto pick. Right around where I have him rated.

Not high on Marques Murrell like some. Just something about him I don't like, can't put my finger on it.

Nordin: I would prefer drafting an athletic lineman and teach him to catch. He runs a half step faster than many linemen at 4.95 and doesn't block quite as well.

Not a bad first attempt. It's hard to dial in on some of these players until after combines.

 

[junk]

I think Murrell goes a lot lower although I like him as well.

 

[BlueStarDude]

Thanks. I'd really love to see us move down in the first or into the early second, and grab a couple extra picks - something similar to what we did three years ago. But I didn't want to get into trying to predict trades.

Can't wait for next week to get here. The picture should really start to come into focus concerning Grubbs, Beekman, and Blalock (and maybe throw Ramirez in there, too) and who the top guard prospect will be (though I guess Blalock will be primarily a tackle for Senior Bowl week).

 

[dallasfaniac]

Thanks. I'd really love to see us move down in the first or into the early second, and grab a couple extra picks - something similar to what we did three years ago. But I didn't want to get into trying to predict trades.

Can't wait for next week to get here. The picture should really start to come into focus concerning Grubbs, Beekman, and Blalock (and maybe throw Ramirez in there, too) and who the top guard prospect will be (though I guess Blalock will be primarily a tackle for Senior Bowl week).

Yeah, Blalock is smarter going at tackle where the money is. Going at guard pushes him down the board. I really like Ramirez and am interested how he'll measure out.