2015 Draft Watch Cowboys

[waving monkey]

thank you never too soon

 

[Doc50]

This is a very early look at players that I’m looking forward to watching next season. This isn’t a top ten list; it includes players I can see going on all three days of the draft. Last year’s list had two players return to college, one undrafted free agent, one 6th rounder, one 5th rounder, one 4th rounder, one 3rd rounder, one 2nd rounder, and two 1st rounders. Ideally, that’s what I’m shooting for. I wait until after the draft to see which positions we addressed and I also try to consider pending free agents. Since we drafted Demarcus Lawrence, I’m excluding the player who would have been number one on this list, defensive end Shilique Calhoun from Michigan State. I’m a lifelong West Coaster so I apologize for the heavy dose of Pac12 players.

Good work.

We also need a QB, but lots of folks are already watching those guys.

 

[Szczepanik]

Striker has to own the best last name of any defensive player since B. Rambo

 

[Hardline]

Way too early.

 

[LatinMind]

8. Mario Edwards, Jr. DE Florida State (6’3”/294)

http://www.seminoles.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mario_edwards_jr_808184.html

Why would the Cowboys need him? Depends on whether or not the Cowboys’ approach with the defensive line works out this year. The plan this year is to hope Anthony Spencer can get healthy and that journeymen Jeremy Mincey and George Selvie can help create a Seahawk-like rotation to get the job done. I have some hope for Ben Gardner but that might be too much to ask of a 7th rounder right away. Edwards is the son of the former Cowboys cornerback Mario Edwards, who Jerry drafted in 2000. He plays right end for the Seminoles but seems built to play strong side end and can slide inside on passing downs.

College Numbers: In two years at Florida State, he has 38 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 defensive TD.

He screams of 3-4 DE

 

[CowboysLaw87]

He screams of 3-4 DE

I think he's actually in the 280 range. I'd say he's in that Charles Johnson mold of compact, larger 4-3 DE's. Doesn't quite have the length you're looking for in an ideal 3-4 DE, but not an impossible fit.

 

[LatinMind]

I think he's actually in the 280 range. I'd say he's in that Charles Johnson mold of compact, larger 4-3 DE's. Doesn't quite have the length you're looking for in an ideal 3-4 DE, but not an impossible fit.

In Marinellis defense he is a 3tech

 

[CowboysLaw87]

In Marinellis defense he is a 3tech

Interesting/good take. That's certainly possible. Love how Rod's philosophy is to depart from the norm and put the best athletes in rush positions.

 

[Bizwah]

In Marinellis defense he is a 3tech

Those were my thoughts

 

[LatinMind]

Interesting/good take. That's certainly possible. Love how Rod's philosophy is to depart from the norm and put the best athletes in rush positions.

He's not fast enough off the edge to go around tackles. But he is quick enough to provide pressure up the middle. And its the shortest route to the QB. 290-294 is perfect to line up inside for Marinelli. Same with Leonard Williams.

I really think Dallas has its DEs of the future already in Dallas with Lawrence and Gardner.

A guy like Edwards in later round 1 to round 2. early on. I wouldnt be suprised to see him mid round 1 grade with a good yr.

OLB there are two im keeping my eyes on:
Eric Kendrick LB UCLA, guy is a tackling machine who can go sideline to sideline quick. Would be a nice guy to replace Carter if he isnt brought back.

Denzel Perryman, guy reminds of London Fletcher. A beast against the run, and solid dropping back against the pass. Only 5'11 but makes up for it with knowing his job and being in the spot he's supposedd to be at to make the play.

 

[CowboysLaw87]

He's not fast enough off the edge to go around tackles. But he is quick enough to provide pressure up the middle. And its the shortest route to the QB. 290-294 is perfect to line up inside for Marinelli. Same with Leonard Williams.

I really think Dallas has its DEs of the future already in Dallas with Lawrence and Gardner.

A guy like Edwards in later round 1 to round 2. early on. I wouldnt be suprised to see him mid round 1 grade with a good yr.

OLB there are two im keeping my eyes on:
Eric Kendrick LB UCLA, guy is a tackling machine who can go sideline to sideline quick. Would be a nice guy to replace Carter if he isnt brought back.

Denzel Perryman, guy reminds of London Fletcher. A beast against the run, and solid dropping back against the pass. Only 5'11 but makes up for it with knowing his job and being in the spot he's supposedd to be at to make the play.

Good players to watch for, thanks.

As for your Edwards/Williams and our DL take...you had me until Gardner. Obviously I hope I'm wrong and that we stole a longterm starting LDE in R7, but I don't think that's the case. I like him as a rotational guy who ideally would be replaced by a twichier rusher off the edge in obvious rush situations. Now theres a whole season to play, but I don't think Gardner keeps us from drafting a high ceiling rusher early.

The DL moving parts is going to be fascinating.

 

[LatinMind]

Good players to watch for, thanks.

As for your Edwards/Williams and our DL take...you had me until Gardner. Obviously I hope I'm wrong and that we stole a longterm starting LDE in R7, but I don't think that's the case. I like him as a rotational guy who ideally would be replaced by a twichier rusher off the edge in obvious rush situations. Now theres a whole season to play, but I don't think Gardner keeps us from drafting a high ceiling rusher early.

The DL moving parts is going to be fascinating.

Gardner isnt a 7th round talent. He dropped because of his pec injury. Those that have watched Gardner know the guy is a beast for the strong side. Nobody expected him to be this far along with his injury. He tore his pec at the end of oct and was ready for for OTAs. Thats the sign of somebody who is not affraid of hard work. His Pec injury was bad.

 

[CowboysLaw87]

Gardner isnt a 7th round talent. He dropped because of his pec injury. Those that have watched Gardner know the guy is a beast for the strong side. Nobody expected him to be this far along with his injury. He tore his pec at the end of oct and was ready for for OTAs. Thats the sign of somebody who is not affraid of hard work. His Pec injury was bad.

Totally aware of the injury, and agree to a certain extent. So maybe he's more of a 4th or 5th round talent for the position. A wonderful rotational option to bring some edge stoutness and pursuit. Still wouldn't stop me from trying to upgrade if the right value came along, but we'll see.

In this defense, the LDE is the #3 rusher (theoretically). Is Ben Gardner the longterm #3 rusher of a really good defense? Eh... probably can keep our eyes open.

 

[LatinMind]

Totally aware of the injury, and agree to a certain extent. So maybe he's more of a 4th or 5th round talent for the position. A wonderful rotational option to bring some edge stoutness and pursuit. Still wouldn't stop me from trying to upgrade if the right value came along, but we'll see.

In this defense, the LDE is the #3 rusher (theoretically). Is Ben Gardner the longterm #3 rusher of a really good defense? Eh... probably can keep our eyes open.

Of course they would. Marinelli switches guys in and out constantly. Starters are usually playing 60-65% of the snaps.

 

[CowboysLaw87]

Of course they would. Marinelli switches guys in and out constantly. Starters are usually playing 60-65% of the snaps.

Right. You said something to the effect of we have our DE's in Lawrence & Gardner. I'm suggesting that ideally Gardner is the other 35-40%, not the "starter" level 60-65% at LDE longterm.

 

[Muhast]

Nice group. I'd LOVE to draft Gurley. Absolutely would flip out if we did. I think he is going to be special in the NFL. Like close to AP special. Just my opinion though.