the argument against Barron, although I don't agree with it, and sorry about Jarvis Jones because I didn't know he chose to stay until right now. What I'm trying to do is get into the Cowboys' heads and see what they could possibly be thinking.
The way I see it, when it comes to Barron, is this:
If the Cowboys sign Nick or another high profile guard, probably their logic would lead them into not investing a #1 draft pick on another one. Their thinking might be that with Bill Nagy ( who they like ), David Arkin, and possibly bringing back Holland, the other guard position should be more than taken care of. If none of those 3 contribute much, they could address it in 2013, but it's not as if that one particular position is a franchise killer. Two ? yes, one ? Not really.
So that leads to the next problem, which is bigger than the O-line. Now, the ideal situation is for Kirkpatrick to fall to #14. He'd be the obvious choice, even over DeCastro. However, I don't think he will. The guy is good and plays a position that's in demand. That leaves the safety position. Those of you who say that Barron can't cover, I would like to know 2 things: a) define " can't cover ", you mean like a CB ? or like a safety ?, b) what are you basing your opinion on ? I'm not going to tell you that I've seen Barron play since highschool because it would be a lie. However, I've seen enough to know that this guy is a player. Comparing him to Roy Williams, or basing an opinion on him because of Roy Williams' tenure in Dallas is counter-productive. It's like saying the Cowboys shouldn't draft Sam Montgomery ( for example ) because Anthony Spencer didn't work out. Both were DE in college, both are 6'4, both are 250 lbs, and both were pass rushing specialists. Doesn't make sense.
As far as the " safeties fall in the draft all the time " argument, that is factual. However, every draft is unique and every player is different. The point that the position is weak this year, and that he's the best one of them all ( not to mention a first round talent ) has been made very clear. That, by itself, screams that this guy is not going to get out of the first round. Take another position that shares the same reputation as safeties, at least over the past few years. Should the Chiefs pass on Trent Richardson ( if he falls to them ) because he's a RB ( and they can get those just about anywhere ) even though he's a first round talent and he represents a big need for them ? IMO that would be a mistake.
I'm not saying the Cowboys should draft solely based on need. I'm against drafting " solely based on " anything, including the so called " best player available " theory. I am for drafting based on a complete and thorough evaluation of not only the player(s), but the roster, the coaching philosophy, and the draft itself. What are my needs ? Who's available ? Who's drafting in front of me ? Who's drafting behind me ? Who fits my systems ? Those would be the questions, along with the background checks, in which I'd base the draft decisions on.
