A few top 10 prospects - who is the best fit for Dallas?

[JBS]

Patrick Peterson - Seems like this guy is everybodys top choice. This guy is a flat out freak. Essentially, the megatron of defensive backs. 6'1, 220, 4.4 40...absolutely insane, no doubt. However, how does he fit the cowboys? Obviously, our defense is pathetic, especially our secondary. Is it worth drafting a guy top 10 to play CB when we have Jenkins and Newman? I would lean to yes, but I'm not 100% sure. A lot of scouts think PP is a better fit at safety. However, this guy has never played safety in his life. If Peterson was a natural safety in college I would feel much better, especially considering safety is a much bigger need than CB for us. Am I saying he can't play safety? No way, I'm just not 100% sure.

Nick Fairley - This guy is also an absolute beast. What I love most about this guy is how nasty he plays, albeit, he will commit a few unnecessary roughness penalties, I think his ferocity is something our D lacks. However, the only fit this guy has on our team is as a 3-4 DE. Do you draft a 3-4 DE with a top 10 pick? Im not so sure about that. Actually, I am closer to saying no. Putting him at DE in a 3-4 might be the worst place possible for this kid because it might minimize his best quality, which is his pass rush ability.

Robert Quinn - A sure fire top 10 talent. Hands down the best player on a tar heels defense that will likely land half a dozen players in the draft in the first 4-5 rounds. Similar to Dez Bryant in the sense that he could fall some due to not playing at all this season. However, this guy is a perfect fit for our defense. He could easily become the next DWare. Imagine having another Dware on the other side of Dware. Now I will be honest and admit I'm not sure what his bust potential is like. I have heard some people label him as a boom or bust type of player. In my opinion, the biggest need on this defense is another pressure player. In my opinion, Quinn is the best fit for our team. However, I do not think he is the best player of the bunch. I believe Peterson is by far the best player of the 3, I just don't know if it's smarter to play him at cb or safety. I am also not sold on drafting a CB w our first pick, if indeed that is where we would play him.

What do you guys think?

I apologize for any typos. I am on my iPhone and auto correct is a...you know what.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I think there are more players then just these three that the Cowboys will consider.

 

[dbair1967]

Patrick Peterson - Seems like this guy is everybodys top choice. This guy is a flat out freak. Essentially, the megatron of defensive backs. 6'1, 220, 4.4 40...absolutely insane, no doubt. However, how does he fit the cowboys? Obviously, our defense is pathetic, especially our secondary. Is it worth drafting a guy top 10 to play CB when we have Jenkins and Newman? I would lean to yes, but I'm not 100% sure. A lot of scouts think PP is a better fit at safety. However, this guy has never played safety in his life. If Peterson was a natural safety in college I would feel much better, especially considering safety is a much bigger need than CB for us. Am I saying he can't play safety? No way, I'm just not 100% sure.

Nick Fairley - This guy is also an absolute beast. What I love most about this guy is how nasty he plays, albeit, he will commit a few unnecessary roughness penalties, I think his ferocity is something our D lacks. However, the only fit this guy has on our team is as a 3-4 DE. Do you draft a 3-4 DE with a top 10 pick? Im not so sure about that. Actually, I am closer to saying no. Putting him at DE in a 3-4 might be the worst place possible for this kid because it might minimize his best quality, which is his pass rush ability.

Robert Quinn - A sure fire top 10 talent. Hands down the best player on a tar heels defense that will likely land half a dozen players in the draft in the first 4-5 rounds. Similar to Dez Bryant in the sense that he could fall some due to not playing at all this season. However, this guy is a perfect fit for our defense. He could easily become the next DWare. Imagine having another Dware on the other side of Dware. Now I will be honest and admit I'm not sure what his bust potential is like. I have heard some people label him as a boom or bust type of player. In my opinion, the biggest need on this defense is another pressure player. In my opinion, Quinn is the best fit for our team. However, I do not think he is the best player of the bunch. I believe Peterson is by far the best player of the 3, I just don't know if it's smarter to play him at cb or safety. I am also not sold on drafting a CB w our first pick, if indeed that is where we would play him.

What do you guys think?

I apologize for any typos. I am on my iPhone and auto correct is a...you know what.

Really wouldnt be disappointed with any of the 3, but I havent studied the draft enough yet. All three of them have plusses and minuses.

If they think Brent is ready to play NT fulltime, then Ratliff moves to DE. If they resign one of the free agent DE's (Spears, Bowen or Hatcher) then the 3starting positions are pretty much set. I'm thinking Olshansky wont be here next yr, but I do think Lissemore works his way into the rotation. So Fairley (or any of the other 3-4 DL's) becomes less of a need area.

Peterson does have amazing athletic ability, but I've watched alot of LSU games and he does not always resemble a shutdown CB. He seems to get beat quite a bit, even by lesser players. Perhaps its a focus or technique thing, but I dont believe that coming out he's as good a cover CB as Deion Sanders or Mike Haynes were. There are some who seem to think his best position might be FS, but I'm not sure using a top-10 pick on a safety is smart.

I've said for a couple months now that the biggest question mark for the team going into next yr (if they stick with the 3-4) is Spencer's OLB spot. He has been awful in all phases this year. If they think this year isnt an abberation then upgrading his OLB becomes a possible priority. Spencer's in the last yr of his contract in 2011 as well. And there are a number of good 3-4 OLBV prospects that will be available early in this draft, including Quinn who could be quite good in this scheme.

 

[realtick]

I think any one of those players is a fit.

My gut tells me Peterson could make the move to safety without much issue.

 

[JBS]

I think there are more players then just these three that the Cowboys will consider.

Absolutely, i didn't mean to infer that these were the only 3..these just happen to be my top 3, as of now.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

If we don't get Peterson, trade down, pick up one or two OL and a S in the first two rounds.

 

[KingintheNorth]

To me it's Peterson or bust. I would make every effort to trade up or stand pat at 6th. The second Peterson is drafted ahead of us, I bail out.

Fairley and Quinn are nice consolation prizes and Quinn comes with some risk.

Amukamara is also a nice consolation.

If I trade down (to the 10 -14 range) I target the top Tackle available whether that be Tyron Smith, Derek Sherrod, or Gabe Cirimi. We need to start addressing the Offensive Line and if the Peterson dream is dead, it's time to get to work.

In the 2nd round, I am targeting the best Safety available and I'd be willing to move into the bottom of the 1st if there's someone who our scouts graded out worthy.

If we somehow land Peterson my approach in the 2nd round is the same only with Offensive Linemen (not just tackles).

We have many needs but Safety and Offensive Line are glaring and have been ignored for too long.

 

[DFWJC]

1a. Patrick Peterson
1b. Nick Fairley
1c. trade down
.
.
.
if we have to pick there, then
1d. Da'Quan Bowers (if we think he can play 3-4 DE)
1e. Prince Akmukmara
1f. Robert Quinn
1g. Marcell Dareus

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Absolutely, i didn't mean to infer that these were the only 3..these just happen to be my top 3, as of now.

Understand but I think the Cowboys would be better served in trading down, picking up multiple 1st and 2nd round picks and taking 5 or 6 quality players that have a chance to be starters for us in a couple of seasons, as opposed to just one taken high. We don't really need a QB, OLT or Dominating pass rushing end or OLB. You might be able to make the case that we need another CB but the problem with Peterson is that I think he might be a Safety. At this point, those are the only positions I see as worthy of the draft pick position we might end up with. I just think we are better served to trade down and pick up players along the OL, NT/DE, Safety, CB, ILB and Kicker. We could easily address multiple positions with quality players if we elect not to pick at that spot and trade down. JMO.

 

[sonnyboy]

Patrick Peterson - Seems like this guy is everybodys top choice. This guy is a flat out freak. Essentially, the megatron of defensive backs. 6'1, 220, 4.4 40...absolutely insane, no doubt. However, how does he fit the cowboys? Obviously, our defense is pathetic, especially our secondary. Is it worth drafting a guy top 10 to play CB when we have Jenkins and Newman? I would lean to yes, but I'm not 100% sure. A lot of scouts think PP is a better fit at safety. However, this guy has never played safety in his life. If Peterson was a natural safety in college I would feel much better, especially considering safety is a much bigger need than CB for us. Am I saying he can't play safety? No way, I'm just not 100% sure.

Nick Fairley - This guy is also an absolute beast. What I love most about this guy is how nasty he plays, albeit, he will commit a few unnecessary roughness penalties, I think his ferocity is something our D lacks. However, the only fit this guy has on our team is as a 3-4 DE. Do you draft a 3-4 DE with a top 10 pick? Im not so sure about that. Actually, I am closer to saying no. Putting him at DE in a 3-4 might be the worst place possible for this kid because it might minimize his best quality, which is his pass rush ability.

Robert Quinn - A sure fire top 10 talent. Hands down the best player on a tar heels defense that will likely land half a dozen players in the draft in the first 4-5 rounds. Similar to Dez Bryant in the sense that he could fall some due to not playing at all this season. However, this guy is a perfect fit for our defense. He could easily become the next DWare. Imagine having another Dware on the other side of Dware. Now I will be honest and admit I'm not sure what his bust potential is like. I have heard some people label him as a boom or bust type of player. In my opinion, the biggest need on this defense is another pressure player. In my opinion, Quinn is the best fit for our team. However, I do not think he is the best player of the bunch. I believe Peterson is by far the best player of the 3, I just don't know if it's smarter to play him at cb or safety. I am also not sold on drafting a CB w our first pick, if indeed that is where we would play him.

What do you guys think?

I apologize for any typos. I am on my iPhone and auto correct is a...you know what.

Speaking from pure ignorance here, because I've next to no time watching college ball this year.

You OP makes me feel better about trading down.

Too willing to give Spencer another shot to go with Quinn.

Is Fairley a true 3-4 DE fit? If not I can't go there with #6.

Now Peterson still works for me at #6. I honestly believe talent is talent when it comes to DBs and CBs can and often have easily made to move to Safety. It's why I think Newman can do it and that would give us two options if Peterson's the pick.

When I look at our team, I see the need for a super blue ship top 10 pick at only position/unit and that's DB.

I never like using top 10 picks on offensive lineman. Too hard to grade and star offensive lineman have less impact than stars at other positions.

Give me 8 good OL to start the season. 8 hard working legit starters, no stars, anyone of which I'd feel good about starting for me in a SB.

Top 10 picks should be super impact star type players. I want those guys at QB, RB, WR, OLB, NT and DB. CB or Safety.

 

[JBS]

Do you guys want Peterson at CB or safety?

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Do you guys want Peterson at CB or safety?

CB please. You don't draft a guy who's played one position his whole career and excelled at it, and then move him to a different one right away.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

CB please. You don't draft a guy who's played one position his whole career and excelled at it, and then move him to a different one right away.

Auburn doesnt run a 3-4

Quinn doesnt play LOLB and has played w/ his hand in the ground

Tyron Smith was a RT and being talked about as a LT


We are taking a blue chip player here. If I can marry the best player on the board w/ our biggest weakness thats something I consider

 

[JBS]

Auburn doesnt run a 3-4

Quinn doesnt play LOLB and has played w/ his hand in the ground

Tyron Smith was a LT


We are taking a blue chip player here. If I can marry the best player on the board w/ our biggest weakness thats something I consider

IMO, Quinn is the best fit for this team. Assumjng he grades out as a top 5-10 player on our board.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

IMO, Quinn is the best fit for this team. Assumjng he grades out as a top 5-10 player on our board.

I love him.


But its a huge question if he can do the same things on the other side of the D.

Sure Ware moves all around but our bread and butter is Ware on the blindside.

You can work him out all you want but you cant suit him up and see what his rip and drive is really like from that side. That might make them grade him out as a bigger risk than he might normally be on most teams board

 

[JBS]

I love him.


But its a huge question if he can do the same things on the other side of the D.

Sure Ware moves all around but our bread and butter is Ware on the blindside.

You can work him out all you want but you cant suit him up and see what his rip and drive is really like from that side. That might make them grade him out as a bigger risk than he might normally be on most teams board

I have heard this argument before and it makes complete sense.

But why is this a problem for Quinn and not any other DE to OLB prospect. Were the same questions being asked about Ware or Spencer or any other player switching from de to olb?

 

[sonnyboy]

To me it's Peterson or bust. I would make every effort to trade up or stand pat at 6th. The second Peterson is drafted ahead of us, I bail out.

Fairley and Quinn are nice consolation prizes and Quinn comes with some risk.

Amukamara is also a nice consolation.

If I trade down (to the 10 -14 range) I target the top Tackle available whether that be Tyron Smith, Derek Sherrod, or Gabe Cirimi. We need to start addressing the Offensive Line and if the Peterson dream is dead, it's time to get to work.

In the 2nd round, I am targeting the best Safety available and I'd be willing to move into the bottom of the 1st if there's someone who our scouts graded out worthy.

If we somehow land Peterson my approach in the 2nd round is the same only with Offensive Linemen (not just tackles).

We have many needs but Safety and Offensive Line are glaring and have been ignored for too long.

I agree. We need volume at OL and DB.

Can't discount Peterson though. One star DB could really work for us because I like Newman at FS or CB, Jenkins and Scandrick. We also have some other nice young players who could come through for us in Mccann and AOA.

On the OL it has to be quantity and quality. We need multiple players here in the worst way.

We just can't count on Davis or Columbo starting for us in 2011. Who knows what we have in Costa or Young.
And what about the depth? My viewing experience taught me that OL get injured more than any other position in football.

You keep 9-10 on the 53 and you would hope 8 could play at a good level.

I'm OK with Free, Koiser and Gurode as returning slated starters and Costa and Young as reserves competing for starting spots.

But that's it.

IMO were in the market for two starting OL and three more guys to develope and compete.

And of course you probably carry 15 on the 80 man off season roster.


I'd feel a lot better about drafting Peterson and not trading down if we did land Mankins in FA.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Auburn doesnt run a 3-4

Quinn doesnt play LOLB and has played w/ his hand in the ground

Tyron Smith was a RT and being talked about as a LT


We are taking a blue chip player here. If I can marry the best player on the board w/ our biggest weakness thats something I consider

I think that DE/LB hybrid position is a little different than moving a CB to S though. They are two completely different positions, whereas with the DE/LB hybrid, you're basically rushing the passer in either spot.

It'd be great if it worked out that way, i think i'd just rather have a guy who's excelled at the safety position and knows the nuances of the position already.

 

[Woods]

As of now, I'd be happy with any of the 3 prospects the OP suggested.

I've got to make the assumption that JJ will try to address SOME of the holes via FA, especially at Safty and OL.

Assuming that we do re-sign either Spears or Bowen (I don't think we re-sign Hatcher), I could still see the Cowboys wanting a potentially dominating DL (along with Ratliff).

Given that Newman is around 33 yrs, the CB position obviously makes sense as well.

As for OLB, I still think Spencer can get back to last year's second half performance. The entire defensive performance was so poor this year - it does make it difficult to evaluate the players.

But as they say about pass rushers - you can never have enough. A creative DC could find schemes to utilize Ware, Spencer (assuming he turns it around), and Quinn.

 

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Out of those 3, Quinn is the best prospect, by far IMO. Yes, better then Peterson. Peterson is not who a lot of people here think he is. Call me out on it, but I have seen more then half of LSU's games, and I'm not confident in saying this guy is a top 5 pick !!!! Amakumara is the better prospect. Trust me when I tell you a lot of you will be left a little disappointed when you see PP in the pros. JMO.

BTW 6'1 220 running a 4.4 is impressive. But its not UNBELIEVABLE/FREAKISH.

Guys like Taylor Mays, Bruce Campbell, Dontay Moch are FREAKISH. Not Patrick Peterson.


BTW, some more of my thoughts. The best way I can explain it is like this. Peterson is by no means, not even close to being a shutdown corner. He is a guy that likes to bait the QB, and jump the route. Think Asante Samuel. Prince has all the makings of being a shut down CB. Yes, he got beat a little this year. But he allowed something like 27% of passes thrown his way to be completed this year. Thats impressive. He has flawless technique. You guys want an impact player, or a playmaker, PP is your guy. But he gets beat ALOT. You guys want a shutdown corner, Prince is your dude. Think Revis.

One more thing guys. PP at safety will be a monumental fail. He's played CB for 4 years and excelled at it. You don't just move him to safety because theres a huge whole there.