Bear's Annual Look at the Draft, v. 2011

[silverbear]

As always great job Bear IMO I would've taken Harris or Ras I Dowling in the 2nd, corner help but it's a job well done my friend

Yeah, that might be the way the Cowboys see it, too... and if Aaron Williams were to fall to 40, that would be a no-brainer call...

But with Dowling, it's a bit of a case of caveat emptor, the guy has a problematic injury history (and I'm a UVa fan, so I want to be able to recommend their draft-eligible talent)...

 

[silverbear]

I don't know how you and others do this. Every time I tried to make a pick, I get buyer's remorse thinking of the 500 other football players that I could have chosen. Thank you, much to read and ponder.

Chuckle... yeah, I know that feeling...

That's why I try to offer several options for each pick, and only then do I go out on a limb with my one, final choice...

 

[silverbear]

My point was that the league has a tier of about 10. We dont have interest in the QB's and also personally may be lukewarm on the them, but they are going early. And AJ Green and Julio both have good chances of going top 10. So thats a group of about 11 or so, sitting at 9 we should have one of the blue-chippers there since like them or not the QB's are going high.

I knew what you meant, but you're missing my point-- on my board, the Cowboys' needs are the only consideration... so when I break down the blue chip talent, I'm only interested in that talent that the Boys might have some interest in, talent that might fit what they're trying to do...

That makes for a smaller list, and I it's my opinion that all of the blue chippers the Boys might legitimately be interested in will be off the board by pick 9, leaving them to choose from a nice collection of players on level 2... so many players that trading down a few picks would still leave them likely to get a player that they really like...

Right, so if Jimmy Smith wasnt a total headcase theres a chance Prince is the 3rd best CB.

But Smith IS a headcase, and as a result he's not worth drafting that high...

Besides, I think that Amukamara's skillset as a press corner is a good fit for my understanding of what Rob Ryan asks of his corners...

I dont know about all that. Id rather use that 3rd to help Romo out. Hes a top 8 QB and just 30 going on 31. Im pretty much all in on him and think he will need replacing when father time says so, not b/c hes not the guy. That should give him about 5 more years.

Again, the selection of a QB in my mock has nothing to do with me being down on Romo in any way, because I'm not... I'm simply reflecting some things I've read over the last few weeks, that suggest that drafting a QB is part of their plan this time around, and that Dalton is the QB they'd likely be targeting...

 

[silverbear]

I want to take a second to thank all of you who have lobbed compliments my way in this thread...

 

[silverbear]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the benefit of another day's knowledge, and being sensitive to some of the criticism I've heard in this thread, here's an updated stab at a mock draft:

1) Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska... a Rob Ryan-style press corner...

2) Marcus Cannon, OT/OG, TCU... similar to Leonard Davis, he could be our starting RT for the next 10 years, ot he could step in at guard if needed...

3) Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada... pure speed added to the pass rush...

4) Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina... if he hadn't broken his leg at the end of last season, he would have been a top 50 pick... of course, this pick is predicated on his leg checking out...

5) Alex Green, RB, Hawaii... this allows the Boys to part company with Barber...

6) Brandon Fusco, C, Slippery Rock... a center to groom as Gurode's eventual replacement...

7a) Chris Nield, DT, West Virginia... a short, stocky widebody to back up Ratliff...

7b) Colin Jones, FS, TCU... a bit of a reach, but if Gil Brandt says he sees some Cliff Harris in him, that's good enough for me... I just wonder if Cliff was ever this fast (4.35 second 40)...

OK, do y'all like this draft a little better?? I mean, we've got 8 picks, 2 on the OL, 5 on defense including 3 DBs...

 

[silverbear]

In a normal draft cycle, immediately after the draft we'd have the annual ritual known as undrafted rookie free agent signings... with the lockout, we won't have that this year, but eventually those players will hit the open market... so as I mentioned earlier, I'm going to list some of the players the Boys have an interest in who aren't likely to be drafted, with players I like a lot in bold font... then I might list some UDRFAs that I personally like:

COWBOYS INTEREST:

Korey Lindsey, CB, S. Illinios... 5-10, 186 lbs., 4.5 second 40...

Jimmy Young, WR, TCU... 6-0, 206 lbs., 4.5 second 40...

Brian Lainhart, FS, Kent... 6-0, 210 lbs., 4.55 second 40...

These three are on the cusp, they might be drafted or they might not...

Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M... 6-5, 250 lbs., 4.75 second 40... maybe they want to convert him to TE...

Andre Holmes, WR, Hillsdale... 6-4, 210 lbs., 4.45 second 40...

Vance Cuff, CB, Georgia... 5-10, 180 lbs., 4.5 second 40...

Jonathon Nelson, FS, Oklahoma... 5-11, 200 lbs., 4.5 second 40...

Zack Eskridge, QB, Midwestern St.... 6-3, 225 lbs., 4.85 second 40...

Antareis Bryan, CB, Baylor... 6-1, 195 lbs., 4.4 second 40...

Phillip Tanner, RB, Middle Tennessee... 5-11, 210 lbs., 4.55 second 40...

Josh Vernon, OG, TCU... 6-2, 300 lbs., 5.1 second 40...

There's 11 players we know the Cowboys like... I'd be happy if they were to add Holmes, Eskridge (if they don't draft a QB) and Bryan...

Now, for some of my unlikely to be drafted pet cats:

MY PET CATS

Trevis Turner, OT/OG, Abilene Christian... 6-7, 340 lbs., 5.4 second 40...

Mark Legree, FS, Appalachian St.... 6-0, 210 lbs., 4.5 second 40...

Mario Fannin, RB, Auburn... 5-10, 230 lbs., 4.35 second 40...
Again, the above three players are on the cusp of being drafted...

Donald Buckran, RB, UTEP... 5-9, 200 lbs., 4.4 second 40... after a dominating junior season, he had a rough enior campaign due to injuries... but the 4.4 40 he ran at his Pro Day workout suggests his knee is better now... if he had had a similar senior season to his junior year, he would have likely been a top 100 pick...

Alex Wujciak, ILB, Maryland... 6-3, 250 lbs., 4.65 second 40... a tackling machine...

Colin Jones, FS, TCU... 6-0, 200 lbs., 4.35 second 40... again, Gil Brandt compares him to Cliff Harris, and that's good enough for me...

Keith Payne, RB/FB, Virginia...6-2, 260 lbs., 4.6 second 40... is he a power back, or is he a fullback??

Ben Lamaak, C, Iowa State... 6-4, 320 lbs., 5.25 second 40...

Michael Janac, DE, Marshall... 6-5, 295 lbs., 4.85 second 40...

Marc Schiechl, OLB, Colorado School of Mines... 6-2, 250 lbs., 4.65 second 40... a pass rushing terror at a low level of competition...

Frantz Placide, FS, Wagner... 6-2, 206 lbs., 4.5 second 40...

DJ Scott, OG/OT, East Carolina... 6-6, 325 lbs., 5.05 second 40...

Doug Barbour, TE/LB, Utah St.... 6-5, 240 lbs., 4.45 second 40...

Bill Nagy, C, Wisconsin... 6-3, 320 lbs., 5.15 second 40...

Zach Kendall, OG, Kansas St.... 6-2, 316 lbs., 4.95 second 40...

Zach Roth, OT/OG, TCU... 6-5, 316 lbs., 5.05 second 40...

Brian Sumner, DT, Colorado School of Mines... 6-1, 340 lbs., 5.2 second 40... if he didn't work out at DT, I'd try this powerhouse at guard or center...

Bryan Braman, OLB, W. Texas A&M... 6-6, 235 lbs., 4.65 second 40...


Just some obscure players for y'all to think about...

 

[CCBoy]

Thanks, Bear, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the reads. I don't know if I like the first or the second draft most. Guess that's because in wishing, I'm a greedy 'ol fan. I like your tackle and interior lineman a lot. It would help come game day as well. I also like the prospect of adding a true nose tackle type, if for no other reason, than adding girth on short yardage situations. And also want a blazer to add to the receiver group...what can I say? Guilty as charged.

But you never disappoint, my friend...:starspin

 

[Sarge]

Great job Silverbear!

 

[silverbear]

Great job Silverbear!

Aw, shucks...

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

I knew what you meant, but you're missing my point-- on my board, the Cowboys' needs are the only consideration... so when I break down the blue chip talent, I'm only interested in that talent that the Boys might have some interest in, talent that might fit what they're trying to do...

That makes for a smaller list, and I it's my opinion that all of the blue chippers the Boys might legitimately be interested in will be off the board by pick 9, leaving them to choose from a nice collection of players on level 2... so many players that trading down a few picks would still leave them likely to get a player that they really like...

Were on the same page, but you must have a real stingy blue-chip list. Who is on your blue-clip list and who do you think is on the NFL's blue-chip list? I say factoring in the QB's going early the Cowboys should be in line for a blue-chip player.

Like I said, I think theres about 11 players considered elite. I just heard Goose on a podcast he said he thinks theres 12.

But Smith IS a headcase, and as a result he's not worth drafting that high...

Besides, I think that Amukamara's skillset as a press corner is a good fit for my understanding of what Rob Ryan asks of his corners...

My point was to reflect on the abilities of Prince, not to prop up Jimmy Smith who they arent touching. Amukamra could be the 3rd most talented corner and thats not a player I want at 9.

Again, the selection of a QB in my mock has nothing to do with me being down on Romo in any way, because I'm not... I'm simply reflecting some things I've read over the last few weeks, that suggest that drafting a QB is part of their plan this time around, and that Dalton is the QB they'd likely be targeting...

I dont think they will draft one unless its late or the value is insane. I think they are right where they want to be at all 3 spots on the depth chart.

 

[billknows]

Great job Silverbear!

Thanks for another Great Mock
..:starspin

 

[Zaxor]

I like the 2nd draft much better... good job as always my friend

 

[respectdatstar]

To be completely honest, I don't like it. And I'll tell you why. Our biggest needs are O and D line, and secondary. I don't think those needs were filled well enough. TE isn't a need at all with Witten, Bennett and Phillips on the roster. In your draft, we trade back twice. That should give us more picks to address our needs. Right? I hope you don't take my post as harsh or mean. I just don't really think that is the right way to go. My biggest problem is taking a QB, WR and FB but neglecting the d-line.

OT
QB
WR
FB
C
TE
CB
ILB

 

[InDakWeTrust]

The more I read about Amukamara the more I like him. Guys with tight hips tend to slide slightly as shown by the busts that have been in the past, Mike Rumph, Andre Woolfolk etc., So, he won't get past Detroit and I have always loved Tyron Smith so hopefully one of them is our choice at 9.

I would love Cannon or Rahim Moore at 40 too.

I think at this point if safety isn't addressed in FA or in the 3rd round we will see a guy like Sensabaugh brought back and hopefully a guy like Joe Lefeged or Jalil Brown and play them at FS.

 

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

I like the 2nd draft much better... good job as always my friend

Yeah, me too. I don't understand the whole Prince thing. Here's a fantastic cover corner who would have no shot at falling to #9 if there wasn't an all world talent in front of him with Peterson. Yet he hardly gets a mention and people have us trading out of that spot with him still on the board to select a right tackle. That's no knock on T. Smith, I think he'll be great. For a team who desperately needs secondary help, I just don't see how you can pass or trade away from Prince. His name is Prince for God's sake! What more do you people want? Just think of the cool nick names we could come up with for him. ♀, the corner formerly known as Prince, little red corner, purple rain, etc... If Dallas selects Price at #9 we'll party like it's 1999.

 

[interestedobserver]

To trade up to get Petersen would take a second rounder if he falls out of the top four, which is not a given. I’d still do it.

 

[silverbear]

To be completely honest, I don't like it. And I'll tell you why. Our biggest needs are O and D line, and secondary. I don't think those needs were filled well enough. TE isn't a need at all with Witten, Bennett and Phillips on the roster. In your draft, we trade back twice. That should give us more picks to address our needs. Right? I hope you don't take my post as harsh or mean. I just don't really think that is the right way to go. My biggest problem is taking a QB, WR and FB but neglecting the d-line.

First off, I don't think you're being harsh or mean, or anything like that... honest opinions and criticisms of my opinions are welcome in this thread (but ONLY in this thread, the rest of the time my writings are to be taken as sacrosanct)...

I even acknowledge the validity of some of your complaints, I did go surprisingly offense heavy... to tell you the truth, it surprised me as I was writing it up, but looking at the players they had targeted where, the choices made sense to me...

Now, to address some of your critcisms specifically-- regarding the TE situation, I really want Martellus Bennett gone, this latest crap he stirred up with Romo is only the latest in a long string of distractions, and IMO the team doesn't need any more of that (not with Witten the feature TE anyway)... that's where their interest in Oordt makes sense to me, and I think he'd be a good value where I have the Boys picking him... you can then trade 'Tellus, who has some trade value, once the CBA is renegotiated...

Now when it comes to the Boys taking a QB in my mock, again, that's not something I personally recommed... I have just read in a number of places that the Boys have some intention of drafting a QB this time around, and I'm reflecting what I believe to be a credible rumor (if there is such a thing)... but I'll tell you what, in hindsight I do agree with you completely about not drafting a fullback... oh, I still see fullback as a need, but I forgot completely about two real nice young fullbacks who will be on the free agent market when there is a free agent market-- Ahmard Hall, from the Titans (by way of the Texas Longhorns), and Naufahu Tahi from the Vikings... Hall does the lead blocking for Chris Johnson, Tahi does it for Adrian Peterson... I think you'd agree, both are pretty successful ballcarriers... I'd prefer Hall, because he's an ex-Horn and because he was used a little more as a receiver than Tahi was, but either one would do fine...

See, I can be flexible...

Now, to address my overall philosophy for this draft, which only evolved while I was writing this up... like you, I was looking for an emphasis on OL, the secondary and DL, in approximately that order... when I was studying college prospects these past few months, those were the players I was most focused on...

But as the process has evolved over the past coupla months, I have noticed the Boys showing a lot of interest, and I mean a lot of interest, in most of the offensive skill positions too... lots of QBs on the list, a surprising number of WRs and RBs too... this got me to thinking about what Jason Garrett's mindset might be going into this draft-- a rookie coach in his first NFL head coaching gig, who got the job because of his reputation as an offensive guru...such a young coach might want to focus on developing what he knows best, and thus might want an infusion of young offensive skill players (as well as offensive linemen) in his mold...

So as my draft shook out, it became a more and more offensive minded draft... naturally, if it did work out that way, we could reasonably expect the Boys to add some defensive help in free agency... part of that mindset might involve a willingness to gamble that Rob Ryan can get more out of players like Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, Bryan McCann, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Danny McCray, Barry Church and Andrew Sendejo in the secondary; Stephen Bowen, Josh Brent, Sean Lissemore and even Igor Olshansky on the line; Sean Lee, Anthony Spencer, Victor Butler and Brandon Williams at linebacker...

Anyway, part of the reason I don't mind you taking issue with my mock draft is the important part of the original post isn't my mock... it's the rating of players in the area of each round where the Boys are picking, so that any of you can look at that list and come up with your own mock...

So, my question is, given the players listed at the picks available, and allowing for some trading around if you wish, how would you maximize the Cowboys draft if all you knew was these players are on their draft board, and where one draft website rates them (I use them because I think they're better than most)...

In fact, any of you who want to make a mock using the players I've listed, have at it...

 

[silverbear]

Yeah, me too. I don't understand the whole Prince thing. Here's a fantastic cover corner who would have no shot at falling to #9 if there wasn't an all world talent in front of him with Peterson. Yet he hardly gets a mention and people have us trading out of that spot with him still on the board to select a right tackle. That's no knock on T. Smith, I think he'll be great. For a team who desperately needs secondary help, I just don't see how you can pass or trade away from Prince. His name is Prince for God's sake! What more do you people want? Just think of the cool nick names we could come up with for him. ♀, the corner formerly known as Prince, little red corner, purple rain, etc... If Dallas selects Price at #9 we'll party like it's 1999.

Simply put, press coverage is what he does best, and he does it pretty well... coincidentally, from my limited understanding of Rob Ryan's defensive philosophies, he calls on his corners to play in press a lot...

Sounds like a natural match to me...