Best available Day 2

[gimmesix]

A number of positions: DE, DE, DE, DE, DE, DE.

 

[Gaede]

Love Bullard but he's not much of a pass rusher. Long term that could be the way to go though providing both Lawrence and Gregory have no more issues. Bullard can be your swiss army knife along the DL. Play him all over.

I probably wouldn't trust Lawrence or Gregory and just go Dodd at 34 if Jack isn't there.

I like Bullard especially because he will start. You can count on that. Ogbah, Dodd both need to develop to be starters. We might looking at role players for now. But Bullard can start right away. And he's got the incredible first step, athleticism to develop as a pass rusher
Dodd, Ogbah--i feel like we're drafting what we already have. Bullard gives us something that makes those guys-Gregory, Lawrence-better

 

[gimmesix]

The problem with taking a DE at 34 is you are essentially lessening the impact of at least one of your recent 2nd round picks at the position. We invested a 2nd and 3rd in Lawrence. A 2nd in Gregory. Now let's say a 2nd for Dodd or Ogbah. What happens when they're all healthy and not suspended? Somebody is a backup. You don't spend those kinds of picks on backups.

I don't know. I think a three- to four-man rotation at the position keeps everyone fresh and healthier. Hopefully, we can bring pressure in waves. Plus, we can kick one of those players inside on passing downs to line up Gregory, Crawford, Dodd/Ogbah and Lawrence to get after the passer.

 

[StarHead69]

I like Bullard especially because he will start. You can count on that. Ogbah, Dodd both need to develop to be starters. We might looking at role players for now. But Bullard can start right away. And he's got the incredible first step, athleticism to develop as a pass rusher
Dodd, Ogbah--i feel like we're drafting what we already have. Bullard gives us something that makes those guys-Gregory, Lawrence-better

Agree 100%
I see his ceiling as close to Fletcher Cox and floor as Jason Hatcher. He can give you a lot of quality snaps while he refines his pass-rush moves.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

I want Dallas to get the guy that is far and away the steal of this entire draft. I have no clue who that would be, but I did want to throw that out there.

 

[Verdict]

Todd McShay


1. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA (Grade: 92)
What he brings: Arguably one of the most athletic prospects in this class, Jack is a perfect fit for today's NFL. He has sideline-to-sideline range and flashes explosive power. In addition, he is the top coverage linebacker in the class. Jack comes with some durability concerns after a season-ending torn meniscus this past fall, and it seems concerns over his knee caused his tumble. He is a top-10 prospect in this class who will add playmaking ability to a front seven when healthy.

Watch Jack's highlights

2. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama (90)
What he brings: The top run-stopping linebacker in this class, Ragland brings size, excellent point-of-attack skills and a strong understanding of geometry with pursuit angles to provide him with sideline-to-sideline range. He also brings a physical element to his game and is an impactful knock-back tackler. While he has some athletic limitations, he has better third-down value than people think, including an underrated pass-rushing presence. He also brings outstanding football character and is one of the more NFL-ready prospects who could step in as a starter immediately.

Watch Ragland's highlights

3. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama (90)
What he brings: Reed is the best run-stopping defensive tackle in this class. He plays with excellent leverage and has the anchor, along with the upper-body power, to eat up space as a two-gapper at the next level. He shows heavy and active hands discarding blocks when tied up in a phone booth. He doesn't have great production as a pass-rusher, but he wasn't asked to rush the passer within his defensive scheme at Alabama. Reed has shown the ability to push the pocket from the interior. He will instantly upgrade the interior of the defensive line.

Watch Reed's highlights

4. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas (89)
What he brings: The top tight end on our board, Henry is an above-average route runner who knows how to get open, catches the ball well and produces after the catch. He's also fast enough to get down the seam and make defenses pay for biting on play-action. While he's not a powerful blocker, he is an effective positional blocker with the frame to get better.

Watch Henry's highlights

5. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State (89)
What he brings: An outstanding run-stopper, Jones has the long arms to press blockers off his frame and the quick hands to shed blocks with relative ease. He's also a powerful and sure tackle for the position. There aren't many defensive linemen who move as well as he does either, and there's a lot to like about his upside. His effort is good for the most part, but there are times when he appears to tire, his pads rise and he's not as effective.

Watch Jones' highlights

6. Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State (88)
What he brings: Bell has elite cover skills for a safety as he has the fluidity to shadow slot receivers, the speed to run with tight ends and the range to play center field. In fact, he covers so well that he could line up at corner. He also has the instincts and ball skills to be a playmaker in the NFL. Bell is not big enough to line up in the box and he's not a big hitter, but he is an adequate run-stopper who closes well in pursuit.

Watch Bell's highlights

7. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson (87)
What he brings: Dodd is coming off a breakout season in which he had 62 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. He's at his best rushing the passer, showing good bend around the edge. He flashes an effective change of pace inside move. Though he's not as effective defending the run, he has the frame and size to set the edge. On the downside, Dodd didn't test as well as expected at the combine, and his lack of production heading into his senior season raises a red flag. He has also had problems staying healthy.

Watch Dodd's highlights

8. Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State (87)
What he brings: A dynamic linebacker, Correa's greatest strength might be his ability to get after the quarterback as he has the burst, bend and closing speed to regularly threaten off the edge. He's also a sideline-to-sideline run defender, capable of matching up with tight ends in man coverage and rangy in zone coverage. The two areas he needs the most work include improving his diagnostic skills against the run and getting off blocks quicker.

Watch Correa's highlight

9. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (86)
What he brings: Robinson is a powerful run-stopper with the potential to develop into a disruptive pass-rusher. There's also a lot to like about his versatility as he's strong, long and athletic enough to play defensive tackle in a base four-man front and defensive end in three-man fronts. Robinson's downside is he doesn't play every snap with the same kind of urgency, and he's an unpolished pass-rusher who isn't an effective hand fighter at this point.

Watch Robinson's highlights


10. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (86)
What he brings: The nephew of Keyshawn Johnson, Thomas didn't run particularly well at the combine (4.57 in the 40-yard dash). He ran a slightly quicker time at his pro day (4.53), however, and that time is a more accurate reflection of his playing speed. In addition, the 40 time overshadowed an otherwise impressive combine performance as he tested well in other key areas. The bottom line is that Thomas has the frame, athletic ability and ball skills to develop into an effective No. 2 wide receiver, but he still needs to improve his route running.

Based on this list I would rather see us move back about 5 spots and pick up a 3rd or 4th round pick for it. There are several huys here in the same tier, and most of them would upgrade our team on about the same level.

I would like to see them take the highest graded player on their board, which may be a DT over DE. They may think differently since the DE talent t is probably not as deep as the DT position. We will see.

BPA may require us to take the top rated tight end, or a receiver like Sterling Shepard. The meltdown if we do will be epic, especially if we take Hunter in the 2nd which really might be BPA.

 

[hendog]

I like the idea of Bullard. He's a beast! Hard no to pick Dodd though imo. Jack if the doc says yes

 

[Doomsday]

Dodd, Ogbha or Robinson

 

[Verdict]

The problem with taking a DE at 34 is you are essentially lessening the impact of at least one of your recent 2nd round picks at the position. We invested a 2nd and 3rd in Lawrence. A 2nd in Gregory. Now let's say a 2nd for Dodd or Ogbah. What happens when they're all healthy and not suspended? Somebody is a backup. You don't spend those kinds of picks on backups.

I don't really mind going DE at #34, regardless of redundancy, if that player truly is the BPA. If we were to be "set" at efensive end already, would we be looking at these ends as the BPA? Maybe not. It would probably be DT, or maybe even tight end. Some might argue it would be a receiver like Sterling Shepard.

We are in a really great spot. Picking high in each round, we can do some serious damage in this draft if we stick to our board and don't reach based on need.

 

[mathew1184]

I'll go on record now, I want Dodd at 34, period. If we get a great offer t trade down I'm open to that, but if we stay at 34, I just don't think we could go wrong with Dodd.

 

[Verdict]

I like Bullard especially because he will start. You can count on that. Ogbah, Dodd both need to develop to be starters. We might looking at role players for now. But Bullard can start right away. And he's got the incredible first step, athleticism to develop as a pass rusher
Dodd, Ogbah--i feel like we're drafting what we already have. Bullard gives us something that makes those guys-Gregory, Lawrence-better

That is a really good point. It is arguable that Mayowa, Irving, Crawford and Crawford, if he is kicked out to end would all outperform a rookie DE, especially for the first 4 games of the season, after which you get Gregory and Lawrence back, and the rook may not even see the field after that.

If we draft a stud DT, we could play him at the 1 tech or the 3 tech, and if necessary move Crawford to end (which I think he would be a decent DE) and/or rotate Crawford and Thornton and the rookie at DT, and keep them fresh. Something tells me that the best player available on the DL at #34 will be a DT, not a DE.

 

[al124]

Love Bullard but he's not much of a pass rusher. Long term that could be the way to go though providing both Lawrence and Gregory have no more issues. Bullard can be your swiss army knife along the DL. Play him all over.

I probably wouldn't trust Lawrence or Gregory and just go Dodd at 34 if Jack isn't there.

I hear ya. We'll we probably won't have to wait too long to find out which pass rusher it is..

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

I hear ya. We'll we probably won't have to wait too long to find out which pass rusher it is..

A trade up is the one thing I'd hate to see at this point. Why do it when you can sit tight and be assured of helping your defense?

 

[al124]

A trade up is the one thing I'd hate to see at this point. Why do it when you can sit tight and be assured of helping your defense?

They must really want somebody. Spence?

 

[BAT]

That is a really good point. It is arguable that Mayowa, Irving, Crawford and Crawford, if he is kicked out to end would all outperform a rookie DE, especially for the first 4 games of the season, after which you get Gregory and Lawrence back, and the rook may not even see the field after that.

If we draft a stud DT, we could play him at the 1 tech or the 3 tech, and if necessary move Crawford to end (which I think he would be a decent DE) and/or rotate Crawford and Thornton and the rookie at DT, and keep them fresh. Something tells me that the best player available on the DL at #34 will be a DT, not a DE.

Best most catalytic instant starter available will be a LB. There are no stud pass rushing DTs left. Robinson, Reed and even my pet cat Billings are 1 techs. No way Cowboys draft a 1 tech so high, their history shows they do not value this position. But they said same thing about RB so who knows.

Bullard is not quick twitch enough for Marinelli to play 4-3 DE. Marinelli loves his DEs to be twitched up. And there is no way Bullard supplants Crawford at 3 tech. The 34th overall pick needs to be an immediate starter, not just rotation or role player.

 

[Gaede]

Best most catalytic instant starter available will be a LB. There are no stud pass rushing DTs left. Robinson, Reed and even my pet cat Billings are 1 techs. No way Cowboys draft a 1 tech so high, their history shows they do not value this position. But they said same thing about RB so who knows.

Bullard is not quick twitch enough for Marinelli to play 4-3 DE. Marinelli loves his DEs to be twitched up. And there is no way Bullard supplants Crawford at 3 tech. The 34th overall pick needs to be an immediate starter, not just rotation or role player.

Bullard is absolutely quick twitch. That is one of his strengths

 

[BlindFaith]

Dane Brugler

1. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA (6-1, 245, 4.56, Jr.)
Jack is an athletic specimen with above average pursuit speed, contact balance and mental processor to know everything going on around him. He has the athletic skill-set to be a difference-maker, but several teams have red-flagged his knee, which is obviously worrisome.

2. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (5-10, 195, 4.43, RSo.)
Alexander didn't record an interception in college, but he wasn't consistently targeted, not allowing a touchdown the final 24 games of his career. While his route anticipation and technique need work, he is able to smother receivers with his lower body fluidity and quick reflexes.

3. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama (6-3, 313, 5.14, Sr.)
Although not a rangy player, Reed is a smooth athlete for his size, scraping down the line of scrimmage and pushing the pocket (led all Alabama defensive linemen in tackles each of the last two seasons). He is the draft's top nose tackle due to his stout anchor and balance.

4. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky (6-3, 261, 4.68, RJr.)
An Ohio State transfer, Spence is one of the top wildcards in the 2016 class due to his immense talent, but heavy baggage off the field. He is a slippery rusher with the initial burst, lateral quicks and natural leverage to threaten the pocket on a regular basis.

5. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (6-2, 252, 4.72, Sr.)
An excellent point of attack defender, Ragland has terrific play speed and it's no coincidence that he's always around the ball with his diagnose skills. He can be overaggressive at times, but he's a punishing tackler and flashes violence in his hands to detach himself from blocks.

6. Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State (6-4, 309, 5.08, RSr.)
Whitehair left an indelible mark at KSU with his leadership, work ethic and high-level of play the last four years at both tackle and guard. He doesn't have the length to hold up consistently on the edges in the NFL, but Whitehair has the base strength and instincts to start at guard right now.

7. Jonathan Bullard, DL, Florida (6-3, 283, 4.86, Sr.)
A player who benefited by returning for his senior season, Bullard is a wrecking ball at the line of scrimmage due to his anticipation off the snap and quick reflexes to find the ball. He is limited as a pass rusher, but scheme diverse due to his play recognition at the point of attack.

8. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (6-3, 312, 5.18, Jr.)
Nicknamed the “man child” growing up, Robinson has the look and power of a full grown man. His flashes are very good, but they don't happen consistently, mostly because he was asked to two-gap, clog things up and occupy blockers, which doesn't show up in the box score.

9. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor (6-1, 310, 5.04, Jr.)
Billings, who was a record-setting weight-lifter in high school, flashes dominant qualities when he keeps his pad level low, rolls his hips and pushes his momentum into the pocket. As the technique and discipline catch up, Billings should continue to get better.

10. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 210, 4.54, RJr.)
Although not the fastest or most explosive, Thomas is a good-sized athlete and detailed route runner with little wasted movements to create spacing at the stem. He will need time to adapt to a NFL playbook, but his savvy footwork, body control and ballskills are starter quality.

11. Su'a Cravens, DS/LB, USC (6-1, 225, 4.58, Jr.)
Cravens was asked to do a little bit of everything for the Trojans in a hybrid safety/linebacker role. His take-on strength and physical nature as a tackler are both below average, but he's a fluid athlete with excellent reaction skills and instincts to cover on an island.

12. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson (6-4, 275, 4.84, RJr.)
Although he didn't start until this past season, Dodd made it count with 23.5 tackles for loss and a dozen sacks, numbers that fell just shy of Lawson's for the team lead. Dodd is still raw in areas, but with his size and quickness off the ball, he has been steadily rising.

13. Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor (6-0, 201, 4.58, RJr.)
Howard won't be featured as the prototype for fundamentals in coverage, but his ability to find the ball in flight and use his ballskills to disrupt the catch point is above average. Although his long-speed isn't ideal, he mixes things up and does a lot of receiver-like things in coverage.

14. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas (6-3, 303, 5.02, RJr.)
Ridgeway displays an impressive skill-set with his power, athleticism and instincts, detaching himself from blocks and quickly finding the ball. He needs technique and conditioning work, but if he stays healthy, Ridgeway is a starting two-down one-technique in a 4-3 base.

15. Kamalei Correa, DE/LB, Boise State (6-3, 243, 4.69, Jr.)
Correa lacks much variety with his pass rush at this point in his development and his production is based more on effort and raw athleticism than technique and discipline. But he has the movement skills and competitive toughness worth grooming in a 3-4 scheme.

16. Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 194, 4.48, Sr.)
Although his lack of size and strength will limit him in some areas, Shepard has above average body control and route savvy, using tempo and multiple gears to get open. Despite his limitations, Shepard is a very natural pass-catcher with the skills to be a YAC monster.

17. Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State (6-2, 284, 5.15, RSr.)
Although his Combine numbers don't accurately reflect his impressive tape, Blair belongs in the second round discussion. He plays with violent hands and aggressive pass rush moves to rip through blockers, showing the effort to finish in the pocket.

18. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama (6-2, 242, 4.54, Jr.)
Since 2011, Alabama has had four running backs drafted in the first two rounds (with mixed results) and Henry should be the fifth. He is a powerful, yet graceful north-south athlete who can fit through tight spaces, using patience and instincts to gash defenses.

19. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina (5-11, 208, 4.52, Jr.)
A playmaker with the ball in his hands, Cooper displays the play speed, elusive cuts and start/stop movements to create on his own, before and after the catch. Similar to Randall Cobb when he came out of Kentucky, Cooper is a jack-of-all-trades weapon on offense.

20. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana (6-6, 301, 4.94, Sr.)
A high school tight end, Spriggs was a four-year starter for the Hoosiers and doesn't have many negative snaps on his film. Although he needs to strengthen his core for the NFL, he has the frame, athleticism and body control to start at the next level.

21. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (6-0, 197, 4.48, Jr.)
Fuller looked like a future high round pick his first two years in Blacksburg, but 2015 was a lost season for him due to a torn meniscus. Nonetheless, he has the short-area quickness, controlled footwork and natural feel in coverage to be a reliable NFL starter.

22. Vonn Bell, DS, Ohio State (5-11, 205, 4.52, Jr.)
Although his tackling mechanics need some refinement, Bell plays with the requisite mental and physical toughness and can hold his own in man coverage. His athleticism, timing and savvy at the position translate well to the next level, along with his decisive reactor.

23. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State (6-3, 275, 4.76, RJr.)
A native of Nigeria, Ogbah is a “coach's dream” according to Mike Gundy due to his strong work ethic, intelligence and discipline. He is still learning the complexities of the position and lacks elite burst, but he's a balanced athlete with a coachable mentality that can be molded.

24. Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State (6-3, 325, 5.27, RJr.)
A prospect whose production matches his tape, Johnson is built well to take on multiple blockers and clog the middle of the field. His motor is always revving and he moves well in small areas, showing the strong hands to stack and create movement in even and odd fronts.

25. Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State (6-1, 196, 4.64, Jr.)
Higgins put his name on the NFL radar with his sophomore season (96/1,750/17) and despite losing Garrett Grayson at quarterback in 2015, he put together a strong junior year as well (66/933/8). Higgins might be the best receiver in this class at exploiting defensive holes and getting uncovered.

26. Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State (6-4, 254, 4.68, Sr.)
A prospect with experience at every linebacker spot, Perry has the size of a defensive end, but moves more like a safety with his straight-line speed to stick with backs out of the backfield. He is wired right for the NFL with the well-rounded and scheme-diverse skill-set that will be attractive to every team.

27. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas (6-5, 250, 4.68, Jr.)
The top tight end in the 2016 class, Henry has excellent route acceleration with vacuum hands to catch everything thrown in his direction. He won't offer much as an inline blocker, but as a pass-catcher, Henry is ready to help a NFL offense from day one.

28. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh (6-2, 197, 4.52, Jr.)
The most prolific wide receiver to come out of Pitt, Boyd is a graceful athlete and trusts his hands, showing quick eyes to pluck and immediately analyze his surroundings. He has average measureables, but pays attention to the details and would be excellent out of the slot.

29. Kyler Fackrell, LB, Utah State (6-5, 245, 4.72, RSr.)
A jack-of-all-trades type of linebacker in college, Fackrell was asked to drop in coverage, rush the passer and use his range to defend the run. He isn't a twitchy or explosive athlete, but flows with outstanding effort, offering functional versatility to be an every down player.

30. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame (6-1, 293, 5.07, Sr.)
While not on the same level as Aaron Donald, Day is built in a similar mold due to his lack of size, but the athleticism and bod control jump off the film. Although he won't be a fit for every scheme, Day is ideal as an under tackle in a 4-3 scheme that focuses on one-gap principles.

31. Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State (6-1, 309, 4.93, Sr.)
One of the top-three “small school” prospects in the 2016 class, Hargrave moves very well for his size to fire off the snap and break down in pursuit. He also has the powerful hands to control blocks and gain proper gap leverage in the run game.

32. Deion Jones, LB, LSU (6-1, 222, 4.39, Sr.)
An undersized, but speedy linebacker, Jones flies all over the field with the cover skills that will make him an attractive prospect. He has below average length and will miss some tackles, but Jones has the speed and make-up that NFL coaches want to work with.

Where is this from? It's not consistent with what Dane boy has on CBS. He has Ogbah has the 38th overall. Ogbah also ran a 4.63 at the combine, 4.56 at pro day. These rankings seem off.

 

[BAT]

Bullard is absolutely quick twitch. That is one of his strengths

Not at the DE spot. And he also looks more quick twitch than he is because he anticipates snap counts. Every game I have watched he is off sides multiple times. And Bullard will never be a double digit sack guy as a 4-3 end, he is quick off the ball but he is a power player best at POA but who does not pursue well due to lack of long speed and separating from blockers. And as a low sack guy he would be over drafted at 34.

 

[Hardline]

I want Billings. Collapsing the pocket will get you more sacks .

 

[visionary]

Dodd in Rd 2
Hargraves in Rd :