News: BTB: 2014 NFL Draft: Positional Pet Cats For Your Dallas Cowboys Defense

[NewsBot]

We continue our work for animal control, rounding up more feisty felines.

In Part I of the series, we took a look at some of the mid-round offensive prospects that I felt could come in and make a (relative) immediate impact on the Cowboys fortunes. That article was written less than 10 days ago and we have already seen some movement for those targets.

My QB prospects, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jeff Matthews have been putting on a show in the Shrine Game practices for the East squad. My offensive Guard, Xavier Su'a-FIlo, is now creeping into first round consideration.

That's how things go early in the draft season. A lot of the players that we amateur draftniks draw a bead on, get noticed by some of the more well-known prospect purveyors as they start to dive in.

But still, we march on. The Cowboys have plenty of needs on defense. As I've been preaching for a while now, fans shouldn't get in a tizzy should Dallas wait to select players at their biggest perceived need positions.

Your mock draft may, but real teams don't go into the draft and say "biggest need in round 1, next biggest need in round 2, third biggest need in round 3..." Just, doesn't happen that way in real life.

So familiarize yourself with some of these prospects, then let me know who your mid-round pet cats are in the comments.

POSITION Projection Prospect School
DE 3rd
Kareem Martin
North Carolina​

Top Prospect: Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina: Top 5
I Really Like: Scott Crichton, Oregon State, Rd 1-2​

Martin's really interesting because his production comes in bunches and he has that of a top edge rusher. The issue is his motor and the question is whether or not you can get that out of him on a full-time basis. Martin is probably better suited as a strongside DE, but he has all the tools necessary to be a full-time threat.

I also like: Ethan Westbrooks, West Texas A&M | Dynamic production at a small school, could have been pet cat but I can only find cut-ups of him from a 2012 game! Always in the backfield. Always.

Position Projection Prospect School
DT 4th-5th
Calvin Barnett
Oklahoma State​

Top Prospect: RaShede Hagemen: 1st-2nd round
I Really Like: Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh, Rd 1-2​

Barnett has the ability to play both inside positions, but I like him better as a rotational 1-tech. The real talent at this position is available in the second and third rounds, but Barnett could be a find later in the draft. A JuCo transfer, Barnett flashes his talent but has consistency issues, which is why you'd preferably have him spelling someone as a third-down rusher.

I also like: Justin Ellis, Louisiana Tech, 6th-7th | How could you not like this kid after all the reports about the havoc he's reeking at the Shrine practices. He's way too heavy for a Marinelli scheme normally, but the disruption he's showing is too intriguing to not take the chance if you need a 1-tech still.

Position Projection Prospect School
LB 3rd
Dee Ford
Auburn​

Top Prospect: Khalil Mack, Buffalo: Top 15
I Really Like: Khalil Mack​

I liked Ford prior to the national championship game, but his performance in that game sealed the deal for me. Ford plays either standing up or with his hand in the dirt for Auburn, but I envision him as a Von Miller-like strongside linebacker in the pros. I'd love for the Cowboys to add this type of player, but don't know if that will happen with this staff.

I also like: Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech: 3rd Round | Another DE to OLB conversion for me, as Attaochu has the ability to rush from both and has the talent base to get accustomed to coverage.

Position Projection Prospect School
CB 3rd-5th
Pierre Desir
Lindenwood​

Top Prospect: Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State: 1st
I Really Like: Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State, Rd 1​

Don't let the small-school taste fool you. Desir is everything you want in a corner and won the Cliff Harris Award; small-school defender of the year. He has the height and frame (6'1" 205lb) to compete against the taller NFL receivers, and he also has shown an ability to turn and locate the ball. That's a skill the Cowboys desperately need in the defensive backfield.

I also like: Rashaad Reynolds, Oregon State, 5th round | Always seems to be around the ball. Multiple games with multiple turnovers.

Position Projection Prospect School
S 3rd
Kenny Ladler
Vanderbilt​

Top Prospect: Calvin Pryor, Louisville, 1st
I Really Like: Pryor or Clinton-Dix, Only because I haven't had a chance to watch Pryor film yet​

Ladler came on strong down the stretch of the season for Vandy, registering four interceptions and five forced fumbles in the team's last seven games. He's also a solid tackler and is well-suited for the center field position Dallas needs. He's also a sure-tackler that is capable of laying a big pop.

I also like: No one else. | If Dallas isn't grabbing one of the top 5 free safeties, don't bother getting one.
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