News: BTB: Cowboys Draft Picks 2015: Dallas Selects Damien Wilson In Fourth Round (Pick #127)

[NewsBot]

The Cowboys selection in the fourth round of the NFL draft has been made.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Damien Wilson, a linebacker from Minnesota with pick number 127 in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft.

The Cowboys needed more linebacker help. Sean Lee has had issues staying on the field, Rolando McClain has too, and he has some off the field issues, they lost Bruce Carter in free agency, getting linebacker help was a need in this draft.

From Michael SIsemore's best available article this morning:

1. Damian Wilson, Minnesota

One of Broaddus' pet cats for sure here, Wilson plays with impeccable instincts and good speed. He's got great smarts for the game and can diagnose plays with the best of them. Like many players worthy of Marinelli's genius, Wilson plays with a chip and has a relentless effort. Wilson is durable and rarely comes off the field, for a team that can use some depth and competition at linebacker, Wilson would be a great addition. He's tough both mentally and physically and is an above-average tackler in this draft. He's a finisher, something you can never have enough of.
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CBS Sports scouting report:

STRENGTHS Productive, volume tackler over his two years as a Gopher 'backer. Stays committed to the chase when ball spills wide. Shows a feel for blocks coming at him from an angle. Lines up the defense. Drops into zone coverage and spies the quarterback, mirroring the quarterback's eyes and cutting off the passing lane.

WEAKNESSES Production and level of play fell off over his final four games against better competition, including Ohio State and Wisconsin. Allows himself to be cut-blocked on the second level. Lacks natural instincts from inside the box. Over-runs his run fit and can be easily pinned. Vacated his run responsibility, leading to long TDs from Ohio State's J.T. Barrett and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon. Too often waits for blockers rather than beating them to the spot.

BOTTOM LINE Fills the stat sheet, but is missing traits associated with becoming a starting linebacker in the NFL. He is an average athlete with average speed and loses leverage in his run responsibilities. He's a willing chaser and he's around the action, so a move to the WILL outside 'backer spot might make the most sense in order to limit his liability against downhill rushing attacks
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Video:



Cowboys draft picks for the 2015 draft:


Round 1, Pick 27 (27) -- Byron Jones CB
Round 2, Pick 28 (60) -- Randy Gregory DE
Round 3, Pick 27 (91) -- Chaz Greeen OT
Round 4, Pick 28 (127) -- Damien Wilson LB
Round 5, Pick 27 (163) --
Round 7, Pick 19 (236) (from Chargers) --
Round 7, Pick 26 (243) (from Ravens) --

Cowboys team needs in the draft:


CB - The situation with Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne makes this a priority.
RB - DeMarco Murray's departure opens up a spot for a rookie to compete with Darren McFadden and others.
DL - The Cowboys could certainly use help along the defensive line. A pass-rusher and an active one-tech are possibilities.
LB - The Cowboys have Rolando McClain and Sean Lee, but injuries for Lee and injuries and off-the-field issues for McClain make things thin.
WR - Dallas could use a speedy wide reciever, especially one who can return kicks.
T/G - Depth along the line, especially at swing tackle.

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