News: BTB: Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Mailbag: Offensive Tackle and Defensive End

[NewsBot]

In the first NFL draft mailbag of the offseason we tackle your questions regarding who to draft and what options should be available.

With the NFL Draft only 64 days away we are taking your questions on the NFL Draft. All questions were submitted through Twitter. Send your questions throughout the offseason and we will do our best to answer as many as we can. Hit us up: @BloggingTheBoys and @DraftCowboys.

@DraftCowboys @BloggingTheBoys are there any OT we could be looking at in the first round? If so who?

— James Rains (@JamesRains) February 25, 2015​

The Cowboys haven't shied away from offensive linemen and this class shouldn't be any different. You can throw any of the top names out because they aren't likely to be available like a Brandon Scherff from Iowa State. The guys should pay attention to are T.J. Clemmings from Pittsburgh or Ereck Flowers from Miami (Fla). You could add Cameron Erving to the list but he made the move to center this past season and that might be his best projected position. The dark horse is Jake Fisher from Oregon.

@DraftCowboys @BloggingTheBoys better fit at LDE: Diggy, Smith, or Dupree?

— Stanford Brown (@MOGStan) February 25, 2015​

Owamagbe Odighizuwa is an interesting prospect to possible play that left defensive end position. He played mainly on the right side but in UCLA's 3-4 scheme with an emphasis on stopping the run and setting the edge. He isn't the flashy pick but you can't help but love the way he plays using his length and strength to his advantage.

Bud Dupree was someone that I am high on despite some of the rawness of his game. Things that can be adjusted with proper coaching and technique. His numbers from the combine get folks excited but I think he lacks the functional strength to play on the left side. He does have tremendous upside.

There is a significant drop off from the previous two and Za'Darius Smith. Smith wins getting off the bus in that he looks the part. He is flexible as far as where to play him having played both ends and the three-technique defensive tackle. He has some quickness but isn't the speed rusher. Plays with heavy hands but needs to be more consistent with this pad level.

You really can't go wrong with any of the three but to answer your question I would lean towards Diggy.

@DraftCowboys @BloggingTheBoys is rde our biggest need?

— Jesse G3 (@jeswarr3) February 25, 2015​

I know you meant left defensive end but there are so many needs to label just one. Yes the Cowboys do need a LDE but what about offensive tackle, running back, linebacker or cornerback. The Cowboys potentially have some help coming on the defensive line with Ben Gardner and Chris Whaley coming off injury reserve next season. At this point I would label linebacker or cornerback as bigger needs.

@DraftCowboys forget AP and Murray for a moment. Which RB impressed you the most at the combine, and who's the best fit for this offense?

— NFC EaST CHAMPS (@RealStevenJames) February 25, 2015​

The combine is good for some of the metrics that you won't get by watching the tape. If I had to give you one name for a guy that stood out it would be Ameer Abdullah. While the 4.6 40 time doesn't wow you, he did wow me with the 42.5" vertical leap and 10' 10" broad jump showing his athletic ability. Those numbers were the best out of the running back group. As far as the best fit for this offense you would be hard-pressed to find someone better than Todd Gurley. There are questions surrounding his knee but he is the guy that would fit right in provided everything checks out.

@DraftCowboys @BloggingTheBoys deepest position in the draft, and position not QB or FB you don't see the Boys looking at seriously

— Bryan Herrin (@bpherrin) February 25, 2015​

Running back is one of the deepest positions in this draft class. If the Cowboys don't get a Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon there are plenty of others who can step right in. Watch for guys like Tevin Coleman, Duke Johnson, T.J. Yeldon or even Jay Ajayi after the top two guys are gone.

The position I don't see the Cowboys touching is tight end. Currently with three on the roster who can contribute it would be a waste of resources. The tight end class is very weak and Jason Witten has proven that he still has plenty left in the tank to be the guy ahead of James Hanna and Gavin Escobar.

"@DraftCowboys: Draft questions? Trae Waynes or Bud Dupree - who is more realistic and a better fit?

— Jaime Erivez (@wishing2succeed) February 25, 2015​

I think you might be setting yourself up for disappointment with deciding between these two players. Waynes likely will be the top corner off the board with the red flags concerning Marcus Peters. Dupree could be gone before the Cowboys even get to the podium with the way he tested. A team like the Cardinals could use him just as bad as Dallas can.

@DraftCowboys what are you more in favor of: Odigizuwa or Melvin Gordon at 27?

— Chad Bost (@LikeABost59) February 25, 2015​

Between the two I would take Odigizuwa. There is an obvious need for pass rushers which became increasingly evident as the season went on. As far as Gordon, even though I mocked him to the Cowboys earlier this offseason I am leaning towards only one running back being taken in the first round.

Thanks to the loyal followers for sending in your questions. If you have one you would like answered for next week's mailbag please send us a Tweet or even post it to our Facebook page.

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[jobberone]

Don't want another TE but I doubt any position is out of the question even QB. Maybe a high pick on a C is OOB as well.

 

[burmafrd]

edge rush is CLEARLY our biggest need. The fact that they do not want to admit it says lots about how much their opinion is worth.

 

[jobberone]

Which 'they' are you talking about?