garyv
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Dallas Cowboys-Only Mock Draft, Version 5.0: The Final Picks
We have previously completed four other Cowboys-only mock drafts, listed here: Version 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0. Some of those predictions were based on various scenarios, such as a stud player at a position of “non-need” dropping to the Cowboys.
This mock draft, our final version, will include our best guess for each Cowboys draft selection. How many will we predict correctly? I’m going to say either zero, all six, or somewhere in between. You can take that to the bank.
Round 1
Nate Allen, S, USF
Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins claimed Allen is the best safety in this class. We know the Cowboys don’t have him rated as such, but we simply do not see a top safety (or offensive tackle) falling to the Cowboys’ 27th selection. We previously liked Florida G/C Maurkice Pouncey here, but the chances of him being available are dwindling.
Despite Jerry Jones’ proclamations to the contrary, we see Dallas moving out of the 27th slot. They will either package a few picks to move up so they can acquire a true play-maker or slide back into the early second round to grab either Allen or Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett. The cost of moving up is significant, so we will go with the latter scenario.
This prediction is also based on a hunch that the “interest” in USC safety Taylor Mays is a smokescreen. The Cowboys know they need a ball-hawk at safety, i.e. not Taylor Mays. Hopefully another team selects the workout-warrior before Dallas even has an opportunity to contemplate his addition.
Round 2
Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina
No offensive tackle in the first two rounds? If the Cowboys don’t select one in the first round, it is unlikely they will address the position until round three at the earliest. We don’t see the value at tackle in the second round. The team could probably grab similar prospects whether they select an offensive tackle in round two or three.
Further, we see the outside linebacker position as similar to offensive tackle. The coaches seem to be satisfied with the starters at both spots (OLB is a no-brainer), meaning a rookie at either position will become a backup. The depth at both OLB and OT is also weak, with second-year players Brandon Williams, Victor Butler, and Robert Brewster at outside linebacker and offensive tackle, respectively.
Norwood is a player we love and think would fit well into the Cowboys’ 3-4 scheme. He needs to improve in coverage, but his pass-rushing skills are first round-caliber.
Round 3
Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
The Cowboys are reportedly “in love” with Shipley, and so are we. Not only is he an NFL-caliber slot receiver, but his return ability alone justifies his selection in the third round. The question is whether Dallas will wait this long to select him–they are rumored to be contemplating grabbing him in the second round.
Ultimately, we believe the ‘Boys will hold off on Shipley until the third. Moving up in the round is a possibility, but there is a decent shot that Shipley’s small size and lack of elite speed will allow him to be available for the Cowboys in the back of the third.
Shipley’s arrival will likely spell the end of Patrick Crayton’s tenure in Dallas. Crayton is a solid player, but he lacks the game-breaking ability that the Cowboys covet right now. Could a draft day trade be in the works?
Round 4
Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian
The Cowboys finally address the offensive line in the fourth round, a scenario that will likely make Dallas fans furious. Again, unless the team trades up for a top offensive tackle in the first round or a player such as Florida G/C Maurkice Pouncey drops to the 27th overall pick (which we see as unlikely), the value just will not be there. Will the team reach on a player like Indiana OT Roger Saffold? We doubt it.
Washington is one of the more difficult players to grade. He is all over the place in mock drafts, ranging from the second round to the fifth or sixth. If he is not available here, Miami’s Jason Fox is also an option.
Round 6
Ciron Black, OG, LSU
With Idaho guard Mike Iupati and Maurkice Pouncey the clear-cut top guards in this class (and Pouncey not even a true guard), the Cowboys would be thrilled to land one of them in the first round. We don’t see it happening. Too many teams have shown interest in both players for them to last until the back of the round.
Black is a player whose stock has plummeted since being a projected first round pick at left tackle last year. He really performed poorly in 2009, leading some scouts to claim he may not even get drafted.
The problem as we see it, though, is that Black isn’t an offensive tackle. In a similar fashion to Leonard Davis’ transition from tackle to guard, Black could really benefit from sliding inside. His “mauler” mindset and skill set is a better fit for the guard position.
Round 7
Corey Peters, DT, Kentucky
Peters had a big season at Kentucky, registering 11 tackles-for-loss and four sacks from the defensive tackle position. He would transition to the five technique (defensive end in the Cowboys’ scheme). Don’t forget that Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen, and Jason Hatcher will all be unrestricted free agents after this season.
The Cowboys have a player with a ton of potential in practice squad DE Marcus Dixon, but they will likely look to bolster the position at some point this weekend.
Defensive end is an interesting position in that ‘Boys could address it as early as the first round ( Penn State DT/DE Jared Odrick) or perhaps not at all. The same could probably be said for cornerback, outside linebacker, and guard.
Dallas Cowboys-Only Mock Draft, Version 5.0: The Final Picks
We have previously completed four other Cowboys-only mock drafts, listed here: Version 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0. Some of those predictions were based on various scenarios, such as a stud player at a position of “non-need” dropping to the Cowboys.
This mock draft, our final version, will include our best guess for each Cowboys draft selection. How many will we predict correctly? I’m going to say either zero, all six, or somewhere in between. You can take that to the bank.
Round 1
Nate Allen, S, USF
Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins claimed Allen is the best safety in this class. We know the Cowboys don’t have him rated as such, but we simply do not see a top safety (or offensive tackle) falling to the Cowboys’ 27th selection. We previously liked Florida G/C Maurkice Pouncey here, but the chances of him being available are dwindling.
Despite Jerry Jones’ proclamations to the contrary, we see Dallas moving out of the 27th slot. They will either package a few picks to move up so they can acquire a true play-maker or slide back into the early second round to grab either Allen or Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett. The cost of moving up is significant, so we will go with the latter scenario.
This prediction is also based on a hunch that the “interest” in USC safety Taylor Mays is a smokescreen. The Cowboys know they need a ball-hawk at safety, i.e. not Taylor Mays. Hopefully another team selects the workout-warrior before Dallas even has an opportunity to contemplate his addition.
Round 2
Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina
No offensive tackle in the first two rounds? If the Cowboys don’t select one in the first round, it is unlikely they will address the position until round three at the earliest. We don’t see the value at tackle in the second round. The team could probably grab similar prospects whether they select an offensive tackle in round two or three.
Further, we see the outside linebacker position as similar to offensive tackle. The coaches seem to be satisfied with the starters at both spots (OLB is a no-brainer), meaning a rookie at either position will become a backup. The depth at both OLB and OT is also weak, with second-year players Brandon Williams, Victor Butler, and Robert Brewster at outside linebacker and offensive tackle, respectively.
Norwood is a player we love and think would fit well into the Cowboys’ 3-4 scheme. He needs to improve in coverage, but his pass-rushing skills are first round-caliber.
Round 3
Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
The Cowboys are reportedly “in love” with Shipley, and so are we. Not only is he an NFL-caliber slot receiver, but his return ability alone justifies his selection in the third round. The question is whether Dallas will wait this long to select him–they are rumored to be contemplating grabbing him in the second round.
Ultimately, we believe the ‘Boys will hold off on Shipley until the third. Moving up in the round is a possibility, but there is a decent shot that Shipley’s small size and lack of elite speed will allow him to be available for the Cowboys in the back of the third.
Shipley’s arrival will likely spell the end of Patrick Crayton’s tenure in Dallas. Crayton is a solid player, but he lacks the game-breaking ability that the Cowboys covet right now. Could a draft day trade be in the works?
Round 4
Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian
The Cowboys finally address the offensive line in the fourth round, a scenario that will likely make Dallas fans furious. Again, unless the team trades up for a top offensive tackle in the first round or a player such as Florida G/C Maurkice Pouncey drops to the 27th overall pick (which we see as unlikely), the value just will not be there. Will the team reach on a player like Indiana OT Roger Saffold? We doubt it.
Washington is one of the more difficult players to grade. He is all over the place in mock drafts, ranging from the second round to the fifth or sixth. If he is not available here, Miami’s Jason Fox is also an option.
Round 6
Ciron Black, OG, LSU
With Idaho guard Mike Iupati and Maurkice Pouncey the clear-cut top guards in this class (and Pouncey not even a true guard), the Cowboys would be thrilled to land one of them in the first round. We don’t see it happening. Too many teams have shown interest in both players for them to last until the back of the round.
Black is a player whose stock has plummeted since being a projected first round pick at left tackle last year. He really performed poorly in 2009, leading some scouts to claim he may not even get drafted.
The problem as we see it, though, is that Black isn’t an offensive tackle. In a similar fashion to Leonard Davis’ transition from tackle to guard, Black could really benefit from sliding inside. His “mauler” mindset and skill set is a better fit for the guard position.
Round 7
Corey Peters, DT, Kentucky
Peters had a big season at Kentucky, registering 11 tackles-for-loss and four sacks from the defensive tackle position. He would transition to the five technique (defensive end in the Cowboys’ scheme). Don’t forget that Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen, and Jason Hatcher will all be unrestricted free agents after this season.
The Cowboys have a player with a ton of potential in practice squad DE Marcus Dixon, but they will likely look to bolster the position at some point this weekend.
Defensive end is an interesting position in that ‘Boys could address it as early as the first round ( Penn State DT/DE Jared Odrick) or perhaps not at all. The same could probably be said for cornerback, outside linebacker, and guard.
DAL @ GB
