Draft Board - position by position evaluation

[jday]

I think perhaps a better approach to a mock draft would be to construct a draft board of my favorite players available in each position of need throughout each round, since there are quite a few at each position I would be okay with the Cowboys picking up. Note the order that they appear doesn't suggest my preference from one person to the next. This actually is the order in which they likely will be drafted. In bold are the players that I would like to see the most in a Cowboys uniform, based not necessarily on production, but how their size, speed, and the round they will be available in would be ideal for the Cowboys.

SS

William Moore, SS, Missouri
Height: 6-0. Weight: 221.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2.

Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon
Height: 5-11. Weight: 212.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Combine 40 Time: 4.54.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2.

Rashad Johnson, FS, Alabama
Height: 5-11. Weight: 203.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2.

David Bruton, FS, Notre Dame - not technically sound, but with good coaching, could be elite.
Height: 6-2. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Combine 40 Time: 4.46.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 41.5.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Curtis Taylor, FS, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 209.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Combine 40 Time: 4.64.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 6.

Josh Pinkard, FS, USC
Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2009): FA.

ILB

Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC - Sure, he probably won't be available with the Cowboy's 1st pick. But due to the injury he suffered at the combine his stock may fall far enough for the Cowboys to trade up for him. Wishful thinking, if anything.
Height: 6-2. Weight: 249.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Combine 40 Time: 4.83*.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): Top 20 Pick.

Jason Phillips, ILB, TCU
Height: 6-1. Weight: 239.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Combine 40 Time: 4.69.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.

Daniel Holtzclaw, Eastern Michigan
Height: 6-1. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

I'm divided on these two players, as far as preference. Daniel has a little better size and speed, but Jason is more technically sound. Daniel will be available in later rounds, but Jason could be the best player available with the Cowboy's first pick (doubtful, but possible). Both players are considered leaders on their team, however, unfortunately for Holtzclaw, he was a member of a team that vastly underperformed. Because of this he could be a steal at this position. Since the Cowboy's recently picked up Keith Brookings, he might be the more ideal pick, since are attention on DE, DT, and CB might be more pressing in need.

NT

Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Combine 40 Time: 5.47.
Benchx225: 32. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2.

Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson - great comination of size, speed and motor.
Height: 6-3. Weight: 312.
Projected 40 Time: 5.04.
Combine 40 Time: 4.92.
Benchx225: 29. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 3.

Corvey Irvin, DT, Georgia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 301.
Projected 40 Time: 5.02.
Combine 40 Time: 4.99.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Roy Miller, DT, Texas
Height: 6-1. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 5.04.
Combine 40 Time: 4.97.
Benchx225: 36. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.

Nader Abdallah, DT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
Projected Round (2009): 6.

DE - For the exception of the first option, to fit the 3-4 most of the players available in the draft would have to convert from DT to DE.

Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - quite possibly the most ideal replacement for Canty, though he likely won't be available unless the Cowboy's trade up.
Height: 6-4. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
Combine 40 Time: 4.91.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 1.

Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Height: 6-3. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Combine 40 Time: 4.91.
Benchx225: 34. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 2.

Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State - great combination of size, speed and motor. Also has the stats to suggest that he could be an improvement over Canty - 11 games 47 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 3 passes broken up. However, to be effective in the 3-4 he will need to put on some weight.
Height: 6-5. Weight: 288.
Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
Combine 40 Time: 4.87.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 35.5.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.

Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 295.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Clinton McDonald, DT, Memphis
Height: 6-2. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

OLB (while I wouldn't draft high here, an eventual back up for Spencer and Ware would be nice, considering Ellis' days are numbered).

Jason Williams, OLB, Western Illinois
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.

Anthony Heygood, Purdue
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.

James Holt, OLB, Kansas
Height: 6-3. Weight: 226.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2009): 7.

Willie Williams, OLB, Union (KY) - Were it not for his checkered past, he may very well have been considered a 1st day pick. In terms of athleticism and instincts, not too many players rival him in this position. Trouble his, he has a past of the Pacman variety. However, according to him, he is looking to redeem himself and prove he is worthy of a look. Normally I would agree with most and pass, but if we can pick him up in the 7th round or even as a free agent, he would come pretty cheap and would be worth, at least, a look. One mistake, cut him.
Height: 6-3. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2009): FA.

CB - probably the weakest position in terms of depth in talent. This could be an issue for the Cowboys considering they will not have Anthony Henry or Pacman Jones for the 09 season. The Cowboys will have to hope they can pick up another steal like they did with Scandrick last year.

Domonique Johnson, CB, Jackson State - nice speed, size, and proved to be very adept at getting to the ball with 5 picks over the season.
Height: 6-1. Weight: 197.
Projected 40 Time: 4.34.
Combine 40 Time: 4.55.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 208.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
Combine 40 Time: 4.54.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.

Morgan Trent, CB, Michigan
Height: 6-1. Weight: 193.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Combine 40 Time: 4.53.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 38.
Projected Round (2009): 4.

Donald Washington, CB, Ohio State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 197.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
Combine 40 Time: 4.55.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 45.
Projected Round (2009): 6.

Dwain Crawford, Baylor
Height: 6-0. Weight: 196.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round (2009): FA.

QB - think project

Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State - This pick reminds me of Tashard Choice from last year. Tashard also was a starter a Oklahoma, but decided to transfer to Georgia tech due to his mother being ill. Hence his stock fell. Though the circumstances are different, in terms of why these players left, the fact remains that Oklahoma has a great eye for talent and said talent has a pretty good track record of translating well to the NFL.
Height: 6-2. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: 4.82.
Hand Size: 9.
Projected Round (2009): 5.

Mike Reilly, Central Washington
Height: 6-3. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Combine 40 Time: 4.92.
Hand Size: 10.
Projected Round (2009): 5.

Mike Teel, Rutgers
Height: 6-4. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.

Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 223.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Combine 40 Time: 5.07.
Hand Size: 9 1/2.
Projected Round (2009): 6.

Tom Brandstater, Fresno State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Combine 40 Time: 4.95.
Hand Size: 9 1/2.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.

WR - not actually a position of need, but it has been suggested that the Cowboys get faster players. I agree, to an extent, but would not draft high to accomodate this, considering the other positions of need.

Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian
Height: 6-0. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Combine 40 Time: 4.34.
Vertical: . Broad: 10-2.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Tiquan Underwood, Rutgers
Height: 6-1. Weight: 184.
Projected 40 Time: 4.41.
Combine 40 Time: 4.41.
Vertical: 41.5. Broad: 10-9.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Mike Wallace, Ole Miss
Height: 6-0. Weight: 199.
Projected 40 Time: 4.35.
Combine 40 Time: 4.33.
Vertical: 40. Broad: 10-9.
Projected Round (2009): 5.

Marko Mitchell, Nevada
Height: 6-4. Weight: 218.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Combine 40 Time: 4.46.
Vertical: . Broad: .
Projected Round (2009): 5.

TE

Darius Hill, Ball State - nice speed and size, compared to the other options available.
Height: 6-6. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.72.
Benchx225: . Vertical: 31.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.

Kory Sperry, Colorado State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
Combine 40 Time: 4.77.
Benchx225: 20. Vertical: 33.5.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.

Carson Butler, Michigan
Height: 6-5. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2010): FA.

RB - okay so we are set at RB, but creating competition never hurts, particularly if the Cowboys are granted compensatory picks and all other needs are already addressed.

Keegan Herring, Arizona State - His speed makes him an interest. I don't think there is anyway he could surplant the current three, but considering he is one of those players whose stock is being ruined by injury, he could turn out to be a nice addition to most any team.
Height: 5-10. Weight: 193.
Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
Projected Round (2009): 6.

Devin Moore, Wyoming - has been compared to Felix, though, I'm happy with the original. But if the Cowboys went crazy and opted to trade one of their many talented backs to garner a higher pick, he might be worth a look.
Height: 5-9. Weight: 192.
Projected 40 Time: 4.32.
Combine 40 Time: 4.41.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 35. Broad Jump: 10-0.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.

Marcus Thigpen, Indiana
Height: 5-9. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.37.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.

Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas - Okay, so I'm Texas fan. He is inconsistent, but has shown flashes of brilliance that reminds me of a cross between Brandon Jacobs and Tashard Choice. He's a beast in size, difficult to stop once he builds momentum, and has decent vision getting down the field.
Height: 6-0. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Combine 40 Time: 4.61.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 35. Broad: .
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.

OT

Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 332.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
Combine 40 Time: 5.21.
Benchx225: 29. Arm: 33 1/2.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Gerald Cadogan, Penn State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 309.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
Combine 40 Time: 5.12.
Benchx225: 26. Arm: 35.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.

Lydon Murtha, Nebraska
Height: 6-7. Weight: 306.
Projected 40 Time: 5.31.
Combine 40 Time: 4.89.
Benchx225: 25. Arm: 33 7/8.
Projected Round (2009): 6.

Ryan Delrosal, Dixie State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 313.
Projected 40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.

I qualify these last two picks for where they will be available and the uncanny speed they possess for their size. Speed on the ends to me is important because of my hopes for the offense to place an emphasis on taking advantage of our talented RB group. In particular, screens seemed to be a great way to punish the blitz-happy defenses that the NFCE is known for. Having lineman that can get to that level quickly would help in executing this.

OG - think Cory Proctor competition

Travis Bright, BYU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 316.
Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
Combine 40 Time: 5.29.
Benchx225: 34. Arm: 33 7/8.
Projected Round (2009): 5.

T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan
Height: 6-4. Weight: 312.
Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.

Cedric Dockery, Texas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 320.
Projected 40 Time: 5.24.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.

C

Dallas Reynolds, BYU - of all the offensive lineman I would like to see the Cowboys look at, Dallas tops the list. He can play every position on the line, has great size, was a member of a unit considered the top offense in the nation, is reliable with 37 starts, and was considered a leader on the team suggesting he has the type of high character the Cowboys are in need of currently.
Height: 6-5. Weight: 328.
Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
Projected Round (2009): 7.

Alex Fletcher, Stanford
Height: 6-2. Weight: 297.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
Combine 40 Time: 5.37.
Benchx225: 30. Arm: 32 1/8.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.

I think that pretty much covers it. I realize this is pretty long, but I did this more for myself than anyone else. However, I do welcome opinions, as I have to admit several of my picks are largely based on reading the opinions of others on various forums and draft boards. I don't follow college football closely enough to call myself an expert, so feel free to tear this apart.

 

[RS12]

they wont take a safety first, they wont take an ILB that high either. Think D-Line first.:starspin

 

[KingintheNorth]

I really feel that they are going to take the Best Player Avaialble at 51, unless it's a RB or TE.

 

[DFWJC]

I really feel that they are going to take the Best Player Avaialble at 51, unless it's a RB or TE.

Good stuff. Thanks

how about, unless it's RB, TE, QB, K.

 

[jday]

they wont take a safety first, they wont take an ILB that high either. Think D-Line first.:starspin

Did you actually read any of this? This is a draft board, in no particular order. See the projected rounds of the players in bold to get a better idea of a mock draft that could be pulled from this.

 

[jday]

I really feel that they are going to take the Best Player Avaialble at 51, unless it's a RB or TE.

Conventional wisdom would support that move. But the Cowboy's have some serious holes right now on defense. This is one of those few times I hope conventional wisdom is ignored.

 

[jday]

Good stuff. Thanks

how about, unless it's RB, TE, QB, K.

I think you could probably expound even further on that list. First of all, the Cowboy's are notorious for not wanting to take OL high, so add OG, C, and OT. Then, of course, P. If they go after a WR, it will be for speed, which could be acquired on the 2nd day. Then consider, what is available at OLB in the 2nd round and you are pretty much limited to positions of need, best player available.

 

[DFWJC]

Did you actually read any of this? This is a draft board, in no particular order. See the projected rounds of the players in bold to get a better idea of a mock draft that could be pulled from this.

Ha. I actually like the thought of grabbing a S, DE, NT, or ILB...so you order isn't too out of whack even if it wasn't on purpose.

 

[jday]

Ha. I actually like the thought of grabbing a S, DE, NT, or ILB...so you order isn't too out of whack even if it wasn't on purpose.

Just based off of the guys that are in bold, I'm thinking DE, NT, S/ILB, CB to start the draft off, then QB, OL, OLB. That's, at least, the order of my priority which is based off of when my favorites are available.

 

[Biggems]

As a pure RB, Obie is not that good. However, as a 3rd down receiving back, he is quite lethal.

Of course he could be a better runner than we saw, since the UT OLine was definitely crappy at run blocking.

 

[ologan]

Thanks,Jday! Good job and analysis. Seems some of these guys would fit into my idea of a good "lunchbox" player.

 

[28 Joker]

Dorell Scott in round three. There is your value at NT. He's polished and ready to go.

Thumbs up.

 

[jday]

As a pure RB, Obie is not that good. However, as a 3rd down receiving back, he is quite lethal.

Of course he could be a better runner than we saw, since the UT OLine was definitely crappy at run blocking.

Like I said, I'm a Texas fan. I didn't like him too much myself, but I can't deny that he has some play making ability, particularly come crunch time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks,Jday! Good job and analysis. Seems some of these guys would fit into my idea of a good "lunchbox" player.

Thanks. Of course, I just learned about the release of T.O., so I might have to introduce a revision to this as we might have to take a close look at Pat White. I have to assume that fueling this move is the desire to moving back to being a ground team. If you are a ground team, with all the different things Pat White can do, he would be a great addition.

Dorell Scott in round three. There is your value at NT. He's polished and ready to go.

Thumbs up.

He is one of my favorites for where we might be able to get him. Of course, with so many teams moving to the 3-4, his stock may rise. The beauty of that scenario is if teams scramble for 3-4 ready players 1 we are ahead of the game and 2 that leaves other positions of need on the board. Either way, it's a win/win situation for the Cowboy's.

 

[DFWJC]

Just based off of the guys that are in bold, I'm thinking DE, NT, S/ILB, CB to start the draft off, then QB, OL, OLB. That's, at least, the order of my priority which is based off of when my favorites are available.

We may drop a WR in the mix too.

 

[Biggems]

Like I said, I'm a Texas fan. I didn't like him too much myself, but I can't deny that he has some play making ability, particularly come crunch time.

let's just hope he doesnt go to Philly.....a team that doesnt run a lot, but instead uses their backs as receivers out of the backfield.

I think his skillset would be perfect for them....but I dont want him anywhere near there.

 

[jday]

We may drop a WR in the mix too.

Yeah, I made reference to that in one of my responses above. I'm thinking Pat White might be a good value pick for what I suspect the Cowboy's will be looking to focus on in 09: the ground game. Pat White is a hybrid QB/WR/HB. Not to say that I want to replace Romo, but to have the flexibility of using White in certain situations could be interesting. Regardless of what the Cowboys do, my only hope is that they address the deficiencies on defense first, particularly at SS (Roy Williams was just released), DE (possible replacement for Canty; sorry, Hatcher and Bowen have not earned my trust), and NT (pending Tank's moving on). I would also like to see an ILB that could possibly replace Barbie Carpenter, but if we draft WR first, before ILB is addressed, I will understand, all things considered. I just have to believe that the Cowboy's have faith in Roy Williams (11), Miles Austin and Crayton. Releasing T.O. with confidence of finding a possible replacement in the draft would make no sense at all to me. So, I'm thinking they will be looking for more or less a camp body than anything.

 

[jday]

let's just hope he doesnt go to Philly.....a team that doesnt run a lot, but instead uses their backs as receivers out of the backfield.

I think his skillset would be perfect for them....but I dont want him anywhere near there.

I'm with you. With development, he could be dangerous.