Draft scattershot 4/1

darthseinfeld

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- With a strong Pro Day from McCoy, he needs to be a consideration at 12. No excuse for him not to be. If you are passing him because you want a slot, then you shouldn't be making draft picks

-Rene Konga is the enigma of this draft. Incredible workout numbers, some good production metrics have been floated, but very little information is out there about this guy. Is he a 3rd round guy? Is he a 6th round guy? No way to know right now

- They have been looking at mostly box S. Downs, Ramsey, McNeil-Warren, Kilgore. If they are looking for one of these guys as a slot player, Emmanwori and not DeJean seem to be the mold

- If Harold Perkins lasts to 92, he could end up the best value in the whole. If he didn't hurt his knee in 2024, he probably slots just below Styles in this draft. He can rush from the edge, he can play off ball LB. He could be a major front 7 chess piece. High level of interest from the Cowboys

- If by the time the draft comes, and it looks almost certain that Pickens isn't getting a long term deal dont be surprised if Omar Cooper is the 20th pick

- Avieon Terrell is my #1 target at 20. Of the grouping of players that could be available there, I think he is the best. Can play boundary or slot. Reminds me of pre knee injuries Tre White

- If we move down from 20, I expect Chris Johnson to be a target. High level of interest there from the Cowboys

- Dani Dennis-Sutton is my favorite of the edge rusher group expected to go after Bain. 6'6, solid production in a Power 5, a 3 cone that almost sounds made up (6.9). Thats insane bend
 
-I still have my doubts that McCoy is in consideration by the team. It will come down to how they see that knee.
-Split the difference with Konga, probably an early day 3 prospect
-Yes, as we discussed, looking more at a safety then a traditional nickel corner
-Think both Perkins and Height could be targets with that 3rd rd pick
-Don't think they will draft a 1st rd receiver as they still can franchise Pickens for another yr
-I think any corner they draft, he is more of an outside corner
-I was a fan of Sutton even before his testing numbers, he flashed a lot last season
 
-I still have my doubts that McCoy is in consideration by the team. It will come down to how they see that knee.
-Split the difference with Konga, probably an early day 3 prospect
-Yes, as we discussed, looking more at a safety then a traditional nickel corner
-Think both Perkins and Height could be targets with that 3rd rd pick
-Don't think they will draft a 1st rd receiver as they still can franchise Pickens for another yr
-I think any corner they draft, he is more of an outside corner
-I was a fan of Sutton even before his testing numbers, he flashed a lot last season
If he is not, thats an organizational problem. His knee is fine and he is one of the better defensive players in the draft.
 
If he is not, thats an organizational problem. His knee is fine and he is one of the better defensive players in the draft.
It will come down to the medicals. They should bring him in as a 30 day guy just to check out that knee.
 
-I still have my doubts that McCoy is in consideration by the team. It will come down to how they see that knee.
-Split the difference with Konga, probably an early day 3 prospect
-Yes, as we discussed, looking more at a safety then a traditional nickel corner
-Think both Perkins and Height could be targets with that 3rd rd pick
-Don't think they will draft a 1st rd receiver as they still can franchise Pickens for another yr
-I think any corner they draft, he is more of an outside corner
-I was a fan of Sutton even before his testing numbers, he flashed a lot last season
There DB search seems to be all over the map. I dont think they are looking at specific types. I think its more about upgrading the talent they have back there
 
I am not opposed to moving on from Pickens and drafting Cooper at all. I know we are in hope selling season but even with a good draft and hitting on two starters, I dont see this team as a serious contender. Fans need to remember this draft is more than about 2026.
 
Cooper DeJean 6' 0.5" 203# draft grade 6.38

Overview​

Highly competitive defensive back with plus ball skills and noteworthy special teams value. DeJean is big and bundled for a cornerback, with muscular arms and tight hips. He has fantastic interception production, but his movements are more linear than fluid, and he doesn’t have the easy change of direction needed in man coverage on the next level. His best football is played with his eyes forward, using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and his big downhill burst to smack whatever needs smacking. He would seem to be a no-brainer as a punt returner and gunner in Year 1. DeJean should be a big athletic tester, which will help get the hype train going, but finding the proper schematic fit will be important in unlocking his best football as a zone corner or interchangeable safety.

Strengths​

  • Starting experience at strong safety and cornerback.
  • Explosive athlete hitting markers in height, weight and speed.
  • Instinctive zone defender ready to feast on quarterbacks with poor eye discipline.
  • Tracks the pass and plays the entry point with big burst to close.
  • Ball skills of a receiver, finishing with seven career interceptions (three returned for scores).
  • Charges hard and slams into pass-catchers.
  • Can provide immediate help as a punt returner and gunner if called upon.

Weaknesses​

  • Hip tightness will be hard to overcome in man coverage.
  • Struggles to open hips and find sudden acceleration against press release.
  • Fails to turn and find the football when traveling with deep routes.
  • Played a series of bad offenses and wasn’t challenged much in 2023.
  • Below-average length allows some slippage as wrap-up tackler.

Sources Tell Us​


“He’s quiet and humble. He was always the best at his high school and he has a baked-in confidence that you can’t coach.” - AFC area scout
 
They need to move Bland back to Nickel,it will solve our problems and we can focus on getting the best Corner.
 
- With a strong Pro Day from McCoy, he needs to be a consideration at 12. No excuse for him not to be. If you are passing him because you want a slot, then you shouldn't be making draft picks

-Rene Konga is the enigma of this draft. Incredible workout numbers, some good production metrics have been floated, but very little information is out there about this guy. Is he a 3rd round guy? Is he a 6th round guy? No way to know right now

- They have been looking at mostly box S. Downs, Ramsey, McNeil-Warren, Kilgore. If they are looking for one of these guys as a slot player, Emmanwori and not DeJean seem to be the mold

- If Harold Perkins lasts to 92, he could end up the best value in the whole. If he didn't hurt his knee in 2024, he probably slots just below Styles in this draft. He can rush from the edge, he can play off ball LB. He could be a major front 7 chess piece. High level of interest from the Cowboys

- If by the time the draft comes, and it looks almost certain that Pickens isn't getting a long term deal dont be surprised if Omar Cooper is the 20th pick

- Avieon Terrell is my #1 target at 20. Of the grouping of players that could be available there, I think he is the best. Can play boundary or slot. Reminds me of pre knee injuries Tre White

- If we move down from 20, I expect Chris Johnson to be a target. High level of interest there from the Cowboys

- Dani Dennis-Sutton is my favorite of the edge rusher group expected to go after Bain. 6'6, solid production in a Power 5, a 3 cone that almost sounds made up (6.9). Thats insane bend
- If McCoy is 100% healthy should be a top target at 12. Premium position, position of need and top 5 tape in the class. How will they factor risk?

- Konga is the definition of a traits pick. Good day 3 target.

- I hope they expand the S search. The class is way too good to only look at box safeties. And if the expectation if for the S to be the nickel guy we better be playing a LOT of zone. None if those guys can be trusted in man. Would rather have a physical CB take the nickel.

- LOVE Perkins. I actually liked him as a DPR more than LBr. Not very good playing through trash but maybe in right scheme.

- If the plan is to move on from GP we should be talking to way more WRs than Cooper. He is not worth 20 and there should be more due diligence.

- With you on AT. Top target at 20.

- Johnson is one of my guys. Wish he wouldve played some tougher competiton but he checks every box for me. Technician, production, good tackler, experience, athleticism etc...Would not hate him at 20.

- DDS is intriguing. He is a poor mans Parker IMO that gives you more athleticism but less pass rush. Could help against the run year 1.
 
- If McCoy is 100% healthy should be a top target at 12. Premium position, position of need and top 5 tape in the class. How will they factor risk?

- Konga is the definition of a traits pick. Good day 3 target.

- I hope they expand the S search. The class is way too good to only look at box safeties. And if the expectation if for the S to be the nickel guy we better be playing a LOT of zone. None if those guys can be trusted in man. Would rather have a physical CB take the nickel.

- LOVE Perkins. I actually liked him as a DPR more than LBr. Not very good playing through trash but maybe in right scheme.

- If the plan is to move on from GP we should be talking to way more WRs than Cooper. He is not worth 20 and there should be more due diligence.

- With you on AT. Top target at 20.

- Johnson is one of my guys. Wish he wouldve played some tougher competiton but he checks every box for me. Technician, production, good tackler, experience, athleticism etc...Would not hate him at 20.

- DDS is intriguing. He is a poor mans Parker IMO that gives you more athleticism but less pass rush. Could help against the run year 1.
Another thing with DDD is he has the frame to play at 275-280 and keep that bend. A guy like him is exactly why you hire a BT Jordan
 
Good list, a couple things.

I don't think Perkins translates to the NFL at all. He's got the same athletic profile as Kyle Louis and we are talking about one as a LB/S hybrid and the other playing edge at times lol. Maybe he can be a good off-ball LB, maybe not. He's too variable in the top 100.

If the Cowboys are going to trade Pickens to draft a WR at #20, they sure as heck better have a trade lined up that includes another pick in the next 10-20 slots. You can't trade him at the draft for next year's draft capital.
 
Another thing with DDD is he has the frame to play at 275-280 and keep that bend. A guy like him is exactly why you hire a BT Jordan
Yea you could probably beef him up a touch and he could give you 3-4 end snaps.

He is basically Faulk but you could have him a round or so later.
 
Good list, a couple things.

I don't think Perkins translates to the NFL at all. He's got the same athletic profile as Kyle Louis and we are talking about one as a LB/S hybrid and the other playing edge at times lol. Maybe he can be a good off-ball LB, maybe not. He's too variable in the top 100.

If the Cowboys are going to trade Pickens to draft a WR at #20, they sure as heck better have a trade lined up that includes another pick in the next 10-20 slots. You can't trade him at the draft for next year's draft capital.
You need to watch Perkins snaps rushing off of the Edge.
 
You need to watch Perkins snaps rushing off of the Edge.
He's not some sneaky prospect nobody has ever seen. It's also the same tape as Louis lol.

He's 220 lbs. He's a blitzer in the NFL. The idea that he can just line up against NFL OTs and win is mythology. He didn't even do it well in college. Watch the last minute or so here - he just gets swallowed up when he's lined up as an actual edge.

Perkins, like Louis, is effective when he can just run around and chase. He's an off-ball LB who needs to be schemed free or will be ineffective. This versatility or flexibility - whatever we want to call it - does not translate to the NFL.
 
He's not some sneaky prospect nobody has ever seen. It's also the same tape as Louis lol.

He's 220 lbs. He's a blitzer in the NFL. The idea that he can just line up against NFL OTs and win is mythology. He didn't even do it well in college. Watch the last minute or so here - he just gets swallowed up when he's lined up as an actual edge.

Perkins, like Louis, is effective when he can just run around and chase. He's an off-ball LB who needs to be schemed free or will be ineffective. This versatility or flexibility - whatever we want to call it - does not translate to the NFL.

I did not say he was...for folks that follow the draft Perkins is very well known and it is pretty common knowledge he was severely misused at LSU after his freshman season.

He didn't do it well in college? He had a 90 pass rush grade and a 16% win rate with 7.5 sacks....as a freshman in the SEC. You don't think he can add a few pounds and get even better if he dedicated more time to it with NFL coaching?
 
I did not say he was...for folks that follow the draft Perkins is very well known and it is pretty common knowledge he was severely misused at LSU after his freshman season.

He didn't do it well in college? He had a 90 pass rush grade and a 16% win rate with 7.5 sacks....as a freshman in the SEC. You don't think he can add a few pounds and get even better if he dedicated more time to it with NFL coaching?
Watch the tape that I literally just posted. He just loses when lined up as a true edge. All he can do as a rusher run fast lol.

I honestly don't care what he did 3-4 years ago. The fact that he got worse production is as much the fact that offenses realized they can just go right at him on the edge as much as the idea that he's misused.

There are 0 NFL passrushers under 240. He'd have to put on 20 lbs and even then, he has no passrush arsenal.

He's an undersized Will, it isn't complicated.
 
Wouldn't be mad if both our first rounders were corners. Or linebackers or edge. There is no wrong choice defensively. We are woeful.
 
Watch the tape that I literally just posted. He just loses when lined up as a true edge. All he can do as a rusher run fast lol.

I honestly don't care what he did 3-4 years ago. The fact that he got worse production is as much the fact that offenses realized they can just go right at him on the edge as much as the idea that he's misused.

There are 0 NFL passrushers under 240. He'd have to put on 20 lbs and even then, he has no passrush arsenal.

He's an undersized Will, it isn't complicated.
I did...and from 2:25 in when he actually gets a handful of pass rush snaps I counted 3/4 pressures and a forced holding penalty.

You can't teach burst and bend and he has it. The refinement and pass rush plan would come.

The production dipped because he changed positions.

There is a lot more context under the hood so it probably is more complicated than what you are making it.
 

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