Evaluation of Draft eligable FSU Talent (as it relates to the Cowboys)

[noletime95]

I post something like this every year and it usually generates some moderate interest and I enjoy doing it, so why not? I'm tailoring my comments to Cowboy needs. I will update with more players in the next day or so as time allows.

1) Winston: I've covered my thoughts on him in another thread. I think he goes #1 overall and has a good to great NFL career. But this isn't relavent to Dallas.

2) Cam Erving: Has the ability to play LT or C, so he could probably play any position on the OL. Dominated Beasley two years ago @ Clemson, but Vic got his revenge in Tallahassee this year. The entire OL really suffered from poor play at C over half the year due to the loss of Bryan Stork (started for NE this year) and an injury. When Cam moved from LT to C, the entire OL looked ALOT better the final 5 games or so. CAM was dominate at C and that may be his best position in the NFL. But he's also looked dominate at times playing LT. Has a mean streak-ex DL. Can he step in and play RT right away? I think he probably can. And imagine the versatility he provides in the event of an injury. He could be a viable option at #27. I doubt he's around late 2nd round, but would be a real steal in that slot.

3) Tre Jackson (6'4, 330): 3+ year starter at RG for FSU. Was dominate as a JR and I was suprised he returned for his SR season. Inconsistent play at C hurt the entire OL at times, but Tre is a mountain of a man, a bulldozer and played consistently well during his career. Assuming he stays healthy, I don't see a ton of risk with him-he'll be a starting OG in the NFL IMO. Some projections have him going in round 1, but I don't endorse Dallas taking him in round 1. I don't believe he's the level of a Martin. I don't know the long term plans with Leary, but Dallas could groom Tre for a year (Leary is a RFA) and then save $$$ in 2016 by plugging Jackson in at OG and letting Leary and his degenerative knees move on.

 

[DBOY3141]

I post something like this every year and it usually generates some moderate interest and I enjoy doing it, so why not? I'm tailoring my comments to Cowboy needs. I will update with more players in the next day or so as time allows.

1) Winston: I've covered my thoughts on him in another thread. I think he goes #1 overall and has a good to great NFL career. But this isn't relavent to Dallas.

2) Cam Erving: Has the ability to play LT or C, so he could probably play any position on the OL. Dominated Beasley two years ago @ Clemson, but Vic got his revenge in Tallahassee this year. The entire OL really suffered from poor play at C over half the year due to the loss of Bryan Stork (started for NE this year) and an injury. When Cam moved from LT to C, the entire OL looked ALOT better the final 5 games or so. CAM was dominate at C and that may be his best position in the NFL. But he's also looked dominate at times playing LT. Has a mean streak-ex DL. Can he step in and play RT right away? I think he probably can. And imagine the versatility he provides in the event of an injury. He could be a viable option at #27. I doubt he's around late 2nd round, but would be a real steal in that slot.

3) Tre Jackson (6'4, 330): 3+ year starter at RG for FSU. Was dominate as a JR and I was suprised he returned for his SR season. Inconsistent play at C hurt the entire OL at times, but Tre is a mountain of a man, a bulldozer and played consistently well during his career. Assuming he stays healthy, I don't see a ton of risk with him-he'll be a starting OG in the NFL IMO. Some projections have him going in round 1, but I don't endorse Dallas taking him in round 1. I don't believe he's the level of a Martin. I don't know the long term plans with Leary, but Dallas could groom Tre for a year (Leary is a RFA) and then save $$$ in 2016 by plugging Jackson in at OG and letting Leary and his degenerative knees move on.

Good stuff. Erving is interesting because of position flex. I like Jackson and I think Dallas does take a guard early in the draft (they were last year with Turner).

What's your thoughts on PJ. I saw a mock with him going to Dallas at 27.

 

[KDM256]

OP what are your thoughts on Eddie Goldman?

 

[noletime95]

I post something like this every year and it usually generates some moderate interest and I enjoy doing it, so why not? I'm tailoring my comments to Cowboy needs. I will update with more players in the next day or so as time allows.

1) Winston: I've covered my thoughts on him in another thread. I think he goes #1 overall and has a good to great NFL career. But this isn't relavent to Dallas.

2) Cam Erving: Has the ability to play LT or C, so he could probably play any position on the OL. Dominated Beasley two years ago @ Clemson, but Vic got his revenge in Tallahassee this year. The entire OL really suffered from poor play at C over half the year due to the loss of Bryan Stork (started for NE this year) and an injury. When Cam moved from LT to C, the entire OL looked ALOT better the final 5 games or so. CAM was dominate at C and that may be his best position in the NFL. But he's also looked dominate at times playing LT. Has a mean streak-ex DL. Can he step in and play RT right away? I think he probably can. And imagine the versatility he provides in the event of an injury. He could be a viable option at #27. I doubt he's around late 2nd round, but would be a real steal in that slot.

3) Tre Jackson (6'4, 330): 3+ year starter at RG for FSU. Was dominate as a JR and I was suprised he returned for his SR season. Inconsistent play at C hurt the entire OL at times, but Tre is a mountain of a man, a bulldozer and played consistently well during his career. Assuming he stays healthy, I don't see a ton of risk with him-he'll be a starting OG in the NFL IMO. Some projections have him going in round 1, but I don't endorse Dallas taking him in round 1. I don't believe he's the level of a Martin. I don't know the long term plans with Leary, but Dallas could groom Tre for a year (Leary is a RFA) and then save $$$ in 2016 by plugging Jackson in at OG and letting Leary and his degenerative knees move on.

Not sure why I can't edit my original post, but I'll go ahead and address the two players noted in the thread:

PJ Williams (6'0, 196): I think he fits really well into a cover 2 scheme. Solid at setting the edge and has shown the ability to be quite physical. I think he'll run in the 4.5 or so range at the combine (reported 4.4 speed, but that rarely works out at the combine). I don't know his vertical off hand, but the guy is an excellent athlete that has made a couple highlight real type of INT's. Fantastic SO year, but didn't quite live up to expectations this year. Had a couple key missed assignments and failed at times to get his head around in coverage. The Nole pass rush was fairly weak and there was no Lamarcus Joyner or Brooks to quarterback the secondary. The safety play was down this year, so the CB's were often on an island. PJ also played with a bad hammy the first half of the season or so. I think all these items contributed to Williams not have an AA type of season-particularly the lack of a pass rush. But he still made plays in 2014 and has plenty of talent. I wouldn't want him on an island with a #1, but he should excel in a cover 2 and can match up with some of the bigger WR's in the league. Not a guy you want covering the slot. Has come off the edge to blitz with success on occasion. I live in Tampa and there is some noise about the Bucs looking hard at Williams at top of the 2nd, so #27 wouldn't be too far off. Risk/reward here-PJ may be a top 10-15 type of talent that is slipping due to circumstance, or his SO year was the result of being surrounded by what is basically amounting to an NFL roster on D in 2013.

Eddie Goldman (6'4, 320): Eddie was a 5 star talent coming out of HS that had a solid career at FSU. He completely dominated the Clemson game this year, basically living in the Tiger backfield. Generally stout at the point of attack. After the first half of the year, I thought Goldman was on his way to an AA year and top 10 pick status. But his play was inconsistent overall and there are some whispers at FSU that he was looking at the draft late in the year-trying not to get hurt. I suppose that doesn't matter for his NFL team-but I do worry a bit about his motor turning on and off. In his defense, he was FSU's best DL this year and got lots of attention because of it. And his running mate got hurt against Clemson, which probably hurt him as well. I practically stood on a table last year as Jernigan fell down the draft board-I knew that guy would be a player and he is. Goldman is not Jernigan. Is his celing higher? maybe. But his floor is MUCH lower. I believe he's a real wild card in the draft.

 

[DBOY3141]

Good info.

 

[Alexander]

3) Tre Jackson (6'4, 330): 3+ year starter at RG for FSU. Was dominate as a JR and I was suprised he returned for his SR season. Inconsistent play at C hurt the entire OL at times, but Tre is a mountain of a man, a bulldozer and played consistently well during his career. Assuming he stays healthy, I don't see a ton of risk with him-he'll be a starting OG in the NFL IMO. Some projections have him going in round 1, but I don't endorse Dallas taking him in round 1. I don't believe he's the level of a Martin. I don't know the long term plans with Leary, but Dallas could groom Tre for a year (Leary is a RFA) and then save $$$ in 2016 by plugging Jackson in at OG and letting Leary and his degenerative knees move on.

Josue Mathias is just as good if not better and then you do not have to worry about changing sides.

 

[DBOY3141]

Josue Mathias is just as good if not better and then you do not have to worry about changing sides.

What round is he projected to go?

 

[Alexander]

What round is he projected to go?

NFL Draft Scout has him at 70th overall. Both guards are considered late 2-3 types.

I am just not certain what the Cowboys want to challenge Leary with. They were going after Trai Turner last year even after taking Martin and he was a stronger run blocker than pass blocker. Mathias is the opposite.

 

[DBOY3141]

NFL Draft Scout has him at 70th overall. Both guards are considered late 2-3 types.

I am just not certain what the Cowboys want to challenge Leary with. They were going after Trai Turner last year even after taking Martin and he was a stronger run blocker than pass blocker. Mathias is the opposite.

It was puzzling. I just can't see them drafting 2 guards in the 1st 3 rounds and coming off the worse defense in Cowboy history, without the long term plan being moving Martin to RT.

 

[Alexander]

It was puzzling. I just can't see them drafting 2 guards in the 1st 3 rounds and coming off the worse defense in Cowboy history, without the long term plan being moving Martin to RT.

I am not certain they knew themselves last year that Martin would be that great at right guard. They were looking at a possible move to tackle IMO. Turner would have been a way to finish off that process sooner than later.

 

[noletime95]

Josue Mathias is just as good if not better and then you do not have to worry about changing sides.

Matias (OG-6'6, 325) is also a mauler. I agree they are similar players (he and Jackson). Fair point on changing sides, as I'm not an authority on the potential impact-but you'd like to think either one could man either OG position. I believe Jackson was more consitent overall during their careers. Matias missed a few assigments that almost got #5 killed during his time in Tallahassee. As long as he knows who to block, he's probably just as good as Jackson. I also think Matias goes a round or so later, which may make him a more attractive potential option for the Cowboys (3rd round, maybe 4th?). I just have moderate concerns about Matias missing a blitz pick up and getting Romo killed. I imagine Callahan can fix that.

 

[noletime95]

For the record, I don't see Dallas taking two OG's-but one is certainly a possibility

 

[Zimmy Lives]

For the record, I don't see Dallas taking two OG's-but one is certainly a possibility

I believe Dallas will target a guard in rounds 2 or 3. They may even move down for an extra pick and then take a guard.

Leary is a good player but another great guard would allow the Cowboys to try Martin out at RT if Free is not re-signed.

 

[jrumann59]

I believe Dallas will target a guard in rounds 2 or 3. They may even move down for an extra pick and then take a guard.

Leary is a good player but another great guard would allow the Cowboys to try Martin out at RT if Free is not re-signed.

Leary look good at times and others not so good. We need to get guys that are consistent in their peaks and valleys. Leary looked all pro at times and others he looked like a low round draft pick. I would rather have guy bounce between average and above average than above average and below average.

 

[noletime95]

Moving on to some other prospects:

Mario Edwards DE (6'3, 275-300): Kid was fantastic as a SO against Greg Robinson in the title game and many thought he would take off as a JR and fulfil his promise as the #1 recruit in the country 3 years ago. But he just didn't blow up like expected. He played too many snaps due to a lack of depth on the DL for FSU, which probably didn't help him. He sets the edge better than probably any DE in the country. He's fantastic against the run. What's holding him back is a lack of burst to get consistent pressure to the QB. And that's obviously pretty important for a DE. Maybe if he played inside he could generate more pressue, but that's an unknown. His playing weight has fluctuated over the last three years. I don't think he's a fit for Dallas, probably projecting as a solid 3-4 DE in the NFL. if he slips past round 2, maybe Dallas takes a look based on raw ability and versatility. I doubt that happens.

Ronald Darby CB (5'10, 195): Darby is a pure cover CB that will probably do pretty well at the combine. I bet he runs a 4.4 and tests well overall. He's a guy that could probably step right in and play significant snaps right away in the NFL. Teams avoided him for the most part other than a few missed assignments. He'll make an excellent nickel immediately. I wouldn't be shocked to see him sneak into round 1, but if his 40 slips he could slide back to round 3. I'm just not sure how he'll fit into a cover 2. He'll need to get more physical in the NFL and his ability to set the edge when needed as a CB is in question. If he slid back into round 3, I'd pick him. You just can't have enough guys that can cover and Darby can absolutely fill that need.

 

[tm1119]

Moving on to some other prospects:

Mario Edwards DE (6'3, 275-300): Kid was fantastic as a SO against Greg Robinson in the title game and many thought he would take off as a JR and fulfil his promise as the #1 recruit in the country 3 years ago. But he just didn't blow up like expected. He played too many snaps due to a lack of depth on the DL for FSU, which probably didn't help him. He sets the edge better than probably any DE in the country. He's fantastic against the run. What's holding him back is a lack of burst to get consistent pressure to the QB. And that's obviously pretty important for a DE. Maybe if he played inside he could generate more pressue, but that's an unknown. His playing weight has fluctuated over the last three years. I don't think he's a fit for Dallas, probably projecting as a solid 3-4 DE in the NFL. if he slips past round 2, maybe Dallas takes a look based on raw ability and versatility. I doubt that happens.

Ronald Darby CB (5'10, 195): Darby is a pure cover CB that will probably do pretty well at the combine. I bet he runs a 4.4 and tests well overall. He's a guy that could probably step right in and play significant snaps right away in the NFL. Teams avoided him for the most part other than a few missed assignments. He'll make an excellent nickel immediately. I wouldn't be shocked to see him sneak into round 1, but if his 40 slips he could slide back to round 3. I'm just not sure how he'll fit into a cover 2. He'll need to get more physical in the NFL and his ability to set the edge when needed as a CB is in question. If he slid back into round 3, I'd pick him. You just can't have enough guys that can cover and Darby can absolutely fill that need.

I actually think Edwards Jr projects pretty well as a Marinelli DT. Of course it would be a risky pick because it's only a projection, but I'd certainly be intrigued if he was still there for our 2nd rounder.

 

[noletime95]

Rashad Green WR (listed 6'0, 180-probably 5'10, 175): My favorite Nole (son has his jersey). Kid has been FSU's #1 since about the 4th game of his FR season. No one works harder. I think he was the one guy on the team that could tell #5 what needed to be said. Quiet leader that spoke up when needed. Has legit 4.4 speed and excellent hands. Fantastic route runner. Does not fit the mold of today's NFL beast at WR, but he knows how to get open. I think he'll benifit from the NFL's strict holding and illegal contact rules down the field. He's not the most physical guy, but he's not afraid either. His ceiling is probably that of a Reggie Wayne type if he fills out-and that's first round caliber. But I'm not sure his frame will carry as much weight as Reggie. Probably a 2nd round pick that will be a solid #2 in the NFL for several years. Does not fit in Dallas with the emergence of Williams and Beasley. Even if he slips, I just don't see how he fits since he's never really been asked to play ST's at FSU aside from returning punts (which he's not really that great at).

Nick O'Leary TE (6'3, 246): Tough kid, great hands, excellent route runner. No fear and will punish a safety in the open field. But he lacks elite size or spead and he's just not big enough to be an elite NFL blocker. Effort will not be an issue though and he knows how to get open. I think he slips into round 3 or 4 due to his physical limitations. Some of the bigger TE's coming out are not rated ahead of him now, but they will be. Not sure how he fits in Dallas unless he slides in the draft. Could be a future complament to Escobar post Witten.

 

[AmishCowboy]

Where's PJ Williams?

 

[noletime95]

Where's PJ Williams?

PJ Williams CB (6'0, 196): I think he fits really well into a cover 2 scheme. Solid at setting the edge and has shown the ability to be quite physical. I think he'll run in the 4.5 or so range at the combine (reported 4.4 speed, but that rarely works out at the combine). I don't know his vertical off hand, but the guy is an excellent athlete that has made a couple highlight real type of INT's. Fantastic SO year, but didn't quite live up to expectations this year. Had a couple key missed assignments and failed at times to get his head around in coverage. The Nole pass rush was fairly weak and there was no Lamarcus Joyner or Brooks to quarterback the secondary. The safety play was down this year, so the CB's were often on an island. PJ also played with a bad hammy the first half of the season or so. I think all these items contributed to Williams not have an AA type of season-particularly the lack of a pass rush. But he still made plays in 2014 and has plenty of talent. I wouldn't want him on an island with a #1, but he should excel in a cover 2 and can match up with some of the bigger WR's in the league. Not a guy you want covering the slot. Has come off the edge to blitz with success on occasion. I live in Tampa and there is some noise about the Bucs looking hard at Williams at top of the 2nd, so #27 wouldn't be too far off. Risk/reward here-PJ may be a top 10-15 type of talent that is slipping due to circumstance, or his SO year was the result of being surrounded by what is basically amounting to an NFL roster on D in 2013.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I believe Dallas will target a guard in rounds 2 or 3. They may even move down for an extra pick and then take a guard.

Leary is a good player but another great guard would allow the Cowboys to try Martin out at RT if Free is not re-signed.

Also IMO once Leary hits UFA (2017 I believe ) he will be a candidate to get more money then he should