Wimbo
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My first mock...
For starters, I think that unless Dallas trades up, we don't have a shot at Eric Berry, Trent Williams, Dez Bryant, Taylor Mays, or Mike Iupati (to name a few of the favorites I have read on this site). So, assume they are all gone. We all know Jerry will make trades on draft days, but I didn't try to guess those... I pulled some profile data on each from CBSSports.com.
I am ducking now, so please fire away.
1) Earl Thomas -DB, Texas
Thomas entered the NFL draft after his redshirt sophomore season despite playing only two seasons at the collegiate level and being part of the infamous Michael Crabtree catch-and-run that cost the Longhorns a shot at the national title in 2008.
His two seasons in Austin ended with various national honors for his ball-hawking play from the safety spot, so it was not surprising Thomas believed he was ready for the pro level. His family has still not recovered fully from losing their home to Hurricane Rita in January 2005, and economics surely played into his decision.
After redshirting in 2007, Thomas stepped in and started all 13 games for the Longhorns, intercepting two passes, breaking up a whopping 17 others, along with forcing four fumbles. He stepped up from Freshman All-American to national All-American as a sophomore this season, leading the nation with 24 passes defensed (including his second-ranked eight interceptions). Thomas also made 143 tackles over the past two seasons.
Scouts must determine if Thomas has the size and strength to remain the dominant force he was at Texas when pitted against veteran NFL receivers. He had several missed tackles against Alabama in the BCS National Championship game. If a team believes in him, Thomas can be a first-round pick. Otherwise, Thomas will be a great value in the second round. (from CBS Sports)
Compares to Brandon Merriweather(?)
Other possibilities at #27: Pouncey, McCourty
2) Vladimir Ducasse - OG/OT, UMass
At 6-5 and 332 pounds, he has the type of size Dallas covets on the OL - and he is not fat (relatively speaking).
There is little doubt Ducasse has rare size and skills, but there is no consensus on where his talent might be best used in pro football. At the Senior Bowl, scouts delighted in watching him line up at all of the offensive line positions and then even take a shot on the defensive side.
His natural strength and athletic ability give him tremendous upside. - Frank Cooney, USA TODAY/NFL Draft Scout
Pass blocking: Reliable pass protector, using length and size not seen at the FCS level. Uses those attributes to anchor or run smaller rush ends around the pocket. Needs quite a bit of work in his pass protection technique before moving on to the next level. Stands upright and bends at the waist; will lose his balance when extending against better college players, much less NFL
pass rushers. Inconsistent with his punch, catching rushers too often and giving up too much ground to less talented players. Will stop his feet after initial contact, shrinking the pocket. Recovery speed against outside-in or spin moves is questionable.
Run blocking: Gets out of his stance with enough agility to seal the edge, get out in front of stretch plays and screens as well as to find the MIKE linebacker at the second level. Controls his body and keeps his feet moving to find and ride smaller defenders out of the play. Will combo block and use his length to knock late blitzers off their approach. Must extend his arms when drive blocking; keeps his hands too low and against his body, and will give up leverage against NFL defenders. Loses his balance and gets tossed aside by smaller ends when reaching for them on the edge.
Pulling/trapping: His foot quickness will allow him to get around trash and quickly move to his target when pulling or trapping. Even though he is inconsistent hitting targets on the move, his athleticism should allow him to improve there and take out linebackers inside.
Initial Quickness: Good initial drive off the snap as a run blocker, getting into the jersey of his man and quickly collapsing the tackle when blocking down. Must speed up his first step in his kick slide, but has the athleticism to do so.
Downfield: Good mobility in space, easily getting to the second level and beyond. Understands angles, and is able to move his feet to create them. Willing to mix it up with anyone coming into his area. Fails to hit his intended target and adjust to players coming from inside at times. Hesitates before getting downfield to help his ballcarrier.
Intangibles: Voted co-captain by his teammates, Ducasse is a good student in the classroom and film room who lets his play do his talking for him. He must prove he can step up his consistency and effort against better competition. (from cbs Sports)
On 1,842 offensive plays, he’s allowed just one-half a quarterback sack.
Compares to Jeff Otah
3) Mitch Petrus - OG, Arkansas
Petrus' career has been a bit of a roller-coaster ride. He signed with the Razorbacks as a tight end, made the switch to offensive guard, moved to fullback and was a key blocker on special teams, moved back to guard in 2007, earning second-team All-SEC honors in his first full season, and then was lost for the entire 2008 season due to an academic suspension.
If that wasn?t enough, during Petrus? suspension the Razorbacks went from a run-oriented offense under Houston Nutt to a pass-heavy attack led by former Louisville and Atlanta Falcon head coach Bobby Petrino. Scouts were intrigued by the athleticism shown by Petrus, but had no idea how he?d perform in such a different scheme.
Petrus answered any questions scouts might have about his ability in pass protection by earning first-team all-SEC accolades from rival coaches. He remains a bit lighter than scouts would like, but Petrus plays with impressive tenacity and the athleticism that earned him a scholarship as a skill-position player remains. Compares to Eric Steinbach (from CBS sports)
4)Brandon Spikes - ILB, Florida
Spikes, a first-team All-SEC selection each of the past three years, wasn't the most popular quarterback in Gainesville. But he was arguably just as effective as the quarterback of the defense.
Rated the top senior linebacker in the country by BLESTO and National Scouting services prior to the 2009 season, Spikes had 307 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six interceptions in his career. However, Spikes' production fell dramatically each of his three seasons.
In 2007, Spikes posted an impressive 131 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss. He followed that up with 93 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four interceptions -- two returned for scores -- and two sacks in '08.
Bothered by a strained groin as a senior, Spikes production fell to 68 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.
Some of Spikes' decline in production has to do with his teammates around him developing while teams did a better job scheming to stop Spikes. While he's athletic enough in coverage and as a blitzer that some scouts feel he'll adjust nicely outside, Spikes' value lies in his versatility and explosiveness. Spikes will need to prove he's healthy and answer questions about his straight-line speed to earn a first-round grade. Compares to Takeo Spikes (from CBS Sports)
6) Emmanuel Sanders, WR/KR, Southern Methodist University
Sanders is a slashing receiver who could become a playmaker at the next level despite his lack of size because of his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. SMU's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns,
he was under the radar until recently because of the program's lack of success.
After he redshirted in 2005, Sanders earned two straight honorable mention All-Conference USA selections as a receiver. He led the team with 46 catches for 605 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman in 2006, also averaging 24.0 yards on 12 kick returns. He topped those numbers as a sophomore, again leading the Mustangs with 74-889-9 and averaging 9.1 yards per punt return.
Coaches named him to the all-conference second team in 2008, as he caught 67 balls for 958 yards and nine scores in 10 games under new head coach June Jones.
Sanders exploded in 2009, when he racked up 98 receptions for 1,339 yards and seven touchdowns. He also resumed his return duties by averaging 13.8 yards per punt return (with one touchdown), helping SMU reach a bowl game for the first time since 1984. His play during the East-West Shrine Game week cemented his status as a mid-to-late round pick. (CBS Sports)
7) John Conner - FB, Kentucky
The traditional fullback position may be going the way of the dinosaur in today's NFL, but those teams longing for a throwback will keep tabs on Conner.
The former walk-on emerged as a valuable special teams performer and lead blocker early in his career. As head coach Rich Brooks gained more trust in him, Conner was used more often as a receiver and runner. He bettered his previous career rushing totals as a senior, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns on 31 attempts. Nicknamed "The Terminator" by his teammates. (from CBS Sports)
For starters, I think that unless Dallas trades up, we don't have a shot at Eric Berry, Trent Williams, Dez Bryant, Taylor Mays, or Mike Iupati (to name a few of the favorites I have read on this site). So, assume they are all gone. We all know Jerry will make trades on draft days, but I didn't try to guess those... I pulled some profile data on each from CBSSports.com.
I am ducking now, so please fire away.
1) Earl Thomas -DB, Texas
Thomas entered the NFL draft after his redshirt sophomore season despite playing only two seasons at the collegiate level and being part of the infamous Michael Crabtree catch-and-run that cost the Longhorns a shot at the national title in 2008.
His two seasons in Austin ended with various national honors for his ball-hawking play from the safety spot, so it was not surprising Thomas believed he was ready for the pro level. His family has still not recovered fully from losing their home to Hurricane Rita in January 2005, and economics surely played into his decision.
After redshirting in 2007, Thomas stepped in and started all 13 games for the Longhorns, intercepting two passes, breaking up a whopping 17 others, along with forcing four fumbles. He stepped up from Freshman All-American to national All-American as a sophomore this season, leading the nation with 24 passes defensed (including his second-ranked eight interceptions). Thomas also made 143 tackles over the past two seasons.
Scouts must determine if Thomas has the size and strength to remain the dominant force he was at Texas when pitted against veteran NFL receivers. He had several missed tackles against Alabama in the BCS National Championship game. If a team believes in him, Thomas can be a first-round pick. Otherwise, Thomas will be a great value in the second round. (from CBS Sports)
Compares to Brandon Merriweather(?)
Other possibilities at #27: Pouncey, McCourty
2) Vladimir Ducasse - OG/OT, UMass
At 6-5 and 332 pounds, he has the type of size Dallas covets on the OL - and he is not fat (relatively speaking).
There is little doubt Ducasse has rare size and skills, but there is no consensus on where his talent might be best used in pro football. At the Senior Bowl, scouts delighted in watching him line up at all of the offensive line positions and then even take a shot on the defensive side.
His natural strength and athletic ability give him tremendous upside. - Frank Cooney, USA TODAY/NFL Draft Scout
Pass blocking: Reliable pass protector, using length and size not seen at the FCS level. Uses those attributes to anchor or run smaller rush ends around the pocket. Needs quite a bit of work in his pass protection technique before moving on to the next level. Stands upright and bends at the waist; will lose his balance when extending against better college players, much less NFL
pass rushers. Inconsistent with his punch, catching rushers too often and giving up too much ground to less talented players. Will stop his feet after initial contact, shrinking the pocket. Recovery speed against outside-in or spin moves is questionable.
Run blocking: Gets out of his stance with enough agility to seal the edge, get out in front of stretch plays and screens as well as to find the MIKE linebacker at the second level. Controls his body and keeps his feet moving to find and ride smaller defenders out of the play. Will combo block and use his length to knock late blitzers off their approach. Must extend his arms when drive blocking; keeps his hands too low and against his body, and will give up leverage against NFL defenders. Loses his balance and gets tossed aside by smaller ends when reaching for them on the edge.
Pulling/trapping: His foot quickness will allow him to get around trash and quickly move to his target when pulling or trapping. Even though he is inconsistent hitting targets on the move, his athleticism should allow him to improve there and take out linebackers inside.
Initial Quickness: Good initial drive off the snap as a run blocker, getting into the jersey of his man and quickly collapsing the tackle when blocking down. Must speed up his first step in his kick slide, but has the athleticism to do so.
Downfield: Good mobility in space, easily getting to the second level and beyond. Understands angles, and is able to move his feet to create them. Willing to mix it up with anyone coming into his area. Fails to hit his intended target and adjust to players coming from inside at times. Hesitates before getting downfield to help his ballcarrier.
Intangibles: Voted co-captain by his teammates, Ducasse is a good student in the classroom and film room who lets his play do his talking for him. He must prove he can step up his consistency and effort against better competition. (from cbs Sports)
On 1,842 offensive plays, he’s allowed just one-half a quarterback sack.
Compares to Jeff Otah
3) Mitch Petrus - OG, Arkansas
Petrus' career has been a bit of a roller-coaster ride. He signed with the Razorbacks as a tight end, made the switch to offensive guard, moved to fullback and was a key blocker on special teams, moved back to guard in 2007, earning second-team All-SEC honors in his first full season, and then was lost for the entire 2008 season due to an academic suspension.
If that wasn?t enough, during Petrus? suspension the Razorbacks went from a run-oriented offense under Houston Nutt to a pass-heavy attack led by former Louisville and Atlanta Falcon head coach Bobby Petrino. Scouts were intrigued by the athleticism shown by Petrus, but had no idea how he?d perform in such a different scheme.
Petrus answered any questions scouts might have about his ability in pass protection by earning first-team all-SEC accolades from rival coaches. He remains a bit lighter than scouts would like, but Petrus plays with impressive tenacity and the athleticism that earned him a scholarship as a skill-position player remains. Compares to Eric Steinbach (from CBS sports)
4)Brandon Spikes - ILB, Florida
Spikes, a first-team All-SEC selection each of the past three years, wasn't the most popular quarterback in Gainesville. But he was arguably just as effective as the quarterback of the defense.
Rated the top senior linebacker in the country by BLESTO and National Scouting services prior to the 2009 season, Spikes had 307 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six interceptions in his career. However, Spikes' production fell dramatically each of his three seasons.
In 2007, Spikes posted an impressive 131 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss. He followed that up with 93 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four interceptions -- two returned for scores -- and two sacks in '08.
Bothered by a strained groin as a senior, Spikes production fell to 68 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.
Some of Spikes' decline in production has to do with his teammates around him developing while teams did a better job scheming to stop Spikes. While he's athletic enough in coverage and as a blitzer that some scouts feel he'll adjust nicely outside, Spikes' value lies in his versatility and explosiveness. Spikes will need to prove he's healthy and answer questions about his straight-line speed to earn a first-round grade. Compares to Takeo Spikes (from CBS Sports)
6) Emmanuel Sanders, WR/KR, Southern Methodist University
Sanders is a slashing receiver who could become a playmaker at the next level despite his lack of size because of his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. SMU's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns,
he was under the radar until recently because of the program's lack of success.
After he redshirted in 2005, Sanders earned two straight honorable mention All-Conference USA selections as a receiver. He led the team with 46 catches for 605 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman in 2006, also averaging 24.0 yards on 12 kick returns. He topped those numbers as a sophomore, again leading the Mustangs with 74-889-9 and averaging 9.1 yards per punt return.
Coaches named him to the all-conference second team in 2008, as he caught 67 balls for 958 yards and nine scores in 10 games under new head coach June Jones.
Sanders exploded in 2009, when he racked up 98 receptions for 1,339 yards and seven touchdowns. He also resumed his return duties by averaging 13.8 yards per punt return (with one touchdown), helping SMU reach a bowl game for the first time since 1984. His play during the East-West Shrine Game week cemented his status as a mid-to-late round pick. (CBS Sports)
7) John Conner - FB, Kentucky
The traditional fullback position may be going the way of the dinosaur in today's NFL, but those teams longing for a throwback will keep tabs on Conner.
The former walk-on emerged as a valuable special teams performer and lead blocker early in his career. As head coach Rich Brooks gained more trust in him, Conner was used more often as a receiver and runner. He bettered his previous career rushing totals as a senior, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns on 31 attempts. Nicknamed "The Terminator" by his teammates. (from CBS Sports)
