Five prospects worth trading up for in 2014 NFL Draft

[morasp]

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• By Bucky Brooks

• NFL Media analyst

• Published: April 4, 2014 at 04:57 p.m.

• Updated: April 4, 2014 at 05:17 p.m.

• 335 Likes | 154 Comments

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Dee Ford, DE, Auburn

Why is he in demand?
The lack of proven pass rushers in the draft will prompt teams to spend a lot of time studying Ford's game and potential fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker/4-3 defensive end. He was the most dominant pass rusher at the Reese's Senior Bowl, displaying remarkable first-step quickness and burst off the edge. Throw in his impressive performances against Texas A&M and Florida State, and it's easy to project Ford's disruptive potential as an edge player in an aggressive defensive scheme. Thus, teams unable to make a play for Jadeveon Clowney will focus their efforts on securing the talents of the Auburn standout on draft day. With Ford's talent warranting a mid-to-late first-round grade, teams looking to land the dynamic pass rusher must jump ahead of the squad with the biggest need at the position (Dallas Cowboys). Given Jerry Jones' freewheeling ways, the market for Ford could be hotter than any other prospect in the draft.

Potential suitors: Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...spects-worth-trading-up-for-in-2014-nfl-draft

 

[Alexander]

I would worry about taking Ford at our spot now let alone trade up for him. And who ahead of the Cowboys would likely want him that bad? I do not think Brooks though this one out very well.

 

[morasp]

I would worry about taking Ford at our spot now let alone trade up for him. And who ahead of the Cowboys would likely want him that bad? I do not think Brooks though this one out very well.

That's what I thought too. I wonder if we're interested in him. I haven't seen any mentions of him visiting.

 

[waving monkey]

That's what I thought too. I wonder if we're interested in him. I haven't seen any mentions of him visiting.

Can't see him at 16 at all. He won't slide to 47. I heard he was lite in the trousers

 

[Fredd]

I can see Ford as a Cowboy only if we traded down in the first...Ford doesn't seem like a "teens" player to me, more like late first, early 2nd....

 

[morasp]

Can't see him at 16 at all. He won't slide to 47. I heard he was lite in the trousers

That's what I heard. Of the top DEs he seems to be the one with the quickest get off. A little more bulk would be nice.

 

[jnday]

I would worry about taking Ford at our spot now let alone trade up for him. And who ahead of the Cowboys would likely want him that bad? I do not think Brooks though this one out very well.

It looks like he wanted to write about some draft prospects and this article was the result. I doubt any of these players are traded up for .

 

[Alexander]

That's what I thought too. I wonder if we're interested in him. I haven't seen any mentions of him visiting.

I have seen a few tidbits here and there that we are "interested". But I think we are "interested" in practically anyone who can rush the passer.

 

[CashMan]

I really think, the best bet is to stay where the Cowboys are. If someone like Johnny football or another QB fall, you might have a bidding war.

 

[reddyuta]

I can see the cowboys taking Ford at 16 if they can't trade down, he is not just an one dimensional rusher.

 

[DFWJC]

I would worry about taking Ford at our spot now let alone trade up for him. And who ahead of the Cowboys would likely want him that bad? I do not think Brooks though this one out very well.

Agree. In fact, I would only prefer Ford in a trade down scenario.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

The only player I think is WORTH trading up for is Clowney and I don't think he is WORTH it given Dallas' other roster limitations.

 

[ViperDT9]

wat do everyone see in Ford, he is not like that for real. Ill trade up for clowney, mack, and Sammy. but not Ford. He is a decent DE but not someone who I would spend a first rd pick on.

 

[Hardline]

Here is my top five I would trade up for.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

That is all.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

If Marquise Lee were on the board early in the 2nd round, I would see if I could trade up for him.
If Kelcy Quarles were on the board in the 3rd round, I would see if I could trade up for him.
If JuWan James is on the board in the 3rd, I would see if I could trade up for him.
If Dakota Dozier is on the board in the 3rd, I would see if I could trade up for him.
If Sankey were somehow there in the 3rd, I would see if I could trade up for him.

If Clowney, Robinson, Matthews or Lewan somehow feel to 12, I might consider trading up but it would have to be for a very reasonable price.

 

[AsthmaField]

I tend to want to trade up instead of trade back, which I know isn't a popular view around here. I just think that if there is a player that the team really loves and he fits the scheme and a position of need, it is worth having a few less picks to get them on the team. I like sitting at your pick and taking a good player the best, but if you don't think your target is going to make it to you, then don't sit and watch a player you love go to another team if you can help it. Be aggressive and go get him.

In this draft there isn't a whole lot of guys that I'd move up for, but here are a few off the top of my head:

I would trade up into the top 10 (but not the top 5) for Mack. Since he probably will be gone top 5... that makes this a moot point.

I would trade up to about the 10th or 11th pick for Aaron Donald because he fits what Marinelli wants in a 3-tech perfectly and that is the most important position on Dallas' defense. He has rare physical traits and has rare production to go with them. Intangibles, incredible quickness, high motor... there is a long list of reasons why I think he is worth it. He is my #1 target for any trade up because of how great a player I think he will be and because it wouldn't take a lot to trade up the few spots that would be needed.

I would trade up into the early 2nd from our 47th pick for Ryan Shazier because he is such an ideal fit for Marinelli's WOLB, and his athleticism is fantastic. He also has outstanding intangibles. He's a natural LB... not just an athletic guy who tested well at Indianapolis. He's a football player. He fits at Dallas' weakside LB spot as well as anyone I can think of. Smallish but is still very physical and tough.

I might would trade up into the early 2nd from our 47th for Scott Crichton. He's a very good player who gives 100% on each play, is physical and would provide Marinelli with a lot of versatility. Great motor and toughness to go along with really good physical ability.