I'm on the Rashad Johnson bandwagon.

[SLATEmosphere]

I've officially jumped on. I've been watching a bunch of Alabama's games that I taped last year and he's a beast!!! I've been reading that he's "smart" and a "coach on the field"..well I can see why. His production doesn't lie..5 picks and 11 PD last year in the SEC.

WHat I like about him most is his value. He could be had with our 3rd rounder and be just as good as Delmas or any other safety. It would allow us to draft Duke in the 2nd while still grabbing a top flight safety. I think a trait that is underestimated is leadership and "football knowledge". It reminds me of Ed Reed when he was at Miami..all I heard when he came out is his knowledge of the game and knew the defense more than the coaches. Saban says "he's the smartest football player I've ever coached" and "He calls the right audibles at the right time"

He's got toughness and great instincts..which is what we need at the S position
Duke in the 2nd
Rashad Johnson in the 3rd
Dan Ellerbe by trading up to the 3rd

What do you think?

 

[hendog]

yeppers!

 

[Woods]

I'd be o.k. with it.

D Robinson in the 2nd (see my last mock)
R Johnson in the 3rd
D Veikune in the 4th -----> and I think he can also play ILB in 34 defense for us as well.

 

[Stash]

Considering this is my mock draft, I'd be very OK with it:

Stash's Dallas Cowboys 2009 Mock Draft​

Round 2 : Duke Robinson - OG - Oklahoma - 6’5” 335 lbs.

Massive drive-blocking mauler who plays with a mean streak. Capable of pancaking opponents. Has long arms for a guard. Solid short-area quickness for a player his size. Durable player with size, strength, and drive to compete immediately at the next level. Robinson is capable of contributing quickly to improving the Cowboys’ running game.

Round 3: Rashad Johnson - FS – Alabama - 5’11” 195 lbs.

Smart, undersized player with excellent instincts and a nose for the ball. Great hands for the interception and makes the most of his opportunities. His three interceptions led the way for his team’s victory over LSU. Hard worker and team leader who can make the defensive calls.

Round 4: Tony Fiammetta – FB- Syracuse – 6’0” 246 lbs.

Solid, tough fullback who can block, catch, and run. Came into his own as a true fullback in 2008. Often used in motion so his versatility is also a plus. A team leader who will run through walls to help his team win. I feel he would be a considerable improvement over the average Deon Anderson and help the Cowboys’ 3-headed monster running game.

Round 4: Johnny Knox – WR – Abilene Christian – 5’11” 185 lbs.

Speed-burning deep threat with 2,227 yards and 30 touchdowns the past two seasons. Solid candidate for slot and kick return duties. Provides a nice contrast to the long-striders this team currently has at receiver. Will need some polish and time to adjust to the pro game, but the potential is certainly there. Recent 4.3 40 time has his stock on the rise.

Round 5: Jason Watkins - OT - Florida - 6’6” 317 lbs

Athletic left tackle prospect with quick feet to play at the NFL level. Effective in space and capable of getting to the second level. Versatile, has also played on the right side so he could begin his career as a swing tackle. Has long arms and excellent athleticism with considerable upside potential.

Round 5: Jason Phillips - ILB - TCU – 6’1” 236 lbs.

Smart football player, son of a football coach. Capable of calling defensive plays. Tough player who plays through pain. Good speed for his size and good awareness in coverage. Could start out as special teams contributor while he develops. Recent injury is the reason he’s still available in 5th round.

Round 5: Stephen McGee – QB – Texas A & M – 6’3” 223 lbs.
Solid physical specimen with the smarts and leadership skills to develop into a solid NFL quarterback. Team-oriented player open to coaching, should make for an ideal developmental quarterback behind Tony Romo and could develop into a future starter.

Round 6: Bradley Fletcher – CB – Iowa – 6’1” 195 lbs.

Terrific athletic ability and solid size for the position. Matches up well with bigger receivers. Solid special teams player who can contribute in that role while he develops his game as a cornerback.

Round 6: Jasper Brinkley – ILB – South Carolina – 6’2” 265 lbs.

Solid size and strength to play inside in a 3-4 system. Solid instincts and blitzer. Recent struggles and injury have dropped his stock, but he still has the potential to develop into a solid inside presence.

Round 7: Lee Robinson – OLB - Alcorn State - 6’2” 243 lbs.

Team leader and solid character. Very productive player coming off a solid senior season. A bit raw, but a natural athlete, Robinson could fill a rush linebacker role while his game develops.

Round 7: Antonio Dixon – DT – Miami – 6’3” 326 lbs.

Solid nose tackle candidate with the strength to stack linemen and stuff the inside running game. Able to handle the double-team. Above average agility for a player his size. While not a full-time starter, he won’t be asked to be in Dallas either, but could provide a breather for Ratliff at nose tackle

 

[Macnalty]

Who do you have as your big busts this year?
QB, RB, WR, SS?

I've officially jumped on. I've been watching a bunch of Alabama's games that I taped last year and he's a beast!!! I've been reading that he's "smart" and a "coach on the field"..well I can see why. His production doesn't lie..5 picks and 11 PD last year in the SEC.

WHat I like about him most is his value. He could be had with our 3rd rounder and be just as good as Delmas or any other safety. It would allow us to draft Duke in the 2nd while still grabbing a top flight safety. I think a trait that is underestimated is leadership and "football knowledge". It reminds me of Ed Reed when he was at Miami..all I heard when he came out is his knowledge of the game and knew the defense more than the coaches. Saban says "he's the smartest football player I've ever coached" and "He calls the right audibles at the right time"

He's got toughness and great instincts..which is what we need at the S position
Duke in the 2nd
Rashad Johnson in the 3rd
Dan Ellerbe by trading up to the 3rd

What do you think?

 

[Goldenrichards83]

I've officially jumped on. I've been watching a bunch of Alabama's games that I taped last year and he's a beast!!! I've been reading that he's "smart" and a "coach on the field"..well I can see why. His production doesn't lie..5 picks and 11 PD last year in the SEC.

WHat I like about him most is his value. He could be had with our 3rd rounder and be just as good as Delmas or any other safety. It would allow us to draft Duke in the 2nd while still grabbing a top flight safety. I think a trait that is underestimated is leadership and "football knowledge". It reminds me of Ed Reed when he was at Miami..all I heard when he came out is his knowledge of the game and knew the defense more than the coaches. Saban says "he's the smartest football player I've ever coached" and "He calls the right audibles at the right time"

He's got toughness and great instincts..which is what we need at the S position
Duke in the 2nd
Rashad Johnson in the 3rd
Dan Ellerbe by trading up to the 3rd

What do you think?

I agree 100%. My personal opinion is Rashard Johnson will be the best safety to come out of this class. Yes even better than your boy Delmas. He's a ballhawk safety who can also come up and support the run. And like you said the best thing is he can be had with our 3rd rder. I can't understand why teams are sleeping on him. At one time I didn't think he would make it to our 2nd rd pick. I would be cautious of Philly behind us in the 2nd, they like him also.

Nick Saban is a DB coach at heart and when he said that this guy is one of the smartest players he has ever coach that saying alot. The guy is ready to make an impact on the next level.

 

[Macnalty]

I agree Rashad is a smart kid who will work hard, the knock on him is his size and speed. Rashad should be able to get bigger and stronger. When he does, you will be able to bring him up in the box or leave him in single safety coverage. You are drafting Rashad right now for his instincts, brains, leadership skills and hard hitting tackling abilities. He is no Taylor Mays but we are not picking at the Taylor slot. We could do much worse and he may be the best player available at our 51.

I find little to trust with Nick Saban, keep him at a distance as he has an agenda.

I agree 100%. My personal opinion is Rashard Johnson will be the best safety to come out of this class. Yes even better than your boy Delmas. He's a ballhawk safety who can also come up and support the run. And like you said the best thing is he can be had with our 3rd rder. I can't understand why teams are sleeping on him. At one time I didn't think he would make it to our 2nd rd pick. I would be cautious of Philly behind us in the 2nd, they like him also.

Nick Saban is a DB coach at heart and when he said that this guy is one of the smartest players he has ever coach that saying alot. The guy is ready to make an impact on the next level.

 

[JPM]

But does he warrant a sig change by you ?

 

[Woods]

From Bunting,

But I can't find the Top 5 Safeties ranking. Guess it includes Moore, Chung, Johnson . . . .

Safeties

6. Darcel McBath, Texas Tech (6-0, 198)
7. Louis Delmas, Western Michigan (6-0, 202)
8. Derek Pegues, Mississippi State (5-10, 199)
9. Brandon Underwood, Cincinnati (6-1, 198)
10. Emanuel Cook, South Carolina (5-10, 197)
11. Courtney Greene, Rutgers (6-0, 212)
12. David Bruton, Notre Dame (6-2, 219)
13. Michael Hamlin, Clemson (6-2, 214)
14. Trimane Goddard, North Carolina (5-9, 189)
15. Chris Clemons, Clemson (6-0, 208)

I have Delmas rated a bit lower than most draft boards because he simply takes to many bad angles in all areas of his game. I originally had him as one of my top safeties, but after watching him more closely, he consistently fails to break down in space and whiffs on too many potential tackles. He will produce some highlight-reel hits and flies around the field, but he doesn’t showcase the type of instincts and balance I want in a higher rated safety. McBath, on the other hand, does a much more efficient job taking proper angles, which resulted in six interceptions last season. He does a great job jumping routes and has the range and deep speed to make plays in the center field-type role. He’s also a solid tackler, breaks down well and shows a tenacity attacking the line of scrimmage.

Undersized safeties Cook and Pegues lack ideal height for the position but do a nice job redirecting in space and changing directions fluidly. Cook is a physical, strong safety who loves to throw his body around and bring down ball carriers. He lacks ideal straight-line speed but possesses the body control and balance to consistently get in and out of his breaks cleanly. Pegues is a former corner who possesses the footwork and ball skills for the position. He lacks ideal physicality but can play the center field-type role or kick into the slot on third downs.

Taller safeties like Hamlin (6-2) and Bruton (6-2) have nice-sized frames but lack the flexibility and quickness to redirect and get cleanly of their breaks. They’re both striders who can run sideline to sideline and track the football. However, they will struggle when singled up in man coverage at the next level and are simply to “leggy” when asked to turn and run on all areas of the field.

 

[Bigdog]

I like Johnson and think he will be a good safety. I am just worried that he might not be there when we pick in the 3rd round. Pats need a safety and might pick him with their late 2nd.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

I used to be on the Johnson band wagon however I fell off. IDK i'd use caution with him.

 

[28 Joker]

Bunting said Johnson should come off the board as early as the late 2nd to early 3rd round. He would be a great value at 69. A team like Seattle could spoil it right before you, though. They have other needs. They need an OLB, too.

Dallas could always trade back up into the late second if they thought a player they really wanted, might be nabbed by one of the three teams ahead of them in round 3.

Bunting doesn't like Bruton at all. I knew he was a little stiff, but I think he's a great value in round 4. It seems like his 4.40 speed and size would allow you to put him on the big TEs. You could say, you have the 6-6 TE. Stay with him. Kerry Rhodes (SS) came out of round 4. He had some flaws. Look how he turned out.

 

[Woods]

Bunting said Johnson should come off the board as early as the late 2nd to early 3rd round. He would be a great value at 69. A team like Seattle could spoil it right before you, though. They have other needs. They need an OLB, too.

Dallas could always trade back up into the late second if they thought a player they really wanted, might be nabbed by one of the three teams ahead of them in round 3.

Bunting doesn't like Bruton at all. I knew he was a little stiff, but I think he's a great value in round 4. It seems like his 4.40 speed and size would allow you to put him on the big TEs. You could say, you have the 6-6 TE. Stay with him. Kerry Rhodes (SS) came out of round 4. He had some flaws. Look how he turned out.

Sometimes I think there would be better value for us trading down in the 2nd round to around 55-60.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

But does he warrant a sig change by you ?

No not yet..:laugh2:

Delmas is still my boy!

 

[28 Joker]

Sometimes I think there would be better value for us trading down in the 2nd round to around 55-60.

I've thought about the same thing. You could drop back and grab a player.


Here are Bunting's top 5 safeties:

1. Sherrod Maritn
2. William Moore
3. Rashad Johnson
4. Chip Vaughn
5. Patrick Chung

 

[BAT]

No not yet..:laugh2:

Delmas is still my boy!

I'm surprised, Bunting describes his play exactly how you describe Chung's. Ironic, no?

 

[BAT]

I like Johnson, especially b/c he is not being overvalued. But I think the guy with the bigger upside and better value is Darcel McBath.


McBath might still be there in the 4th, maybe even 5th. McBath is faster & is a playmaker too.

 

[dbair1967]

I've officially jumped on. I've been watching a bunch of Alabama's games that I taped last year and he's a beast!!! I've been reading that he's "smart" and a "coach on the field"..well I can see why. His production doesn't lie..5 picks and 11 PD last year in the SEC.

WHat I like about him most is his value. He could be had with our 3rd rounder and be just as good as Delmas or any other safety. It would allow us to draft Duke in the 2nd while still grabbing a top flight safety. I think a trait that is underestimated is leadership and "football knowledge". It reminds me of Ed Reed when he was at Miami..all I heard when he came out is his knowledge of the game and knew the defense more than the coaches. Saban says "he's the smartest football player I've ever coached" and "He calls the right audibles at the right time"

He's got toughness and great instincts..which is what we need at the S position
Duke in the 2nd
Rashad Johnson in the 3rd
Dan Ellerbe by trading up to the 3rd

What do you think?

I think Johnson is going to go higher than people think. I'm sure everyone will see how productive he was on tape and will hear Saban's comments about how intelligent he is and knows how to play the position, but he worked out better than I think people thought he would. While he may not have an enormous upside, he's also a guy who can probably walk right in and either start or play a very key nickel DB role from day one, and continue being a solid add for years.

I've liked him since late last season and nothings changed my opinion on him. I hope we take him, even at 51.

 

[Woods]

I've thought about the same thing. You could drop back and grab a player.


Here are Bunting's top 5 safeties:

1. Sherrod Maritn
2. William Moore
3. Rashad Johnson
4. Chip Vaughn
5. Patrick Chung

Thanks for that.

I'm kind of leery of W Moore.

Bit surprised that S Martin is ranked the top overall. I haven't seen that elsewhere.