JonJon
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From what I have read and heard in the media and interviews, I don't expect the Cowboys to invest big with the offensive line, much to the chagrin of Cowboys fans everywhere. I think they will once again take the bargain approach, focusing the draft on other areas of need. It is possible that the Cowboys will at least add one OL with starting experience in free agency. If they do, this is how I see the draft playing out for the Cowboys.
Round 1 - DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri, 6'3", 294
I believe that Star Lotulelei's health concerns will scare some teams at the top of the draft away, causing a shift in the draft paradigm. This shift will cause Sheldon Richardson to fall in the Cowboys lap, where it will be difficult for a team with DT needs and a fresh move to the 4-3 to pass him up. He possesses a quick first step to quickly get into the backfield. He will need to get stronger in run support though, and someone will need to stay on him to keep him motivated and on track mentally.
Round 2 - S Jonathan Cyprien, Florida International, 6'0" 217
The more I read about this guy, the more I am impressed by him. Although FIU had him playing close to the LOS for the majority of his defensive snaps, he has the range, coverage skills, and ball skills to play deep zone and be an effective disruption to the pass game. His tackling and run support is also a major strength, as he created havoc all over the field. This havoc creation also showed up during senior bowl week and has put him on the radar for many teams. He also has the leadership and smarts needed to direct the defense if needed. He will need to improve on his play recognition and angles at the next level, but I think his unique skill set makes him one of the more complete safeties in the draft.
Round 3 - WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M, 6'0", 205
A wide receiver? In round 3? Really? Yes, really. I believe what Jerry Jones said about Romo willing to sacrifice offensive line talent for skills at the receiver positions is accurate. There were times last season that the Cowboys top two wide receivers were both out due to injuries at the same time, leaving Romo to rely on the likes of Harris and Ogletree. Harris did his thing when given the chance, but Ogletree came up short. I don't think the team wants Romo in that situation again. Enter Ryan Swope. Ryan had a highly productive career at A&M and has the size to play on the side or in the slot. Although he doesn't play as fast as his 4.34 combine would suggest, he uses his quickness to create separation and has sure hands to make the catch. Gives his all on every play and can be Laurent Robinson-esque when Romo scrambles and extends the play.
Round 4 - RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina, 5'11" 221
If it had not been for his devastating knee injury, he would be a sure fire 1st rounder. He has the skill set to be a pro bowler at the next level. But the question every team wants to know is, will he ever return to his former self, especially after two devastating knee injuries in two seasons? It is a gamble, for sure. But that is what the fourth round is for. If he does recover, then you have the steal of the draft. Other runningbacks have come back successfully from nasty knee injuries, more notably, Willis McGahee. The Cowboys are in perfect position to take that gamble because they already have a starter that, if he can stay healthy, will allow Lattimore to "red shirt" and slowly work himself back into playing condition. I think he is more than worth the risk.
Round 5 - DE Cornelius Washington, Georgia, 6'4", 265
Washington really helped himself with a strong combine, posting a 4.55 40, 36 reps on the bench, a 39 inch vertical, and a 128 inch broad jump. He was often overlooked by Georgia's other standouts, including Jarvis Jones, Alec Ogletree and John Jenkins, but he could be a valuable situational pass rusher in the NFL, and may develop into a starter. He has never lived up to his potential, but I believe the right coach can bring it out of him.
Round 6 - OG Garrett Gilkey, Chadron St., 6'6", 318
The Cowboys are sure to select someone that nobody has ever heard of before. Gilkey could be that guy. He is from a small school, so competition is always in question. However, Gilkey had a very good showing at the senior bowl and was able to stonewall some of the better DT prospects, including John Jenkins. Because of his height, teams may consider him a tweener, which coincidentally is the type of linemen the Cowboys like to draft. Teams have mentioned that his happy-go-lucky, lackadaisical personally means that he lacks the fire in his belly. But he has shown that he can play with a mean streak when it is brought out of him.
