Mock Draft 02/28/2013

[JDSTAR]

This is my 1st post combine mock. Bear with me; I am taking a different route and I know I will receive negative feedback, but this is how I feel the route should be to make our team more successful. Not right, not wrong, just mine. Hope you enjoy.

Note: My decisions were made by the amount of picks used last year on defense and the large depth of Oline and Safety depth in the draft. There are so many names on the Dline, I believe Jerry will only slightly change the outcome.

Gone:
Felix Jones, RB
Mike Jenkins, CB
Doug Free, OL
Dan Connor, LB
Josh Brent, DL



FA:
Sedrick Ellis, DL Saints - A bust for New Orleans, but a good opportunity to better himself under Marinelli, and hope for a bigger contract in a year or two. I didnt think he was too bad against the run either.

Chris Ivory, RB Saints - Lost in the depth charts, he can become a great number 2 in Dallas.

DRAFT

1(18) Tavon Austin, WR,/RB/KR/PR West Virginia - I have Jonathon Cooper and Lane Johnsin going in the top 10, and I believe that Floyd, Star and Ansah will be picked prior to our turn. IMO Vacarro is way too overrated. I think this is a luxury pick; but it is a good one. For his small stature, he is very durable which is huge for our WR, RB core; Austin's always hurt, Demarco too; he has played all four years of college without a serious injury. To argue the instant impact he would make on our offense, refer to any of his college tape. He looks to me to have at least 100 all-purpose yards on Offense a game in him; day one. Garrett type of guy; hasnt been in any trouble. We need Oline, but this guy will make our team instantly better and a good OL could be had later.

2(47) Terron Armstead, OL/OG Arkansas Pine-Bluff - I m really intrigued with this guy and Im happy that he is still a bit under the radar. I have seen him in the late 2-3 rds since the combine, but I think hes more of a front of the 2nd round type player. He is great on tape, but its against small school competition. he did great at the Shrine, and blew up the Combine. He fits Callahan's system, and has the size and strength to maybe play Guard if Parnell fills the RT. More nimble than D.J. Fluker and Larry Warford, who are guessed to be picked at around this area.

3(80) D.J. Swearinger, S South Carolina - I dont like Vacarro. Cyprien's a bit overrated. Swearinger in the 3rd would be a steal because of his leadership and attitude. played nickel in college and did just fine at the combine. hard hitter that needs to refine his tackling a bit, but not like Mike Jenkins who just refused to tackle. This guy wants to give the hit every single time. Never been in trouble; just a hard nosed, talented football player.

4(111) Jamie Collins, LB Southern Miss - I really hope Dallas drafts one of these Linebackers that are converted from Safety; whether it be Alec Ogletree, Gerald Hodges or Jamie Collins. Collins is here at great value. He can be our SAM that can contain scrambling QBs and cover well. Has been in no trouble as far as I can tell.

5(144) Earl Watford, OG James Madison University - Another very athletic OG who can further help us in Callahan's zone blocking scheme.

6(175) David King, DE/DT Oklahoma - Productive "tweener" on the Dline that may not fit as a DE in Kiffin's system, but could be great as a speedy, pass rushing DT.

FA
Dennis Johnson, RB Arkansas
Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR Texas A&M
Cameron Lawrence, OLB Miss State
Kip Edwards, CB Missouri
Brandon Thurmond, DE Arkansas Pine-Bluff
Ray Ray Armstrong, SS Miami

 

[Future]

Wouldn't hate it, but there's 2 things I don't like.

1) I'm hesitant to think that JG would be able to find ways to get Austin touches
2) That's putting a lot of trust in Rat to stay healthy and be productive

 

[xwalker]

You're not even going to trade down before taking Austin?

I would love to have T. Austin on the team; however, IMO you don't build championship teams by drafting 5-8, 172 lbs players in the mid-first round.

All of your other picks are terrific.

 

[tm1119]

This draft definitely fits into the theory of putting the 11 best possible athletes on the field and I don't hate it. The entire draft would probably hinge on Armstead. If he's a bust the draft class would be just ok, but if he goes on to be a good starter it would be a great draft class. Your rounds 5 and 6 picks are probably back ups at best, but then again so are most.

 

[IAmLegend]

I actually really like this mock except for Austin at 18. Either OL or DL only. Then it'd be great imo.

 

[JDSTAR]

You're not even going to trade down before taking Austin?

I would love to have T. Austin on the team; however, IMO you don't build championship teams by drafting 5-8, 172 lbs players in the mid-first round.

All of your other picks are terrific.

I think based on the game tape of what Austin has done and can do, he is deservant of the 18th pick; maybe sooner.

As for building championship teams, I don't see Austin as the cornerstone, but as someone who can bring out the cornerstone; Tony Romo. His speed and ability to get open quickly will allow for Romo to get off those under pressure passes faster. Can also play spot RB work as well. I do understand your concern, but we cannot deny his incredible talent because of his small stature.

 

[AsthmaField]

Give Me Zaviar Gooden instead of Collins for OLB in the 4th and I'll take it all day long.

I live in Hattiesburg and graduated from Southern Miss and Collins just has never impressed me that much. Good athlete for sure, but kind of meh on the field.

Maybe it was just coaching, but I would prefer Gooden all day long. He fits Kiffin's system better anyway.

 

[JDSTAR]

Give Me Zaviar Gooden instead of Collins for OLB in the 4th and I'll take it all day long.

I live in Hattiesburg and graduated from Southern Miss and Collins just has never impressed me that much. Good athlete for sure, but kind of meh on the field.

Maybe it was just coaching, but I would prefer Gooden all day long. He fits Kiffin's system better anyway.

I'd be good with that.