Mock Draft - Norm Hitzges Draft Researcher (Jeff Bowers)

[robert70x7]

For the past month or so, Norm has had his draft researcher post on his blog with previews of each position and draft nuggets. A couple days ago, he released a 2 round mock draft and I thought I would post it here.

He has Dallas taking David DeCastro and Harrison Smith.

http://theticket.com/Shows/NormHitz...ntryId/2887/Saturdays-2012-Mock-Draft-V1.aspx

1. Colts - Andrew Luck
2. Browns - Robert Griffin
3. Vikings - Matt Kalil
4. Rams - Justin Blackmon
5. Bucs - Morris Claiborne
6. Commanders - Ryan Tannehill
7. Jaguars - Michael Floyd
8. Dolphins - Quinton Coples
9. Panthers - Michael Brockers
10. Bills - Riley Reiff
11. Chiefs - Dontari Poe
12. Seahawks - Nick Perry
13. Cardinals - Jonathan Martin
14. Cowboys - David DeCastro
15. Eagles - Luke Kuechly
16. Jets - Trent Richardson
17. Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick
18. Chargers - Courtney Upshaw
19. Bears - Mike Adams
20. Titans - Melvin Ingram
21. Bengals - Lamar Miller
22. Rams - Cordy Glenn
23. Lions - Janoris Jenkins
24. Steelers - Kendall Wright
25. Broncos - Fletcher Cox
26. Texans - Peter Konz
27. Patriots - Whitney Mercilus
28. Packers - Mark Barron
29. Ravens - Dont'a Hightower
30. 49ers - Alshon Jeffery
31. Patriots - Devon Still
32. Giants - Coby Fleener

 

[robert70x7]

Round 2:

1. Rams - Zach Brown
2. Colts - Stephon Gilmore
3. Vikings - Jerel Worthy
4. Bucs - Mohamed Sanu
5. Browns - Kelechi Osemele
6. Jags - Andre Branch
7. Commanders - Stephen Hill
8. Panthers - Alfonzo Dennard
9. Bills - Rueben Randle
10. Dolphins - Zebrie Sanders
11. Seahawks - Kendall Reyes
12. Chiefs - Dwayne Allen
13. Cowboys - Harrison Smith
14. Eagles - Chris Givens
15. Jets - Trumaine Johnson
16. Patriots - David Wilson
17. Chargers - Kevin Zeitler
18. Bears - Orson Charles
19. Eagles - Jayron Hosley
20. Titans - Lavonte David
21. Bengals - Markelle Martin
22. Lions - Bobbie Massie
23. Falcons - Chandler Jones
24. Steelers - Alameda Ta'Amu
25. Broncos - Chris Polk
26. Texans - Tommy Streeter
27. Saints - Bobby Wagner
28. Packers - Ronnell Lewis
29. Ravens - Cam Johnson
30. 49ers - Josh Robinson
31. Patriots - Nick Toon
32. Giants - Doug Martin

 

[johnnyd]

I would be very happy with these 2 guys .

 

[realtick]

Not liking Harrison Smith in the 2nd round at all.

 

[Picksix]

Not liking Harrison Smith in the 2nd round at all.

Why not? Just curious. I'm torn. I watch a lot of ND football, and I was pretty impressed. Their pass defense wasn't the best at times, but I never really thought it was because of him.

 

[cowboysooner]

Those 2 guys can play but a first and second round pick on guard and safety is not exactly conventional football.

 

[robert70x7]

Not liking Harrison Smith in the 2nd round at all.

I'm not sure what to make of it either. Shallow safety class, deep cornerback class. Depends what happens in free agency. Griffin was just tagged so that takes a possible target.

 

[robert70x7]

Harrison Smith Bio:

Instincts/Recognition: 2

Displays solid football I.Q. and field awareness and is constantly in sound position to make a play. Flashes ability to anticipate routes as well as the quarterbacks release to get an early beat on the ball. Does a nice job of looking up crossers when aligned as a short-robber. Disciplined and rarely bites on play fakes. Makes a quick diagnosis and reaction in run support.

Cover Skills: 2

Displays adequate top-end speed and has the range to hold up as a half field defender. Makes a quick gather at the top of his back pedal and is at his best breaking forward. Does have some tightness in his hips and can lose momentum when having to make a sudden 180 degree turn. Can match up with TEs in man coverage but will have limitations against quicker slot receivers in this area.

Ball Skills: 2

Instincts provide him with above-average play making ability. Takes solid angles to the point and is aggressive and strong playing the ball. Flashes ability to climb the ladder and separate the ball from receiver. Flashes above-average hand eye coordination but did not record an interception during the 2011 regular season after notching seven as junior in 2010.

Run Support: 1

Physical and aggressive in this area. Takes sound angles in pursuit. Closes quickly when running the alley and displays above-average body control to break down and secure the tackle. Flashes solid point of attack skills when aligned near the box and does a nice job of discarding blocks in a timely manner.

 

[realtick]

Why not? Just curious. I'm torn. I watch a lot of ND football, and I was pretty impressed. Their pass defense wasn't the best at times, but I never really thought it was because of him.

I think Harrison is a solid prospect that's benefitting from a seriously weak safety class. I think he's more of a 3rd-early 4th round type prospect. When you consider the fact that there will likely be better talent in the 2nd round (especially where the Cowboys are picking), I don't like the thought of taking him there.

He had a really productive season last year, but he started 21 games his previous two seasons and failed to register an interception. I don't see an explosive element to his game. He's a very solid tackler but not a guy to be seperating people from the ball.

 

[jterrell]

Based on his board I'd go Ingram at 14 and Zietler at 45.

 

[robert70x7]

Based on his board I'd go Ingram at 14 and Zietler at 45.

Will the Cowboys still go DE/OLB now that Spencer is on board?

 

[InmanRoshi]

IMHO Riley Reiff is going a lot lower than people expect him to.

 

[reddyuta]

Will the Cowboys still go DE/OLB now that Spencer is on board?

Spencer is on board? he is a high paid rental at this point, OLB should still be our top priority.

 

[robert70x7]

Spencer is on board? he is a high paid rental at this point, OLB should still be our top priority.

OLB top priority? How so? I would take a CB, ILB, G, S over another OLB. All of those slots have starter holes to fill and whatever we draft at OLB will be a situational player at this point that wouldn't be able to make an every down impact like the previous positions mentioned.

 

[reddyuta]

I am still hoping we will some of those holes in FA,I would not pass on a top prospect like Ingram if he still available.

 

[realtick]

OLB top priority? How so? I would take a CB, ILB, G, S over another OLB. All of those slots have starter holes to fill and whatever we draft at OLB will be a situational player at this point that wouldn't be able to make an every down impact like the previous positions mentioned.

"Situational" like Aldon Smith for the 49ers last season?

 

[robert70x7]

"Situational" like Aldon Smith for the 49ers last season?

The 49ers also have Justin Smith, Carlos Rogers, Patrick Wllis and Dashon Goldson on their team.

Cowboys answer for that? Hatcher, Newman, Lee, Elam. Give me the former.

Too many other positions to fill. I'd rather have a guy who comes in and has an impact on 80-90% of plays.

 

[realtick]

The 49ers also have Justin Smith, Carlos Rogers, Patrick Wllis and Dashon Goldson on their team.

Cowboys answer for that? Hatcher, Newman, Lee, Elam. Give me the former.

Too many other positions to fill. I'd rather have a guy who comes in and has an impact on 80-90% of plays.

Amazing that D. Ware has been able to perform despite the aforementioned cast. Not to mention Greg Ellis with pretty much the same cast of characters.

I do believe this team needs an upgrade at DE, but in a 34, the primary pressure players have and always will be from the OLBs.

 

[robert70x7]

Amazing that D. Ware has been able to perform despite the aforementioned cast. Not to mention Greg Ellis with pretty much the same cast of characters.

I've read your posts in other threads, and I think we just like different players. Nothing wrong with that. I like that Mercilus produced in college, but I just don't know where he fits in with our team considering I don't know how effective he is against the run, when Spencer is above average at it. It seem like he and Butler would be the same psition.

 

[realtick]

I've read your posts in other threads, and I think we just like different players. Nothing wrong with that. I like that Mercilus produced in college, but I just don't know where he fits in with our team considering I don't know how effective he is against the run, when Spencer is above average at it. It seem like he and Butler would be the same psition.

I don't know that we like different players, because I like more than a few of the players you have in your signature. Namely, DeCastro and Dwight Bentley.

I build my case for Mercilus off a few things...

1) Per Mickey Spagnola from one of the Cowboys scouting personel, the Cowboys were very interested in Aldon Smith and had him ranked higher than Tyron Smith. The scout said that had Aldon Smith been on the board at #9, he would have been the pick. FWIW, Mickey said the team had them ranked Aldon Smith, Tyron and then J.J. Watt in order.

2) Knowing point #1, Aldon Smith and Whitney Mercilus are very similiar players athletically and physically. They also have similiar college backgrounds in that they played DE in college and had great success in limited time while there. It's just my guess that the same Cowboy scouts who liked Aldon Smith would find similiar things to like in Whitney Mercilus.

3) The Cowboys need pass rushing help.

4) Just from a depth and talent standpoint, the Cowboys are woefully thin at OLB. This team needs an influx of talented pressure players. I like Victor Butler. I don't think the team is holding its breath for Alex Albright.