Mock of Ages: BAT 3.0

[Goldenrichards83]

House Johnson is a value pick. But he is no doubt perfect for Houck's system. IMO he supplants either Kosier or Holland sooner rather than later.


As for Mack, I just want to upgrade the awareness and efficiency of the pivot (while retaining the physicality). I was a big supporter of drafting Gurode, and always felt that he was a better fit at center (especially in a power blocking scheme) but despite the pro bowls, I no longer trust him at the crucial center postion. I had hoped he would correct his deficiencies become more consistent, has not happened. Mack is not just physical, but he is more athletic, more technically proficient (no more high shot gun snaps, late snaps, misidentification of the blitzer) and nastier. I doubt Haynesworth cleats Mack and gets away with it.


If Jerry is serious about becoming Romo friendly this season, he needs to start with the OL, especially the all important center-QB exchange.


The best time to trade Gurode is now. His value is at its highest and the draft is chock full of pro bowl potential centers.

I'm actually on board with this. Herm is one of my pet cats in this draft. I see him becoming the next Larry Allen at the guard position. I really Like Mack I just had no idea what you were thinking of doing with Gurode and now that I know, I like the idea. His value is at his highest right now and if we can get a guy who has the potential to be even better than him why not pull the trigger. This is all fantasy because I doubt Jerry has the nads to do this but I like your thinking on this.

Another option we could take is drafting Antoine Caldwell later in the draft. he isn't as good as Mack but he's not that far off.

Since were on the subject of being more Romo friendly we also need to look at replacing Flo in the near future. The only guy I see we have a shot at is Jamon Meridith but I hear he's off our draft board for some reason. If we wait until next year our #1 pick will have to be OT. Do you see anyone that we can get late in the draft and be out future LT for the next 10 years?

 

[BAT]

I'm actually on board with this. Herm is one of my pet cats in this draft. I see him becoming the next Larry Allen at the guard position. I really Like Mack I just had no idea what you were thinking of doing with Gurode and now that I know, I like the idea. His value is at his highest right now and if we can get a guy who has the potential to be even better than him why not pull the trigger. This is all fantasy because I doubt Jerry has the nads to do this but I like your thinking on this.

Another option we could take is drafting Antoine Caldwell later in the draft. he isn't as good as Mack but he's not that far off.

Since were on the subject of being more Romo friendly we also need to look at replacing Flo in the near future. The only guy I see we have a shot at is Jamon Meridith but I hear he's off our draft board for some reason. If we wait until next year our #1 pick will have to be OT. Do you see anyone that we can get late in the draft and be out future LT for the next 10 years?

I really don't see that many late round OTs who fit our system. Most are zone blockers who are better off in a Shanahan scheme or NEs. Boone has the athleticism & size, but his consistency & character issues are huge flags. Vollmer could probably grow into a Houck type player, he certainly has the work ethic, but man he is really new to the game of football. He did dominate Sidbury, but that's not saying much (j/k).


Caldwell is a good 4th or later pick, and while he may be even more naturally athletic & explosive at the snap than Mack, he is not anywhere near as nasty, physical or as disciplined. And I want to upgrade the football IQ at the pivot, not stay pat or get worse.


Meredith is not a Houck type OT, is best in a more finesse (zone) game. Love his intelligence (high GPA), but may not have enough football IQ or desire.

 

[Woods]

That could be the way the Cowboys go, they seem high on Fletcher. But IMO, Cowboys should take the MAN on that team. Take the BEST football PLAYER, regardless of need, especially one w/his obvious production, leadership & athleticism. King was the most feared D player on that Hawkeyes D the last few seasons.

So, you'd want King to play ILB in Wade's 34, correct?

I guess if he lost about 15 lbs that may be doable. But probably as a 1st and 2nd down LB I'd think.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

His athletic skill set and frame just does not translate to a long successfull career in the NFL.

his frame might not be suitable for long-term success, but there is nothing wrong with his skill-set, he's got one of the most violent hands in the draft, and his quickness is more than OK, he would be perfect in our 3-4 as he's a great gap-shooter

btw, the Chargers have a similar DE in Jacques Cesair, short and not very big, but he plays with great intensity

 

[silverbear]

SACRILEGE!! They would play STs, doncha know.

Yeah, and after all, who really needs more than 1 QB, 1 TE and 1 NT on the roster??

LOL...

 

[BAT]

his frame might not be suitable for long-term success, but there is nothing wrong with his skill-set, he's got one of the most violent hands in the draft, and his quickness is more than OK, he would be perfect in our 3-4 as he's a great gap-shooter

Yep. Can you imagine how much havoc he would create in the 46? He could play inside, outside and especially from Bradie's LB spot.

btw, the Chargers have a similar DE in Jacques Cesair, short and not very big, but he plays with great intensity

Exactly. Our front 7 needs more of these type of players. Cowboys have none, other than Rat (Ware is supremely skilled but is not what I would call a guy who plays w/bad intentions).

 

[BAT]

So, you'd want King to play ILB in Wade's 34, correct?

I guess if he lost about 15 lbs that may be doable. But probably as a 1st and 2nd down LB I'd think.

King was running in the 4.7's (same as James' 40 when he came out of school, at 235 lbs) before he gained 10 lbs (now 280). It is his coverage ability that worries everyone, but many people forget that he was recruited to play MLB at Iowa. That was his position as a freshman. So it is not like he has no idea how to play the position. His high football IQ would also help the transition.

 

[Hostile]

Since what I would like to say about your choices has been said I want to berate you for stealing the title to my last Mock, better known as coming up with it before me.

Love it.

 

[BAT]

Since what I would like to say about your choices has been said I want to berate you for stealing the title to my last Mock, better known as coming up with it before me.

Love it.

So it was either deja vu, or I was channeling you!

 

[28 Joker]

House Johnson is a value pick. But he is no doubt perfect for Houck's system. IMO he supplants either Kosier or Holland sooner rather than later.


As for Mack, I just want to upgrade the awareness and efficiency of the pivot (while retaining the physicality). I was a big supporter of drafting Gurode, and always felt that he was a better fit at center (especially in a power blocking scheme) but despite the pro bowls, I no longer trust him at the crucial center postion. I had hoped he would correct his deficiencies become more consistent, has not happened. Mack is not just physical, but he is more athletic, more technically proficient (no more high shot gun snaps, late snaps, misidentification of the blitzer) and nastier. I doubt Haynesworth cleats Mack and gets away with it.


If Jerry is serious about becoming Romo friendly this season, he needs to start with the OL, especially the all important center-QB exchange.


The best time to trade Gurode is now. His value is at its highest and the draft is chock full of pro bowl potential centers.

Bat,

How would you feel with Cory Proctor playing next to you? Before the snap, you have to cheat his way in your mind.

The left side of the offensive line was the problem last year. Gurode is the best player up front, imo. I bet most GMs will agree with that assessment.

I just don't buy that Gurode needs to be replaced or is some kind of dummy that has to have Kyle Kosier to hold his hand. At 31, Gurode is in his prime and has many prime years left.

Andre Gurode threw Albert Hanyesworth around like a rag doll in 2006, and he threw Jammal Williams around in the preseason. He does a good job of getting to the second level and helping in pass protection. He holds the point of attack as good as any center in the NFL. He makes the line calls. He's not up there just looking at Kosier like a "deer in headlights". He's a great run blocker, too. He not only moves people, he throws them around.

Unger is a finesse player. He's best used in a zone scheme, imo. Gurode is a power player.

 

[BAT]

Bat,

How would you feel with Cory Proctor playing next to you? Before the snap, you have to cheat his way in your mind.

The left side of the offensive line was the problem last year. Gurode is the best player up front, imo. I bet most GMs will agree with that assessment.

I just don't buy that Gurode needs to be replaced or is some kind of dummy that has to have Kyle Kosier to hold his hand. At 31, Gurode is in his prime and has many prime years left.

Andre Gurode threw Albert Hanyesworth around like a rag doll in 2006, and he threw Jammal Williams around in the preseason. He does a good job of getting to the second level and helping in pass protection. He holds the point of attack as good as any center in the NFL. He makes the line calls. He's not up there just looking at Kosier like a "deer in headlights". He's a great run blocker, too. He not only moves people, he throws them around.

Unger is a finesse player. He's best used in a zone scheme, imo. Gurode is a power player.

I cannot dispute that Unger might be better for now in a zone scheme. But he is so smart & tough that I believe he can succeed in a man blocking scheme. He certainly has the frame to get bigger.


If I had my druthers, I would rather trade up for Alex Mack. Mack would be a great fit in Houck's scheme, and he would be more Romo friendly than Gurode.


I also do not dispute that Gurode is powerful and is well suited to our current scheme. But even prior to Kosier getting hurt, Gurode will have brain farts, forgetting the snap count, double clutching the ball, or just shot putting the ball all over the place from the shot gun. When Gurode executes, he is a complete stud, but when he has these lapses, the entire offense falls apart. Our OL is one of the most penalized in the league the last several years, it all starts with the guy in the middle.

And you are bsolutely correct, Gurode is in his prime, his value is at its absolute highest. Do I think the Cowboys will have the intestinal fortitude to trade Gurode and improve the pivot, more than likely not. But who knows, they got rid of their best WR to become more Romo friendly. Why not go all the way and REALLY become Romo friendly?

 

[28 Joker]

I cannot dispute that Unger might be better for now in a zone scheme. But he is so smart & tough that I believe he can succeed in a man blocking scheme. He certainly has the frame to get bigger.


If I had my druthers, I would rather trade up for Alex Mack. Mack would be a great fit in Houck's scheme, and he would be more Romo friendly than Gurode.


I also do not dispute that Gurode is powerful and is well suited to our current scheme. But even prior to Kosier getting hurt, Gurode will have brain farts, forgetting the snap count, double clutching the ball, or just shot putting the ball all over the place from the shot gun. When Gurode executes, he is a complete stud, but when he has these lapses, the entire offense falls apart. Our OL is one of the most penalized in the league the last several years, it all starts with the guy in the middle.

And you are bsolutely correct, Gurode is in his prime, his value is at its absolute highest. Do I think the Cowboys will have the intestinal fortitude to trade Gurode and improve the pivot, more than likely not. But who knows, they got rid of their best WR to become more Romo friendly. Why not go all the way and REALLY become Romo friendly?

I'm a big Andre Gurode fan, so we will but heads here a little, but that's o.k.

Gurode isn't perfect. He's fired a couple of snaps over Romo's head, and I'm sure he's made a few mental mistakes. However, the guy made the Pro Bowl last year when Dallas was having a poor year on offense. Plus, the Giants' center (Shaun O'Hara) had a great year, had the best record, and had the NY fans. He still couldn't beat Gurode out for that spot. The players and coaches helped put Gurode in.

I forgot. Gurode does a great job of sealing the middle. He can seal DTs off with ease. He's got great pop and can move guys out of the way.

He isn't the greatest shotgun snapper at times, but I can live with it.

The tackles are the guys jumping off sides too much.

I wish Dallas would add a guard to solidify the interior.

You have to remember this, too. Unger or Mack doesn't know what it's like to have Giants and Eagles moving all over the place and in your grill.

You are right. Unger could probably play in any scheme even though a zone scheme would best fit him and be an easier transition.

 

[silverbear]

So it was either deja vu, or I was channeling you!

They have inoculations for that...

 

[BAT]

I'm a big Andre Gurode fan, so we will but heads here a little, but that's o.k.

Gurode isn't perfect. He's fired a couple of snaps over Romo's head, and I'm sure he's made a few mental mistakes. However, the guy made the Pro Bowl last year when Dallas was having a poor year on offense. Plus, the Giants' center (Shaun O'Hara) had a great year, had the best record, and had the NY fans. He still couldn't beat Gurode out for that spot. The players and coaches helped put Gurode in.

I forgot. Gurode does a great job of sealing the middle. He can seal DTs off with ease. He's got great pop and can move guys out of the way.

He isn't the greatest shotgun snapper at times, but I can live with it.

The tackles are the guys jumping off sides too much.

I wish Dallas would add a guard to solidify the interior.

You have to remember this, too. Unger or Mack doesn't know what it's like to have Giants and Eagles moving all over the place and in your grill.

You are right. Unger could probably play in any scheme even though a zone scheme would best fit him and be an easier transition.

Like I said, I was a big supporter of Gurode's early on and I agree w/everything you've said_when AG is "on" he is a load. I just cannot stomach all his mistakes anymore. I think if the offense is to get to the next level it will require more discipline & efficiency from the OL, and it starts with its head, the center position.


Always good talking football w/you nonetheless.