My Draft objectives for this year, based on the roster

[Cowboyny]

1) Find 3 immediate or sometime in year 1 starters at these positions, in no particular order: CB, FS, DT1

2) Draft two developmental players who have a chance to compete to become starters within 1-2 years: LB/OT.

3) Improve Team Depth on all three levels of the defense.

 

[Bigdog]

We are only going to draft special team players like 2009 because we like who we have, lol.

 

[timb2]

1) Find 3 immediate or sometime in year 1 starters at these positions, in no particular order: CB, FS, DT1.







2) Draft two developmental players who have a chance to compete to become starters within 1-2 years: LB/OT.

 

[timb2]

3) Improve Team Depth on all three levels of the defense.

 

[AsthmaField]

1) Find 3 immediate or sometime in year 1 starters at these positions, in no particular order: CB, FS, DT1

2) Draft two developmental players who have a chance to compete to become starters within 1-2 years: LB/OT.

3) Improve Team Depth on all three levels of the defense.

Note: I apologize for the length.

This draft is a little bit of a conundrum for me.

The only defensive guys that I really see that are worth the 10th pick are Surtain and Farley. I really want to find a DT in the first but unless Nixon or Barmore rise a good bit, 10 will be too high for them. However, that is the position I’d most like to have a dominant rookie at.

Parsons, I’d be ok with, and physically, he’s a phenomenal talent, but there are a few concerns there for me:

1) I’m not crazy about using a top 10 pick on an off-ball 43 LB. You can find good LB’s in the first 3 rounds pretty easily IMO. Jimmy Johnson almost always drafted his in the second or third round. He’d just find a guy who liked to hit and could run like crazy who also had a good head on their shoulders. Dixon Edwards. Godfrey Myles. Vinson Smith. Darren Smith. Those guys were all fairly smart, fast, and a little bit undersized. They all had great change of direction. Just what I like to see in a 43 LB. The only LB Jimmy used a first round pick on was Robert Jones at MLB... and that was a very late first rounder.

2) I’m concerned about his possible immaturity issues. I have no idea if he has them and how big those issues actually are. Speaking for myself, loving the game of football and feeling the impact of the duty you have to your team and your team mates, is very, very important. Particularly in a top 10 pick. If there are any concerns about how seriously he takes football or how much he loves the game, I’d be out on him, no matter how talented he is. Now, if the concerns are just that he got carried away in a college hazing incident and his team mates loved playing with him, then I wouldn’t worry too much about that and I’d think hard about taking him at 10.

3) I don’t think the team is ready to give up on either Smith or LVE. I honestly doubt that Dallas will use a top 10 pick at that position because primarily just two LB’s play on most downs and in the team’s eyes... they have that covered with Smith/LVE. However, if Quinn might have designs on using Parsons some at LB and some at LEO getting after the passer, then I’d be more than down with that. Parsons is incredibly athletic and can do so much on defense to help, including being a pretty accomplished pass rusher. If they’re going to be creative with him and put him in position to make plays, then not only would I pick him at 10... but I’d be very excited about us picking him.

So, if they pick Parsons, I’d have to assume they vetted his immaturity issues and that they have a plan for him to impact the game.

Other than those 3 defenders, at this point I don’t really see anyone else on that side of the ball that is a target for 10. Again, I hope Nixon tests through the roof and moves up to that area.

So, if it isn’t one of those 3 (or 4) guys then it is either a trade-back or take an offensive guy. That could be Sewell (doubtful he falls), Slater (I’m ok with it), or Pitts (if he even makes it there I’d be very ok with it).

So while I agree that Dallas needs defense in a bad way, if they don’t want an early corner (or if they’re both gone) and they don’t like Parsons, then they almost will be forced to either reach way too much or go offense.

Kind of a weird draft for Dallas with the way it is falling. They will get a player that will be a good add to the team no matter what but it definitely could be on the offensive side of the ball.

For me, I’d be happy with any of the 3 defenders. I love both corners, though I lean towards Surtain. If the team takes Parsons, we can assume he has no issues and that the team has a plan... which would probably excite me more than anything else because he can be such an explosive difference maker. If they go with Slater or Darrisaw (yes I like him), then I’m ok with that too because it would upgrade the line both now and in the future. I think it would be a smart pick and I won’t freak about it not being defense.

And, if they took Pitts... well I’ll probably be giddy because that dude would be here for the next decade and with his physical traits along with just his natural instincts for playing football, he has a chance to be a game changer for a long, long time. Just my opinion, but I think that guy has a chance to be the best in the league very quickly.

I think a FS, corner or DT can be had that will help a lot in both the second and third rounds. So 3 players for Dallas in addition to their first pick.

DT McNeil, Tufele, or Shelvin.
FS Moehrig, Hufanga or Grant.
CB Newsome, Adebo, Stokes, Campbell or Melifonwu.
LB McGrone, Cox, or Browning.

Those guys can be had in the second to third round and can help on defense in year one. Maybe not start right away but Dallas can get defensive help that matters with their second and two thirds. No matter what they do with the 10th pick. That’s why I just want them to take the best talent at 10, no matter who that is. They’re going to get plenty of defensive help, even without figuring in free agency.

Plus, having guys buying in to the defensive scheme is going to make the biggest difference of anything that Dallas can do. Quinn replacing Nolan is going to change everything on that side of the ball.


That’s a lot to read, I know, but it is currently just how I view this draft pre Senior Bowl.

 

[Cowboyny]

Note: I apologize for the length.

This draft is a little bit of a conundrum for me.

The only defensive guys that I really see that are worth the 10th pick are Surtain and Farley. I really want to find a DT in the first but unless Nixon or Barmore rise a good bit, 10 will be too high for them. However, that is the position I’d most like to have a dominant rookie at.

Parsons, I’d be ok with, and physically, he’s a phenomenal talent, but there are a few concerns there for me:

1) I’m not crazy about using a top 10 pick on an off-ball 43 LB. You can find good LB’s in the first 3 rounds pretty easily IMO. Jimmy Johnson almost always drafted his in the second or third round. He’d just find a guy who liked to hit and could run like crazy who also had a good head on their shoulders. Dixon Edwards. Godfrey Myles. Vinson Smith. Darren Smith. Those guys were all fairly smart, fast, and a little bit undersized. They all had great change of direction. Just what I like to see in a 43 LB. The only LB Jimmy used a first round pick on was Robert Jones at MLB... and that was a very late first rounder.

2) I’m concerned about his possible immaturity issues. I have no idea if he has them and how big those issues actually are. Speaking for myself, loving the game of football and feeling the impact of the duty you have to your team and your team mates, is very, very important. Particularly in a top 10 pick. If there are any concerns about how seriously he takes football or how much he loves the game, I’d be out on him, no matter how talented he is. Now, if the concerns are just that he got carried away in a college hazing incident and his team mates loved playing with him, then I wouldn’t worry too much about that and I’d think hard about taking him at 10.

3) I don’t think the team is ready to give up on either Smith or LVE. I honestly doubt that Dallas will use a top 10 pick at that position because primarily just two LB’s play on most downs and in the team’s eyes... they have that covered with Smith/LVE. However, if Quinn might have designs on using Parsons some at LB and some at LEO getting after the passer, then I’d be more than down with that. Parsons is incredibly athletic and can do so much on defense to help, including being a pretty accomplished pass rusher. If they’re going to be creative with him and put him in position to make plays, then not only would I pick him at 10... but I’d be very excited about us picking him.

So, if they pick Parsons, I’d have to assume they vetted his immaturity issues and that they have a plan for him to impact the game.

Other than those 3 defenders, at this point I don’t really see anyone else on that side of the ball that is a target for 10. Again, I hope Nixon tests through the roof and moves up to that area.

So, if it isn’t one of those 3 (or 4) guys then it is either a trade-back or take an offensive guy. That could be Sewell (doubtful he falls), Slater (I’m ok with it), or Pitts (if he even makes it there I’d be very ok with it).

So while I agree that Dallas needs defense in a bad way, if they don’t want an early corner (or if they’re both gone) and they don’t like Parsons, then they almost will be forced to either reach way too much or go offense.

Kind of a weird draft for Dallas with the way it is falling. They will get a player that will be a good add to the team no matter what but it definitely could be on the offensive side of the ball.

For me, I’d be happy with any of the 3 defenders. I love both corners, though I lean towards Surtain. If the team takes Parsons, we can assume he has no issues and that the team has a plan... which would probably excite me more than anything else because he can be such an explosive difference maker. If they go with Slater or Darrisaw (yes I like him), then I’m ok with that too because it would upgrade the line both now and in the future. I think it would be a smart pick and I won’t freak about it not being defense.

And, if they took Pitts... well I’ll probably be giddy because that dude would be here for the next decade and with his physical traits along with just his natural instincts for playing football, he has a chance to be a game changer for a long, long time. Just my opinion, but I think that guy has a chance to be the best in the league very quickly.

I think a FS, corner or DT can be had that will help a lot in both the second and third rounds. So 3 players for Dallas in addition to their first pick.

DT McNeil, Tufele, or Shelvin.
FS Moehrig, Hufanga or Grant.
CB Newsome, Adebo, Stokes, Campbell or Melifonwu.
LB McGrone, Cox, or Browning.

Those guys can be had in the second to third round and can help on defense in year one. Maybe not start right away but Dallas can get defensive help that matters with their second and two thirds. No matter what they do with the 10th pick. That’s why I just want them to take the best talent at 10, no matter who that is. They’re going to get plenty of defensive help, even without figuring in free agency.

Plus, having guys buying in to the defensive scheme is going to make the biggest difference of anything that Dallas can do. Quinn replacing Nolan is going to change everything on that side of the ball.


That’s a lot to read, I know, but it is currently just how I view this draft pre Senior Bowl.

Excellent insightful post!

Couple of my thoughts

-I think bringing in a 4-3 DC, the hope is less thinking/more playing fast for the linebackers. In my opinion, they want to see if both can return to their 2019 levels, before needing to make a decision on their futures; Jaylon's contract, Lve-5th year option. We also have to keep in mind, they need another starting linebacker in the 4-3, if they release Jaylon, that would make two huge holes and all they would have is Lve who cannot stay healthy. I think the need is high, but more for a future starter at the position. We don't need a star, but more like another Anthony Hitchens type.

-I have actually been down on Parsons for some time. He is a player who needed another year of seasoning as he is fairly new to the position. In my opinion, he is more the athlete then football player at this juncture. He struggles with misdirection, which both Jaylon/Lve do. We need to see him more in coverage as he struggles with spacing. Now add in all the immaturity concerns, to me seems like another Jaylon Smith. I want no part of Parsons.

-Big fan of both Farley/Surtain, but neither are elite, blue chip prospects at the position. Barmore is not worth a top 10 selection to me as I see him more as a interior, nickel rusher at this time. There is no doubt, if the team takes the best player available, it would be an offensive player. Early look appears not to be great defensive draft at the top, but good depth within the top 100. I think this screams trade down, especially having multiple needs to fill on the defensive side.

-Personally, I would love to trade back and hopefully, some of the prospects we have at 10 will be the same at 15-20, due to being offensive heavy at the top. It's funny, when we were picking at 4, we were looking at the same defensive players now at 10. I think this is the best path for success, but for me, still would be very hard trading away from either corner. Now if they cannot trade back and the corners are both gone, I'm fine handing in the card for Slater.

 

[fivetwos]

Note: I apologize for the length.

This draft is a little bit of a conundrum for me.

The only defensive guys that I really see that are worth the 10th pick are Surtain and Farley. I really want to find a DT in the first but unless Nixon or Barmore rise a good bit, 10 will be too high for them. However, that is the position I’d most like to have a dominant rookie at.

Parsons, I’d be ok with, and physically, he’s a phenomenal talent, but there are a few concerns there for me:

1) I’m not crazy about using a top 10 pick on an off-ball 43 LB. You can find good LB’s in the first 3 rounds pretty easily IMO. Jimmy Johnson almost always drafted his in the second or third round. He’d just find a guy who liked to hit and could run like crazy who also had a good head on their shoulders. Dixon Edwards. Godfrey Myles. Vinson Smith. Darren Smith. Those guys were all fairly smart, fast, and a little bit undersized. They all had great change of direction. Just what I like to see in a 43 LB. The only LB Jimmy used a first round pick on was Robert Jones at MLB... and that was a very late first rounder.

2) I’m concerned about his possible immaturity issues. I have no idea if he has them and how big those issues actually are. Speaking for myself, loving the game of football and feeling the impact of the duty you have to your team and your team mates, is very, very important. Particularly in a top 10 pick. If there are any concerns about how seriously he takes football or how much he loves the game, I’d be out on him, no matter how talented he is. Now, if the concerns are just that he got carried away in a college hazing incident and his team mates loved playing with him, then I wouldn’t worry too much about that and I’d think hard about taking him at 10.

3) I don’t think the team is ready to give up on either Smith or LVE. I honestly doubt that Dallas will use a top 10 pick at that position because primarily just two LB’s play on most downs and in the team’s eyes... they have that covered with Smith/LVE. However, if Quinn might have designs on using Parsons some at LB and some at LEO getting after the passer, then I’d be more than down with that. Parsons is incredibly athletic and can do so much on defense to help, including being a pretty accomplished pass rusher. If they’re going to be creative with him and put him in position to make plays, then not only would I pick him at 10... but I’d be very excited about us picking him.

So, if they pick Parsons, I’d have to assume they vetted his immaturity issues and that they have a plan for him to impact the game.

Other than those 3 defenders, at this point I don’t really see anyone else on that side of the ball that is a target for 10. Again, I hope Nixon tests through the roof and moves up to that area.

So, if it isn’t one of those 3 (or 4) guys then it is either a trade-back or take an offensive guy. That could be Sewell (doubtful he falls), Slater (I’m ok with it), or Pitts (if he even makes it there I’d be very ok with it).

So while I agree that Dallas needs defense in a bad way, if they don’t want an early corner (or if they’re both gone) and they don’t like Parsons, then they almost will be forced to either reach way too much or go offense.

Kind of a weird draft for Dallas with the way it is falling. They will get a player that will be a good add to the team no matter what but it definitely could be on the offensive side of the ball.

For me, I’d be happy with any of the 3 defenders. I love both corners, though I lean towards Surtain. If the team takes Parsons, we can assume he has no issues and that the team has a plan... which would probably excite me more than anything else because he can be such an explosive difference maker. If they go with Slater or Darrisaw (yes I like him), then I’m ok with that too because it would upgrade the line both now and in the future. I think it would be a smart pick and I won’t freak about it not being defense.

And, if they took Pitts... well I’ll probably be giddy because that dude would be here for the next decade and with his physical traits along with just his natural instincts for playing football, he has a chance to be a game changer for a long, long time. Just my opinion, but I think that guy has a chance to be the best in the league very quickly.

I think a FS, corner or DT can be had that will help a lot in both the second and third rounds. So 3 players for Dallas in addition to their first pick.

DT McNeil, Tufele, or Shelvin.
FS Moehrig, Hufanga or Grant.
CB Newsome, Adebo, Stokes, Campbell or Melifonwu.
LB McGrone, Cox, or Browning.

Those guys can be had in the second to third round and can help on defense in year one. Maybe not start right away but Dallas can get defensive help that matters with their second and two thirds. No matter what they do with the 10th pick. That’s why I just want them to take the best talent at 10, no matter who that is. They’re going to get plenty of defensive help, even without figuring in free agency.

Plus, having guys buying in to the defensive scheme is going to make the biggest difference of anything that Dallas can do. Quinn replacing Nolan is going to change everything on that side of the ball.


That’s a lot to read, I know, but it is currently just how I view this draft pre Senior Bowl.

I don't typically like to shoehorn position with round...but if we want a corner who can start right away, it probably needs to be at 10, figuring one of the two will be there.

If we take a safety later than round 2, they will end up not playing much if at all.

How many times have we seen that around here?

I can fully see however....finding DT and capable LB in rounds 3 and beyond.

I just have a feeling that if we went DT at 10 (not that there's a value fit) that's all we would end up with for help this year.

 

[cnuball21]

1) Find 3 immediate or sometime in year 1 starters at these positions, in no particular order: CB, FS, DT1

2) Draft two developmental players who have a chance to compete to become starters within 1-2 years: LB/OT.

3) Improve Team Depth on all three levels of the defense.

I like the targets, just hope we don’t hone in on positions and force picks.

That being said at this point I’d be surprised if the pick at 10 isn’t a CB. It’s a big need and the board is somewhat stacked in a way we should have a shot at Farley or Surtain.

 

[fivetwos]

I like the targets, just hope we don’t hone in on positions and force picks.

That being said at this point I’d be surprised if the pick at 10 isn’t a CB. It’s a big need and the board is somewhat stacked in a way we should have a shot at Farley or Surtain.

Considering there's 5 or so QBs for teams to fall in love with, along with two high end OTs, I'd be surprised if neither corner is there at 10.

 

[Cowboyny]

I like the targets, just hope we don’t hone in on positions and force picks.

That being said at this point I’d be surprised if the pick at 10 isn’t a CB. It’s a big need and the board is somewhat stacked in a way we should have a shot at Farley or Surtain.

Let's hope they don't road map the draft, like they have in the past. Take the best player available. I agree, it would surprise me if the pick isn't a corner at this juncture.

 

[cnuball21]

Let's hope they don't road map the draft, like they have in the past. Take the best player available. I agree, it would surprise me if the pick isn't a corner at this juncture.

Obviously the defense needs a lot of love, but you can make a case for just about any position (outside of QB if we sign Dak).

 

[Cowboyny]

I don't typically like to shoehorn position with round...but if we want a corner who can start right away, it probably needs to be at 10, figuring one of the two will be there.

If we take a safety later than round 2, they will end up not playing much if at all.

How many times have we seen that around here?

I can fully see however....finding DT and capable LB in rounds 3 and beyond.

I just have a feeling that if we went DT at 10 (not that there's a value fit) that's all we would end up with for help this year.

I've heard Whitt our new secondary coach leans on starting veterans over young prospects. However, if they draft a corner at 10, they are starting day 1.

Think if they want a quality free safety who can start right away, they have to land either Moehrig or Grant and they may have to trade up to do so.

Agree, linebackers, two down Defensive Lineman can easily be found later in the draft.

 

[Cowboyny]

Obviously the defense needs a lot of love, but you can make a case for just about any position (outside of QB if we sign Dak).

I agree.

 

[Creeper]

Note: I apologize for the length.

This draft is a little bit of a conundrum for me.

The only defensive guys that I really see that are worth the 10th pick are Surtain and Farley. I really want to find a DT in the first but unless Nixon or Barmore rise a good bit, 10 will be too high for them. However, that is the position I’d most like to have a dominant rookie at.

Parsons, I’d be ok with, and physically, he’s a phenomenal talent, but there are a few concerns there for me:

1) I’m not crazy about using a top 10 pick on an off-ball 43 LB. You can find good LB’s in the first 3 rounds pretty easily IMO. Jimmy Johnson almost always drafted his in the second or third round. He’d just find a guy who liked to hit and could run like crazy who also had a good head on their shoulders. Dixon Edwards. Godfrey Myles. Vinson Smith. Darren Smith. Those guys were all fairly smart, fast, and a little bit undersized. They all had great change of direction. Just what I like to see in a 43 LB. The only LB Jimmy used a first round pick on was Robert Jones at MLB... and that was a very late first rounder.

2) I’m concerned about his possible immaturity issues. I have no idea if he has them and how big those issues actually are. Speaking for myself, loving the game of football and feeling the impact of the duty you have to your team and your team mates, is very, very important. Particularly in a top 10 pick. If there are any concerns about how seriously he takes football or how much he loves the game, I’d be out on him, no matter how talented he is. Now, if the concerns are just that he got carried away in a college hazing incident and his team mates loved playing with him, then I wouldn’t worry too much about that and I’d think hard about taking him at 10.

3) I don’t think the team is ready to give up on either Smith or LVE. I honestly doubt that Dallas will use a top 10 pick at that position because primarily just two LB’s play on most downs and in the team’s eyes... they have that covered with Smith/LVE. However, if Quinn might have designs on using Parsons some at LB and some at LEO getting after the passer, then I’d be more than down with that. Parsons is incredibly athletic and can do so much on defense to help, including being a pretty accomplished pass rusher. If they’re going to be creative with him and put him in position to make plays, then not only would I pick him at 10... but I’d be very excited about us picking him.

So, if they pick Parsons, I’d have to assume they vetted his immaturity issues and that they have a plan for him to impact the game.

Other than those 3 defenders, at this point I don’t really see anyone else on that side of the ball that is a target for 10. Again, I hope Nixon tests through the roof and moves up to that area.

So, if it isn’t one of those 3 (or 4) guys then it is either a trade-back or take an offensive guy. That could be Sewell (doubtful he falls), Slater (I’m ok with it), or Pitts (if he even makes it there I’d be very ok with it).

So while I agree that Dallas needs defense in a bad way, if they don’t want an early corner (or if they’re both gone) and they don’t like Parsons, then they almost will be forced to either reach way too much or go offense.

Kind of a weird draft for Dallas with the way it is falling. They will get a player that will be a good add to the team no matter what but it definitely could be on the offensive side of the ball.

For me, I’d be happy with any of the 3 defenders. I love both corners, though I lean towards Surtain. If the team takes Parsons, we can assume he has no issues and that the team has a plan... which would probably excite me more than anything else because he can be such an explosive difference maker. If they go with Slater or Darrisaw (yes I like him), then I’m ok with that too because it would upgrade the line both now and in the future. I think it would be a smart pick and I won’t freak about it not being defense.

And, if they took Pitts... well I’ll probably be giddy because that dude would be here for the next decade and with his physical traits along with just his natural instincts for playing football, he has a chance to be a game changer for a long, long time. Just my opinion, but I think that guy has a chance to be the best in the league very quickly.

I think a FS, corner or DT can be had that will help a lot in both the second and third rounds. So 3 players for Dallas in addition to their first pick.

DT McNeil, Tufele, or Shelvin.
FS Moehrig, Hufanga or Grant.
CB Newsome, Adebo, Stokes, Campbell or Melifonwu.
LB McGrone, Cox, or Browning.

Those guys can be had in the second to third round and can help on defense in year one. Maybe not start right away but Dallas can get defensive help that matters with their second and two thirds. No matter what they do with the 10th pick. That’s why I just want them to take the best talent at 10, no matter who that is. They’re going to get plenty of defensive help, even without figuring in free agency.

Plus, having guys buying in to the defensive scheme is going to make the biggest difference of anything that Dallas can do. Quinn replacing Nolan is going to change everything on that side of the ball.


That’s a lot to read, I know, but it is currently just how I view this draft pre Senior Bowl.

Good post.

I don't like to match position to round either normally, but when you look at value that sort of happens naturally to a certain extent. Top CBs go early, top safeties go later unless there is a special player in the mix.

So I have no problem with Dallas going CB, S/DT, LB/DT in the first 3 rounds. But at the same time, if an offensive player with great value drops to them in any round, then take him. The goal is to improve at every position even though defense has to be a priority.

 

[AsthmaField]

I don't typically like to shoehorn position with round...but if we want a corner who can start right away, it probably needs to be at 10, figuring one of the two will be there.

If we take a safety later than round 2, they will end up not playing much if at all.

How many times have we seen that around here?

I can fully see however....finding DT and capable LB in rounds 3 and beyond.

I just have a feeling that if we went DT at 10 (not that there's a value fit) that's all we would end up with for help this year.

Yeah, corner at 10 is probably the only way to get a big first year contribution from a rookie CB. A second or third round corner probably won’t play a whole lot this season, though I could be wrong about that.

if Dallas went:

1) Surtain CB
2) Moehrig S
3) McNeil DT
3) McGrone LB

I think three of those four (Surtain, Moehrig, McNeil) play a lot very early on, with Surtain starting from day 1 and Moehrig possibly starting very early. I also see McNeil being part of a rotation from the start as well.

However, if Dallas took:

1) Slater OT
2) Newsome CB
3) McNeil DT
3) Hufanga S

I think both the CB and Safety in this instance might take a while to get much playing time. Slater would probably start at Connor Williams’ LG position and McNeil would help the rotation on the DL right away.

If we want immediate help at corner from a rookie this year, then that likely needs to come at 10 where Surtain would be a walk-in starter with his polished and experienced game. Farley would play early but might need some more time since he missed 2020 and didn’t have a lot of experience to begin with.

 

[AsthmaField]

Good post.

I don't like to match position to round either normally, but when you look at value that sort of happens naturally to a certain extent. Top CBs go early, top safeties go later unless there is a special player in the mix.

So I have no problem with Dallas going CB, S/DT, LB/DT in the first 3 rounds. But at the same time, if an offensive player with great value drops to them in any round, then take him. The goal is to improve at every position even though defense has to be a priority.

I agree. The best way for Dallas to go is to stick to their board... and that includes offense it the value leaned heavily in that direction. Offense at 10 or not, they’re still going to get a lot of defensive help in this draft.

And if the team could manage just one good free agent pickup on defense (read: not a bargain-bin addition), that would make a big difference and free up the 10th pick for the BPA.

 

[AsthmaField]

Excellent insightful post!

Couple of my thoughts

-I think bringing in a 4-3 DC, the hope is less thinking/more playing fast for the linebackers. In my opinion, they want to see if both can return to their 2019 levels, before needing to make a decision on their futures; Jaylon's contract, Lve-5th year option. We also have to keep in mind, they need another starting linebacker in the 4-3, if they release Jaylon, that would make two huge holes and all they would have is Lve who cannot stay healthy. I think the need is high, but more for a future starter at the position. We don't need a star, but more like another Anthony Hitchens type.

-I have actually been down on Parsons for some time. He is a player who needed another year of seasoning as he is fairly new to the position. In my opinion, he is more the athlete then football player at this juncture. He struggles with misdirection, which both Jaylon/Lve do. We need to see him more in coverage as he struggles with spacing. Now add in all the immaturity concerns, to me seems like another Jaylon Smith. I want no part of Parsons.

-Big fan of both Farley/Surtain, but neither are elite, blue chip prospects at the position. Barmore is not worth a top 10 selection to me as I see him more as a interior, nickel rusher at this time. There is no doubt, if the team takes the best player available, it would be an offensive player. Early look appears not to be great defensive draft at the top, but good depth within the top 100. I think this screams trade down, especially having multiple needs to fill on the defensive side.

-Personally, I would love to trade back and hopefully, some of the prospects we have at 10 will be the same at 15-20, due to being offensive heavy at the top. It's funny, when we were picking at 4, we were looking at the same defensive players now at 10. I think this is the best path for success, but for me, still would be very hard trading away from either corner. Now if they cannot trade back and the corners are both gone, I'm fine handing in the card for Slater.

I’d be fine with a trade back, but that situation rarely manifests itself in reality. It does happen sometimes but that is fairly rare. Like you, I think some of the same players would be in play at pick 15.

As for Parsons, I’m torn on him and I have some of the same concerns as you. I naturally lean more towards a guy like Bolton who has proven LB instincts and a tangible grit to his game. However, he doesn’t have the size or athleticism that Parsons does.

Ultimately, I just end up shying away from picking a LB in the first round. I keep thinking that Surtain in the first, McNeil in the second and McGrone in the third will serve the Cowboys much better than Parsons at 10, Newsome in the second and Shelvin in the third.

 

[Malhavoc]

I agree. The best way for Dallas to go is to stick to their board... and that includes offense it the value leaned heavily in that direction. Offense at 10 or not, they’re still going to get a lot of defensive help in this draft.

And if the team could manage just one good free agent pickup on defense (read: not a bargain-bin addition), that would make a big difference and free up the 10th pick for the BPA.

I think a player that no one is talking about in round 1 is Moehrig. Jeremiah has him I believe as his #16 prospect. I think he’s a Day 1 starter at a position that might be the most important in Quinn’s defense along with DT. I can see him having a terrific workout where he times really well and moves further up draft boards.

 

[AsthmaField]

I think a player that no one is talking about in round 1 is Moehrig. Jeremiah has him I believe as his #16 prospect. I think he’s a Day 1 starter at a position that might be the most important in Quinn’s defense along with DT. I can see him having a terrific workout where he times really well and moves further up draft boards.

That very well could happen. I wonder if Dallas would pull the trigger on him though. I have difficulty seeing Dallas taking him at 10 although with Quinn here he might convince them that Moehrig is worth it.

Perhaps with a trade back in the first, they’d feel better taking a safety. They probably view spending 10th overall on a safety way differently than taking him at 18th overall.

But yeah, you’re right that Moehrig keeps climbing and even at this early point may already be out of reach of Dallas’ second round pick.

 

[Malhavoc]

That very well could happen. I wonder if Dallas would pull the trigger on him though. I have difficulty seeing Dallas taking him at 10 although with Quinn here he might convince them that Moehrig is worth it.

Perhaps with a trade back in the first, they’d feel better taking a safety. They probably view spending 10th overall on a safety way differently than taking him at 18th overall.

But yeah, you’re right that Moehrig keeps climbing and even at this early point may already be out of reach of Dallas’ second round pick.

I think there are a just a few elite talents in this draft. Once you get past them there are a lot of good football players. A lot of these guys could be bunched together from a grade standpoint. I think Moehrig is going to be a highly coveted player in this draft.