My draft rumblings...

[MrPhil]

Hmm. Good info!

FWIW, I was also told that the Steelers, Patriots and Green Bay have also been in contact with his high school coaches.

 

[Crown Royal]

I've had the feeling for some time that this draft will mirror the approach of the 2004 Draft. Where we trade back to the top of the 2nd round with the intention of targeting a RB. I could be completely wrong but it's just the vibe I've had during the entire draft process this year.

This 100%. About half the fans wanted Stephen Jackson (Gurley) and the other half wanted Kevin Smith (Gordon, although I think gordon >>> Smith). Both are there, everyone thinks it will PROBABLY be Jackson


and everyone's hopes and dreams are dashed.

 

[Crown Royal]

Out of curiousity @Risen Star, is there a scenario where we could get a solid 3T DT in the first and a good linebacker in the second?

I really want some more LB depth.

 

[xwalker]

I have another piece of advice. Don't pay attention to spreadsheeting YouTube scouts who tell you Justin Pugh can't play in the league.

So a guy that comes up with a list of 50 players that he has not seen in person refers to other people as youtube scouts...

 

[Risen Star]

So a guy that comes up with a list of 50 players that he has not seen in person refers to other people as youtube scouts...

And the person who can't tolerate a dissenting opinion called someone else a small child.

Go spreadsheet something, scout. Give me more of that Justin Pugh can't play in the league brilliance.

 

[Risen Star]

Out of curiousity @Risen Star, is there a scenario where we could get a solid 3T DT in the first and a good linebacker in the second?

I really want some more LB depth.

I do too. Of course I want to trade down at some point to get more picks but I never do that in a mock.

Who's the blue chip 3 tech prospect projected for the bottom of the first round? I don't know of any.

 

[Zekeats]

Well, you're making progress. Take a break. Get some rest. We'll try to do more tomorrow.

Gave it another shot before bedtime and I am stuck at 18.......will keep trying in the morning. Night

 

[Crown Royal]

I do too. Of course I want to trade down at some point to get more picks but I never do that in a mock.

Who's the blue chip 3 tech prospect projected for the bottom of the first round? I don't know of any.

Oh I don't know. I just feel a little less need to grab an edge rusher in the first if I could trade down and parlay number 27 into an extra in the top 100. I'm not a draftnick so I wouldn't know. I don't know much about the player you mention.

 

[waving monkey]

Randy Gregory was taken off the board.

Top 50
1.. Leonard Williams DE USC
2.. Amari Cooper WR Alabama
3.. Todd Gurley RB Georgia
4.. Danny Shelton DT Washington
5.. Jameis Winston QB Florida St.

6.. Brandon Scherff T Iowa
7.. Dante Fowler DE Florida
8.. Kevin White WR West Virginia
9.. La'el Collins T LSU
10. DeVante Parker WR Louisville

11. Vic Beasley OLB Clemson
12. Malcom Brown DT Texas
13. Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
14. Ereck Flowers T Miami
15. Landon Collins S Alabama

16. Cameron Erving C Florida St.
17. Eddie Goldman DT Florida St.
18. Shane Ray OLB Missouri
19. T.J. Clemmings T Pittsburgh
20. Jaelen Strong WR Arizona St.

21. Trae Waynes CB Michigan St.
22. Andrus Peat T Stanford
23. Maxx Williams TE Minnesota
24. Melvin Gordon RB Wisconsin
25. Eli Harold OLB Virginia

26. Marcus Peters CB Washington
27. Byron Jones CB Connecticut
28. Cedric Ogbuehi T Texas A&M
29. Kevin Johnson CB Wake Forest
30. Breshad Perriman WR UCF

31. Stephone Anthony ILB Clemson
32. Phillip Dorsett WR Miami
33. Ronald Darby CB Florida St.
34. Bud Dupree OLB Kentucky
35. Denzel Perryman ILB Miami

36. Dorial Green-Beckham WR Oklahoma
37. Preston Smith DE Mississippi St.
38. A.J. Cann G South Carolina
39. Grady Jarrett DT Clemson
40. Jalen Collins CB LSU

41. Ameer Abdullah RB Nebraska
42. Eric Kendricks ILB UCLA
43. Benardrick McKinney ILB Mississippi St.
44. Carl Davis DT Iowa
45. Tevin Coleman RB Indiana

46. Tre Jackson G Florida St.
47. D.J. Humphries T Florida
48. Owamagbe Odighizuwa DE UCLA
49. Shaq Thompson OLB Washington
50. Devin Smith WR Ohio St.

Just Missed - Hau'oli Kikaha OLB Washington, Michael Bennett DT Ohio St., Jake Fisher T Oregon, Trey Flowers DE Arkansas, Laken Tomlinson G Duke, Eric Rowe CB Utah.

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Pet Cats
Amari Cooper WR Alabama
Todd Gurley RB Georgia
Danny Shelton DT Washington
Brandon Sherff T Iowa
La'el Collins T LSU
Eli Harold OLB Virginia
Stephone Anthony ILB Clemson
Phillip Dorsett WR Miami
Ronald Darby CB Florida St.
Grady Jarrett DT Clemson
Za'Darius Smith DE Kentucky
Kwon Alexander OLB LSU
Lorenzo Mauldin OLB Louisville
Duke Johnson RB Miami
Anthony Chickillo DE Miami
Jeremy Langford RB Michigan St.
Charles Gaines CB Georgia
Jaquiski Tartt S Samford
Rob Havenstein T Wisconsin
Senquez Golson CB Mississippi
Antoine Everett G McNeese St.
JaCorey Shepherd CB Kansas
Corey Robinson T South Carolina

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Mock Draft
Once again I made several trades for various picks then traded those picks for my original selections.

1(27) Eli Harold OLB Virginia - Played in a 3-4 but was most productive as a down DE. We selected Travis Frederick as the "last of the Mohicans" of blue chip offensive linemen prospects in 2013. I envision Harold to be that this year for edge rushers. There are probably other options for this pick to get more production year one but none, IMO, have the potential pay off down the road. The longevity of Hardy is an unknown. We need pass rushers in the pipeline.

2(60) Grady Jarrett DT Clemson - He's about as plug and play at they come at this position. Team leader, penetrator and perfect scheme fit. Bowling ball and glue of the defense.

3(91) Duke Johnson RB Miami - Some say he can't be a feature back. Some say he can. Obviously I fall with the latter. The durability questions are legitimate but Duke is just too smooth, explosive, productive and too much of a fit for this offense to pass up at the bottom of round 3 should he be there.

4(127) Jaquiski Tartt S Samford - Possibly the 2nd best safety in this class. A bit under the radar as a Samford product. Played FS and nickel CB and did it last year with a shoulder injury he had surgery on after the season. Plus we could give him the nickname "Re", stick it between his first and last name and watch this board blow up again.

5(163) JaCorey Shepherd CB Kansas - Cowboys connection with Dave Campo. Former wideout who hasn't been able to post workout numbers because of a lingering hamstring issue. Work in progress but he's got the most important attribute for a cornerback - ball skills.

7(236) DeAndre Smelter WR Georgia Tech - Between the QB situation there and tearing his ACL late in the year, he's carrying a barely draftable grade. Has great size and had a pretty productive senior year all things considered.

7(243) Sean Donnelly T Tulane - Developmental swing tackle. Will need a year in an NFL S&C program. The tools are there to possibly play both sides of the line.


-

No matter what I mocked, I was going to fail to address holes. I would have liked to have added a LB (I drafted Harold as a DE). Addressing WR before the 7th round would have been nice too. I also would have loved to have traded down at some point or two and accumulate more picks but I don't think you can realistically do that in a mock.

My first rough draft of this mock had Todd Gurley at 27. I was clinging to the man's pant leg but now it's just not realistic to think he'll last that long. This guy is a top 5 overall talent in this class. Man, I wanted to add him to an offense with Dez Bryant. Now he'll get drafted by another team and I will hate him for his entire career. What kind of last name is Gurley anyway? Pansy.

As an aside, with Gurley at 27, Duke Johnson would have turned into Lorenzo Mauldin. Love the player.

I've had the feeling for some time that this draft will mirror the approach of the 2004 Draft. Where we trade back to the top of the 2nd round with the intention of targeting a RB. I could be completely wrong but it's just the vibe I've had during the entire draft process this year.

Just stockpile talent, Cowboys. Don't fixate on need. You don't need a complete team to win anymore. Upgrade the talent base of the overall roster. If the opportunity's there to create a ridiculous 1-2 at WR, do it. If there's a dominant offensive lineman that can just take this line to another level, take that guy. Keep your mind open to any and all positions (except CB) and let the board dictate the outcome.

I believe the Eagles will end up with Marcus Mariota and I don't know how I feel about it. I think they trade Bradford to Cleveland as part of a package that nets them both of the Browns' 1st round picks and use those picks and others in future years, maybe even some players like Cox and/or Kendricks, to get up to 2 for Mariota. On one hand, he's the perfect QB for the head coach and his system. He even has a history with him. This could be big for them and no price is too much for a franchise QB. On the other hand, they will have to invest a ton to get into the position to draft him and all QBs come with some bust potential. A huge investment on a bust QB really sets a franchise back, both in compensation and time invested in that player. Also, if this doesn't work and Chip bolts town, the Eagles are stuck with a guy who may not have the skill set to transition to a more traditional pro offense. High risk, high reward. I'll be scared.

If anyone is willing to take one piece of advice from me, someone who has recordings of every draft since the early 90's, let me say this. Do not get tunnel vision on that small handful of players you've talked about constantly the last few months. Chances are the Cowboys will not draft your guy. Instead, take an independent look (not team propaganda from the team website or fans) and see if the Cowboys got value with their picks. See if these additions make sense where they selected them. The older crowd already know this. The young bucks can get sucked into thinking it's a draft class of a half dozen players or so.

No trade ups in the first round. No more than 1 CB in the class and I would love to acquire the last pick in the draft for that selection as the most true Mr. Irrelevant in draft history. But alas, it's a compensatory pick. Do the right thing, Arizona.

I'll be in and out on here during the three days. I can't follow the draft chatter thread much anymore as picks tend to get leaked before they're actually announced. I don't like that. I like that moment of suspense before throwing my remote in disgust and Mom telling me to keep it down down there.

Exactly 96 hours from right now. Can't wait.

Thanks RS I know your a legit draftnik and it's interesting to see your product and process

 

[Risen Star]

Thanks RS I know your a legit draftnik abd it's interesting to see your product and process

I don't think my opinion is any better than anyone else who takes the time to follow it all.

 

[Macnalty]

I don't think my opinion is any better than anyone else who takes the time to follow it all.

Did I miss the email about a crown being given at the end of the draft? Is the same size as the winner of the tallest man at the little persons convention.

I so agree like many of us that your opinion is no better than anyone elses. Confidence in that opinion separates you. Your disdain for youtube is untenable in a fan based forum and year 2015.
Walker who takes time to organize his thoughts and data is oh so valuable to many like myself who find it overwhelming for three months to drink from this firehose we call the college draft. With Walkers insight along with TM119, RS12, Marchetta,Waving Monkey,Biggems, Brainpaint, Jobberone, Beast from the East, Michael Winciki, idgit, Doomsday101, Chris in AZ, theogt, Asthmafield, percy and many others, outliers are identified and exposed as talent or poor fit. There is a wisdom in crowds and groupthink. I daily look forward to each and every opinion whether I agree or not, These zoners have taken the same time and effort to offer a relevant opinion. We have a nice group of talent evaluators and the level of expertise(expert) as it pertains to the Cowboys is not available anywhere else. Go cowboys...

 

[xwalker]

And the person who can't tolerate a dissenting opinion called someone else a small child.

Go spreadsheet something, scout. Give me more of that Justin Pugh can't play in the league brilliance.

I said Pugh should be a Guard. There are rumors that the Giants would like to move him to Guard.

Last season Pugh struggled with the great George Selvie. Not really a ringing endorsement of a mid-first round pick.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Well...

Maybe we can focus on the event starting in just a couple of days.

I appreciate the time and effort EVERYONE brings to the table when it comes to discussing the NFL Draft.

Some do things one way, some do them another, but I always appreciate the sharing of thoughts, ideas and opinions even if mine do not always mesh.

Props to everyone that contributes to this part of the forum at some level.

 

[DBOY3141]

I do too. Of course I want to trade down at some point to get more picks but I never do that in a mock.

Who's the blue chip 3 tech prospect projected for the bottom of the first round? I don't know of any.

Folks may not like to hear this, but I think Mario Edwards Jr could be that guy. He was on last night with Pat Kirwan and they were talking about teams he has worked out for and he said Cowboys. Kirwan said Rod likes those fast 280LB 3 tech guys. Edwards said Lett worked him out. Said he could be a DE and move down to DT and play the 3.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Folks may not like to hear this, but I think Mario Edwards Jr could be that guy. He was on last night with Pat Kirwan and they were talking about teams he has worked out for and he said Cowboys. Kirwan said Rod likes those fast 280LB 3 tech guys. Edwards said Lett worked him out. Said he could be a DE and move down to DT and play the 3.

The trouble I have with MEjr. is that his production doesn't match his athleticism. He doesn't seem to accomplish a whole lot with his skill set. He'd be worth a shot in the 3rd round, but before that I'd have a lot of reservations drafting him. I think his best position is the #3. I don't see him being a 4-3 DE at all... He doesn't have enough burst.

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

I have a dirty little secret: I'm fascinated by the sniping that goes on between Risen and xwalker. Both among the most influential (and best) posters on these boards, in my opinion, but somehow always at each other's throats. A bit like watching two of the big dogs on the block fight for neighbourhood supremacy.

I feel a bit guilty taking such interest in your sparring, gents. That said, I'm not sure I'd want to see it end. (Sorry.)

 

[VACowboy]

I have a dirty little secret: I'm fascinated by the sniping that goes on between Risen and xwalker. Both among the most influential (and best) posters on these boards, in my opinion, but somehow always at each other's throats. A bit like watching two of the big dogs on the block fight for neighbourhood supremacy.

I feel a bit guilty taking such interest in your sparring, gents. That said, I'm not sure I'd want to see it end. (Sorry.)

Who's Kiper and who's McShay?

Seriously, though, I love reading the stuff you guys post.

(I like reading what everyone has to say, actually.)

 

[DBOY3141]

The trouble I have with MEjr. is that his production doesn't match his athleticism. He doesn't seem to accomplish a whole lot with his skill set. He'd be worth a shot in the 3rd round, but before that I'd have a lot of reservations drafting him. I think his best position is the #3. I don't see him being a 4-3 DE at all... He doesn't have enough burst.

He is an interesting player, great athlete but it doesn't always transfer to the field.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

He is an interesting player, great athlete but it doesn't always transfer to the field.

Agreed.

 

[Oh_Canada]

What's with cb hatred? You cannot win in the NFL without good corner play.