My initial pick 12 wish list

[CalPolyTechnique]

People say the draft isnt deep. I don't see that at all honesty. For me its lacks QB's, some OT and WR, but thats it. Very rich in DL talent. Particularly at DT. I got two DT's on my short list that I can see being 8-10 sack guys. I have 2 DE's that I could see being 12-15 sack guys, and one (Green) thats being left off because he will likely go in the 20's. To my eyes, thats a very good menu for whats called a weak draft. With that being, here is my wishlist

1: Derrick Harmon. DT , Oregon

Great size, athleticism and production. Had some of if not the best pass rush metrics in college ball. Also a very stout run defender. I think there is a strong possibility he goes top 10, but if he doesnt he is my top target. He will be a riser through the draft process
Reminds me of Muhammad Wilkerson


2: Mykel Williams. DE, Georgia

Williams is a guy you hope QB's get overvalued. If they do you have a chance. If not, he is long gone. Neck and neck with Harmon for my top spot. Dynamic edge rusher with all pro potential that plays the run about as well as he plays the pass

3: James Pearse. DE, Tennessee .

Another player that will be a riser. About 10-15 picks usually separate Williams from Pearse in most current mocks. I see that gap closing once media scouts get in sync with pro's. The biggest separator between the two is about 20 pounds that Pearse will eventually put on. Like Williams a dynamic edge rushee who plays the run about as well as he does the pass. The big difference is right now you probably dont want Pearse in on every run down until he add weight

4: Kelvin Banks. OT, Texas

God I hate having an OT here. However we do have questions about the future at the critical LT spot and Banks is absolutely a worthy prospect in this slot. Some people say he has a guards build, and maybe they arent wrong. But Banks is an OT that could play OG.

5: Walter Nolen. DT, Ole Miss

12 could seem high for him now, but I see him rising. Explosive and productive against both the pass and run. A pure 3T, reminds me a bit of Nnamdi Madubuike

6: Luther Burden. WR Missouri

Production suffered a bit this year due to QB play, but he is an incredibly gifted WR prospect. YAC monster with a HB build that moves like WR 10 pounds lighter. Threatens every level of the field. Has the talent of a #1 WR and could force some coverage away from Lamb

Big fan of Pearce (reminds me of Josh Allen) more than M. Williams. I do see him growing into a true DE, as he has the frame.

Not super high in Nolan.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I like Pearce more than M. Williams. I do see him growing into a true DE, as he has the frame.

Not super high in Nolan.

Pearse is about the same size as Lawrence was when we drafted him, and is similar in the way that he playes bigger than his size

 

[Hawkeye0202]

IMO you need to find that defensive tackle that can stop the run and pass, if you are taking one high.
Just a plugger, I don't see the value unless they are guaranteed to be the next Wilfork.

It's not just the DTs for the run defense. Parsons at edge is not a plus run stopper. Lawrence was out for most of the year. Lawson was never known as a plus run stopper. Kneeland was out a good amount too, and was a rook.
Overshown was great in coverage/in space but needed more time to be a run stopper.

Also, being down mulitple scores and getting run on due to fatigue, like the Eagles game, was our previous blueprint with a young Zeke/Murray. Only so much a defense can do before they break due to being on the field all day.

Good post John......all I'm saying is we are top 3 in sacks but 29th in run defense. I agree 100% that fixing it isn't just one player but several other factors but I don't see the need to spend prime resources in additional players for sacks.

 

[Mr_437]

There arent concerns IMO. I think people confuse skill set to play guard with better off at guard. He is definitely an NFL OT. Think Rashawn Slater

I tell you what Banks will play OSU (Sawyer, JT) to help test his effectiveness as a LT vs elite college competition, and Abdul Carter (the final boss) could be a matchup draftniks pop some popcorn for. But yeah, if he gets to go thru that bunch, no doubts will be left.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

My top four I would want.

Mason Graham
Travis Hunter
Abdul Carter
TMac

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Yea ........Stephen Jones said years ago.....he would never use a 1st on a 1-tech, so understand that. But I think we agree run defense is a top priority.

He did say that, however there was also a caveat to that...if they felt that player could also create some pass rush. They thought they would get that with Mazi and was part of the reason they wanted him to lose weight.

 

[Landryhat73]

Pearse is about the same size as Lawrence was when we drafted him, and is similar in the way that he playes bigger than his size

Pearce reminds me more of Gregory without the baggage then Lawrence. My concern is he only played a little more then half the defensive snaps at Tennessee.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Good post John......all I'm saying is we are top 3 in sacks but 29th in run defense. I agree 100% that fixing it isn't just one player but several other factors but I don't see the need to spend prime resources in additional players for sacks

Its not about sacks, its about building a defensive line strong against both the pass and run. We have good sacks numbers, but its also very hollow. We struggle against good lines, feast against poor lines and with our rush is absent without Parsons. Sacks dont tell the story of how we good they are against the pass as a unit at all

 

[John813]

Good post John......all I'm saying is we are top 3 in sacks but 29th in run defense. I agree 100% that fixing it isn't just one player but several other factors but I don't see the need to spend prime resources in additional players for sacks.

For sure. However I do see the value in always investing in the front 4, even if their primary goal isn't run stopping. Just got to hope that the player has shown a willingness to do the dirty work in terms of committing to stopping the run and not going for the sack
Especially when the contracts for very good to great DL is now over 20mil heading into the mid 30's for the upper echelon guys.

 

[Mr_437]

People say the draft isnt deep. I don't see that at all honesty. For me its lacks QB's, some OT and WR, but thats it. Very rich in DL talent. Particularly at DT. I got two DT's on my short list that I can see being 8-10 sack guys. I have 2 DE's that I could see being 12-15 sack guys, and one (Green) thats being left off because he will likely go in the 20's. To my eyes, thats a very good menu for whats called a weak draft. With that being, here is my wishlist

1: Derrick Harmon. DT , Oregon

Great size, athleticism and production. Had some of if not the best pass rush metrics in college ball. Also a very stout run defender. I think there is a strong possibility he goes top 10, but if he doesnt he is my top target. He will be a riser through the draft process
Reminds me of Muhammad Wilkerson


2: Mykel Williams. DE, Georgia

Williams is a guy you hope QB's get overvalued. If they do you have a chance. If not, he is long gone. Neck and neck with Harmon for my top spot. Dynamic edge rusher with all pro potential that plays the run about as well as he plays the pass

3: James Pearse. DE, Tennessee .

Another player that will be a riser. About 10-15 picks usually separate Williams from Pearse in most current mocks. I see that gap closing once media scouts get in sync with pro's. The biggest separator between the two is about 20 pounds that Pearse will eventually put on. Like Williams a dynamic edge rushee who plays the run about as well as he does the pass. The big difference is right now you probably dont want Pearse in on every run down until he add weight

4: Kelvin Banks. OT, Texas

God I hate having an OT here. However we do have questions about the future at the critical LT spot and Banks is absolutely a worthy prospect in this slot. Some people say he has a guards build, and maybe they arent wrong. But Banks is an OT that could play OG.

5: Walter Nolen. DT, Ole Miss

12 could seem high for him now, but I see him rising. Explosive and productive against both the pass and run. A pure 3T, reminds me a bit of Nnamdi Madubuike

6: Luther Burden. WR Missouri

Production suffered a bit this year due to QB play, but he is an incredibly gifted WR prospect. YAC monster with a HB build that moves like WR 10 pounds lighter. Threatens every level of the field. Has the talent of a #1 WR and could force some coverage away from Lamb

I like this because it's mostly trenches. If Mike Zimmer comes back as DC remember he likes having basically two NTs on the iDL. I think Harmon fits, at 6'5 315, this guy would be a 3T next to Mazi or an upgrade.

Sidenote: Is there a game or highlight of Williams that shows his skill set because I didn't see much from him granted I was skimming.

 

[Cowboyny]

People say the draft isnt deep. I don't see that at all honesty. For me its lacks QB's, some OT and WR, but thats it. Very rich in DL talent. Particularly at DT. I got two DT's on my short list that I can see being 8-10 sack guys. I have 2 DE's that I could see being 12-15 sack guys, and one (Green) thats being left off because he will likely go in the 20's. To my eyes, thats a very good menu for whats called a weak draft. With that being, here is my wishlist

1: Derrick Harmon. DT , Oregon

Great size, athleticism and production. Had some of if not the best pass rush metrics in college ball. Also a very stout run defender. I think there is a strong possibility he goes top 10, but if he doesnt he is my top target. He will be a riser through the draft process
Reminds me of Muhammad Wilkerson


2: Mykel Williams. DE, Georgia

Williams is a guy you hope QB's get overvalued. If they do you have a chance. If not, he is long gone. Neck and neck with Harmon for my top spot. Dynamic edge rusher with all pro potential that plays the run about as well as he plays the pass

3: James Pearse. DE, Tennessee .

Another player that will be a riser. About 10-15 picks usually separate Williams from Pearse in most current mocks. I see that gap closing once media scouts get in sync with pro's. The biggest separator between the two is about 20 pounds that Pearse will eventually put on. Like Williams a dynamic edge rushee who plays the run about as well as he does the pass. The big difference is right now you probably dont want Pearse in on every run down until he add weight

4: Kelvin Banks. OT, Texas

God I hate having an OT here. However we do have questions about the future at the critical LT spot and Banks is absolutely a worthy prospect in this slot. Some people say he has a guards build, and maybe they arent wrong. But Banks is an OT that could play OG.

5: Walter Nolen. DT, Ole Miss

12 could seem high for him now, but I see him rising. Explosive and productive against both the pass and run. A pure 3T, reminds me a bit of Nnamdi Madubuike

6: Luther Burden. WR Missouri

Production suffered a bit this year due to QB play, but he is an incredibly gifted WR prospect. YAC monster with a HB build that moves like WR 10 pounds lighter. Threatens every level of the field. Has the talent of a #1 WR and could force some coverage away from Lamb

My list with have Jeanty on it, at 12 to get the 2nd best player in the draft is too hard to pass up. I believe that is how the Cowboy Front Office will see it. His timed speed is his last hurdle.

Also, I am keeping a close eye on the top corners throughout the process as there is no guaranteed Diggs comes back next season.

 

[Cowboyny]

Harmon/Nolan are not starting over Mazi. No matter how much the board hates him. He is better than both right now. Plus his offseason in the weight room/offseason program will do wonders. They both would be solid rotation players. We probably can get that with our second round pick because of the tackle depth.

Pierce/Williams would not start over Sam Williams/Kneeland. Pierce would need to gain some weight. Williams (one of my favorites) needs to develop. Both could be rotation players but I don’t see year one studs.

The Cowboys need an X. Burden is more of a Z receiver.

Banks is the right guard today on our offensive line.

Not a bad list. I see where you are going. I hate the this draft. Not many first round players overall.

I think Harmon could compete to become the starting 3T if Osa departs.

 

[Cowboyny]

We need to fix the run defense, yes. But you go into the 12th pick of the draft with the idea of using it on a player specifically to fix the run defense. It has to be a well rounder or its a huge waste of resources

Harmon does have that pass rush potential and isn't just a run defender. I actually like him as a 3T over a 1, but he can play both.

 

[WillieBeamen]

U forgot Jeanty, OP

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Its not about sacks, its about building a defensive line strong against both the pass and run. We have good sacks numbers, but its also very hollow. We struggle against good lines, feast against poor lines and with our rush is absent without Parsons. Sacks dont tell the story of how we good they are against the pass as a unit at all

But you are what you are........ let's put it another way and reverse your post a bit.......sacks numbers are good but very hollow. So in reverse, we are a much better run defense team than 29th? This 29th-run defense isn't telling to whole picture?

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Just got to hope that the player has shown a willingness to do the dirty work in terms of committing to stopping the run and not going for the sack
Especially when the contracts for very good to great DL is now over 20mil heading into the mid 30's for the upper echelon guys.

 

[darthseinfeld]

My list with have Jeanty on it, at 12 to get the 2nd best player in the draft is too hard to pass up. I believe that is how the Cowboy Front Office will see it. His timed speed is his last hurdle.

Also, I am keeping a close eye on the top corners throughout the process as there is no guaranteed Diggs comes back next season.

I was tempted to include Johnson, but there is almost no chance he lasts to 12. I was even skeptical of putting Williams, but I think there is an outside chance of that

 

[Hawkeye0202]

He did say that, however there was also a caveat to that...if they felt that player could also create some pass rush. They thought they would get that with Mazi and was part of the reason they wanted him to lose weight.

Yep ......he was responding to a question about why had never used a high pick on DT since Russell Maryland.

This was 2018......but I'm sure I have read its years before this date
https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article202426344.html


The Dallas Cowboys have no plans to change their draft philosophy when it comes to run-stopping defensive tackles – don’t invest a first-round pick on them. Nose tackle isn’t a premium position in the Tampa 2 scheme that defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli runs. “If you’re talking about a pure nose, I don’t see that changing for us,” executive vice president Stephen Jones said on Tuesday from the NFL Scouting Combine. “I think we just feel like in Rod’s system that we can get the job done without a big, first-round nose, if that’s all he really is. Now, some of these guys might be more than a nose than you think. They could have some under tackle to them and you’re certainly looking at them if that’s the case. Obviously that under tackle position is a big one for us.”

Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article202426344.html#storylink=cpy

 

[darthseinfeld]

But you are what you are........ let's put it another way and reverse your post a bit.......sacks numbers are good but very hollow. So in reverse, we are a much better run defense team than 29th? This 29th-run defense isn't telling to whole picture?

To a point. Not good but maybe not 29th bad. They really struggled with running QB's, but as the season progressed they got better containing HB's, outside of Barkley and Irving

 

[Hawkeye0202]

My list with have Jeanty on it, at 12 to get the 2nd best player in the draft is too hard to pass up. I believe that is how the Cowboy Front Office will see it. His timed speed is his last hurdle.

Also, I am keeping a close eye on the top corners throughout the process as there is no guaranteed Diggs comes back next season.

PFF.........Jeanty is 99th percentile forced tackle attempt and 98th percentile run after contact. In fact, I read somewhere over 60% of his yards were after contact. What separates this kid from the pack is his ability to take it to the house on any carry.......similar to what we are seeing with Barkley. Something else hardly mentioned is his vision .........some actually compared it to Emmitt.