NFC East Draft Watch - ESPN Mosley

[Bluestang]

I had a chance to visit with owner Jerry Jones on ESPN 103.3 in Dallas-Fort Worth on Tuesday and he made it pretty clear that he's not feeling pressure to fill any certain positions. In some ways, the Cowboys will be rolling out two draft classes in 2010. The '09 class was taken out by a wide variety of injuries, so Jones is anxious to see how some of those players respond. Jones didn't confirm this, but I've been told that the scouting department is taking a long look at the safety position with the No. 27 pick overall. The organization is disappointed in the play of Ken Hamlin and it's time to start looking for his eventual replacement. Alan Ball has looked good at times, but I'm not sure he's ready for full-time duty. The Cowboys also would like to add depth along the offensive line. Doug Free emerged as a solid contributor in '09, but the team needs to continue drafting and developing young linemen. I'm not sure where the Cowboys will find a place-kicker, but it's certainly a major need. In fact, it's probably their biggest need heading into the 2010 season.


Sounds pretty interesting since most guys here believe we are drafting an OL with the first pick. I tend to agree with the crowd that wants a playmaking safety. Hamlin has been unimpressive the last two seasons and if this D could generate more takeaways and give the O shorter fields our scoring stats will be higher. Sensabaugh has got speed/cover skills IMO and did well overall this year despite the Minny game. Let's also not forget that he played with a cast this season that cost him a few picks, played in a new defensive scheme, and with new DB/secondary coach.

I also have a feeling that Jerry might do a trade in the draft.

 

[NeonDeion21]

I wonder which safety they really like. Most likely Mays and Thomas will be gone by 27.

 

[Woods]

I wonder which safety they really like. Most likely Mays and Thomas will be gone by 27.

N Allen?

though 27 could be a bit high for him.

it's all speculation anyway. i'm sure the cowboys are looking at several positions at 27. my best guess: OL, S, and possibly ILB and DL.

i don't think jj would want to spend first round money at the wr position after having to pay austin and with r williams on the roster.

clearly, we're set at rb, te, and qb with respect to first round picks.

 

[Coakleys Dad]

Its nice to have the luxury of depth at some positions so we can draft to need.

 

[Bluestang]

N Allen?

though 27 could be a bit high for him.

it's all speculation anyway. i'm sure the cowboys are looking at several positions at 27. my best guess: OL, S, and possibly ILB and DL.

i don't think jj would want to spend first round money at the wr position after having to pay austin and with r williams on the roster.

clearly, we're set at rb, te, and qb with respect to first round picks.

Allen has good cover/speed skills and Phillips and Campo definitely know how to coach those USF guys.

 

[AmishCowboy]

Allen has good cover/speed skills and Phillips and Campo definitely know how to coach those USF guys.

If we do this we better hit the O-Line with the next pick.

 

[Bluestang]

Here's the scouting report on Allen:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1253944

Judging by what it says he may be what Phillips is looking for. I nearly fell out of my seat when I read this because despite a few technique issues this is the guy that could make the secondary elite:



Read & React: Comes downhill to attack tight ends between the linebackers. Reacts quickly when a corner is in trouble and has the speed to catch free receivers from the opposite hash. A step slow to pick up misdirection and bootlegs but recovers nicely; still typically makes the play a few yards downfield.
Man Coverage: Good straight-line speed and fair change of direction abilities, but struggles to stay with receivers downfield when lining up in the slot, as you would expect from a safety. Slow, high, choppy backpedal. Should match up well against NFL tight ends in the flat.
Zone Coverage: Good range to get from the hash to the sideline on deep throws. Good height and vertical to win jump balls. Solid last line of defense, bringing his hips to stop receivers in their tracks. Will pound a receiver over the middle. Will take incorrect angles to the sideline at times, relying on his speed too often. Makes quarterbacks pay for underthrown balls, stepping in to make the interception more often than not.
Closing/Recovery: Will get to the ball when it's in the air, knocking the receiver or the ball to the ground. Doesn't always take correct angles when the play is in front of him, but has the speed to recover - preventing a big play from becoming huge.
Run Support: When allowed to attack the line, Allen is an explosive, reliable in-the-box tackler. Good last line of defense to prevent breakaway runs. Will add himself to the pile and push back the runner to prevent the extra yard. Not physical enough to get off tight end blocks on the edge. Gets sucked in too far on runs, failing to keep the runner from getting the sideline.
Tackling: Generally a secure tackler in the secondary. Gives good effort, and many times is the second man in on a tackle. Gets frozen and loses battles against elusive running backs in the open field. Played a lot of deep Cover-2, and played behind an active front seven - leading to fewer opportunities for tackles in 2008. Aggressiveness and secure tackling; will be a solid special teams player at the next level.
Intangibles: Very good student. Sets the defense on the field. Loves the game; works hard on and off the field to improve. NFL Comparison: Brodney Pool, Browns

 

[TheSport78]

I wouldn't be surprised if we traded up to draft Earl Thomas. There aren't many open spots on this roster so if a player Dallas covets is 4-8 slots away, they should move up to select him.

 

[ShiningStar]

I wouldn't be surprised if we traded up to draft Earl Thomas. There aren't many open spots on this roster so if a player Dallas covets is 4-8 slots away, they should move up to select him.

exatly, make this draft about getting those 1 or 2 guys who can make a difference.

 

[TheSport78]

exatly, make this draft about getting those 1 or 2 guys who can make a difference.

No doubt and Thomas is so versatile. He could slide into corner if necessary also. Ball has done a nice job in his role but he is a restricted free agent so the Cowboys need to cover themselves. We need one of those "wow" players that Jerry has talked about before. The bottom line is, Hamlin isn't making any big plays, and for the 2nd consecutive year we have finished in the bottom 5 in INT's.

 

[the truth of it all]

i hope they would go bpa, But if there is a safety or a linemen there that we cannot pass up i hope we go that route..

The cowboys drafting has flat out impressed the heck out of me since parcells came in and changed things up. I really really hope jones keeps this scouting staff together for many more years.

edit: no idea Thomas was coming out at UT. I have a bad feeling he will soar after combine and proday similar to Huff a few years back.

 

[Gzus]

I wonder which safety they really like. Most likely Mays and Thomas will be gone by 27.

Mays could drop to us @ 27 depending on how he does at his Pro Day and Combine. The guy didn't look too amazing @ the Senior Bowl, but he could do well with some good defensive coaching. I wish we could move up to snag Eric Berry, but I'm just dreaming

 

[AustnIsMySaviour]

don't be surprised if there targeting a guy like chad jones in the 1st either. That my be to early for those guys but they def won't be there in the 2nd.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Halt!

Theo assured us that Hamlin locked down in coverage!

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Mosley didn't say that he (or maybe it was Galloway) asked Jerry what position they would be taking in the first and he said he couldn't possibly know that at this point because the players aren't even all graded and ranked yet. Like Jerry said, we haven't even had the combine yet.

This defense was one of the best in the NFL last year. To act like any player on it was terrible -- including Hamlin -- is pretty silly.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Mosley didn't say that he (or maybe it was Galloway) asked Jerry what position they would be taking in the first and he said he couldn't possibly know that at this point because the players aren't even all graded and ranked yet. Like Jerry said, we haven't even had the combine yet.

This defense was one of the best in the NFL last year. To act like any player on it was terrible -- including Hamlin -- is pretty silly.

He can gleam from the staff that Hamlin was a disappointment however.

 

[gmoney112]

Halt!

Theo assured us that Hamlin locked down in coverage!

 

[big dog cowboy]

I also have a feeling that Jerry might do a trade in the draft.

Boy that is really going out on a limb.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Mays? I hope not... Roy L. Williams part 2.

 

[Fletch]

i hope they would go bpa, But if there is a safety or a linemen there that we cannot pass up i hope we go that route..

The cowboys drafting has flat out impressed the heck out of me since parcells came in and changed things up. I really really hope jones keeps this scouting staff together for many more years.

edit: no idea Thomas was coming out at UT. I have a bad feeling he will soar after combine and proday similar to Huff a few years back.

Thomas could be a top 10 pick or just outside the top ten. Jerry will really have to move up to get him. I doubt he'll want to do that. I just hope Jerry stays in the first round and doesn't try to get fancy by dropping back to the 2nd.