NFL Nation Mock

[big dog cowboy]

He’s more then that though.

He’s more offensive weapon than just tailback.

We realistically need a quarterback but we aren’t getting a legit QB.

 

[baltcowboy]

Over every other position?

Where will this corner play this year? Would he be the 4th CB? 5th? How many do we need to where you guys finally are at least hoping for a DT?

A guy like Brents or one of the the South Carolina corners would be better value then a defensive tackle. I would love to have Mazi Smith or Benten but they are not making it to 58. All of our corners will be free agents but Bland, Joseph, and Wright. Even that secondary would scare you let alone the Joneses.

 

[morasp]

I wouldn't be mad if that's who they pick. He's ranked right above 26 at 23-25 with a comp of Randy Gregory. His production slipped a little when they went to a three man front but he's a freak athlete.

This has been posted before but here ii is for reference:

Overview
McDonald is an explosive, pliable edge talent whose active hands and eager feet make it hard for tackles to get a firm grip on him. His burst and lower-body flexion give him an advantage at the top of the rush, while his spin moves and feel for pocket depth round out his attack. He has good strength for his size and plays with admirable contact balance against bigger players, but setting firm edges and holding his ground against a downhill running attack could be an issue. Overall, McDonald’s hard-nosed demeanor and pass-rush talent are winning play traits that will help him become a successful 3-4 outside linebacker and sack artist.
Strengths

• Explosive athlete with long arms.
• Uses well-timed hands and length to stick and separate from blockers.
• Creativity in getting off the block and into the play flow.
• Pursues targets with impressive change-of-direction quickness.
• Fires out and races to the top of the rush arc.
• Ankle flexion and hip strength to rip, bend and drive through redirection.
• Rushes to the depth of the pocket and works back underneath.
• Spin move is reminiscent of Dwight Freeney’s coming out of Syracuse.

Weaknesses

• Lean through waist, hips and thighs.
• Strong but lacking NFL mass at point of attack.
• Inconsistent to maintain positioning as run defender.
• Less pursuit burst than expected in short spaces.
• Grabby tackler lacking boom behind his pads.
• Displays below average power in rush hands.
• Average conversion of speed to power.

Sources Tell Us

“He’s going to put up big workout numbers and be one of the buzziest prospects headed into April once the media catches up on him.” -- Personnel executive for NFC team

 

[reddyuta]

imo he is going to go before 26.he is better than Van Ness as a pass rusher.

 

[Western]

The most important vital area on the field is the pocket -- collapsing the pocket, protecting the pocket (which includes a power running game), & throwing from the pocket.
Any 1st round talent/player that can elevate those areas for a team is worthy of 1st round selection.

At least Archer did not select a freakin' CB.

McDonald is deserving of that selection, however.

 

[J-man]

DE, ok I can see that. But I'd say it's a bit shocking that Van Ness and Murphy were still on the board and they took McD instead. I question if he's ranked higher than them on anyone's board.

 

[CATCH17]

DE, ok I can see that. But I'd say it's a bit shocking that Van Ness and Murphy were still on the board and they took McD instead. I question if he's ranked higher than them on anyone's board.

I haven’t watched any of Murphy but McDonald’s legit. Like high high upside.

I just don’t think he’s the difference between winning and losing a game like San Fran last year when we desperately needed someone that would be easy to get the ball to that could make a play since our QB went deer in the headlights mode.

 

[Flamma]

I like McDonald. I'd be perfectly happy with that pick. But if he's not there?

I don't think the Cowboys are going OL two years in a row. I hope they don't pass up on a good OL because of that. I'm not saying one will be there. Only if one drops to us.

 

[reddyuta]

DE, ok I can see that. But I'd say it's a bit shocking that Van Ness and Murphy were still on the board and they took McD instead. I question if he's ranked higher than them on anyone's board.

Van Ness is overrated.I will take Murphy but i am not a fan of Clemson guys.

 

[J-man]

I haven’t watched any of Murphy but McDonald’s legit. Like high high upside.

I just don’t think he’s the difference between winning and losing a game like San Fran last year when we desperately needed someone that would be easy to get the ball to that could make a play since our QB went deer in the headlights mode.

yeah I get what people see in him and think he can be disruptive, but I question whether or not he will be able to do that against NFL OTs consistently, if he can be a run stopper at all and if his body can hold up against those same OTs. That's why I wonder if they'd pass on Van Ness or Murphy for him.

I'm with you on needing a play maker on offense. But I think they would rather look at WR and TE early. Unless it's Robinson I'm not sure they will add a RB until the mid rds at earliest.

 

[Pass2Run]

I’m pretty much okay (or can rationalize) with almost anyone at #26 besides Q. Johnston or Kancey.

Johnston would be amazing on this team.

Kancey is a wildcard, but I can see them liking him as well.

 

[Pass2Run]

I haven’t watched any of Murphy but McDonald’s legit. Like high high upside.

I just don’t think he’s the difference between winning and losing a game like San Fran last year when we desperately needed someone that would be easy to get the ball to that could make a play since our QB went deer in the headlights mode.

Right.

The players I'm leaning towards are Flowers and Johnston....but I think Flowers is the first WR off the board.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

One of my least-favorite possibilities at 26. Just so little to separate him from some of the guys projected to go later, and little room for physical development.

 

[Carson]

One of my least-favorite possibilities at 26. Just so little to separate him from some of the guys projected to go later, and little room for physical development.

He played outstanding in a crap scheme.

But he is 24 so he likely will be maxed out in a year or two physicality wise

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

He played outstanding in a crap scheme.

But he is 24 so he likely will be maxed out in a year or two physicality wise

Terrific college player, I'm not debating that. But he's Vic Beasley. There's a ceiling there, and it's not a terrible pick if he hits it right away and can maintain for a few years, but that just seems really unlikely.

Even if he does, it's going to be difficult to make him a franchise type of player when he's going to get his second contract at 30 years old.

 

[stilltheguru]

Terrific college player, I'm not debating that. But he's Vic Beasley. There's a ceiling there, and it's not a terrible pick if he hits it right away and can maintain for a few years, but that just seems really unlikely.

Even if he does, it's going to be difficult to make him a franchise type of player when he's going to get his second contract at 30 years old.

You basically are describing randy Gregory. The guy fans were whining about not resigning. He turned 30 last year. And Gregory got bigger so why can McDonald?

 

[HungryLion]

If the Cowboys draft a cornerback at any point during the first two days I will look at it like they forfeited the pick.

Draft a CB.

Give them a lifetime gift certificate to old country buffet and convert them to DT

 

[Stash]

As far as defensive players go, he's one of the better options.

But I really am hoping for some help on offense.

That’s why I don’t think it will be defense.

The offense has the bigger needs.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

You basically are describing randy Gregory. The guy fans were whining about not resigning. He turned 30 last year. And Gregory got bigger so why can McDonald?

Gregory wasn't a first-round pick and was a year younger. He also played with much power than McDonald. That said - for a number of reasons - Gregory has never shown production as a first-round edge player.

McDonald can get bigger, but he wins with speed. Whether he can add that weight and still win with speed against NFL edges is a major question.

 

[stilltheguru]

Gregory wasn't a first-round pick and was a year younger. He also played with much power than McDonald. That said - for a number of reasons - Gregory has never shown production as a first-round edge player.

McDonald can get bigger, but he wins with speed. Whether he can add that weight and still win with speed against NFL edges is a major question.

You're being disingenuous so ima go ahead and let you cook. You got it