Hot_Toddy
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I compared the list of NFL practice squad players along with the Cowboys draft board from BTB (link below) and then added quick pre-draft scouting from NFL.com.
There are only 3 players from the Cowboys Draft Board on current practice squads. After a bit of research, it seems that there were log-jams at their positions during roster cut-downs and then added to the practice squads.
I'm not saying we should raid other teams practice squads just yet, as they would have to be signed to the 53. Just thought I'd throw this out there with the Will Allen Cut and the unknowns with Ratliff's injury etc.
What are your thoughts/knowledge on these players? Could any be situational players? Perhaps groomed throughout the season? Special Teams? etc. etc.?
Throwing it out for discussion....
DT Everett Dawkins (Vikings practice squad) - 3rd round on Cowboys draft board - Drafted by the Vikings in the 7th
Strengths
Quick, penetrating defensive tackle with an explosive first step. Good hustle as a pass rusher, trying to shed even when his initial move doesn’t work. Low center of gravity helps him get under the pads of blockers to push them into the backfield. His quick feet give him the first step to be effective and the agility to burst past his man and adjust to mobile quarterbacks trying to avoid him within the pocket. Slippery, and has a nice inside swim and outside rip move. Active in pursuit from the backside. Feels pressure well, and re-directs when his initial stunt takes him away from the ball.
Weaknesses
Plays a bit out of control at times, getting into the body of his opponent and getting taken out of plays, or ending up on the ground when trying to out-quick his man. Does not have elite size or strength to get through better linemen once they are anchored – which could also cause him issues standing up to NFL offensive linemen on a down-by-down basis as a starter. Poor pad level prevents him from being able to get under offensive lineman’s pads. Does a good job re-directing with his spin move, but gets overly reliant on it once its successful. Gets overpowered often at the point of attack and pad level causes him to struggle against base blocks and double teams.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/everett-dawkins?id=2539225
WR Tavarres King (Broncos practice squad) 6th round on Cowboys draft board - Drafted by the Broncos in the 5th
Strengths
Possesses the quickness off the line that helps him shake off press and fly by cornerbacks playing off-coverage. As a vertical threat, he can track the ball over either shoulder and grab the ball with his hands near his head. He also has elusiveness after the catch to free himself after a hitch route. The work on his upper body has paid off, as he can play through physical corners to get inside position when needed. Extremely fluid route runner, plays with tremendous balance and body control.
Weaknesses
Doesn't have ideal bulk. Dropped passes have been an issue for King during his career, and he doesn’t always find the ball in the air or go up to high-point passes downfield. Though he is quick and elusive, he’ll out-juke himself trying to make defenders miss in the open field. While is capable of making a block outside on quick screens, King also doesn’t offer consistent physicality.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/tavarres-king?id=2539235
SS Keelan Johnson (Eagles practice squad) 5th round on Cowboys draft board - UFA by the dolphins, amongst the roster cuts and picked up by Eagles.
In 2008, Johnson took a redshirt, and spent the year playing with the scout team. The following year, he played in all 12 games, and had one start. He had 11 tackles on the year. Prior to the 2010 campaign, Johnson earned the Hard Hat player recognition for his work in ASU's offseason strength and conditioning program. On the year, he had two starts, 22 tackles, and one interception. In 2011, Johnson played in all 13 games and had three starts. He tallied 48 tackles, 1 sack, and two interceptions on the year. In his redshirt senior year, Johnson finished second on the team with 88 total tackles, and led the team with five interceptions and 13 passes defensed. He was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/keelan-johnson?id=2540285
Draft board courtesy of bloggingtheboys.com: http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2013...ft-board-leaked-almost-complete-7-round-board
There are only 3 players from the Cowboys Draft Board on current practice squads. After a bit of research, it seems that there were log-jams at their positions during roster cut-downs and then added to the practice squads.
I'm not saying we should raid other teams practice squads just yet, as they would have to be signed to the 53. Just thought I'd throw this out there with the Will Allen Cut and the unknowns with Ratliff's injury etc.
What are your thoughts/knowledge on these players? Could any be situational players? Perhaps groomed throughout the season? Special Teams? etc. etc.?
Throwing it out for discussion....
DT Everett Dawkins (Vikings practice squad) - 3rd round on Cowboys draft board - Drafted by the Vikings in the 7th
Strengths
Quick, penetrating defensive tackle with an explosive first step. Good hustle as a pass rusher, trying to shed even when his initial move doesn’t work. Low center of gravity helps him get under the pads of blockers to push them into the backfield. His quick feet give him the first step to be effective and the agility to burst past his man and adjust to mobile quarterbacks trying to avoid him within the pocket. Slippery, and has a nice inside swim and outside rip move. Active in pursuit from the backside. Feels pressure well, and re-directs when his initial stunt takes him away from the ball.
Weaknesses
Plays a bit out of control at times, getting into the body of his opponent and getting taken out of plays, or ending up on the ground when trying to out-quick his man. Does not have elite size or strength to get through better linemen once they are anchored – which could also cause him issues standing up to NFL offensive linemen on a down-by-down basis as a starter. Poor pad level prevents him from being able to get under offensive lineman’s pads. Does a good job re-directing with his spin move, but gets overly reliant on it once its successful. Gets overpowered often at the point of attack and pad level causes him to struggle against base blocks and double teams.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/everett-dawkins?id=2539225
WR Tavarres King (Broncos practice squad) 6th round on Cowboys draft board - Drafted by the Broncos in the 5th
Strengths
Possesses the quickness off the line that helps him shake off press and fly by cornerbacks playing off-coverage. As a vertical threat, he can track the ball over either shoulder and grab the ball with his hands near his head. He also has elusiveness after the catch to free himself after a hitch route. The work on his upper body has paid off, as he can play through physical corners to get inside position when needed. Extremely fluid route runner, plays with tremendous balance and body control.
Weaknesses
Doesn't have ideal bulk. Dropped passes have been an issue for King during his career, and he doesn’t always find the ball in the air or go up to high-point passes downfield. Though he is quick and elusive, he’ll out-juke himself trying to make defenders miss in the open field. While is capable of making a block outside on quick screens, King also doesn’t offer consistent physicality.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/tavarres-king?id=2539235
SS Keelan Johnson (Eagles practice squad) 5th round on Cowboys draft board - UFA by the dolphins, amongst the roster cuts and picked up by Eagles.
In 2008, Johnson took a redshirt, and spent the year playing with the scout team. The following year, he played in all 12 games, and had one start. He had 11 tackles on the year. Prior to the 2010 campaign, Johnson earned the Hard Hat player recognition for his work in ASU's offseason strength and conditioning program. On the year, he had two starts, 22 tackles, and one interception. In 2011, Johnson played in all 13 games and had three starts. He tallied 48 tackles, 1 sack, and two interceptions on the year. In his redshirt senior year, Johnson finished second on the team with 88 total tackles, and led the team with five interceptions and 13 passes defensed. He was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/keelan-johnson?id=2540285
Draft board courtesy of bloggingtheboys.com: http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2013...ft-board-leaked-almost-complete-7-round-board
