CalPolyTechnique
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I think a draft should be graded on a weighted curve. In other words, you have to nail your top picks when you’re in position to draft from a larger talent pool. I believe the team accomplished that with their first three picks in the Top 100. Here’s my summary thoughts on each of our picks:
Caleb Downs (R1:11)
Everyone knows this was a fantastic pick and a steal at #11, so I won’t belabor the point. Credit to the Cowboys FO for making the trade up one spot to ensure they secured the player.
Malachi Lawrence (R1:23)
I called him out as one of my “pet cats” in the Draft forum and as a hot take before the draft said he’s a sleeper to go #20 to the Cowboys. Well, he didn’t go 20, going three picks later at #23 after the Cowboys deftly traded back for two 4th rounders. Folks are going to see Lawrence’s juice of the EDGE. He has the prototypical size and athletic traits that you want, and plays with a ferocity this defense needs. He ready-made to contribute Year 1.
Jaishawn Barham (R3:92)
Barham is a dog. As everyone should know by now, the Cowboys stated intent is to start him off at ILB. That said, he has position flex at EDGE. What I really like about him is his physical demeanor and innate ability to maintain position and fight off blocks using leverage. I absolutely can’t stand it when linebackers shy away from the necessary physical aspects of the game i.e., filling lanes and stacking and shedding blockers. The comp I have for him is Jamie Collins.
Drew Shelton (R4:112)
I can’t say I was a huge fan of this pick. I would have liked to seen the team double-dip at LB or EDGE with guys like Jimmy Rolder, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, or Dani Dennis-Sutton still on the board. I think folks may be disappointed if they think Shelton is going to come in and realistically compete/push for one of the starting tackle positions this year. I see some athletic traits with Shelton, but he also has some awful tape out there. As most draft profiles indicate, he lacks functional strength and you can see it. He gets walked back and loses technique as he does everything to try and maintain position. I don’t think he’s a “bust,” but do think he’s total developmental pick, which is not unexpected for a 4th rounder.
Devin Moore (R4:114)
I’m sure I am/was like everyone else that was questioning why we didn’t take a guy like Keionte Scott, Malik Muhammad, Harold Perkins, Kyle Louis, etc.) when they were still available on the board. This is where we, as fans, have to recognize that just because the team interviews/works out players (such as those named), it doesn’t guarantee they come away impressed with them. It’s entirely possible after interviewing the players they determined they weren’t sharp enough to play in this defense. My suspicion with Moore is that they’ll give him a shot at CB, but ultimately he may be moved to safety permanently.
LT Overton (R4:137)
This was my first real meh pick. I have to admit that I’ve never been impressed with Overton…and I’ve watched a lot of him at Bama the past two seasons. He’s a positionless/tweener guy that’s been relatively unproductive (spare me with the “pass rush win% on passing downs…”); think of a much less athletic Solomon Thomas.
Anthony Smith (R7:218)
Developmental training camp fodder. At this point in the draft you’re just taking flyers on traits, but I would have much rather used the pick on a guy like Max Llewellyn or Cole Wisiniewski.
Caleb Downs (R1:11)
Everyone knows this was a fantastic pick and a steal at #11, so I won’t belabor the point. Credit to the Cowboys FO for making the trade up one spot to ensure they secured the player.
Malachi Lawrence (R1:23)
I called him out as one of my “pet cats” in the Draft forum and as a hot take before the draft said he’s a sleeper to go #20 to the Cowboys. Well, he didn’t go 20, going three picks later at #23 after the Cowboys deftly traded back for two 4th rounders. Folks are going to see Lawrence’s juice of the EDGE. He has the prototypical size and athletic traits that you want, and plays with a ferocity this defense needs. He ready-made to contribute Year 1.
Jaishawn Barham (R3:92)
Barham is a dog. As everyone should know by now, the Cowboys stated intent is to start him off at ILB. That said, he has position flex at EDGE. What I really like about him is his physical demeanor and innate ability to maintain position and fight off blocks using leverage. I absolutely can’t stand it when linebackers shy away from the necessary physical aspects of the game i.e., filling lanes and stacking and shedding blockers. The comp I have for him is Jamie Collins.
Drew Shelton (R4:112)
I can’t say I was a huge fan of this pick. I would have liked to seen the team double-dip at LB or EDGE with guys like Jimmy Rolder, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, or Dani Dennis-Sutton still on the board. I think folks may be disappointed if they think Shelton is going to come in and realistically compete/push for one of the starting tackle positions this year. I see some athletic traits with Shelton, but he also has some awful tape out there. As most draft profiles indicate, he lacks functional strength and you can see it. He gets walked back and loses technique as he does everything to try and maintain position. I don’t think he’s a “bust,” but do think he’s total developmental pick, which is not unexpected for a 4th rounder.
Devin Moore (R4:114)
I’m sure I am/was like everyone else that was questioning why we didn’t take a guy like Keionte Scott, Malik Muhammad, Harold Perkins, Kyle Louis, etc.) when they were still available on the board. This is where we, as fans, have to recognize that just because the team interviews/works out players (such as those named), it doesn’t guarantee they come away impressed with them. It’s entirely possible after interviewing the players they determined they weren’t sharp enough to play in this defense. My suspicion with Moore is that they’ll give him a shot at CB, but ultimately he may be moved to safety permanently.
LT Overton (R4:137)
This was my first real meh pick. I have to admit that I’ve never been impressed with Overton…and I’ve watched a lot of him at Bama the past two seasons. He’s a positionless/tweener guy that’s been relatively unproductive (spare me with the “pass rush win% on passing downs…”); think of a much less athletic Solomon Thomas.
Anthony Smith (R7:218)
Developmental training camp fodder. At this point in the draft you’re just taking flyers on traits, but I would have much rather used the pick on a guy like Max Llewellyn or Cole Wisiniewski.
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