Post-FA priorities/mock draft

[gimmesix]

For multiple reasons, I believe Dallas is done with free agency outside of maybe adding a backup quarterback. So here's a mock draft based on what we did in free agency, and what we have left to do.

First priority -- Cornerback
Why? Other than Maurice Canady coming back from COVID leave, Dallas did nothing at this position other than re-signing Jourdan Lewis. It isn't likely that the team sees anyone on the roster outside of Diggs as a starter, and if the coaching staff does, they are being foolish.
Options: 1st-rounder on either Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn; however, with the depth in this draft at corner, I could see Dallas risking that it can get one of the following in the second (some of whom might be lower-rated than our second-round pick, so we'd pass on a higher-rater prospect): Greg Newsome II, Caleb Farley, Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes, Ifeatu Melinfonwu.
My pick: No. 10 (first round) Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn if Surtain is gone (I'm not taking the chance of being stuck with either Brown or Lewis as the starter).

Second priority -- Defensive tackle
Why? Some might not agree with this since we signed Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins in free agency and have drafted Trysten Hill in the second and Neville Gallimore in the third the past couple of years. However, we have been held hostage by the DT positions for years now. Urban is a nice, run-stopper while what Watkins, Hill and Gallimore can provide is still questionable. I'm not willing to count on question marks to fix our biggest issue.
Options: There doesn't appear to be a player at this position worthy of our first-round pick, so if we're going to address it early, the choices would be to trade down in the first round to take Christian Barmore or try to get a lineman in the top of the second. It's possible there that we'd be able to get a 3-tech type like Davyion Nixon or Levi Onwuzurike or an NT-type like Alim McNeill. If we wait until the third, we might could get 3-techs Milton Williams or Tommy Togiai or NT Tyler Shelvin.
My pick(s): No. 44 Alim McNeill AND No. 75 Tommy Togiai. I'm double-dipping here because I think finding our starting DTs might be the most important thing that we do. Maybe we already have a starting 3-tech among the young players, but it's too important of a position in this defense for maybes.

Third priority -- Free safety
Why? Some may have this ahead of defensive tackle because of Damontae Kazee's health issues, but Kazee is a capable starting free safety if he's healthy. Plus, even if he's not, I feel better about Donovan Wilson having to slide over in that role than any of the DT options. I also believe that you build from the trenches out, even though free safety might be the second-most important position in this scheme, if Quinn is using his regular single-high setup.
Options: For those who want a second-round safety, it's possible that Richie Grant, Elijah Molden or Jevon Holland will be available at 44. In the third, we might have to settle for Ar'Darius Washington or Andre Cisco, who could use a learning year.
My pick(s): No. 99 Andre Cisco, but I'd be OK with Washington if Cisco is gone. Because Cisco is boom or bust and Washington's poor measurables don't match his skills, I'd like to add another in the sixth (194th) like Tariq Thompson or Darrick Forrest. (Might can take Cisco at 75 and get Togiai at 99.)

Fourth priority -- Linebacker
Why? We added Keanu Neal as a linebacker/safety, but he's on a one-year deal. We also have questions about both Jaylon Smith Leighton Vander Esch. If nothing else, we could use some depth to develop behind these starters.
Options: Because I'm not going early, I'm looking at linebackers who might be available in the fourth and fifth rounds. Players I've seen in this range include Dylan Moses, Pete Werner, Cameron McGrone, Baron Browning and fifth-rounders KJ Britt, Riley Cole and Charles Snowden.
My pick(s): Honestly, I could live with any of my fourth-round options, but might lean toward Pete Werner at 115 based on his instincts, and I'd hope that one of the others falls to 179, where I would otherwise take Charles Snowden because he offers an intriguing option at SLB/Leo. (I could be talked into using both fourth-rounders on the position.)

Fifth priority -- Left tackle
Why? This is one some of you have much higher on your list, but I'm trusting in Tyron Smith for one more year or the possibility of moving La'el Collins to left tackle if Smith's health falters. Sill, we could use a developmental prospect at tackle.
Options: Since I'm thinking around the fourth round would be a good place to get a developmental OT, I'm looking at Spencer Brown, Brady Christiansen, Cordell Volson or Drew Himmelman. I believe all of these might make better right tackles than left tackles, but I have no problem with moving Collins to the left side when Smith calls it quit.
My pick: No. 139 Spencer Brown, a very intriguing small school guy who might can at least develop into a Doug Free-level player.

Sixth priority -- Quarterback
Why? Even though Mike McCarthy has mentioned the possibility of getting a veteran backup, if that doesn't happen, we need to continue to provide competition for those backup spots in hopes of developing one, and possibly even if it does.
Options: I would love to see Davis Mills fall into this range, but it might take a third-rounder to get him and I don't want to spend that or even a fourth-rounder on a purely backup position. Most likely, we would be picking from players like Shane Buechele, Feleipe Franks and Sam Ehlinger later in the draft.
My pick: No. 194 Felipe Franks (I think Franks needs the most work, but also has the most to work with.)

Seventh priority -- Fullback
Why? I know I've lost some of you in even mentioning this little-used position. However, we let Jamize Olawale go, so unless we see a lot of potential in Sewo Ololinua's conversion from running back or just simply don't plan to carry a fullback, I see no reason not to go get a true fullback. McCarthy has made good use of the position before.
Option: Ben Mason (I really don't see another true fullback worth taking.)
My pick: No. 226 Ben Mason

Eighth priority -- Kicker
Why: Although Greg Zuerlein was excellent inside the 50, his long-distance kicks sucked, bringing down his average. Plus, he's not getting any younger.
Option: Jose Borregales (Borregales hit all of his 37 extra-point attempts and 20 of 22 field-goal attempts)
My pick: No. 236 Jose Borregales

For those who want the Reader's Digest version:
No. 10 CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama or CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
No. 44 DT Alim McNeil, North Carolina State
No. 75 DT Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
No. 99 FS Andre Cisco, Syracuse
No. 114 LB Pete Werner, Ohio State
No. 139 OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
No. 179 LB Charles Snowden, Virginia
No. 194 QB Feleipe Franks, Arkansas
No. 226 FB Ben Mason, Michigan
No. 236 K Jose Borregales, Miami

 

[AsthmaField]

Good post. I don’t agree with every player obviously, but I like your thought process.

I do think that CB’s Newsome and Stokes could end up going in the first round but I like the players very much at 44.

And, while I am a proponent of taking Pitts if he’s there, I feel pretty similarly as you about cornerback. Dallas needs a good one to go with Diggs and my favorite is Surtain with Horn as a backup pick If Surtain (and Pitts) are both taken.

 

[gimmesix]

Good post. I don’t agree with every player obviously, but I like your thought process.

I do think that CB’s Newsome and Stokes could end up going in the first round but I like the players very much at 44.

And, while I am a proponent of taking Pitts if he’s there, I feel pretty similarly as you about cornerback. Dallas needs a good one to go with Diggs and my favorite is Surtain with Horn as a backup pick If Surtain (and Pitts) are both taken.

We kind of "lucked" into Diggs last year in the second round, and part of the reason for that is that there are some areas of his game that need work, which we saw last year. I understand the Pitts love, but I'd rather not take a chance at corner on getting it right in the second for the second year in a row. We need to lock down that spot if the opportunity is there. I don't want us to reach, but I'm not sure either Surtain or Horn is considered a reach. Is Pitts the higher-rated player? Probably, but I'm not sure by how much.

If we had brought in a bona fide FA starter at corner, I'd be much more inclined to spend a pick on Pitts. I just don't think we have that luxury if we want to fix the defense.

 

[morasp]

For multiple reasons, I believe Dallas is done with free agency outside of maybe adding a backup quarterback. So here's a mock draft based on what we did in free agency, and what we have left to do.

First priority -- Cornerback
Why? Other than Maurice Canady coming back from COVID leave, Dallas did nothing at this position other than re-signing Jourdan Lewis. It isn't likely that the team sees anyone on the roster outside of Diggs as a starter, and if the coaching staff does, they are being foolish.
Options: 1st-rounder on either Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn; however, with the depth in this draft at corner, I could see Dallas risking that it can get one of the following in the second (some of whom might be lower-rated than our second-round pick, so we'd pass on a higher-rater prospect): Greg Newsome II, Caleb Farley, Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes, Ifeatu Melinfonwu.
My pick: No. 10 (first round) Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn if Surtain is gone (I'm not taking the chance of being stuck with either Brown or Lewis as the starter).

Second priority -- Defensive tackle
Why? Some might not agree with this since we signed Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins in free agency and have drafted Trysten Hill in the second and Neville Gallimore in the third the past couple of years. However, we have been held hostage by the DT positions for years now. Urban is a nice, run-stopper while what Watkins, Hill and Gallimore can provide is still questionable. I'm not willing to count on question marks to fix our biggest issue.
Options: There doesn't appear to be a player at this position worthy of our first-round pick, so if we're going to address it early, the choices would be to trade down in the first round to take Christian Barmore or try to get a lineman in the top of the second. It's possible there that we'd be able to get a 3-tech type like Davyion Nixon or Levi Onwuzurike or an NT-type like Alim McNeill. If we wait until the third, we might could get 3-techs Milton Williams or Tommy Togiai or NT Tyler Shelvin.
My pick(s): No. 44 Alim McNeill AND No. 75 Tommy Togiai. I'm double-dipping here because I think finding our starting DTs might be the most important thing that we do. Maybe we already have a starting 3-tech among the young players, but it's too important of a position in this defense for maybes.

Third priority -- Free safety
Why? Some may have this ahead of defensive tackle because of Damontae Kazee's health issues, but Kazee is a capable starting free safety if he's healthy. Plus, even if he's not, I feel better about Donovan Wilson having to slide over in that role than any of the DT options. I also believe that you build from the trenches out, even though free safety might be the second-most important position in this scheme, if Quinn is using his regular single-high setup.
Options: For those who want a second-round safety, it's possible that Richie Grant, Elijah Molden or Jevon Holland will be available at 44. In the third, we might have to settle for Ar'Darius Washington or Andre Cisco, who could use a learning year.
My pick(s): No. 99 Andre Cisco, but I'd be OK with Washington if Cisco is gone. Because Cisco is boom or bust and Washington's poor measurables don't match his skills, I'd like to add another in the sixth (194th) like Tariq Thompson or Darrick Forrest. (Might can take Cisco at 75 and get Togiai at 99.)

Fourth priority -- Linebacker
Why? We added Keanu Neal as a linebacker/safety, but he's on a one-year deal. We also have questions about both Jaylon Smith Leighton Vander Esch. If nothing else, we could use some depth to develop behind these starters.
Options: Because I'm not going early, I'm looking at linebackers who might be available in the fourth and fifth rounds. Players I've seen in this range include Dylan Moses, Pete Werner, Cameron McGrone, Baron Browning and fifth-rounders KJ Britt, Riley Cole and Charles Snowden.
My pick(s): Honestly, I could live with any of my fourth-round options, but might lean toward Pete Werner at 115 based on his instincts, and I'd hope that one of the others falls to 179, where I would otherwise take Charles Snowden because he offers an intriguing option at SLB/Leo. (I could be talked into using both fourth-rounders on the position.)

Fifth priority -- Left tackle
Why? This is one some of you have much higher on your list, but I'm trusting in Tyron Smith for one more year or the possibility of moving La'el Collins to left tackle if Smith's health falters. Sill, we could use a developmental prospect at tackle.
Options: Since I'm thinking around the fourth round would be a good place to get a developmental OT, I'm looking at Spencer Brown, Brady Christiansen, Cordell Volson or Drew Himmelman. I believe all of these might make better right tackles than left tackles, but I have no problem with moving Collins to the left side when Smith calls it quit.
My pick: No. 139 Spencer Brown, a very intriguing small school guy who might can at least develop into a Doug Free-level player.

Sixth priority -- Quarterback
Why? Even though Mike McCarthy has mentioned the possibility of getting a veteran backup, if that doesn't happen, we need to continue to provide competition for those backup spots in hopes of developing one, and possibly even if it does.
Options: I would love to see Davis Mills fall into this range, but it might take a third-rounder to get him and I don't want to spend that or even a fourth-rounder on a purely backup position. Most likely, we would be picking from players like Shane Buechele, Feleipe Franks and Sam Ehlinger later in the draft.
My pick: No. 194 Felipe Franks (I think Franks needs the most work, but also has the most to work with.)

Seventh priority -- Fullback
Why? I know I've lost some of you in even mentioning this little-used position. However, we let Jamize Olawale go, so unless we see a lot of potential in Sewo Ololinua's conversion from running back or just simply don't plan to carry a fullback, I see no reason not to go get a true fullback. McCarthy has made good use of the position before.
Option: Ben Mason (I really don't see another true fullback worth taking.)
My pick: No. 226 Ben Mason

Eighth priority -- Kicker
Why: Although Greg Zuerlein was excellent inside the 50, his long-distance kicks sucked, bringing down his average. Plus, he's not getting any younger.
Option: Jose Borregales (Borregales hit all of his 37 extra-point attempts and 20 of 22 field-goal attempts)
My pick: No. 236 Jose Borregales

For those who want the Reader's Digest version:
No. 10 CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama or CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
No. 44 DT Alim McNeil, North Carolina State
No. 75 DT Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
No. 99 FS Andre Cisco, Syracuse
No. 114 LB Pete Werner, Ohio State
No. 139 OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
No. 179 LB Charles Snowden, Virginia
No. 194 QB Feleipe Franks, Arkansas
No. 226 FB Ben Mason, Michigan
No. 236 K Jose Borregales, Miami

Like CB in the first, Spencer Brown, and Snowden.

 

[Cowboyny]

For multiple reasons, I believe Dallas is done with free agency outside of maybe adding a backup quarterback. So here's a mock draft based on what we did in free agency, and what we have left to do.

First priority -- Cornerback
Why? Other than Maurice Canady coming back from COVID leave, Dallas did nothing at this position other than re-signing Jourdan Lewis. It isn't likely that the team sees anyone on the roster outside of Diggs as a starter, and if the coaching staff does, they are being foolish.
Options: 1st-rounder on either Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn; however, with the depth in this draft at corner, I could see Dallas risking that it can get one of the following in the second (some of whom might be lower-rated than our second-round pick, so we'd pass on a higher-rater prospect): Greg Newsome II, Caleb Farley, Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes, Ifeatu Melinfonwu.
My pick: No. 10 (first round) Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn if Surtain is gone (I'm not taking the chance of being stuck with either Brown or Lewis as the starter).

Second priority -- Defensive tackle
Why? Some might not agree with this since we signed Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins in free agency and have drafted Trysten Hill in the second and Neville Gallimore in the third the past couple of years. However, we have been held hostage by the DT positions for years now. Urban is a nice, run-stopper while what Watkins, Hill and Gallimore can provide is still questionable. I'm not willing to count on question marks to fix our biggest issue.
Options: There doesn't appear to be a player at this position worthy of our first-round pick, so if we're going to address it early, the choices would be to trade down in the first round to take Christian Barmore or try to get a lineman in the top of the second. It's possible there that we'd be able to get a 3-tech type like Davyion Nixon or Levi Onwuzurike or an NT-type like Alim McNeill. If we wait until the third, we might could get 3-techs Milton Williams or Tommy Togiai or NT Tyler Shelvin.
My pick(s): No. 44 Alim McNeill AND No. 75 Tommy Togiai. I'm double-dipping here because I think finding our starting DTs might be the most important thing that we do. Maybe we already have a starting 3-tech among the young players, but it's too important of a position in this defense for maybes.

Third priority -- Free safety
Why? Some may have this ahead of defensive tackle because of Damontae Kazee's health issues, but Kazee is a capable starting free safety if he's healthy. Plus, even if he's not, I feel better about Donovan Wilson having to slide over in that role than any of the DT options. I also believe that you build from the trenches out, even though free safety might be the second-most important position in this scheme, if Quinn is using his regular single-high setup.
Options: For those who want a second-round safety, it's possible that Richie Grant, Elijah Molden or Jevon Holland will be available at 44. In the third, we might have to settle for Ar'Darius Washington or Andre Cisco, who could use a learning year.
My pick(s): No. 99 Andre Cisco, but I'd be OK with Washington if Cisco is gone. Because Cisco is boom or bust and Washington's poor measurables don't match his skills, I'd like to add another in the sixth (194th) like Tariq Thompson or Darrick Forrest. (Might can take Cisco at 75 and get Togiai at 99.)

Fourth priority -- Linebacker
Why? We added Keanu Neal as a linebacker/safety, but he's on a one-year deal. We also have questions about both Jaylon Smith Leighton Vander Esch. If nothing else, we could use some depth to develop behind these starters.
Options: Because I'm not going early, I'm looking at linebackers who might be available in the fourth and fifth rounds. Players I've seen in this range include Dylan Moses, Pete Werner, Cameron McGrone, Baron Browning and fifth-rounders KJ Britt, Riley Cole and Charles Snowden.
My pick(s): Honestly, I could live with any of my fourth-round options, but might lean toward Pete Werner at 115 based on his instincts, and I'd hope that one of the others falls to 179, where I would otherwise take Charles Snowden because he offers an intriguing option at SLB/Leo. (I could be talked into using both fourth-rounders on the position.)

Fifth priority -- Left tackle
Why? This is one some of you have much higher on your list, but I'm trusting in Tyron Smith for one more year or the possibility of moving La'el Collins to left tackle if Smith's health falters. Sill, we could use a developmental prospect at tackle.
Options: Since I'm thinking around the fourth round would be a good place to get a developmental OT, I'm looking at Spencer Brown, Brady Christiansen, Cordell Volson or Drew Himmelman. I believe all of these might make better right tackles than left tackles, but I have no problem with moving Collins to the left side when Smith calls it quit.
My pick: No. 139 Spencer Brown, a very intriguing small school guy who might can at least develop into a Doug Free-level player.

Sixth priority -- Quarterback
Why? Even though Mike McCarthy has mentioned the possibility of getting a veteran backup, if that doesn't happen, we need to continue to provide competition for those backup spots in hopes of developing one, and possibly even if it does.
Options: I would love to see Davis Mills fall into this range, but it might take a third-rounder to get him and I don't want to spend that or even a fourth-rounder on a purely backup position. Most likely, we would be picking from players like Shane Buechele, Feleipe Franks and Sam Ehlinger later in the draft.
My pick: No. 194 Felipe Franks (I think Franks needs the most work, but also has the most to work with.)

Seventh priority -- Fullback
Why? I know I've lost some of you in even mentioning this little-used position. However, we let Jamize Olawale go, so unless we see a lot of potential in Sewo Ololinua's conversion from running back or just simply don't plan to carry a fullback, I see no reason not to go get a true fullback. McCarthy has made good use of the position before.
Option: Ben Mason (I really don't see another true fullback worth taking.)
My pick: No. 226 Ben Mason

Eighth priority -- Kicker
Why: Although Greg Zuerlein was excellent inside the 50, his long-distance kicks sucked, bringing down his average. Plus, he's not getting any younger.
Option: Jose Borregales (Borregales hit all of his 37 extra-point attempts and 20 of 22 field-goal attempts)
My pick: No. 236 Jose Borregales

For those who want the Reader's Digest version:
No. 10 CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama or CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
No. 44 DT Alim McNeil, North Carolina State
No. 75 DT Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
No. 99 FS Andre Cisco, Syracuse
No. 114 LB Pete Werner, Ohio State
No. 139 OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
No. 179 LB Charles Snowden, Virginia
No. 194 QB Feleipe Franks, Arkansas
No. 226 FB Ben Mason, Michigan
No. 236 K Jose Borregales, Miami

-I agree about corner in the 1st. Only Pitts/Sewell will alter their thinking. Even believe they take the corner over both Slater/Parsons.
-Can't see this regime taking a 1T this high, also think McNeil goes much later then what the media scouts are projecting.
-Heard they love Togiai, is makes more sense then drafting McNeil in the 2nd
-Think Cisco goes higher, but I would be ok at 99 to take the risk on him.
-Werner in the 4th makes a lot of sense.
-Think both Brown/Snowden go higher, although like both prospects

 

[Sydla]

Our priorities didn't change post-FA. They are the same pre-FA. CB, DT and S are the three biggest needs in no particular order.

That tells you how awesome our FA period was. We went into it with three clear needs, we came out of it with the same three clear needs.

 

[fivetwos]

-I agree about corner in the 1st. Only Pitts/Sewell will alter their thinking. Even believe they take the corner over both Slater/Parsons.
-Can't see this regime taking a 1T this high, also think McNeil goes much later then what the media scouts are projecting.
-Heard they love Togiai, is makes more sense then drafting McNeil in the 2nd
-Think Cisco goes higher, but I would be ok at 99 to take the risk on him.
-Werner in the 4th makes a lot of sense.
-Think both Brown/Snowden go higher, although like both prospects

When you get a minute, would you mind pointing out a player or two....if they exist and you know of them...in this draft that is a DE, but not the lanky edge type?

Not necessarily a sack guy, but can be a solid NFL contributor.

A Tony Tolbert type of player. Should be a 3rd to 5th round pick.

Appreciate it.

 

[Teague31]

Love the Ben Mason pick. Given MM’s history with fullbacks I can see this happening

 

[Cowboyny]

When you get a minute, would you mind pointing out a player or two....if they exist and you know of them...in this draft that is a DE, but not the lanky edge type?

Not necessarily a sack guy, but can be a solid NFL contributor.

A Tony Tolbert type of player. Should be a 3rd to 5th round pick.

Appreciate it.

Best pass rusher is probably Phillips from Miami, had concussion issues. There isn't many elite Edge rushers, many expect a run late 1st, early second. There are a lot of Crawford types, who can play DE against the run and kick inside against the pass: Basham, Weaver, Milton Williams (Cowboys love), Turner, Sample are all names that could be fits for the Cowboys.

 

[Carson]

Love the Ben Mason pick. Given MM’s history with fullbacks I can see this happening

I don’t know much about him.

But is he more Kuhn / Ripkowski? Or Olawale

 

[gimmesix]

Our priorities didn't change post-FA. They are the same pre-FA. CB, DT and S are the three biggest needs in no particular order.

That tells you how awesome our FA period was. We went into it with three clear needs, we came out of it with the same three clear needs.

I don't disagree entirely, but I do think which one is the most urgent need changed. In this defense, if Quinn uses his scheme, the 3-tech and free safety are more vital positions than cornerback. Because we got Kazee, a proven starting free safety in this scheme, that lessened the need slightly at that position while we did nothing at corner, even losing a starter and not replacing him.

At 3-tech/DT, we also at least brought in a couple of players who have quite a few starts under their belt. I don't think any of the signings totally solved an issue, but our approach was to at least get some players who have starting experience at some of the spots, with corner being the blaring exception.

 

[gimmesix]

Good post. I don’t agree with every player obviously, but I like your thought process.

I do think that CB’s Newsome and Stokes could end up going in the first round but I like the players very much at 44.

And, while I am a proponent of taking Pitts if he’s there, I feel pretty similarly as you about cornerback. Dallas needs a good one to go with Diggs and my favorite is Surtain with Horn as a backup pick If Surtain (and Pitts) are both taken.

Only way I can see taking Pitts, which is a luxury pick, is if we turned around and put Schultz and Jarwin up for sale. I think Schultz showed enough that he would be considered a second- or third-rounder if he was in this draft. Maybe we could couple Schultz and a fourth for someone's second and sixth.

Maybe I'm overestimating Schultz's value, but if I could come out of the first two rounds with Pitts, McNeill and Melinfonwu, I'd be a pretty happy camper.

 

[gimmesix]

-I agree about corner in the 1st. Only Pitts/Sewell will alter their thinking. Even believe they take the corner over both Slater/Parsons.
-Can't see this regime taking a 1T this high, also think McNeil goes much later then what the media scouts are projecting.
-Heard they love Togiai, is makes more sense then drafting McNeil in the 2nd
-Think Cisco goes higher, but I would be ok at 99 to take the risk on him.
-Werner in the 4th makes a lot of sense.
-Think both Brown/Snowden go higher, although like both prospects

You may be right on McNeill. His draft value fluctuates from ranking to ranking. However, from what I've seen and read on him, he's that rare nose tackle who can stand up to double-teams and actually push the pocket against the pass. His power isn't just used for holding his ground to keep blockers occupied and stuff the run if they try to go through him. While he can collapse the pocket, though, he's not going to make anyone think he's a pass rusher who can sack the quarterback, so that may drop him down a notch.

I would have no problem if Dallas got someone like Grant in the second and was able to get McNeill and Togiai in the third or even if they went with Nixon or Onwuzurike in the second. I just want some quality competition for those DT spots.

 

[gimmesix]

I don’t know much about him.

But is he more Kuhn / Ripkowski? Or Olawale

It’s time to give the fullbacks a little bit of love. Michigan running back Ben Mason might not have production worthy of the NFL Draft. And he might not have a playmaking role at the NFL level. Nevertheless, some NFL teams always find a way to keep fullbacks involved, and Mason could benefit from that nod to the past with his relentless, hard-nosed style.

Ben Mason NFL Draft Profile

• Position: Running Back
• School: Michigan
• Current Year: Senior
• Height: 6’2 3/4″
• Weight: 256 pounds
• Wingspan: 79″
• Arm: 32″
• Hand: 9 3/8″

Tony Pauline’s Ben Mason Scouting Report
Positives: Fierce, athletic lead blocker with next-level athleticism. Tough, always looks for someone to hit, and squares into opponents. Strong, seals open running lanes, and works to finish blocks. Displays outstanding vision and terrific short-area quickness and consistently knocks defenders from their angles of attack.

Terrific pass catcher who extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame then turns upfield and works to pick up positive yardage. Possesses good short-area quickness and initial burst as a ball handler or blocker.

Featured | NFL Draft Prospects 2021: Pauline’s updated big board, player rankings

Negatives: Only effective carrying the ball downhill and gets in trouble when he tries to run east and west. Shows stiffness in his game.

Analysis: Mason was a productive three-year fullback at Michigan who also saw time on the defensive line. He’s one of the better fullbacks in the draft and will be an asset at the next level as a lead blocker and occasional pass catcher out of the backfield.

 

[gimmesix]

-I agree about corner in the 1st. Only Pitts/Sewell will alter their thinking. Even believe they take the corner over both Slater/Parsons.
-Can't see this regime taking a 1T this high, also think McNeil goes much later then what the media scouts are projecting.
-Heard they love Togiai, is makes more sense then drafting McNeil in the 2nd
-Think Cisco goes higher, but I would be ok at 99 to take the risk on him.
-Werner in the 4th makes a lot of sense.
-Think both Brown/Snowden go higher, although like both prospects

The earliest I feel comfortable taking Cisco is at 75. I think he may prove to be hit or miss, so I'd rather not miss with the second-rounder. I'd prefer 99 because I'd be a little more OK with missing at that point. Those first three picks really need to be sold considering where we are drafting.

 

[Cowboyny]

The earliest I feel comfortable taking Cisco is at 75. I think he may prove to be hit or miss, so I'd rather not miss with the second-rounder. I'd prefer 99 because I'd be a little more OK with missing at that point. Those first three picks really need to be sold considering where we are drafting.

I with you, late 3rd makes sense, but might have to take him earlier due to the position. I wonder if some team takes him higher due to his ball skills.

 

[Cowboyny]

You may be right on McNeill. His draft value fluctuates from ranking to ranking. However, from what I've seen and read on him, he's that rare nose tackle who can stand up to double-teams and actually push the pocket against the pass. His power isn't just used for holding his ground to keep blockers occupied and stuff the run if they try to go through him. While he can collapse the pocket, though, he's not going to make anyone think he's a pass rusher who can sack the quarterback, so that may drop him down a notch.

I would have no problem if Dallas got someone like Grant in the second and was able to get McNeill and Togiai in the third or even if they went with Nixon or Onwuzurike in the second. I just want some quality competition for those DT spots.

I wonder if McNeil will be more attractive to 3-4 Teams. Majority of his experience is at 0 Tech right over the center. He does have a little rush abilities, but still not enough for the team to consider him a true 3 down player just yet. I would love to draft him wherever he falls, but don't think the Cowboys will use a 2nd rd pick at the position. I know there is interest in Togiai and Wilson, let's hope they draft one. I would do backflips if we found a way to get both Grant/McNeil.

Think we got to put Milton Williams in as our 3rd rd pick, if available. The Cowboys sent a group of scouts to watch his pro day. I just watched his bowl game over the weekend, really wasn't impressed, but I'm no scout or talent evaluator. He is an inside/outside type.

 

[gimmesix]

I wonder if McNeil will be more attractive to 3-4 Teams. Majority of his experience is at 0 Tech right over the center. He does have a little rush abilities, but still not enough for the team to consider him a true 3 down player just yet. I would love to draft him wherever he falls, but don't think the Cowboys will use a 2nd rd pick at the position. I know there is interest in Togiai and Wilson, let's hope they draft one. I would do backflips if we found a way to get both Grant/McNeil.

Think we got to put Milton Williams in as our 3rd rd pick, if available. The Cowboys sent a group of scouts to watch his pro day. I just watched his bowl game over the weekend, really wasn't impressed, but I'm no scout or talent evaluator. He is an inside/outside type.

I could be wrong on Wilson, but I don't like what I see. I also agree on Williams, I wasn't impressed by what I saw on him. Neither player appears to move the needle. I really only included Williams because of the Cowboys showing interest and there are some here who seem to like him.

I've been wrong about some players and right about some, so if they draft either, I'll hope for the best.

 

[Cowboyny]

I could be wrong on Wilson, but I don't like what I see. I also agree on Williams, I wasn't impressed by what I saw on him. Neither player appears to move the needle. I really only included Williams because of the Cowboys showing interest and there are some here who seem to like him.

I've been wrong about some players and right about some, so if they draft either, I'll hope for the best.

I would take any legitimate 1T as this front office has only take late rd picks and undrafted players to fill the position. Marvin Wilson had a bad season, but many thought he was a top 20 player prior to that. Was it an injury, was he protecting himself, scheme change? Nobody knows, but still worth a flyer, especially if you can get him late 3rd, early 4th. Think Togiai is their top choice at the position.

It seems like Milton is a player who can eventually replace Crawford. Can play DE against the run and kick inside against the pass. I just like so many others who have a similar skill set over Williams. I think Quinn views him for that 4T LE Role.