Potentially versatile draft picks for the Cowboys

[Woods]

I thought I'd try to put together a list of players who could either play multiple roles for the Cowboys, or players who we may draft and change their positions (versus college position). I'll mostly focus on players who the Cowboys have shown interest in.

From OLB to ILB
I think Weatherspoon, S Lee, and Bowman could all play ILB in Wade's 34 scheme (though 43 defenses could play them as OLBs).

We brought in J Hughes as well, but I see him more as an OLB in Wade's 34. I don't know if he would transition as well into an ILB in Wade's 34. The same for T. Gibson from Ohio State.

CB/S Prospects
Earl Thomas could possibly play either position. Guys like C Cook and AOA who played CB in college, could possibly transition to FS in the pros. Same for Spievey from Iowa. M Lewis is another guy who could possibly transition to Safety with the Cowboys.

We showed interest in K Thomas from USC, but I think he may be more of a pure CB prospect.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys preferred taking a college CB with good size and tackling ability and transitioning him to Safety to take advantage of potentially better ball skills.


TE to FB/H-Back Prospects
I think Clay Harbor, D Dickerson, G Graham are all candidates to play FB/H-Back with the Cowboys, rather than play the role of the traditional in-line blocking TE.

Even a guy like A Hernandez, the TE from Florida, may be a better H-Back prospect for a team like the Cowboys.


From OT to OG Prospects and vice-versa
I think V Ducasse may initially start his career at OG (gain more experience, etc.) and could possibly also play OT later in his career.

As for Iupati, he's best suited to play OG, and though he could later in his career play RT, it probably makes more sense to leave him at OG (as he could potentially be a Pro Bowler at that position).

I think guys like Newhouse and C Scott from Tenn would likely play OG.


All Round Prospects
The discussion has to start with McCluster. He should be able to play some RB, WR (in the slot), as well as handle the KR duties.

On the other extreme, there's Alualu. The guy could play some NT, as a 34 DE (even though at just over 6-2 he may be slightly undersized), and he could play DT in a 43 scheme as well. He even lined up some at ILB in college I believe. Before you laugh, his 40 time (4.87) was faster at B Spikes', and his 10-yard split was very good as well. In any case, a versatile defensive lineman.

Lastly, I have to throw in McCourty due to his STs skills. It has been speculated that McCourty could make a roster on his STs skills alone.


I'm sure I've forgotten other prospects we've shown interest in. Please add to the list or comment on any irregularities.

 

[dbair1967]

We brought in J Hughes as well, but I see him more as an OLB in Wade's 34. I don't know if he would transition as well into an ILB in Wade's 34. .

This guys one of my favorite players in the draft. He definitely wouldnt be moving to ILB, but he is a tremendous pass rusher. I think he'll end up going in the late 1st/early 2nd rd.

 

[Woods]

This guys one of my favorite players in the draft. He definitely wouldnt be moving to ILB, but he is a tremendous pass rusher. I think he'll end up going in the late 1st/early 2nd rd.

I like him as well. I think he could be at 27 when we draft, but I just don't see the Cowboys taking another OLB that early - even though he's worthy of a Round 1 pick, imo. As you said, unfortunately he doesn't project to an ILB, so I'm assuming we'd pass/trade down.

 

[dbair1967]

I like him as well. I think he could be at 27 when we draft, but I just don't see the Cowboys taking another OLB that early - even though he's worthy of a Round 1 pick, imo. As you said, unfortunately he doesn't project to an ILB, so I'm assuming we'd pass/trade down.

I could see Wade really loiking this guy.

I'm sure CZ would meltdown, but picking another OLB high, especially if that guy is by far the highest rated player on their board and they cant move up/down, wouldnt bother me that much. You have to have them in this scheme and while I do like Brandon Williams, he's coming off an ACL and is an unknown. They dont seem all that thrilled with Butler and other guys are special teamers.

It isnt like that player wouldnt have a role, and we know the coaches have been wanting to give Ware more breathers. Its also insurance (good insurance) against something happening to Ware or Spencer. I believe Spencer is either in the last yr of his deal or next year will be the last yr. If he has a huge year, he's going to be highly coveted and if we want to keep him, he'll demand big $$$$.