Recent History Suggests Talented 27th Pick or is it? what should cowboys do ?

[cowboyjoe]

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Recent History Suggests Talented 27th Pick
Posted by nickeatman at 2/23/2010 4:11 PM CST on truebluefanclub.com

Or is it, say when the cowboys pick, and on their board, top players are gone in first round, should they trade down and get value or stay there and get a player that may not help them, look at the top 27 picks last 12 years or so below.

So you’re looking at the Cowboys’ draft picks this year and wonder just what kind of player might be around when the team picks at No. 27. Then again, let’s make sure we say “scheduled to pick” because with Jerry running the War Room, who knows what will happen.

But if the Cowboys indeed pick at No. 27, there should still be some pretty talented players around. In the last five years alone, guys like DeAngelo Williams and Roddy White have made the Pro Bowl and Larry Johnson wasn’t too far behind either.

So for what it’s worth, let’s go back the last 20 draft classes and look at the No. 27 overall pick:

2009
Donald Brown
RB IND

2008
Antoine Cason
DB SDG

2007
Robert Meachem
WR NOR

2006
DeAngelo Williams
RB CAR

2005
Roddy White
WR ATL

2004
Jason Babin
LB HOU

2003
Larry Johnson
RB KAN

2002
Mike Rumph
DB SFO

2001
Michael Bennett
RB MIN

2000
Anthony Becht
TE NYJ

1999
Aaron Gibson
T DET

1998
Victor Riley
T KAN

1997
Rae Carruth
WR CAR

1996
John Michels
T GNB

1995
Mark Bruener
TE PIT

1994
Jeff Burris
DB BUF

1993
Todd Kelly
LB SFO

1992
John Fina
T BUF

1991
Jarrod Bunch
FB NYG

1989
Shawn Collins
WR ATL

 

[CATCH17]

Its hard to say what to do when you dont see how the draft is unfolding.

I mean I would have to see at least 15 picks before I had an idea of what we should do.

But if McClain or Earl Thomas start to fall then you gotta start thinking about the possibility of trading up and getting an impact player.

If not you can sit tight and hope you land an ultra talent like Bruce Campbell that just needs some polishing.

Or you can always trade back if you don't like anyone on board.





I hope around pick 20 that

McClain

E.Thomas

Spikes

Campbell

Iupati

are all still on the board.

 

[Alexander]

Its hard to say what to do when you dont see how the draft is unfolding.

I mean I would have to see at least 15 picks before I had an idea of what we should do.

But if McClain or Earl Thomas start to fall then you gotta start thinking about the possibility of trading up and getting an impact player.

If not you can sit tight and hope you land an ultra talent like Bruce Campbell that just needs some polishing.

Or you can always trade back if you don't like anyone on board.





I hope around pick 20 that

McClain

E.Thomas

Spikes

Campbell

Iupati

are all still on the board.

Unless he shows more athleticism at the Combine, Spikes will definitely be there and probably well into the second and third rounds. Every year it seems there there is a highly decorated SEC linebacker who originally was touted as a first round choice that plummets. We have seen it before with Bradie James, Channing Crowder, Andra Davis, Trev Faulk, Darry Beckwith, Ali Highsmith and Brandon Siler.

 

[CATCH17]

Unless he shows more athleticism at the Combine, Spikes will definitely be there and probably well into the second and third rounds. Every year it seems there there is a highly decorated SEC linebacker who originally was touted as a first round choice that plummets. We have seen it before with Bradie James, Channing Crowder, Andra Davis, Trev Faulk, Darry Beckwith, Ali Highsmith and Brandon Siler.

I think he will be a quality linebacker in this league.

Especially if Wade is his coach.

The guy is physical and he is used to lining up all over the place so the things he would be asked to do here wouldn't be over his head.

A lot of people are more convinced about his coverage abilities than I am but we will just have to see.

I still think he is a heck of a prospect and a good fit here.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

Unless he shows more athleticism at the Combine, Spikes will definitely be there and probably well into the second and third rounds. Every year it seems there there is a highly decorated SEC linebacker who originally was touted as a first round choice that plummets. We have seen it before with Bradie James, Channing Crowder, Andra Davis, Trev Faulk, Darry Beckwith, Ali Highsmith and Brandon Siler.

Didn't we sign him when we were a pretty mediocre team in the early to mid-2000's? And he did absolutely nothing.

 

[DFWJC]

Its hard to say what to do when you dont see how the draft is unfolding.

I mean I would have to see at least 15 picks before I had an idea of what we should do.

But if McClain or Earl Thomas start to fall then you gotta start thinking about the possibility of trading up and getting an impact player.

If not you can sit tight and hope you land an ultra talent like Bruce Campbell that just needs some polishing.

Or you can always trade back if you don't like anyone on board.


I hope around pick 20 that

McClain

E.Thomas

Spikes

Campbell

Iupati

are all still on the board.

Especially when you are late in round 1, you really do have to see how things unfold. Early in the draft, it's much easier to hedge your bets because most of the top 7-8 guys are set except for when Oakland picks

I do know that Jacksonville would consider trading down, per Gene Smith quotes. They have big needs along the D-line and this draft is loaded there...they they already feel pretty good about getting one of their top guys on the baord a little lower than pick 10 or 11. But moving up that high may be too expensive for Dallas.

BTW, Jax said that their draft board is almost 100% set and the combines may only shift a player up or down a slot or two at the most. They go with the BPA approach (from their board) all the way and in Smith's 1st year as GM, I thought they had an A+ draft last season.

Like you said, unless Dallas has plans to move way up and get someone, it's best to see how things unfold for the 1st dozen picks or so.

 

[TheCount]

I really see no reason to trade down.

 

[Gaede]

I think he will be a quality linebacker in this league.

I still think he is a heck of a prospect and a good fit here.

I'm not a big fan of his. I think he's too stiff...Just not athletic enough for the type of people in the NFL.

 

[DFWJC]

I hope around pick 20 that

McClain

E.Thomas

Spikes

Campbell

Iupati

are all still on the board.

If McClain or Thomas fell to us, I'd be pysched.
Iupati falling there would nto be a surprise...and he is proabably worthy.
Campbell at 27? I'm not so sure.
Spikes at 27? I say no.

 

[Alexander]

I'm not a big fan of his. I think he's too stiff...Just not athletic enough for the type of people in the NFL.

He lacks pure footspeed. He knows where to go and what to do, he just has problems getting there. If you watch highlights of him (especially against Alabama) it is rather noticeable. It will just get to be more of an issue in the NFL.

I still think he could be a starter but I don't believe he could be a three down type of interior linebacker.

 

[cowboyjoe]

I think he will be a quality linebacker in this league.

Especially if Wade is his coach.

The guy is physical and he is used to lining up all over the place so the things he would be asked to do here wouldn't be over his head.

A lot of people are more convinced about his coverage abilities than I am but we will just have to see.

I still think he is a heck of a prospect and a good fit here.

me too i like him

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Unless he shows more athleticism at the Combine, Spikes will definitely be there and probably well into the second and third rounds. Every year it seems there there is a highly decorated SEC linebacker who originally was touted as a first round choice that plummets. We have seen it before with Bradie James, Channing Crowder, Andra Davis, Trev Faulk, Darry Beckwith, Ali Highsmith and Brandon Siler.

A lot of these guys were 3rd round prospects that went in the 6th round or later (Still believe teams goofed on Brandon Siler). Spikes is a better prospect than all of these guys at the time of their draft, but I do see a fall for him, doubt it last till round 3 though

 

[CATCH17]

I'm not a big fan of his. I think he's too stiff...Just not athletic enough for the type of people in the NFL.

I agree with that but I wouldn't say he is too stiff. I mean look at Bradie James. The guy has almost no agility and is terrible in space but he is extremely productive and Spikes can move a lot better than him.

 

[CATCH17]

If McClain or Thomas fell to us, I'd be pysched.
Iupati falling there would nto be a surprise...and he is proabably worthy.
Campbell at 27? I'm not so sure.
Spikes at 27? I say no.

I like Campbell because I think he has the most potential of all these OT's but he needs a lot of technique training.

I believe Dallas is the perfect spot for him to be in a position for success because he wont have to come in and play early, he'll be allowed to hit the weights for a year or 2 before he ever has to play, and he'll get to see the leagues best pass rusher every day in practice.

I'd like to see some interviews with the guy but physically I think he has as much potential as anyone you'll see at that position.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

look at the guys picked after the 27th pick (only guys who had the talent to be selected, but went within 10 picks). There will be talent there, just can't reach for a position.

 

[cowboyjoe]

I agree with that but I wouldn't say he is too stiff. I mean look at Bradie James. The guy has almost no agility and is terrible in space but he is extremely productive and Spikes can move a lot better than him.

i agree with catch, you have to remember that brandon spikes has a knee injury best i remember, so he cant really run like he could

now the guy im interested in if we cant get spikes is
Micah Johnson
ILB, Kentucky Height: 6-2 Weight: 257
40-yard dash: 4.86

War Room analysis


STRENGTHS: Has a thick, wide build. Is a good overall athlete with good lower-body flexibility. Shows solid instincts and is productive against interior running plays. Is physical with his hands; can shock and shed from blockers. Has a short burst to close on ball carriers; can uncoil hips to run through target.

WEAKNESSES: Has marginal playing speed, lateral range and agility in the open field. Is a liability in man coverage against tight ends and running backs. Gets little depth in pass coverage drops. Has only average reactions and lacks production in zone coverage. Lacks strong rush ability. Doesn't project to being a top special teams coverage player. Struggles to break down or change direction under control in the open field.

Bottom line: Johnson is a two-year starter in Kentucky's 4-3 scheme, but he projects best to an inside position in a 3-4 scheme. He is at his best against the run, but must be more consistent in wrapping up ball carriers in the open field. He is a liability in man coverage and doesn't project well as a pass rusher. We see Johnson as a solid priority free-agent prospect by a team with a 3-4 defensive scheme. He could make it as the last linebacker on a roster, or be a developmental player on in his rookie season, but he has little upside.

http://dallascowboystimes.com/category/draft/potential-draft-picks-series/
Potential Draft Picks: Micah Johnson, ILB, Kentucky

Kentucky ILB Micah Johnson would provide excellent value in the 4th or 5th round for Dallas.
As we have said before, the Cowboys may be in the market for a young inside linebacker. Bradie James and Keith Brooking performed well last year, but neither are getting any younger. The ‘Boys also have Bobby Carpenter, whose role is limited, and second-year player Jason Williams, whose work ethic has been called into question.

The team certainly wants to find out what it has in Williams, but surely won’t pass up the opportunity to draft someone they deem to be a difference-maker at the position.

Kentucky’s ILB Micah Johnson may be the perfect fit. Unfortunately, Johnson could miss the NFL Combine because of a knee injury. This could be a blessing in disguise for whoever selects him, though, as he figures to provide great value.

Scouting Report

Johnson is a physical freak, appearing to have zero body fat. At 6-foot-2, 254 pounds, Johnson has prototypical size to play inside in a 3-4, though he really fits any scheme. He also has the requisite strength to match, and he uses it to effectively take on blocks from much heavier players.

Johnson is a hard-hitter, yet still plays under control. He can sometimes string plays out too long instead of always attacking downhill. Still, he has good sideline-to-sideline ability, even if his 40-time isn’t eye-popping. Micah has the potential to be a three-down player at the next level, a trait the Cowboys sorely need, but only if he can stay healthy.

Projection

Because of his knee injury, Johnson could drop as low as the fifth round. If he is able to work out for teams before the Draft, he should rise up boards, perhaps to the back of the third, but more likely the fourth round. Dallas would get great value if they select him there or afterward.



February 16, 2010 Posted by jongb35 | ---"Potential Draft Picks" Series, Draft | 2010 cowboys drat needs, blog, dallas cowboy tickets, dallas cowboys, dallas cowboys times, dallascowboystimes.com, inside linebacker, jonathan bales, kentucky, micah johnson, nfl draft, scouting report | 1 Comment

 

[TheCount]

i agree with catch, you have to remember that brandon spikes has a knee injury best i remember, so he cant really run like he could

now the guy im interested in if we cant get spikes is
Micah Johnson
ILB, Kentucky Height: 6-2 Weight: 257
40-yard dash: 4.86

War Room analysis


STRENGTHS: Has a thick, wide build. Is a good overall athlete with good lower-body flexibility. Shows solid instincts and is productive against interior running plays. Is physical with his hands; can shock and shed from blockers. Has a short burst to close on ball carriers; can uncoil hips to run through target.

WEAKNESSES: Has marginal playing speed, lateral range and agility in the open field. Is a liability in man coverage against tight ends and running backs. Gets little depth in pass coverage drops. Has only average reactions and lacks production in zone coverage. Lacks strong rush ability. Doesn't project to being a top special teams coverage player. Struggles to break down or change direction under control in the open field.

Bottom line: Johnson is a two-year starter in Kentucky's 4-3 scheme, but he projects best to an inside position in a 3-4 scheme. He is at his best against the run, but must be more consistent in wrapping up ball carriers in the open field. He is a liability in man coverage and doesn't project well as a pass rusher. We see Johnson as a solid priority free-agent prospect by a team with a 3-4 defensive scheme. He could make it as the last linebacker on a roster, or be a developmental player on in his rookie season, but he has little upside.

http://dallascowboystimes.com/category/draft/potential-draft-picks-series/
Potential Draft Picks: Micah Johnson, ILB, Kentucky

Kentucky ILB Micah Johnson would provide excellent value in the 4th or 5th round for Dallas.
As we have said before, the Cowboys may be in the market for a young inside linebacker. Bradie James and Keith Brooking performed well last year, but neither are getting any younger. The ‘Boys also have Bobby Carpenter, whose role is limited, and second-year player Jason Williams, whose work ethic has been called into question.

The team certainly wants to find out what it has in Williams, but surely won’t pass up the opportunity to draft someone they deem to be a difference-maker at the position.

Kentucky’s ILB Micah Johnson may be the perfect fit. Unfortunately, Johnson could miss the NFL Combine because of a knee injury. This could be a blessing in disguise for whoever selects him, though, as he figures to provide great value.

Scouting Report

Johnson is a physical freak, appearing to have zero body fat. At 6-foot-2, 254 pounds, Johnson has prototypical size to play inside in a 3-4, though he really fits any scheme. He also has the requisite strength to match, and he uses it to effectively take on blocks from much heavier players.

Johnson is a hard-hitter, yet still plays under control. He can sometimes string plays out too long instead of always attacking downhill. Still, he has good sideline-to-sideline ability, even if his 40-time isn’t eye-popping. Micah has the potential to be a three-down player at the next level, a trait the Cowboys sorely need, but only if he can stay healthy.

Projection

Because of his knee injury, Johnson could drop as low as the fifth round. If he is able to work out for teams before the Draft, he should rise up boards, perhaps to the back of the third, but more likely the fourth round. Dallas would get great value if they select him there or afterward.



February 16, 2010 Posted by jongb35 | ---"Potential Draft Picks" Series, Draft | 2010 cowboys drat needs, blog, dallas cowboy tickets, dallas cowboys, dallas cowboys times, dallascowboystimes.com, inside linebacker, jonathan bales, kentucky, micah johnson, nfl draft, scouting report | 1 Comment

Has marginal PLAYING speed? As in, if he was any slower, he couldn't play in the NFL? Little upside? Liability in coverage? Can't play special teams? Good lord man!

Sounds like an UDFA.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Has marginal PLAYING speed? As in, if he was any slower, he couldn't play in the NFL? Little upside? Liability in coverage? Can't play special teams? Good lord man!

Sounds like an UDFA.

But what about this;
Johnson is a physical freak, appearing to have zero body fat. At 6-foot-2, 254 pounds, Johnson has prototypical size to play inside in a 3-4, though he really fits any scheme. He also has the requisite strength to match, and he uses it to effectively take on blocks from much heavier players.

Johnson is a hard-hitter, yet still plays under control. He can sometimes string plays out too long instead of always attacking downhill. Still, he has good sideline-to-sideline ability, even if his 40-time isn’t eye-popping. Micah has the potential to be a three-down player at the next level, a trait the Cowboys sorely need, but only if he can stay healthy.

Projection

Because of his knee injury, Johnson could drop as low as the fifth round. If he is able to work out for teams before the Draft, he should rise up boards, perhaps to the back of the third, but more likely the fourth round. Dallas would get great value if they select him there or afterward.