Stash's Mock Draft v2.0

[Stash]

After receiving feedback, I have decided to go back to my original mock draft listings. And while they might be just as unpopular, hopefully they're a bit more reasonable:

Stash's Dallas Cowboys 2009 Mock Draft​

Round 2 : Duke Robinson - OG - Oklahoma - 6’5” 335 lbs.

Massive drive-blocking mauler who plays with a mean streak. Capable of pancaking opponents. Has long arms for a guard. Solid short-area quickness for a player his size. Durable player with size, strength, and drive to compete immediately at the next level. Robinson is capable of contributing quickly to improving the Cowboys’ running game.

Round 3: Rashad Johnson - FS – Alabama - 5’11” 195 lbs.

Smart, undersized player with excellent instincts and a nose for the ball. Great hands for the interception and makes the most of his opportunities. His three interceptions led the way for his team’s victory over LSU. Hard worker and team leader who can make the defensive calls.

Round 4: Tony Fiammetta – FB- Syracuse – 6’0” 246 lbs.

Solid, tough fullback who can block, catch, and run. Came into his own as a true fullback in 2008. Often used in motion so his versatility is also a plus. A team leader who will run through walls to help his team win. I feel he would be a considerable improvement over the average Deon Anderson and help the Cowboys’ 3-headed monster running game.

Round 4: Johnny Knox – WR – Abilene Christian – 5’11” 185 lbs.

Speed-burning deep threat with 2,227 yards and 30 touchdowns the past two seasons. Solid candidate for slot and kick return duties. Provides a nice contrast to the long-striders this team currently has at receiver. Will need some polish and time to adjust to the pro game, but the potential is certainly there. Recent 4.3 40 time has his stock on the rise.

Round 5: Jason Watkins - OT - Florida - 6’6” 317 lbs

Athletic left tackle prospect with quick feet to play at the NFL level. Effective in space and capable of getting to the second level. Versatile, has also played on the right side so he could begin his career as a swing tackle. Has long arms and excellent athleticism with considerable upside potential.

Round 5: Jason Phillips - ILB - TCU – 6’1” 236 lbs.

Smart football player, son of a football coach. Capable of calling defensive plays. Tough player who plays through pain. Good speed for his size and good awareness in coverage. Could start out as special teams contributor while he develops. Recent injury is the reason he’s still available in 5th round.

Round 5: Stephen McGee – QB – Texas A & M – 6’3” 223 lbs.
Solid physical specimen with the smarts and leadership skills to develop into a solid NFL quarterback. Team-oriented player open to coaching, should make for an ideal developmental quarterback behind Tony Romo and could develop into a future starter.

Round 6: Bradley Fletcher – CB – Iowa – 6’1” 195 lbs.

Terrific athletic ability and solid size for the position. Matches up well with bigger receivers. Solid special teams player who can contribute in that role while he develops his game as a cornerback.

Round 6: Jasper Brinkley – ILB – South Carolina – 6’2” 265 lbs.

Solid size and strength to play inside in a 3-4 system. Solid instincts and blitzer. Recent struggles and injury have dropped his stock, but he still has the potential to develop into a solid inside presence.

Round 7: Lee Robinson – OLB - Alcorn State - 6’2” 243 lbs.

Team leader and solid character. Very productive player coming off a solid senior season. A bit raw, but a natural athlete, Robinson could fill a rush linebacker role while his game develops.

Round 7: Antonio Dixon – DT – Miami – 6’3” 326 lbs.

Solid nose tackle candidate with the strength to stack linemen and stuff the inside running game. Able to handle the double-team. Above average agility for a player his size. While not a full-time starter, he won’t be asked to be in Dallas either, but could provide a breather for Ratliff at nose tackle.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

hate the FB pick, think taking a QB is a waste, although a player like McGee could turn into a higher pick for us in the future, so I would be ok with that, don't think Brinkley falls that far

pretty solid

 

[Stash]

hate the FB pick, think taking a QB is a waste, although a player like McGee could turn into a higher pick for us in the future, so I would be ok with that, don't think Brinkley falls that far

pretty solid

My stance is that an improvement at fullback could do wonders for the Cowboys' offense and I think Fiammetta is the best in this draft. And I think he'd be a leader on the team as well.

The reason I place higher importance on it is that I feel that it's one of the few spots where a rookie could actually be a starter and make a difference, along with guard where I drafted Robinson.

Given last season's fiasco, I don't think this team can have too many quarterbacks at this point.

Most people don't think Brinkley falls that far, but most rankings I've seen have him listed as a 7th rounder.

Thanks for the response.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

My stance is that an improvement at fullback could do wonders for the Cowboys' offense and I think Fiammetta is the best in this draft. And I think he'd be a leader on the team as well.

The reason I place higher importance on it is that I feel that it's one of the few spots where a rookie could actually be a starter and make a difference, along with guard where I drafted Robinson.

Given last season's fiasco, I don't think this team can have too many quarterbacks at this point.

Most people don't think Brinkley falls that far, but most rankings I've seen have him listed as a 7th rounder.

Thanks for the response.

quit thanking me *******!

 

[ZeroClub]

I like going OL early.

The FB is interesting ... so about what percentage of the snaps would a true FB get (as opposed to a TE lining up there)?

 

[irvin4evs]

I don't see almost any of those 2nd day picks falling that far.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Still would like to see a backup center. To think that Kosier could/would be it is wishful thinking I do believe. I think that's more important than the 2nd ILB.

 

[Stash]

I like going OL early.

The FB is interesting ... so about what percentage of the snaps would a true FB get (as opposed to a TE lining up there)?

I think a fullback versatile enough to do everything the Cowboys need would play quite a bit.

Take a look at this article regarding the Cowboys and the fullback position and let me know what you think:


Cowboys Draft 2009: Time for the Annual Moose Call

Posted: March 3, 2009 @ 7:13 pm


The F in F-back has meant failure the past few seasons.

The F-back refers to a player, usually a tight end, who lines up at various places along the line of scrimmage. Sometimes the F-back is on the line as a true tight end. Other times, he lines up outside the tight end as a wingback. Most of the time, the F-back flexes into the backfield and acts as a fullback, leading the tailback up the middle on run plays.

It’s the failure to execute this final responsibility which doomed Anthony Fasano in Dallas. He was solid playing on the line, but his inability to engage and move inside linebackers, coupled with Deon Anderson’s ‘07 injury problems, meant the Cowboys had to use Jason Witten as their f-back and put Fasano on the line.

This ran counter to the team’s wishes. Witten was the better down-the-field option, so putting him in the backfield diminished his receiving talents.
Last year, Tony Curtis got his shot at as F-back, while rookie Martellus Bennett started as a pure tight end. Curtis’ inability to function as a lead blocker saw Bennett getting more and more reps as F-back as the season progressed.

After the bye, Dallas relied a lot on diamond formation popularized by Mike Sherman’s Packers, where Witten and Bennett would line up as offset-I fullbacks, one to each side of the line. At the snap, they could either dash upfield on patterns or both lead the running back inside.
Dallas did not offer Curtis a tender last week, meaning the team will again look for a blocking tight end or, perhaps, a true fullback.

Spread offense have proliferated in college football and have greatly diminished the number of fullbacks sent to the pros. This is the main reason why Dallas has stocked up on tight ends in recent years. This year sees a handful of legitimate fullback prospects available.

They’re led in some order by LSU’s Quinn Johnson and Syracuse’s Tony Fiammetta.

Johnson is a true blunt instrument, a vicious lead blocker. That skill alone may prompt the Cowboys to call his name draft weekend. He is rather one dimensional, from all published reports. His 40 times fall in the 4.85 range and he lacks great hands.

Fiammetta has the more complete game and may also draw serious Cowboys attention. He blocks well, though not as well as Johnson. He is faster, shiftier and a far better receiver. Given that any fullback would have to play special teams, I’d prefer Fiammetta, who times in the 4.6 range.

Stories on fullbacks often draw groans from the blogging faithful. Fullback lacks sex appeal. That said, I find the circumstantial evidence for a fullback pick quite strong. Dallas will surely improve its run mix this year. Curtis is gone, meaning Deon Anderson is the lone lead blocker on roster. Anderson’s game plateaued last year. He’s an okay blocker, but you would never compare his blocking skills to Moose Johnston’s for Robert Newhouse’s. And Anderson did little with the handful of short yardage carries he received. He’s not bad, but it’s not that difficult to find better.

Dallas currently has five picks in the 4th, 5th and 6th rounds. That total will likely rise by two when supplemental picks are awarded. For those reasons, I strongly suspect Dallas will select one of Johnson, Fiammetta or Georgia’s Brannan Southerland somewhere in the late 4th or in the 5th round.





This goes along with my thinking and my reasons for using a pick as high as the 4th round on the fullback position.

 

[Stash]

Still would like to see a backup center. To think that Kosier could/would be it is wishful thinking I do believe. I think that's more important than the 2nd ILB.

I wouldn't try to fight you on that.

In fact, I was looking for a backup center with that last 7th rounder but didn't feel any that I thought would be available there were markedly better than the undrafted free agents the Cowboys could sign after the draft.

 

[ZeroClub]

That's an interesting read.

A solid lead blocker is important, of course ... but how many snaps would this FB get?

The two TEs are a strength for this team. How often do you want to sit Bennett in favor of an FB? All in all, probably not all that often.

Remember when Parcells tried Spears as a lead blocker? It would be nice if some gimmick like that could work out for goal-line and short yardage (although gimmicks usually don't work out).

 

[Stash]

That's an interesting read.

A solid lead blocker is important, of course ... but how many snaps would this FB get?

The two TEs are a strength for this team. How often do you want to sit Bennett in favor of an FB? All in all, probably not all that often.

Remember when Parcells tried Spears as a lead blocker? It would be nice if some gimmick like that could work out for goal-line and short yardage (although gimmicks usually don't work out).

Nothing against Bennett, but I think he's better used in-line blocking rather than on the move.

And I don't think his body type is ideal for blocking on the move.

I like Fiammetta because he can do everything you would want a fullback to do.

Having him in the game gives an offense more options and not less.

Not suggesting that's right, only that it's the way I see it.

 

[reddyuta]

i will honest-a FB in the 4th is just silly.

 

[Stash]

i will honest-a FB in the 4th is just silly.

So I guess a fullback in the second round would be ridiculous?

 

[dbair1967]

Round 2 : Duke Robinson - OG - Oklahoma - 6’5” 335 lbs.

I dont hate Robinson at 51, especially if the coaching staff and scouts believe he is a sure fire starter at LG. I do have some reservations about him though.

Round 3: Rashad Johnson - FS – Alabama - 5’11” 195 lbs.

He's one of my favorite players in the draft, especially considering where we pick in round 2 and 3. I think he'd definitely play alot as a rookie, and might start.

Round 4: Tony Fiammetta – FB- Syracuse – 6’0” 246 lbs.

I wont be surprised if we draft a FB, but 4th rd seems too early to me for any of the FB prospects.

Round 4: Johnny Knox – WR – Abilene Christian – 5’11” 185 lbs.

Other than stuff I've read on him, I know nothing about him and have no opinion. Seems most are kinda high on the kid though.

Round 5: Jason Watkins - OT - Florida - 6’6” 317 lbs

I think he could end up being a steal for somebody, especially if he's drafted in the 4th or 5th rd. probably needs technique work along with weightroom strength, but he has alot of upside.

Round 5: Jason Phillips - ILB - TCU – 6’1” 236 lbs.

Like JP alot.

Round 5: Stephen McGee – QB – Texas A & M – 6’3” 223 lbs.

I'm not convinced like most that we'll take a QB this yr. I just am not impressed with any of them. Getting Kitna gives us the luxury of keeping only 2 QB's IMO.

Round 6: Bradley Fletcher – CB – Iowa – 6’1” 195 lbs.

know nothing about him

Round 6: Jasper Brinkley – ILB – South Carolina – 6’2” 265 lbs.

I still think he'll go higher than this, but I do like him at ILB in the 3-4.

Round 7: Lee Robinson – OLB - Alcorn State - 6’2” 243 lbs.

know nothing about him either

Round 7: Antonio Dixon – DT – Miami – 6’3” 326 lbs.

late 7th...these are the kind of guys you normally get...though NT is another position I am not convinced (like many) that we'll be drafting because Ratliff isnt moving from there and he's a really good one, with a ton of upside and locked up longterm.

 

[Stash]

Thanks for the feedback!

Very honest.

Much appreciated.

 

[BAT]

I am glad someone posted this article. Many underestimate the value of the FB in a Norv Turner offense. Garrett has tweaked the position to be more versatile, based on Sparano & Parcells love of TEs, but the F-Back still needs to lead block, which is something that the traditional TEs (taller than 6'4) have a lot of trouble doing (getting your pads lower than the LBs is the primary reason, but hitting a moving target is another).


I like Fiammetta, especially his leadership & work ethic, but he has minimal upside due to his stiffness. And while he is a willing blocker, he is not an eraser.


A guy with better hands and fluidity is a small school guy named Marquez Branson. He is also a converted TE, but he is as good (w/the attitude, athletic abililty and work ethic to get better) at lead blocking as Fiammetta. Branson has some nasty to him. He is also bigger than Fiammetta at 6'2 250, and as fast with a 4.59-4.68 40.


More importantly, as good if not better receiver & blocker, at a better value, 7th rounder instead of 4th rounder.


As for pure LB killing FB, I like Marcus Mailei out of Weber State better than Quinn Johnson. Mailei is a better receiver, short yardage runner, and can erase LBs with as much ease (actually is better in space than Johnson). Mailei is likely a 7th to UDFA. But he has great tenacity.

I think a fullback versatile enough to do everything the Cowboys need would play quite a bit.

Take a look at this article regarding the Cowboys and the fullback position and let me know what you think:


Cowboys Draft 2009: Time for the Annual Moose Call

Posted: March 3, 2009 @ 7:13 pm


The F in F-back has meant failure the past few seasons.

The F-back refers to a player, usually a tight end, who lines up at various places along the line of scrimmage. Sometimes the F-back is on the line as a true tight end. Other times, he lines up outside the tight end as a wingback. Most of the time, the F-back flexes into the backfield and acts as a fullback, leading the tailback up the middle on run plays.

It’s the failure to execute this final responsibility which doomed Anthony Fasano in Dallas. He was solid playing on the line, but his inability to engage and move inside linebackers, coupled with Deon Anderson’s ‘07 injury problems, meant the Cowboys had to use Jason Witten as their f-back and put Fasano on the line.

This ran counter to the team’s wishes. Witten was the better down-the-field option, so putting him in the backfield diminished his receiving talents.
Last year, Tony Curtis got his shot at as F-back, while rookie Martellus Bennett started as a pure tight end. Curtis’ inability to function as a lead blocker saw Bennett getting more and more reps as F-back as the season progressed.

After the bye, Dallas relied a lot on diamond formation popularized by Mike Sherman’s Packers, where Witten and Bennett would line up as offset-I fullbacks, one to each side of the line. At the snap, they could either dash upfield on patterns or both lead the running back inside.
Dallas did not offer Curtis a tender last week, meaning the team will again look for a blocking tight end or, perhaps, a true fullback.

Spread offense have proliferated in college football and have greatly diminished the number of fullbacks sent to the pros. This is the main reason why Dallas has stocked up on tight ends in recent years. This year sees a handful of legitimate fullback prospects available.

They’re led in some order by LSU’s Quinn Johnson and Syracuse’s Tony Fiammetta.

Johnson is a true blunt instrument, a vicious lead blocker. That skill alone may prompt the Cowboys to call his name draft weekend. He is rather one dimensional, from all published reports. His 40 times fall in the 4.85 range and he lacks great hands.

Fiammetta has the more complete game and may also draw serious Cowboys attention. He blocks well, though not as well as Johnson. He is faster, shiftier and a far better receiver. Given that any fullback would have to play special teams, I’d prefer Fiammetta, who times in the 4.6 range.

Stories on fullbacks often draw groans from the blogging faithful. Fullback lacks sex appeal. That said, I find the circumstantial evidence for a fullback pick quite strong. Dallas will surely improve its run mix this year. Curtis is gone, meaning Deon Anderson is the lone lead blocker on roster. Anderson’s game plateaued last year. He’s an okay blocker, but you would never compare his blocking skills to Moose Johnston’s for Robert Newhouse’s. And Anderson did little with the handful of short yardage carries he received. He’s not bad, but it’s not that difficult to find better.

Dallas currently has five picks in the 4th, 5th and 6th rounds. That total will likely rise by two when supplemental picks are awarded. For those reasons, I strongly suspect Dallas will select one of Johnson, Fiammetta or Georgia’s Brannan Southerland somewhere in the late 4th or in the 5th round.





This goes along with my thinking and my reasons for using a pick as high as the 4th round on the fullback position.

 

[Zaxor]

I think that is a very solid draft top to bottom...I have personal favorites that I would rather see come to us but I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if it fell like this.