Thoughts on the biggest week of the offseason (draft)

[erod]

Random thoughts about Dallas' draft week ahead:

1. Something I love about the new CBA is that there is no longer a reluctance to take guards and safeties early in the draft. The money isn't so stiffening as it once was, so teams can afford take any position high. Dallas should be ready to nab a top-notch player in round 1, and address needs later, if the situation presents that way.

2. We don't want slippage in the quarterbacks, but I suspect that may happen. In a perfect scenario, you want Manziel, Bortles, and at least one more QB taken before 16. That pushes players we want down to Dallas to either take, or trade back and get more picks. However, it feels like cold feet are setting in. I don't see Manziel falling out of the first round, but Bortles, Bridgewater, and Carr seem to be falling. Bridgewater very well may fall into the second round altogether.

3. If you want Aaron Donald, Dallas has to go up and get him, but at what price? He'll never see the light of day beyond 10, I don't think, so does Dallas pull the trigger at 7 or 8 to get him, or do they just let him be. I'm torn on this. If you really like a player, go get him. On the other hands, draft picks are gold and there are good players in every round if you draft right.

4. If Dallas can get Jernigan, Easley, or Lawrence in Round 2, I do not have any problem at all with offensive line in the first round. How nice would it be to have a right guard of Frederick and Smith's quality? What an impressive young line we'd have put together seemingly overnight. The o-line was a disaster not long ago.

5. Dallas needs a quarterback, and I'd love it to be Aaron Murray. Let him learn while Romo plays out his career. Don't think he'll be there in the fourth round, but if he is, do it.

6. My pet player is Trey Millard from Oklahoma. This guy is a fullback who can run out of the "I" as a tailback, block, run routes, and catch anything. Tremendous all around player; probably the best player on the OU squad. However, he's a fullback coming off injury. Get him in the 6th or 7th if he's there.

7. The safety Dallas should grab is Jimmy Ward, not Dix or Pryor. Ward is considered the best cover safety in the draft, and this team needs a center fielder, not another strong safety like Church and Wilcox. In the second round, it would be a good pick if he got that far.

8. I think Houston really wants Manziel, but they have the Clowney chip to play. I can see them drafting Clowney, hoping Manziel slips to Atlanta, then trading Clowney to the Falcons for their pick and grabbing Manziel and picks. There is just too much allure and QB need in Houston for Manziel, which would instantly make Houston the media darling from Texas for at least two years, no matter what he does. But I don't know that they have the stomach to take him #1 without compensation for Clowney.

9. Suspected "relative" busts in my mind: Clowney, Manziel, Robinson, Bridgewater, Clinton-Dix, M. Lee, Carr, and Barr. Defensive lineman bust all the time in relation to their hype, (Tyson Jackson, Nick Fairley, Ndamakong Suh), quarterbacks fail more often than not, and I just don't see Manziel and Bridgewater translating to the NFL and staying healthy. Barr is a project player at defensive end, Lee is a headcase, Robinson has bad feet in protection, and I watched Dix get lit up by OU and A&M. Of course, I'll be wrong on a couple at least.

10. More than one source says there is a MAJOR trade in the works early in the draft. Who would that be? Surely not Jerry, with his man crush on Manziel. I'd throw up if he gives away this draft for that twerp.

 

[DBOY3141]

After the draft I wonder how McClay will look to everyone. Right now he seems to be getting a ton of hype as the draft/personnel guru.

For players.
1. Donald - who is going to draft him top 10? He may slip, folks say Chicago, but the GM came out and said they have no safeties on the roster. He might make it to Dallas.
2. I don't see Martin making it past the Giants, so he to me is more of a long shot to us than Donald.
3. I'm starting to believe the hype about Beckham and potentially landing in Dallas. If we can't trade out and Donald,Barr, Martin are gone, I think he's the pick.
4. I don't think they like Dix or Pryor, so I don't see them landing in Dallas at all.
5. If we trade down into the late 20's, I think the pick will be Easley.
6. Biggest bust or over hype to me is Ebron.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Donald is who I want, but I wouldn't trade up for him. Unless QBs fall like crazy we should have a decent shot at one of Donald, Barr, or Martin. If not oh well I still like quantity for this draft.

 

[xwalker]

Random thoughts about Dallas' draft week ahead:

1. Something I love about the new CBA is that there is no longer a reluctance to take guards and safeties early in the draft. The money isn't so stiffening as it once was, so teams can afford take any position high. Dallas should be ready to nab a top-notch player in round 1, and address needs later, if the situation presents that way.

2. We don't want slippage in the quarterbacks, but I suspect that may happen. In a perfect scenario, you want Manziel, Bortles, and at least one more QB taken before 16. That pushes players we want down to Dallas to either take, or trade back and get more picks. However, it feels like cold feet are setting in. I don't see Manziel falling out of the first round, but Bortles, Bridgewater, and Carr seem to be falling. Bridgewater very well may fall into the second round altogether.

3. If you want Aaron Donald, Dallas has to go up and get him, but at what price? He'll never see the light of day beyond 10, I don't think, so does Dallas pull the trigger at 7 or 8 to get him, or do they just let him be. I'm torn on this. If you really like a player, go get him. On the other hands, draft picks are gold and there are good players in every round if you draft right.

4. If Dallas can get Jernigan, Easley, or Lawrence in Round 2, I do not have any problem at all with offensive line in the first round. How nice would it be to have a right guard of Frederick and Smith's quality? What an impressive young line we'd have put together seemingly overnight. The o-line was a disaster not long ago.

5. Dallas needs a quarterback, and I'd love it to be Aaron Murray. Let him learn while Romo plays out his career. Don't think he'll be there in the fourth round, but if he is, do it.

6. My pet player is Trey Millard from Oklahoma. This guy is a fullback who can run out of the "I" as a tailback, block, run routes, and catch anything. Tremendous all around player; probably the best player on the OU squad. However, he's a fullback coming off injury. Get him in the 6th or 7th if he's there.

7. The safety Dallas should grab is Jimmy Ward, not Dix or Pryor. Ward is considered the best cover safety in the draft, and this team needs a center fielder, not another strong safety like Church and Wilcox. In the second round, it would be a good pick if he got that far.

8. I think Houston really wants Manziel, but they have the Clowney chip to play. I can see them drafting Clowney, hoping Manziel slips to Atlanta, then trading Clowney to the Falcons for their pick and grabbing Manziel and picks. There is just too much allure and QB need in Houston for Manziel, which would instantly make Houston the media darling from Texas for at least two years, no matter what he does. But I don't know that they have the stomach to take him #1 without compensation for Clowney.

9. Suspected "relative" busts in my mind: Clowney, Manziel, Robinson, Bridgewater, Clinton-Dix, M. Lee, Carr, and Barr. Defensive lineman bust all the time in relation to their hype, (Tyson Jackson, Nick Fairley, Ndamakong Suh), quarterbacks fail more often than not, and I just don't see Manziel and Bridgewater translating to the NFL and staying healthy. Barr is a project player at defensive end, Lee is a headcase, Robinson has bad feet in protection, and I watched Dix get lit up by OU and A&M. Of course, I'll be wrong on a couple at least.

10. More than one source says there is a MAJOR trade in the works early in the draft. Who would that be? Surely not Jerry, with his man crush on Manziel. I'd throw up if he gives away this draft for that twerp.

Cowboys fans are over hyping Donald. There is a good chance that he makes it to 16. If you go through each team above the Cowboys pick, it seems unlikely that he is their top target.

I'm not really concerned about QB. A guy like Murray is doubtful to be ready in 2014 if Romo can't play. If Romo can't play, they might as well just draft a QB with the 1st round pick in 2015. It's likely to be a top 10 pick if Romo didn't play majority of the season. I somewhat like the idea of putting Murray on IR for the season. That 3rd roster spot is very valuable.

You can't get Millard in the 6th because the Cowboys don't have a 6th round pick. You would have to make a trade.

Yes, Ward wold be a good option if they take a Safety early.

I don't see any chance of Robinson being a bust. Any issues that he might have are technique, not a lack of physical ability.

There is a possible major trade in the works every year. Many of them don't pan out, but I'm certain that there are discussion before every draft that would be consider MAJOR.

In reference to Jerry and Manziel, people are forgetting that Jerry's #1 goal over the years has been to prove his previous decision were correct. Drafting Manziel a year after giving Romo a mega-contract would be admitting that the contract was a mistake. Jerry will not want to do that regardless of how shiny Manziel might look. Stephen Jones is going to be there telling Jerry that it's impossible to cut/trade Romo due to the cap ramifications. It would be a 41M cap hit to cut or trade Romo.

 

[erod]

xwalker, I hope you're right about Jerry, and it makes sense. However, a marketing-driven lunatic like him is obsessed with guys like Manziel. He could sell a million jerseys before the season started. But I think (and hope) you're right.

I think we're going to see that teams have a VERY different opinion on players than what the draft "experts" do. With the new CBA, picks are more valuable than ever, so teams are likely sending the media on wild goose chases. We may see the Sharif Floyd slide with numerous players.

 

[DallasEast]

In reference to Jerry and Manziel, people are forgetting that Jerry's #1 goal over the years has been to prove his previous decision were correct. Drafting Manziel a year after giving Romo a mega-contract would be admitting that the contract was a mistake. Jerry will not want to do that regardless of how shiny Manziel might look. Stephen Jones is going to be there telling Jerry that it's impossible to cut/trade Romo due to the cap ramifications. It would be a 41M cap hit to cut or trade Romo.

I am still inclined to think there is a remote chance that the severity of Romo's back situation may influence the decision for drafting a quarterback. If they are confident in Romo's recovery, I agree that a first or even second round pick will not be devoted to quarterback. That said, I would not be surprised to see a fourth round pick made at the position.

 

[Rockport]

I am still inclined to think there is a remote chance that the severity of Romo's back situation may influence the decision for drafting a quarterback. If they are confident in Romo's recovery, I agree that a first or even second round pick will not be devoted to quarterback. That said, I would not be surprised to see a fourth round pick made at the position.

Every indication is that his back is fine. He's practicing for Christs sake.

 

[xwalker]

I am still inclined to think there is a remote chance that the severity of Romo's back situation may influence the decision for drafting a quarterback. If they are confident in Romo's recovery, I agree that a first or even second round pick will not be devoted to quarterback. That said, I would not be surprised to see a fourth round pick made at the position.

Yes, they're obviously considering QBs. They've had contact with several of the mid round types. I get the impression that they like Murray but I don't know where they would take him. I don't see them draft a mid round QB earlier in the range of where that player might go. I think they will be in more a a bargain hunting mode.

 

[DallasEast]

Every indication is that his back is fine. He's practicing for Christs sake.

I'm not discussing public appearance. I am speaking more to any medical evaluations of Romo's back shared with the front office, which may make them understandably cautious of his longevity. Just playing professional football is hazardous enough. Even if Romo has had or is in the process of a complete recovery, such does not automatically preclude that his back is as structurely sound as it was prior to any surgeries. Of course, my concern may be only my own. This is why I am anxious for the first two days of the draft to arrive. If no quarterback has been chosen by the end of day two, I will be satisfied that my concern was unrealized.

 

[ferrispata]

From what I have been hearing lately, Donald could either go to the Giants or the Bears before us. I would be surprised if he made it to us at 16. Giants have a bunch of needs so I am hoping that they go elsewhere but Donald has been such an impact player and especially at the DT position (which is not typical) that there will be people who covet him. I hope we don't trade up to nab him though, but would love him on the team. We could be seeing Martin in the 1st and Easley in the 2nd. Although I wouldn't be averse to Barr if he slips. There is alot of unknown in this draft this year so it will be a fun few days for fans. Just no Ebron please.

 

[DFWJC]

1. Something I love about the new CBA is that there is no longer a reluctance to take guards and safeties early in the draft. The money isn't so stiffening as it once was, so teams can afford take any position high. Dallas should be ready to nab a top-notch player in round 1, and address needs later, if the situation presents that way.
Love that it allows teams to go more towards BPA. QBs, pass rushers, CBs, and LTs are still favored though, because you get them for 5 years at a discounted rate.

2. We don't want slippage in the quarterbacks, but I suspect that may happen. In a perfect scenario, you want Manziel, Bortles, and at least one more QB taken before 16. That pushes players we want down to Dallas to either take, or trade back and get more picks. However, it feels like cold feet are setting in. I don't see Manziel falling out of the first round, but Bortles, Bridgewater, and Carr seem to be falling. Bridgewater very well may fall into the second round altogether.
I'm a bit worried that only 1-2 QBs will go < 16.

3. If you want Aaron Donald, Dallas has to go up and get him, but at what price? He'll never see the light of day beyond 10, I don't think, so does Dallas pull the trigger at 7 or 8 to get him, or do they just let him be. I'm torn on this. If you really like a player, go get him. On the other hands, draft picks are gold and there are good players in every round if you draft right.
Given our salary cap situation and the quality of this draft, I wouldn't want to give up those valuable draft picks to move that far up for Donald.

4. If Dallas can get Jernigan, Easley, or Lawrence in Round 2, I do not have any problem at all with offensive line in the first round. How nice would it be to have a right guard of Frederick and Smith's quality? What an impressive young line we'd have put together seemingly overnight. The o-line was a disaster not long ago.
Absolutely


5. Dallas needs a quarterback, and I'd love it to be Aaron Murray. Let him learn while Romo plays out his career. Don't think he'll be there in the fourth round, but if he is, do it.
Mixed feeling on Murray, but the 4th round would not be too much to give up

6. My pet player is Trey Millard from Oklahoma. This guy is a fullback who can run out of the "I" as a tailback, block, run routes, and catch anything. Tremendous all around player; probably the best player on the OU squad. However, he's a fullback coming off injury. Get him in the 6th or 7th if he's there.
Interesting player. I suspect they would take Copeland > Millard, however.

7. The safety Dallas should grab is Jimmy Ward, not Dix or Pryor. Ward is considered the best cover safety in the draft, and this team needs a center fielder, not another strong safety like Church and Wilcox. In the second round, it would be a good pick if he got that far.
Love Ward!

8. I think Houston really wants Manziel, but they have the Clowney chip to play. I can see them drafting Clowney, hoping Manziel slips to Atlanta, then trading Clowney to the Falcons for their pick and grabbing Manziel and picks. There is just too much allure and QB need in Houston for Manziel, which would instantly make Houston the media darling from Texas for at least two years, no matter what he does. But I don't know that they have the stomach to take him #1 without compensation for Clowney.
Your scenario is pretty cool from Houston's perspective. I do not at all see them taking Manziel with the 1st pick, but if they could get him and Atlanta's 2nd rounder or so, they may be thrilled. If Atlanta was giving up picks though, I'm sure they'd prefer a direct trade up pre-draft...but then Houston would have assurances of getting Manziel--if they want him.

9. Suspected "relative" busts in my mind: Clowney, Manziel, Robinson, Bridgewater, Clinton-Dix, M. Lee, Carr, and Barr. Defensive lineman bust all the time in relation to their hype, (Tyson Jackson, Nick Fairley, Ndamakong Suh), quarterbacks fail more often than not, and I just don't see Manziel and Bridgewater translating to the NFL and staying healthy. Barr is a project player at defensive end, Lee is a headcase, Robinson has bad feet in protection, and I watched Dix get lit up by OU and A&M. Of course, I'll be wrong on a couple at least.
Cannot see Robinson or Clowney busting.

10. More than one source says there is a MAJOR trade in the works early in the draft. Who would that be? Surely not Jerry, with his man crush on Manziel. I'd throw up if he gives away this draft for that twerp.
Buffalo is the latest rumor. I assume that would be for Clowney.
I feel there is no chance any team is going to give up an RG3 type deal for Manziel. For one thing, the QB needy teams are all already at the top of the draft.
If anything, some fo those QBs could fall all the way to the bottom of the 1st, where there may be a bale with those same teams trading up from the second to get them.
I'm sure Manziel is enticing enough for at least one QB needy team to pull the trigger on him early though. He may be a twerp, but there's something about him that at least gives some the feeling that he could end up great. All it takes is one team

 

[Sandyf]

This will be an interesting draft no matter how it goes.

Believe Houston's first priority is OLB and that they view Mack as the best player in the draft. Could see them making a trade with Jacksonville and not getting the value everyone perceives because they want Mack more than they want Clowney or a QB.

St. Louis holds the keys to the draft. What they do at #2 could make a lot of dominos fall differently whether they take a WR or OT or trade out of it.

Personally I don't see Cleveland nor Jacksonville nor Minnesota taking a QB in the first 20 spots of the draft. You have to factor in the GM and coach of each team which no analyst ever does. Ray Farmer at Cleveland is more conservative than most believe and only a fan of a true franchise QB. Has stated only QB in the last 7 years he would have taken in the 1st round was Luck. Jacksonville has a new coach that believes you win 1st by building your line on both sides, and that glitz comes later. Has an owner that also believes in the same philosophy. Minnesota can't afford to take a QB early because if it doesn't work out GM is gone plus coaching staff believes the best ones seems to be in the 2nd round.

Wonder how much smoke there is to Jerry and Manziel, makes for great theater and spectulation but really how much sustance. If we do take Manziel then my belief is that Romo's back isn't as healthy as we are led to believe.

Not buying the Beckham hype to Dallas but am buying that if he is there then we are moving down and getting overpaid to do it.

If Dallas drafts Martin at #16 or lower it won't ever be to replace Free eventually. The guy can be a great OG but only ever a decent OT in the NFL.

If Dallas ever needed multiple 2nd rd picks, it is this year. Ward, Easley, Lawrence, etc., etc.

Would it really surprise anyone if Dallas traded down and took Dominque Easley late 1st round. Not me.

Will Dallas really stick with the BPA guy in the first 2 rounds.

Believe McClay will get guys in the late rounds that really have a chance to be starters or quality backups and not JAG.

Could see Ryan Shazier OLB as a fall back pick in the 1st.

Could see a situation where we trade #16 to Philly for #22 and their 2nd so they can get Beckham and then if Mosley slips past Green Bay at #21 where Dallas could trade with Denver for #31 and their 2nd. Seems like a lot but it appears those are the targets of those 2 teams and they will pay extra to get them. At #31, yep probably Easley for us.

Most ridiculous rumor I have heard, Dallas trades 2015 1st, 2016 2nd, and Morris Claiborne to St. Louis for Manziel at #13. OMG, the draft can't get here soon enough.

 

[Texas_Pete]

I would LOVE Murray on our roster. Do it Jerry.

 

[visionary]

Cowboys fans are over hyping Donald. There is a good chance that he makes it to 16. If you go through each team above the Cowboys pick, it seems unlikely that he is their top target.

I'm not really concerned about QB. A guy like Murray is doubtful to be ready in 2014 if Romo can't play. If Romo can't play, they might as well just draft a QB with the 1st round pick in 2015. It's likely to be a top 10 pick if Romo didn't play majority of the season. I somewhat like the idea of putting Murray on IR for the season. That 3rd roster spot is very valuable.

You can't get Millard in the 6th because the Cowboys don't have a 6th round pick. You would have to make a trade.

Yes, Ward wold be a good option if they take a Safety early.

I don't see any chance of Robinson being a bust. Any issues that he might have are technique, not a lack of physical ability.

There is a possible major trade in the works every year. Many of them don't pan out, but I'm certain that there are discussion before every draft that would be consider MAJOR.

In reference to Jerry and Manziel, people are forgetting that Jerry's #1 goal over the years has been to prove his previous decision were correct. Drafting Manziel a year after giving Romo a mega-contract would be admitting that the contract was a mistake. Jerry will not want to do that regardless of how shiny Manziel might look. Stephen Jones is going to be there telling Jerry that it's impossible to cut/trade Romo due to the cap ramifications. It would be a 41M cap hit to cut or trade Romo.

as usual i agree with a lot of what you said including that donald will be there at 16

only place i disagree is on manziel. if he is there at 16, jerry will take him. the dollar signs are just too huge.

some team will pick murray up in bottom of rd 2 or early rd 3

 

[jday]

Random thoughts about Dallas' draft week ahead:

1. Something I love about the new CBA is that there is no longer a reluctance to take guards and safeties early in the draft. The money isn't so stiffening as it once was, so teams can afford take any position high. Dallas should be ready to nab a top-notch player in round 1, and address needs later, if the situation presents that way.

2. We don't want slippage in the quarterbacks, but I suspect that may happen. In a perfect scenario, you want Manziel, Bortles, and at least one more QB taken before 16. That pushes players we want down to Dallas to either take, or trade back and get more picks. However, it feels like cold feet are setting in. I don't see Manziel falling out of the first round, but Bortles, Bridgewater, and Carr seem to be falling. Bridgewater very well may fall into the second round altogether.

3. If you want Aaron Donald, Dallas has to go up and get him, but at what price? He'll never see the light of day beyond 10, I don't think, so does Dallas pull the trigger at 7 or 8 to get him, or do they just let him be. I'm torn on this. If you really like a player, go get him. On the other hands, draft picks are gold and there are good players in every round if you draft right.

4. If Dallas can get Jernigan, Easley, or Lawrence in Round 2, I do not have any problem at all with offensive line in the first round. How nice would it be to have a right guard of Frederick and Smith's quality? What an impressive young line we'd have put together seemingly overnight. The o-line was a disaster not long ago.

5. Dallas needs a quarterback, and I'd love it to be Aaron Murray. Let him learn while Romo plays out his career. Don't think he'll be there in the fourth round, but if he is, do it.

6. My pet player is Trey Millard from Oklahoma. This guy is a fullback who can run out of the "I" as a tailback, block, run routes, and catch anything. Tremendous all around player; probably the best player on the OU squad. However, he's a fullback coming off injury. Get him in the 6th or 7th if he's there.

7. The safety Dallas should grab is Jimmy Ward, not Dix or Pryor. Ward is considered the best cover safety in the draft, and this team needs a center fielder, not another strong safety like Church and Wilcox. In the second round, it would be a good pick if he got that far.

8. I think Houston really wants Manziel, but they have the Clowney chip to play. I can see them drafting Clowney, hoping Manziel slips to Atlanta, then trading Clowney to the Falcons for their pick and grabbing Manziel and picks. There is just too much allure and QB need in Houston for Manziel, which would instantly make Houston the media darling from Texas for at least two years, no matter what he does. But I don't know that they have the stomach to take him #1 without compensation for Clowney.

9. Suspected "relative" busts in my mind: Clowney, Manziel, Robinson, Bridgewater, Clinton-Dix, M. Lee, Carr, and Barr. Defensive lineman bust all the time in relation to their hype, (Tyson Jackson, Nick Fairley, Ndamakong Suh), quarterbacks fail more often than not, and I just don't see Manziel and Bridgewater translating to the NFL and staying healthy. Barr is a project player at defensive end, Lee is a headcase, Robinson has bad feet in protection, and I watched Dix get lit up by OU and A&M. Of course, I'll be wrong on a couple at least.

10. More than one source says there is a MAJOR trade in the works early in the draft. Who would that be? Surely not Jerry, with his man crush on Manziel. I'd throw up if he gives away this draft for that twerp.

Count me among the many Cowboys fans that really, really, really wants Aaron Donald. Of all the defensive players, he seems to be the best fit in the Marinelli scheme of any player likely available at 16 for any given defensive position. I am not a big fan of any of the QB's available...and that includes Manziel - this is not based on ability - this has more to do with his off-the-field persona. I like Deone Buchannon S in the 2nd if he is still available, as I really feel like a DE not named Barr or Clowney would be a reach and Jimmie Ward has neither the size or speed that I would prefer at that position.

 

[erod]

Count me among the many Cowboys fans that really, really, really wants Aaron Donald. Of all the defensive players, he seems to be the best fit in the Marinelli scheme of any player likely available at 16 for any given defensive position. I am not a big fan of any of the QB's available...and that includes Manziel - this is not based on ability - this has more to do with his off-the-field persona. I like Deone Buchannon S in the 2nd if he is still available, as I really feel like a DE not named Barr or Clowney would be a reach and Jimmie Ward has neither the size or speed that I would prefer at that position.

With Donald, Dallas would be able to get good interior pass rush in 3rd and long situations where you take the 1-tech out and put in Melton and Donald together.

If they could get Donald and Jernigan in the first two rounds, I'd be a happy camper.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Random thoughts about Dallas' draft week ahead:

1. Something I love about the new CBA is that there is no longer a reluctance to take guards and safeties early in the draft. The money isn't so stiffening as it once was, so teams can afford take any position high. Dallas should be ready to nab a top-notch player in round 1, and address needs later, if the situation presents that way. Yeah, there is now the issue with the length of first round contracts compared to later round...some teams certainly don't want to trade out of the first into the second as those players become free agents sooner now.

2. We don't want slippage in the quarterbacks, but I suspect that may happen. In a perfect scenario, you want Manziel, Bortles, and at least one more QB taken before 16. That pushes players we want down to Dallas to either take, or trade back and get more picks. However, it feels like cold feet are setting in. I don't see Manziel falling out of the first round, but Bortles, Bridgewater, and Carr seem to be falling. Bridgewater very well may fall into the second round altogether. You will get teams that panic and overdraft the QB's especially if Manziel goes number two as people are starting to talk about. I think Manziel and Bortles will both be drafted in the top 10. I don't see any others going before 16.

3. If you want Aaron Donald, Dallas has to go up and get him, but at what price? He'll never see the light of day beyond 10, I don't think, so does Dallas pull the trigger at 7 or 8 to get him, or do they just let him be. I'm torn on this. If you really like a player, go get him. On the other hands, draft picks are gold and there are good players in every round if you draft right. I don't think he is a sure bet in the top ten and honestly, anything that is going to cost us our second round pick would be too expensive for me. Trade partner almost would have to be the Titans to insure getting ahead of the Giants and Bears....for me, that is the trading spot. Probably costs a third. I could part with a 3rd to get Donald.

4. If Dallas can get Jernigan, Easley, or Lawrence in Round 2, I do not have any problem at all with offensive line in the first round. How nice would it be to have a right guard of Frederick and Smith's quality? What an impressive young line we'd have put together seemingly overnight. The o-line was a disaster not long ago. I think there is almost no doubt one of those would be available at 47...are you going with Martin or is there another guard you want? Sua'Filo?

5. Dallas needs a quarterback, and I'd love it to be Aaron Murray. Let him learn while Romo plays out his career. Don't think he'll be there in the fourth round, but if he is, do it. I have no problem with taking a QB...there are 3-4 I like as projects. ALso have no problem passing them by.

6. My pet player is Trey Millard from Oklahoma. This guy is a fullback who can run out of the "I" as a tailback, block, run routes, and catch anything. Tremendous all around player; probably the best player on the OU squad. However, he's a fullback coming off injury. Get him in the 6th or 7th if he's there. Yep, I like him...would try trading two 7ths to get a 6th for him. He might still be there in the 7th too.

7. The safety Dallas should grab is Jimmy Ward, not Dix or Pryor. Ward is considered the best cover safety in the draft, and this team needs a center fielder, not another strong safety like Church and Wilcox. In the second round, it would be a good pick if he got that far. Ward in the second is my wish but I doubt he is at 47. If we could get Donald and Ward I think the rest could be anything and I would be happy. Crichton is the other guy I have a huge crush on.

8. I think Houston really wants Manziel, but they have the Clowney chip to play. I can see them drafting Clowney, hoping Manziel slips to Atlanta, then trading Clowney to the Falcons for their pick and grabbing Manziel and picks. There is just too much allure and QB need in Houston for Manziel, which would instantly make Houston the media darling from Texas for at least two years, no matter what he does. But I don't know that they have the stomach to take him #1 without compensation for Clowney. Meh, I don't care what the Texans do.

9. Suspected "relative" busts in my mind: Clowney, Manziel, Robinson, Bridgewater, Clinton-Dix, M. Lee, Carr, and Barr. Defensive lineman bust all the time in relation to their hype, (Tyson Jackson, Nick Fairley, Ndamakong Suh), quarterbacks fail more often than not, and I just don't see Manziel and Bridgewater translating to the NFL and staying healthy. Barr is a project player at defensive end, Lee is a headcase, Robinson has bad feet in protection, and I watched Dix get lit up by OU and A&M. Of course, I'll be wrong on a couple at least. Not sure about Robinson being a bust candidate. I think Barr has too much athleticism to bust.

10. More than one source says there is a MAJOR trade in the works early in the draft. Who would that be? Surely not Jerry, with his man crush on Manziel. I'd throw up if he gives away this draft for that twerp.

There is a lot of smoke....the Rams supposedly now want Manziel, Eagles want a WR and are ready to trade up....gonna be so much BS coming out over the next few days.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

Not Cowboys related, but I think Houston would be stupid to take Clowney over Mack. Clowney isn't a 3-4 OLB and I think he'll be a disappointment in the NFL. Mack is a better player and a much better fit for a 3-4 defense. They'd be smart to trade back a few picks, let someone else make the mistake of taking Clowney, and take Mack.

 

[DFWJC]

There is a lot of smoke....the Rams supposedly now want Manziel, Eagles want a WR and are ready to trade up....gonna be so much BS coming out over the next few days.

regarding your comments...not just above...

The talk of Manziel to Rams was related to their 13th pick, not 2nd.

Can't imagine Su'A Filo making it to 47, but your probably right about one of those dlineman slipping to there.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

The talk of Manziel to Rams was related to their 13th pick, not 2nd.

If that is the case, I doubt they get him.

Others disagree

Adam Caplan ✔ @caplannfl
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Popular theory with personnel execs. RT @LanceZierlein: Greg Cosell just said he believe Johnny Manziel will go #2 to the Rams.

8:46 AM - 5 May 2014