Thoughts/Opinions about draft class!

[Cowboyny]

-Downs NCB-perfect fit for CP's nickel role. This position isn't used like a traditional slot corner, more of a hybrid role. Parker wants to play two safeties back, along with disguising their intentions for a particular play. Since they will be in a light box, this player has to be a strong run defender, which Downs certainly is.

-Lawrence Edge-in my opinion, a similar prospect to EZ from last year's draft. EZ was the more productive prospect, where Lawrence has more the physical traits you look for at the position. Has good first step quickness, but needs refinement with his technique and must learn how to play the run better to become a three down player. Expectations should be low in his rookie season in hopes he can become an impact starter early in his career.

-Barham LB/Edge-he is the poor man's version of OSU's Arvil Reese. Was an off the ball linebacker until last season where he played Edge. They will start him as an off the ball linebacker. He is more of a tweener and less polished compared to Reese. Very physical and has a tremendous first step quickness. His burst shows up on tape.

-Shelton Tackle-has a ton of starting experience within a power conference. Can play either side and even kick inside as a Guard. He needs some technique development and add more strength to his frame. Could become the team's swing tackle right away.

-Moore CB-many media scouts had him rated as a high 3rd rd prospect. Has all the physical traits the team seeks at the position. Good balanced corner, where his biggest knock is his durability. Has missed a ton of games, however he did play in 11 games last season.

-Overton DE-Cowboys are going to a 3 man line and need that 5/4i technique, which they see Overton as. His main job will be occupying multiple blockers and being stout against the run. He will be used more as a DT due to limited pass rush abilities.

-Winters LB (Trade from 49ers)-he is known to be very good in coverage and solid against the run. More of a sideline to sideline type of backer who high end speed. Coming off a strong season where he started 17 games for the 49ers.

-Smith WR-he a strech the field type of receiver that struggles with drops, will need to earn a roster spot.

Overall

Really think the Cowboys did a great job of changing their defensive makeup. Defense has several players who can play multiple roles, this was done by design as CP's scheme is big on post snap disguise. The defense rebuild isn't complete and remains a work in progress. What they have accomplished is added a new staff that hopes to do a better job with development and improve the overall talent.

 

[CWR]

-Downs NCB-perfect fit for CP's nickel role. This position isn't used like a traditional slot corner, more of a hybrid role. Parker wants to play two safeties back, along with disguising their intentions for a particular play. Since they will be in a light box, this player has to be a strong run defender, which Downs certainly is.

-Lawrence Edge-in my opinion, a similar prospect to EZ from last year's draft. EZ was the more productive prospect, where Lawrence has more the physical traits you look for at the position. Has good first step quickness, but needs refinement with his technique and must learn how to play the run better to become a three down player. Expectations should be low in his rookie season in hopes he can become an impact starter early in his career.

-Barham LB/Edge-he is the poor man's version of OSU's Arvil Reese. Was an off the ball linebacker until last season where he played Edge. They will start him as an off the ball linebacker. He is more of a tweener and less polished compared to Reese. Very physical and has a tremendous first step quickness. His burst shows up on tape.

-Shelton Tackle-has a ton of starting experience within a power conference. Can play either side and even kick inside as a Guard. He needs some technique development and add more strength to his frame. Could become the team's swing tackle right away.

-Moore CB-many media scouts had him rated as a high 3rd rd prospect. Has all the physical traits the team seeks at the position. Good balanced corner, where his biggest knock is his durability. Has missed a ton of games, however he did play in 11 games last season.

-Overton DE-Cowboys are going to a 3 man line and need that 5/4i technique, which they see Overton as. His main job will be occupying multiple blockers and being stout against the run. He will be used more as a DT due to limited pass rush abilities.

-Winters LB (Trade from 49ers)-he is known to be very good in coverage and solid against the run. More of a sideline to sideline type of backer who high end speed. Coming off a strong season where he started 17 games for the 49ers.

-Smith WR-he a strech the field type of receiver that struggles with drops, will need to earn a roster spot.

Overall

Really think the Cowboys did a great job of changing their defensive makeup. Defense has several players who can play multiple roles, this was done by design as CP's scheme is big on post snap disguise. The defense rebuild isn't complete and remains a work in progress. What they have accomplished is added a new staff that hopes to do a better job with development and improve the overall talent.

Barham runs like his hair is on fire. He may be a fun player to watch. I like having bigger lbs back there. My guy puts on 10lbs and he'll be Rolando McClain sized.

 

[Cowboyny]

Barham runs like his hair is on fire. He may be a fun player to watch. I like having bigger lbs back there. My guy puts on 10lbs and he'll be Rolando McClain sized.

Let’s hope he isn’t another Marist and learns how to channel his aggressiveness

 

[rambo2]

-Downs NCB-perfect fit for CP's nickel role. This position isn't used like a traditional slot corner, more of a hybrid role. Parker wants to play two safeties back, along with disguising their intentions for a particular play. Since they will be in a light box, this player has to be a strong run defender, which Downs certainly is.

-Lawrence Edge-in my opinion, a similar prospect to EZ from last year's draft. EZ was the more productive prospect, where Lawrence has more the physical traits you look for at the position. Has good first step quickness, but needs refinement with his technique and must learn how to play the run better to become a three down player. Expectations should be low in his rookie season in hopes he can become an impact starter early in his career.

-Barham LB/Edge-he is the poor man's version of OSU's Arvil Reese. Was an off the ball linebacker until last season where he played Edge. They will start him as an off the ball linebacker. He is more of a tweener and less polished compared to Reese. Very physical and has a tremendous first step quickness. His burst shows up on tape.

-Shelton Tackle-has a ton of starting experience within a power conference. Can play either side and even kick inside as a Guard. He needs some technique development and add more strength to his frame. Could become the team's swing tackle right away.

-Moore CB-many media scouts had him rated as a high 3rd rd prospect. Has all the physical traits the team seeks at the position. Good balanced corner, where his biggest knock is his durability. Has missed a ton of games, however he did play in 11 games last season.

-Overton DE-Cowboys are going to a 3 man line and need that 5/4i technique, which they see Overton as. His main job will be occupying multiple blockers and being stout against the run. He will be used more as a DT due to limited pass rush abilities.

-Winters LB (Trade from 49ers)-he is known to be very good in coverage and solid against the run. More of a sideline to sideline type of backer who high end speed. Coming off a strong season where he started 17 games for the 49ers.

-Smith WR-he a strech the field type of receiver that struggles with drops, will need to earn a roster spot.

Overall

Really think the Cowboys did a great job of changing their defensive makeup. Defense has several players who can play multiple roles, this was done by design as CP's scheme is big on post snap disguise. The defense rebuild isn't complete and remains a work in progress. What they have accomplished is added a new staff that hopes to do a better job with development and improve the overall talent.

This draft class is awesome. It gets my blood flowing. I have a feeling that they are going to hit on Barham.

 

[plasticman]

It was a good draft. Perhaps, in time, it will go down as iconic. That would depend on combined quality of their careers.

I would say that to be a great draft, four of them would have to become substantial contributors. The draft would be iconic if five of them became major contributors.

I think this answers the question about how much of a role the 3-4 will have in teh Cowboys future.

Overton is a prototypical 3-4 DE. They are not meant to be the primary sack leaders in their defense. Their job is containment and control of the line of scrimmage. They do the dirty work while the LBs swoop in and get all the glory.

It would be a mistake to measure a 3-4 DE's value by theier statistics.

Lawrence and Barham are going to be the LBs in a 3-4. This will be where the Cowboys defense will change to a more physical presence.

With Downs patrolling the middle of the field, the defense should improve.

I believe the starter will be Downs with Williams receiving significant playing time. He will be a starter, although probably not right away.

Shelton is a project and Smith is borderline practice squad.

As far as Moore, I hope he's not just another addition to the annual redshirt squad otherwise known as the injured reserve. It has already been heavily populated in the past by CBs.

Many in the media have graded this an A.......on a scale of A to a C-.

I am giving them a grade of B on scale of A to F. As I said, it was a good draft.

 

[baltcowboy]

-Downs NCB-perfect fit for CP's nickel role. This position isn't used like a traditional slot corner, more of a hybrid role. Parker wants to play two safeties back, along with disguising their intentions for a particular play. Since they will be in a light box, this player has to be a strong run defender, which Downs certainly is.

-Lawrence Edge-in my opinion, a similar prospect to EZ from last year's draft. EZ was the more productive prospect, where Lawrence has more the physical traits you look for at the position. Has good first step quickness, but needs refinement with his technique and must learn how to play the run better to become a three down player. Expectations should be low in his rookie season in hopes he can become an impact starter early in his career.

-Barham LB/Edge-he is the poor man's version of OSU's Arvil Reese. Was an off the ball linebacker until last season where he played Edge. They will start him as an off the ball linebacker. He is more of a tweener and less polished compared to Reese. Very physical and has a tremendous first step quickness. His burst shows up on tape.

-Shelton Tackle-has a ton of starting experience within a power conference. Can play either side and even kick inside as a Guard. He needs some technique development and add more strength to his frame. Could become the team's swing tackle right away.

-Moore CB-many media scouts had him rated as a high 3rd rd prospect. Has all the physical traits the team seeks at the position. Good balanced corner, where his biggest knock is his durability. Has missed a ton of games, however he did play in 11 games last season.

-Overton DE-Cowboys are going to a 3 man line and need that 5/4i technique, which they see Overton as. His main job will be occupying multiple blockers and being stout against the run. He will be used more as a DT due to limited pass rush abilities.

-Winters LB (Trade from 49ers)-he is known to be very good in coverage and solid against the run. More of a sideline to sideline type of backer who high end speed. Coming off a strong season where he started 17 games for the 49ers.

-Smith WR-he a strech the field type of receiver that struggles with drops, will need to earn a roster spot.

Overall

Really think the Cowboys did a great job of changing their defensive makeup. Defense has several players who can play multiple roles, this was done by design as CP's scheme is big on post snap disguise. The defense rebuild isn't complete and remains a work in progress. What they have accomplished is added a new staff that hopes to do a better job with development and improve the overall talent.

Excellent post. The only thing I would add is we have to be patient with all of the prospects except for Downs. I do think they will probably put Lawrence out there in pass rush situations early but I can’t see anyone but Downs starting at the beginning of the season and that is ok. Watch the Michigan kid he will backup Overshown.

 

[exciter]

Let’s hope he isn’t another Marist and learns how to channel his aggressiveness

That's my concern. According to the draft analyst on NFL network that's how he played and was part of the reason they moved him to edge!

 

[plymkr]

-Downs NCB-perfect fit for CP's nickel role. This position isn't used like a traditional slot corner, more of a hybrid role. Parker wants to play two safeties back, along with disguising their intentions for a particular play. Since they will be in a light box, this player has to be a strong run defender, which Downs certainly is.

-Lawrence Edge-in my opinion, a similar prospect to EZ from last year's draft. EZ was the more productive prospect, where Lawrence has more the physical traits you look for at the position. Has good first step quickness, but needs refinement with his technique and must learn how to play the run better to become a three down player. Expectations should be low in his rookie season in hopes he can become an impact starter early in his career.

-Barham LB/Edge-he is the poor man's version of OSU's Arvil Reese. Was an off the ball linebacker until last season where he played Edge. They will start him as an off the ball linebacker. He is more of a tweener and less polished compared to Reese. Very physical and has a tremendous first step quickness. His burst shows up on tape.

-Shelton Tackle-has a ton of starting experience within a power conference. Can play either side and even kick inside as a Guard. He needs some technique development and add more strength to his frame. Could become the team's swing tackle right away.

-Moore CB-many media scouts had him rated as a high 3rd rd prospect. Has all the physical traits the team seeks at the position. Good balanced corner, where his biggest knock is his durability. Has missed a ton of games, however he did play in 11 games last season.

-Overton DE-Cowboys are going to a 3 man line and need that 5/4i technique, which they see Overton as. His main job will be occupying multiple blockers and being stout against the run. He will be used more as a DT due to limited pass rush abilities.

-Winters LB (Trade from 49ers)-he is known to be very good in coverage and solid against the run. More of a sideline to sideline type of backer who high end speed. Coming off a strong season where he started 17 games for the 49ers.

-Smith WR-he a strech the field type of receiver that struggles with drops, will need to earn a roster spot.

Overall

Really think the Cowboys did a great job of changing their defensive makeup. Defense has several players who can play multiple roles, this was done by design as CP's scheme is big on post snap disguise. The defense rebuild isn't complete and remains a work in progress. What they have accomplished is added a new staff that hopes to do a better job with development and improve the overall talent.

Nice write up. Good job

 

[plymkr]

This is about as good of a draft on paper as we’ve had in a long while. Obviously we can only go on what we know but I feel very encouraged by this draft and excited.

We haven’t had a DT combo like this since Lett/Maryland and Woodson. I’m super excited to see this pay dividends in the up the gut pass rush and run defense. Very solid draft and very good weekend.

Lol, and you guys know I love to complain about our FO so you got to know I’m feeling good. I am feeling good about this. Best feeling I’ve had since the day before the Green Bay playoff loss in ‘23

 

[Coogiguy03]

Let’s hope he isn’t another Marist and learns how to channel his aggressiveness

Marist is a heat seeking bullet that flies around and isn't doing much lol

 

[JW82]

Sure has that feel of the ware/spears/canty Ratliff draft.

 

[Zekeats]

Downs was kinda a no brainer even though I wouldn't draft DBs early I think we shoulda focused on the guys up front
Lawrence while not a boom or bust pick at 23 your hoping for more that a rotational player and he might not be more than that
Barham I woulda loved to trade down further from 20 and went after Rodriguez who was more polished but I can see what they are hoping for. It kinda sucks cause we always get the guys who project instead of the guy who is already there
Shelton I hate, and I mean hate when we draft lineman offense or defense and I need to hear "he needs to get stronger" give me the guy who is physically there already every time over the finesse guy. Crownover went 2 rounds later and will be a far better PRO
Overton is a meh pick for me. He's a little undersized but strong enough to hold up as a 3-4 end/dt. I understand what they're looking to do but I want that 6ft 6in guy who could penetrate and get in the QBs face. Derek Wolf types are very important which is why I was so high on Banks.
Smith we will see, late round WR we knew it was coming.

 

[Zekeats]

Let’s hope he isn’t another Marist and learns how to channel his aggressiveness

Marist was trash in college and a terrible draft choice 4 rounds too early.

 

[John813]

Winters being traded for helps the off ball LB group day 1. Maybe Barham will as well but I could see him being set more on the edge to start out on.

Just need Overshown to stay healthy this year

 

[sbark]

Marist is a heat seeking bullet that flies around and isn't doing much lol

That could actually be said about our entire back 7 last year.
Hopeing CP can get some solid improvement out of Marist, Revel, ....even Sam Williams

 

[chicago JK]

Admittingly, I spent very little time on this draft class and didn’t even watch much college football this year, so take it with a grain of salt.


I loved the Downs pick. Whether he becomes elite is a question for another day. With the right defense with him, I think he is a guy who could amplify a good defense into a great one.

For the rest of the guys, I just watched highlights. Overall the whole nfl draft class felt really weak this year. Sort of sucks this was the year they had two first round picks. We will see if any of the rest pop. I think after the first 15 picks, the rest of the draft was a beauty in the eye of the beholder. I think a lot of potential depth guys but not a lot of guys who will shine super high.

 

[shabazz]

Versatility is the theme of this draft.

Multiple players that can be used in different roles and positions in various schemes.

Gives Parker many options

 

[fivetwos]

Last time I was this level of pleased with a draft had to be 2020….but this one has the potential to have even more of an impact.

If they really did get it right, this one could be as impactful as 2005. Exactly what the doc ordered.

 

[Killerinstinct]

Downs - Home run. Changes the defense tremendously. It’s like having an extra LB on running plays and an extra corner in passing plays plus all the intangibles you could want.

Lawrence - will be interesting to find out. Hopefully will provide near elite pass rushing skills without being a liability against the run

Barham - I am surprised how much I like this pick. When trying to figure out the best step to take to address LB after the highly rated LB’s were gone. I didn’t even consider him. Was thinking about Elarms-Orr and Fisher and others. Now I think he is the best possible fit especially paired with Winters. One big and physical with blitzing ability and the other smaller and fast with coverage ability and sideline to sideline pursuit. The two combined might equal 1 great LB.

Shelton - smart and dependable. Good pass blocker but not a run grater. Could end up a starter some day in the not too distant future.

Moore - didn’t know much about him. Has missed a lot of time due to injury but has provided elite coverage statistics when available. High upside if he can stay healthy.

Overton - needed depth in the middle. Seems to offer decent rush defense and possesses some pass rush ability as well. Has some position flex.

7th rd WR - good speed. Probably a special teams pick that they hope to find out if he can provide any receiving ability.

UDFA’s. Don’t know much about them but Trigg and the SMU receiver have potential.


Overall I am very pleased with this draft. This new defense is going to be fun to watch grow and develop. I think the days of watching helplessly while teams run at will and then the rare occasion when you find a way to put the opposition in a 3rd and long situation just seeing it end up as a 1st down conversion while the db’s simply attempt to be in the area instead of aggressively attack the ball may be over.

 

[DuncanIso]

-Downs NCB-perfect fit for CP's nickel role. This position isn't used like a traditional slot corner, more of a hybrid role. Parker wants to play two safeties back, along with disguising their intentions for a particular play. Since they will be in a light box, this player has to be a strong run defender, which Downs certainly is.

-Lawrence Edge-in my opinion, a similar prospect to EZ from last year's draft. EZ was the more productive prospect, where Lawrence has more the physical traits you look for at the position. Has good first step quickness, but needs refinement with his technique and must learn how to play the run better to become a three down player. Expectations should be low in his rookie season in hopes he can become an impact starter early in his career.

-Barham LB/Edge-he is the poor man's version of OSU's Arvil Reese. Was an off the ball linebacker until last season where he played Edge. They will start him as an off the ball linebacker. He is more of a tweener and less polished compared to Reese. Very physical and has a tremendous first step quickness. His burst shows up on tape.

-Shelton Tackle-has a ton of starting experience within a power conference. Can play either side and even kick inside as a Guard. He needs some technique development and add more strength to his frame. Could become the team's swing tackle right away.

-Moore CB-many media scouts had him rated as a high 3rd rd prospect. Has all the physical traits the team seeks at the position. Good balanced corner, where his biggest knock is his durability. Has missed a ton of games, however he did play in 11 games last season.

-Overton DE-Cowboys are going to a 3 man line and need that 5/4i technique, which they see Overton as. His main job will be occupying multiple blockers and being stout against the run. He will be used more as a DT due to limited pass rush abilities.

-Winters LB (Trade from 49ers)-he is known to be very good in coverage and solid against the run. More of a sideline to sideline type of backer who high end speed. Coming off a strong season where he started 17 games for the 49ers.

-Smith WR-he a strech the field type of receiver that struggles with drops, will need to earn a roster spot.

Overall

Really think the Cowboys did a great job of changing their defensive makeup. Defense has several players who can play multiple roles, this was done by design as CP's scheme is big on post snap disguise. The defense rebuild isn't complete and remains a work in progress. What they have accomplished is added a new staff that hopes to do a better job with development and improve the overall talent.

Good stuff.

Bar isn’t very fast. 4.64 40 time.

His combine score…not good.

Played some LB before they moved him to DE in college.

He’s too slow.

He was probably drafted out of round, just like Lawrence.

He needs work.

Dee will take his job this season.