The 2013 NFL Draft is approaching quickly. The Cowboys and Cowboys Nation have spent the offseason doing their homework and trying to figure out which prospects will call Dallas home come next season.
The Cowboys have a bevy of needs that need to be addressed. With a deep draft the Cowboys are fortunate to have needs to coincide with positions of depth.
Here is how I see this draft working out:
Round One: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
This pick is the same as I mocked last week. I believe that Sylvester Williams has the ability to play both the 1 and 3 technique. With the Cowboys having a more specific need at the 1-technique but looking for depth at the 3-tech Williams offers a guy who can start and rotate.
Williams is a high motor, high effort guy who demonstrates an awesome will to succeed. I believe that the Cowboys would love to land this prospect early on to cement their future defensive tackle.
Round Two: TRADE (Cincinnati trades 53 overall and 118) Justin Pugh, OG, Syracuse
Pugh is quickly ascending up draft boards but is still the #4 overall guard on my list. I believe that Pugh will be staring the Cowboys in face after the trade with Cincinnati who wanted to make a move for Eddie Lacy.
Pugh is an awesome balanced guard prospect. He blocks well and always gives a high effort. His work ethic and toughness make him the perfect asset to rebuilding this offensive line with young, talented players who can keep Tony Romo upright.
Round Three: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
This is a “my guy” pick as I’ve found myself enamored with Lattimore through the draft process. There are questions about his health but that hasn’t stopped Jerry Jones from pulling the trigger on good value in the past.
Lattimore is recovering quickly and has already resumed running. His football IQ is ridiculous and he’s an all-around good guy. Before the injury Lattimore was a sure-fire top-10 pick, not teams will be unsure of what his impact could be.
If Lattimore returns to his true form, he’ll be the back that the Cowboys have longed to have since Emmitt Smith. His vision and patience are unmatched and he could be a top-5 back in this league.
Round Four: Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina and J.J. Wilcox, S, Georgia Southern
The Cowboys land two picks in fourth thanks to a trade with Cincinnati.
In Devin Taylor they land a freak athlete who is long and fast. He can make plays behind the line of scrimmage and has excellent explosiveness to rush the passer. Taylor isn’t a strong guy or one that can play every down. However, in situational pass rushing downs, he could be a nice guy to have in the rotation.
J.J. Wilcox is a guy I believe the Cowboys are seriously interested in. Wilcox has long-term value with this team and fits the Tampa 2 scheme perfectly. He has solid speed and excellent range. He’s involved in the running game and can be a playmaker in deep zone coverage. A great sleeper pick here.
Round Five: Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia
Aboushi is versastile tackle with experience at both positions. He has good size and an excellent first set. He is explosive, strong and possess a great work ethic. Aboushi will struggle with speed rushers and footwork but there is reason to believe that with proper coaching he could emerge as a starter in this league eventually.
The addition of Aboushi gives the Cowboys a future prospect but still allows them to create competition with Jeremy Parnell who I believe deserves a chance to start.
Sometimes with offensive lineman it’s a crap-shoot. I believe that Aboushi has all the tools to develop into a very strong tackle in this league. The Cowboys are more than willing to invest a year or two in him while he grows.
Round Six: Michael Williams, TE, Alabama
Williams was here in my last draft and I believe he’s exactly what the Cowboys are looking for. Despite having the emerging James Hanna behind Jason Witten, the Cowboys are definitely looking for a strong blocking tight end.
Williams has great size and is an excellent blocker. He is capable in the passing game but likely won’t’ be setting any records. I believe he can develop into a balanced tight end over time but for now he’ll help the Cowboys in their run-balanced offensive attack.
