Speculation and projections are abounding throughout the NFL, fan blogs and social media. Everyone wants to know exactly who there team is going to draft.
Unfortunately, we won’t get those answers until the day of the draft.
Draftniks are always saying the know what is going to happen, but the truth is that no one knows what a team’s GM is truly thinking. Two well regarded draftniks, Walter Football and Mel Kiper, have taken a recent stab at guessing who the Cowboys will be selecting in next weeks draft.
Lets take a look at what they say.
Kiper’s Mock (ESPN, Insider)
1. Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC
2. Larry Warford, G, Kentucky
3. Joe Kruger, DE, Utah
My Take:
I love Kiper’s draft through the first two rounds. I believe that he aligned need with value in a way that would leave the Cowboys fans feeling really excited.
Williams is a versatile “rushman” who has the size to play both the 1- and 3-techniques on the interior defensive line. Williams is a hard worker who deserves everything he gets. He would represent the future at defensive tackle on a team that is looking for a young mainstay in the trenches.
Warford is a nasty interior offensive lineman who is as strong as they come. On tape he consistently stonewall’s opposing defenders and is a sure blocker. There is concern about his athleticism, but overall he’s a just behind Cooper and Warmack and could develop into an elite guard in the NFL.
My problem comes with Kruger. Kruger is an experienced 4-3 end who I have given a 5th or 6th round grade. I think he does a lot of things well but he’s also very raw. Additionally, the Cowboys need to walk away with three starters in this draft. In this scenario they walk away with two starters and four depth guys. The Cowboys must maximize value and Kruger in the 3rd isn’t the way to do that.
Walt’s Draft (www.walterfootball.com)
1. Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
2. Eric Reid, S, LSU
3. Bennie Logan, DT, LSU
4. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
5. Jordan Hill, DT, Penn St.
6. Connor Vernon, WR, Duke
My Take:
Walt’s draft just makes a lot of sense to me. The Cowboys are able to fill pretty much all of their needs and do it in a way that they get guys who can develop into contributors at every spot.
There isn’t much to say about Cooper. He is an elite guard who has an elite combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism. He has excellent technique and really represents everything the Cowboys want at the position. The Cowboys need to upgrade Bernadeau and Cooper can be the next great Cowboys offensive lineman. The question is, will he be there?
Reid is the prototype Tampa 2 free safety. With excellent range and ball skills, Reid is sure to tempt the Cowboys. Last year the Cowboys drafted Matt Johnson and after recovering from injury there is belief that the Cowboys might want to see what they have with him. I believe that the position needs depth or an upgrade but is it worth casting off last year’s fourth round pick?
Looking at the defensive tackles, Hill and Logan, the Cowboys would be seriously upgrading their interior defensive linemen. Hill is an explosive pass-rushing defensive lineman and Logan is versatile as a run-defender and a capable pass-rusher. I would love to see both players added as a possible future duo as starters.
Last, the Cowboys picked up two skill-players in Taylor and Vernon. Taylor is a three-down running back who does a little bit of everything. One of my favorite prospects I believe he has starting potential in this league and could eventually develop into a replacement for DeMarco Murray. In Vernon, the Cowboys get a height-weight-speed guy who can play outside and in the slot. Reminds me a bit of Coale, he’d be interesting when put into the mix of things.
Overall, I like the draft but believe the Cowboys could have maximized picks or value elsewhere. However, if things ended like this I believe the Cowboys would be much improved.
