SITTIN’ AT SWEET SIXTEEN: Dallas Cowboys 7-Round 2014 NFL Draft Simulation | Final NFL Mock Draft 2014
Draft Show: Full Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Simulation | Join Dane Brugler (NFL Draft Scout/CBS), Dave Helman, Bryan Broaddus, and Ed Cahill as they simulate all seven rounds of the Dallas Cowboys 2014 NFL Draft. (Watch | Listen)
RELATED: Final 2014 Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft
IRVING, Texas – The 2014 NFL draft is finally here, and with it comes the final opportunity to predict the Dallas Cowboys picks.
The names surrounding the Dallas Cowboys No. 16 (overall) pick should all be familiar by now, but there’s no clear-cut consensus on what Dallas should do with its first pick – located right in the middle of the first round. That difference of opinion is perfectly illustrated in this week’s mocks, as all five writers selected a different first round choice.
Bryan
|
David
|
Ed
|
Nick
|
Rowan
|
|
Round 1 16 |
Odell
Beckham Jr.
WR – LSU
|
Zack
Martin
G/T – Notre Dame
|
Blake
Bortles
QB – UCF
|
Ryan
Shazier
OLB – Ohio State
|
Anthony
Barr
DE/LB – UCLA
|
Round 2 47 |
Demarcus
Lawrence
DE – Boise St.
|
Scott
Crichton
DE – Oregon St.
|
Timmy
Jernigan
DT – FSU
|
Cody
Latimer
WR – Indiana
|
Dominique
Easley
DT – Florida
|
Round 3 78 |
Trai
Turner
OG – LSU
|
Jarvis
Landry
WR – LSU |
Cody
Latimer
WR – Indiana
|
Lamarcus
Joyner
CB/S – FSU
|
Dakota
Dozier
OG – Furman
|
Round 4 119 |
Cassius
Marsh
DE – UCLA |
Caraun
Reid
DT – Princeton |
Will
Clarke
DE – West Virginia
|
Marcus
Smith
DE – Louisville
|
Chris
Smith
DE – Arkansas
|
Round 5 158 |
Kevin
Pierre-Louis
LB – Boston College
|
Devonta
Freeman
RB – FSU |
Ronald
Powell
OLB – Florida
|
De’Anthony
Thomas
RB – Oregon
|
Josh
Huff
WR – Oregon
|
Round 7 229 |
Logan
Thomas
QB – Virginia Tech
|
Denicos
Allen
OLB – Michigan State |
Isaiah
Crowell
RB – Alabama State
|
Chris
Watt
C/G – Notre Dame
|
Parker
Graham
OT – OK State
|
Round 7 231 |
Spencer
Long
OG – Nebraska
|
Zach
Moore
DE – Concordia |
Russell
Bodine
C – UNC
|
Ahmad
Dixon
S – Baylor
|
Larry
Webster
DE – Bloomsburg
|
Round 7 238 |
Demetri
Goodson
CB – Baylor
|
Larry
Webster
DE – Bloomsberg |
Deion
Belue
CB – Alabama
|
Ethan
Westbrooks
DE – West Texas A&M
|
Chris
Whaley
DT – Texas
|
Round 7 242 |
Khryi
Thorton
DT – Southern Mississippi
|
Zach
Fulton
G – Tennessee |
Prince
Shembo
OLB – Notre Dame
|
D.J.
Tialavea
TE – Utah
|
Lorenzo
Taliaferro
RB – Coastal Carolina
|
Round 7 251 |
Howard
Jones
OLB – Shepherd College
|
Chaz
Sutton
DE – South Carolina |
Nic
Jacobs
TE – McNeese St.
|
Ryan
Grant
WR – Tulane
|
Brandon
Dixon
CB – NW Missouri St.
|
Round 7 254 |
Kirby
Van Der Kamp
P – Iowa State
|
Garrett
Gilbert
QB – SMU |
Alden
Darby
S – Arizona St.
|
Kenneth
Acker
CB – SMU
|
Kelvin
Palmer
OT – Baylor
|
Bryan:There is no doubt in my mind that they are hunting for a right defensive end in this draft but with the 16th pick, the guy they want in Anthony Barr is off the board. I believe Aaron Donald will be gone as well. If they cannot move, then the consideration becomes Zack Martin, Odell Beckham and Ryan Shazier. If this is the case, I they might believe they could grab a receiver later and take Shazier but the value of Beckham is much too good to pass up here and make him the selection. I am very excited about the selection of Cassius Marsh, defensive end and linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis and what they can bring to the defensive. Khyri Thornton also helps me along the defensive line at that one technique. I am also looking for traits late in the draft and quarterback, Logan Thomas surly fits that bill.
David: I just can’t talk myself into Barr or Donald being available, but Martin should make an immediate impact on the offensive line. Crichton falling to No. 47 likely requires some luck, but I think he’s a Day 1 contributor if so. With both lines addressed, the Cowboys are free to take a fantastic slot receiver in Landry – again, I’d expect him to play behind Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams from the outset. If Reid is available to bolster the defensive tackle depth in the fourth round, I’d have to consider that a steal – most see him as a three-technique, which the Cowboys covet. Taking a running back seems like a luxury, but Freeman is a hard runner and a good blocker, making him a good insurance policy for DeMarco Murray. With the slew of seventh-rounders, I’m going defense-heavy – specifically defensive end. Hopefully someone turns into something special. Gilbert, who played just down the road, could be an interesting project.
Ed: I might be crazy. Jerry Jones told us it wasn’t a priority in his pre-draft press conference. The hype at the QB position has been on Johnny Manziel. Why am I picking Blake Bortles? I think the Cowboys will be wiped out at 16, and he may be the best option available. Yes, he won’t play this year (hopefully), but I’m taking this pick and investing in a very bright future if he is available. Moving forward, I think the Cowboys will end up with Timmy Jernigan one way or another in this draft. They could take him in a trade back scenario, or grab him if he falls into the second. You’ll see that Nick has Cody Latimer in the second, and that is probably more accurate, but with the wealth of receivers in this class I’m hoping he might be available in the third. The rest of my draft addresses some needs and takes some risks. Overall, I’d be very happy with this class if it turned out this way.
Nick:My trade last week didn’t sit well with everyone so we nixed all trades, otherwise I’d stick with Anthony Barr, but I just don’t see him being there at 16. Shazier would be a really good solid pick who steps right in and starts at one of the two OLB spots. Latimer might not last to 47 and the same could be said for Joyner, a versatile player in the secondary. Smith gives the team more depth up front. Not sure if the Cowboys like Thomas at all, but if you’re good enough for an SI cover, good enough for me. I think he’s a dynamic player who makes a difference. If Dixon falls to the seventh, Cowboys could get a steal in a physical player with good speed. Westbrooks is the only player I’ve kept on my mock all three times.
Rowan: I think the most likely scenario is the Cowboys end up trading out of the 16th pick, but for mock draft’s sake, I don’t think the Cowboys would pass if Barr’s there. That’s the only way I think they stay put. They need to help their defensive line, and the Cowboys have had a history of turning second-round picks who fell from injury into starters. If Easley can stay on the field, this could end up being the best pick of the draft. The Cowboys need more interior linemen, and I suspect they grab help there in the middle rounds. Dozier fills that request. I think their next pick is a Smith – whether it’s Telvin, Marcus or Chris. The other two are gone, and Chris Smith fits the pass-rushing bill. Huff’s been a constant on my mock drafts, and I think the dynamic player complements the other receivers.
ROAD TO 2014 NFL DRAFT: Ranking early standouts for Dallas Cowboys top pick
IRVING, Texas – It’s never too early in today’s NFL to start making wild conjectures about the draft.
Mock drafts pop up every week after the Super Bowl ends from a variety of sources, providing different names and opinions regarding which players will end up with specific teams. It’s only February, so these will get tinkered with throughout the offseason as draft experts learn more and more about each player.
Many of those mock drafts have the Dallas Cowboys landing a defensive lineman, which is understandable given their health at the spot and the pending free agency of Jason Hatcher and Anthony Spencer.
With that in mind, here’s a compiled Top-10 list of the most common names of potential Dallas Cowboys first-round picks.
1) Aaron Donald, Pitt, DT – Probably the most popular choice for the Dallas Cowboys so far, Donald’s quickness and ability to push the pocket and get up field quickly makes him a popular choice in the middle of the first round for Dallas. His lack of height may scare some teams away, but his dominant week at the Senior Bowl and ability to play in a 4-3 defense should attract the Cowboys.
2) Kony Ealy, Missouri, DE – His size at 6-5, 275 pounds means gives him the frame to be a dominant force off the edge. His ability to move inside and outside could also give him some versatility in this 4-3 scheme. If the Cowboys take Ealy, the consensus seems to be that he hasn’t reached his potential and may need some time to develop and tap into that, but the ceiling is high here because of his athleticism.
3) Calvin Pryor, Louisville, S – If the Cowboys don’t look to the line, Pryor could be the next best choice. He’s got a ton of range and maintains his aggression with the ball in the air. He can cover, and he could be the perfect cover safety to pair with Barry Church, whose ability near the line of scrimmage could be tapped into more fully. But Pryor can still lay the wood.
4) Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama, S – The Crimson Tide defensive back might be the best all-around safety in the class. He had two picks in 2014 and may not rack up interceptions like an Ed Reed type, but he can bring the boom as well as any safety in the class, as most Alabama safeties are known to do. The Cowboys’ shouldn’t have much of an issue with their safeties attacking the line of scrimmage if Clinton-Dix pans out.
5) Louis Nix, Notre Dame, DT – Nix may not fall into the typical mold the Cowboys use on the defensive line and may fit more as a nose tackle for a 3-4 team at 6-2, 345 pounds. He might have trouble keeping his weight down to where he can be a mobile defensive tackle that gets up the field the way Rod Marinelli likes. But the Cowboys could take the chance, in which case he’d fill in as the new 1-technique in Dallas.
6) Timmy Jernigan, FSU, DT – The lasting image of Timmy Jernigan is going to be him watching, out of breath, on the sideline during crunch time of this year’s national championship game. It was a damning moment for what is otherwise considered one of this draft’s brightest defensive linemen. Jernigan notched 63 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last year.
7) Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota, DT – Hageman certainly stands out from a physical aspect, as he tips the scale at 6-6, 311 pounds. The first-team All-Big Ten selection was one of the standout defensive tackles at this year’s Senior Bowl, along with Donald. Conventional wisdom says Hageman could fit with the Cowboys as an oversized three technique tackle, similar to Jason Hatcher.
8) Dee Ford, Auburn, DE – Ford was another Senior Bowl standout, as he followed his 10.5-sack season at Auburn with a promising showing in Mobile, Ala. Ford is a bit undersized for a 4-3 defensive end, at 6-2, 240 pounds, but he makes up for it with speed. It raises the question of whether he’ll be used in the NFL as a down lineman or a pass rushing linebacker.
9) Zack Martin, Notre Dame, OT – A somewhat surprising target, considering the Cowboys just spent a high draft pick on Travis Frederick. Martin was fantastic at the Senior Bowl as an offensive tackle, though some think he projects as a guard at the next level. Depending on who else is available, the Cowboys could opt to shore up their offensive line for the foreseeable future with another high pick.
10) C.J. Mosley, Alabama, LB – The latest in a long line of dominant Alabama linebackers, Mosley finished the 2013 season with 108 tackles and nine tackles for loss. He was the heart and soul of a dominant Crimson Tide defense, averaging eight tackles per game. One problem is that he plays middle linebacker, the same spot as Sean Lee, but the Dallas Cowboys could surely find a place to use him.
Honorable Mention:
Derek Carr, Fresno State, QB – Probably the most polished of the quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl last month, Carr is following in his brother David’s footsteps to
the NFL. Carr showed some experience and poise in working with other players and media at Senior Bowl practices that showcased his leadership potential. Most agree he isn’t the top quarterback prospect in this draft, but he still figures to be selected early.
ROAD TO THE 2014 NFL DRAFT: Dallas Cowboys 2014 Mock Draft 1.0 | Analyzing the Dallas Cowboys position
The 2014 NFL Draft order is not yet official. Selections Nos. 21-32 are determined by the results of the playoffs. A coin flip between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys will determine picks No. 16 and No. 17. Please note, the Ravens are penciled in to draft a wide receiver. If that works out, It could actually benefit the Dallas Cowboys (financially) to pick below them.
How might the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft shake out? The debate starts right at the top with several prospects in contention to become the first player selected on May 8 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Let’s take a stab at projecting the first round.
Let’s run through this particular NFL Mock Draft (expect a variety of mock drafts from reputable sources in the coming months).
My contention, shared with many others, is that this should be remembered as the Dallas Cowboys Trenches Draft. Overall, the Dallas Cowboys have numerous weapons offensively in the key “” positions …. anchored by Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, returner Dwayne Harris, clutch Dan Bailey, and emerging players such as Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Gavin Escobar, and speedy Lance Dunbar showing promise. Sure, an argument could be made that the Cowboys need depth at running back and possibly another wide receiver. I’m ok with a lower round back or receiver being taken if the staff is confident enough to pull that trigger. Personally, I believe the ‘boys have plenty of weapons offensively … and if properly coordinated should continue to be a Top 10 ranked unit in the NFL.
If I’m sitting in the Dallas Cowboys war room on May 8, 2014 and the top ranked offensive linemen (guard) falls into my lap, I’m likely drafting him. In that scenario, I spend the rest of the 2014 NFL Draft on the defense. My reasoning is this. If the Cowboys have a dominate young offensive line, the defense will also benefit from extended drives and less pressure because the Dallas offense is scoring and building leads. If that standout, difference-making guard is sitting there … he’s mine. He’s suiting up at right guard with Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Ronald Leary, and redemption seeking Doug Free. Next draft, I’m placing a promising right tackle is on my wish list to compete against Free and push backups Jeremy Parnell and Darrion Weems
The overwhelming flaw in the Dallas Cowboys roster is on the defense, particularly along the front seven. That issue has been beaten to death, so let’s move on and take a look at the most glaring needs.
Defensive tackles, defensive ends, linebackers and a Kiffin prototype safety.
If the draft plays out as illustrated above, let’s get in the head of Jerry Jones and cover the options. Check out the #17 picks predicted in this mock draft:
Two analysts predict the Dallas Cowboys will select FS Calvin Pryor, while the other two are split between DE Kony Ealy and S Ha Ha Clinton Dix. Let’s get familiar with each player:
CALVIN PRYOR | FS | LOUISVILLE | 6’ 2” | 208 lbs
Calvin Pryor might be the most physical football player in the entire draft. Against the run, he is very quick to diagnose and he explodes to the alley. He takes correct angles and he doesn’t need to gear down before securing the tackle. He uncoils his hips on contact and he’s produced several impressive hits this season. Against the pass, he has the instincts and ball skills to play over the top, and he has enough speed/agility to match up in man coverage. He’s a complete safety.
Official The Boys Are Back Rankings:
#29 Overall | #2 Position (behind Clinton-Dix #15 Overall | #1 Position)
Perceived value: Predicted to fall to #22 (Eagles) by two analysts. Could the Cowboys trade down a few spots to #21 and still pick him up? If so, that could translate into ammunition in later rounds to move up or pick up additional talent.
KONY EALY | DE | MISSOURI | 6’ 5” | 275 lbs.
Kony Ealy is a versatile, athletic player with strong production (9.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL, three FF in 2013). He lines up all along the defensive line and will also stand up at times on the outside. Against the run, he uses his quickness to penetrate and is very disruptive. He flashes the ability to violently stack and shed blocks, but there are other times when he gets washed down the line of scrimmage. As a pass rusher, he creates pressure with a slap/swim move as well as a club/rip move. When he’s lined up on the outside, he shows the ability to convert speed to power. He has the athleticism to drop in coverage and might be best suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
The top DE in the 2013 NFL Draft is widely believed to be Jadeveon Clowney from South Carolina. Many think he’ll be the top overall pick (Texans) … or as low as #4 (Browns).
Official The Boys Are Back Rankings:
#11 Overall | #2 Position (behind Clowney #2 Overall | #1 Position)
Perceived value: Predicted to fall to #27 (Saints) or #31 (Broncos) by two analyst and slide completely out of the first round by the other. Could the Cowboys trade down a few spots to #26 and still pick him up? That would be reminiscent of last years move to pickup Frederick at the bottom of the first round and get the extra 3rd round draft pick (used to draft WR Williams). As of this date, its hard to believe Dallas would be targeting Ealy as their first overall pick.
HA HA CLINTON-DIX | S | ALABAMA | 6’ 1” | 208 lbs.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has the versatility to play the high or low safety. He has the physicality to be a box run defender and the athleticism to roam the deep middle. He’s picked off a total of seven passes during the last two seasons. His ability to cover athletic tight ends will be a huge asset at the next level.
Clinton-Dix is the top ranked safety in this years draft.
Official The Boys Are Back Rankings:
#15 Overall | #1 Position
Perceived value: In this mock draft, he’s predicted to fall to #21 (Packers) or #11 (Titans) or #15 (Steelers) by the other three analysts. If this is Kiffin’s guy, should the Cowboys move up to #10 or let fate decide if he falls into their laps?
What is your opinion? Comments always welcome!
DRAFT DAY RESOURCES: Dallas Cowboys 2013 NFL Draft–Fan supplements for tonight’s primetime coverage
The 2013 NFL Draft returns to primetime, with the first round taking place tonight (Thurs., April 25) at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the second and third rounds on Fri., April 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Rounds 4-7 will be held Sat., April 27 at 12 p.m. ET.
Watch it live on NFL Network … click HERE to watch it online
Check out the official NFL website’s coverage by clicking HERE.
NFL’13 with Draft Xtra has everything you need for the Draft. Download app now!
- Draft Tracker – follow the draft live with pick-by-pick analysis and video highlights
- Watch 24/7 NFL Network coverage of the Draft with select cable operators
- Exclusive live video from Radio City
- Chat with fans in team War Rooms
- Predict the pick, trivia, polls
- Stats and facts on every Draft prospect
Listen to the 2013 NFL Draft live on Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan … click HERE to listen online.
The Fan 105.3 Dallas (KRLD) … Flagship of The Dallas Cowboys Radio Network!
The Fan will provide you with local Dallas Cowboys insight during the NFL Draft and
will have extended coverage after the draft.
Cowboys at the crossroads … check out the two pages below for more info on the TOP NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS 2013 and DALLAS COWBOYS 2013 NFL DRAFT PICKS
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PRINT AND PREDICT: You’re on the clock–The official Dallas Cowboys 2013 Mock Draft worksheet
For weeks now … we’ve heard, read, and have seen everyone’s (and their brothers) mock version of the 2013 NFL Draft. Now, (since you’re a loyal The Boys Are Back reader) you have all of the information you need to stage your own war-room.
Just for kicks, print out the worksheet below and make your 2013 NFL Draft predictions … or use it to determine which players will fall into the Dallas Cowboys #18 slot. Remember, Dallas may elect to move up, down, or another team may jump ahead of the Cowboys and snag that all important OL, S, or DL.
Editors Note: The worksheet below reflects a change announced today by the NFL. The New York Jets have dealt Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Team needs: DB; QB; DL) for the #13 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Jets also receive a conditional 4th rounder that could escalate into a 3rd round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Reminder … the NFL Draft begins in FOUR days! The pages below are dedicated to the NFL Draft.
.
|
Team |
Team Needs |
Your Draft Pick |
1 |
Kansas City Chiefs |
OL; LB; DL |
|
2 |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
QB; DL; CB |
|
3 |
Oakland Raiders |
DL; S; TE |
|
4 |
Philadelphia Eagles |
CB; QB; OL |
|
5 |
Detroit Lions |
OL; DL; LB |
|
6 |
Cleveland Browns |
QB; CB; LB |
|
7 |
Arizona Cardinals |
OL; LB; RB |
|
8 |
Buffalo Bills |
QB; OL; WR |
|
9 |
New York Jets |
WR; LB; S |
|
10 |
Tennessee Titans |
CB; DL; LB |
|
11 |
San Diego Chargers |
OL; CB; LB |
|
12 |
Miami Dolphins |
OL; CB; RB |
|
13 |
New York Jets (from Tampa Bay) |
WR; LB; S |
|
14 |
Carolina Panthers |
DL; S; OL |
|
15 |
New Orleans Saints |
LB; S; CB |
|
16 |
St. Louis Rams |
WR; S; RB |
|
17 |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
LB; S; RB |
|
18 |
Dallas Cowboys |
OL; S; DL |
|
19 |
New York Giants |
OL; DL; CB |
|
20 |
Chicago Bears |
LB; OL; WR |
|
21 |
Cincinnati Bengals |
OL; RB; S |
|
22 |
St. Louis Rams (from Washington) |
WR; S; RB |
|
23 |
Minnesota Vikings |
LB; DL; WR |
|
24 |
Indianapolis Colts |
DL; OL; CB |
|
25 |
Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle) |
LB; DL; WR |
|
26 |
Green Bay Packers |
OL; RB; DL |
|
27 |
Houston Texans |
WR; LB; OL |
|
28 |
Denver Broncos |
DL; CB; RB |
|
29 |
New England Patriots |
CB; WR; DL |
|
30 |
Atlanta Falcons |
CB; DL; LB |
|
31 |
San Francisco 49ers |
S; DL; CB |
|
32 |
Baltimore Ravens |
LB; WR; OL |
|
TOP-100 2013 NFL Draft Prospects:
2013 NFL DRAFT PRIMER: Dallas Cowboys insiders reveal their six-round mock draft
The Dallas Cowboys website staff has created their own mock draft, projecting what the Cowboys will do from rounds 1-6, along with some quick analysis for their decision.
|
Bryan |
Nick |
Ed |
Rowan |
David |
Round 1 |
Jonathan Cooper G – UNC |
Chance Warmack G – Alabama |
Bjoern Werner DE – Fl. State |
Kenny Vaccaro S – Texas |
Sylvester Williams DT – UNC |
Round 2 |
Gio Bernard RB – UNC |
Eric Reid S- LSU |
Kyle Long G/T – Oregon |
Larry Warford G – Kentucky |
Larry Warford G – Kentucky |
Round 3 |
Bennie Logan DT – LSU |
Barrett Jones G/C Alabama |
Justin Hunter WR – Tennessee |
Jonathan Franklin RB – UCLA |
T.J. McDonald S – USC |
Round 4 |
Gerald Hodges |
Marquise Goodwin WR – Texas |
Marcus Lattimore RB – S. Carolina |
Jordan Mills OT – LA Tech |
Ricky Wagner OT – Wisconsin |
Round 5 |
Jakar Hamilton S – SC State |
Chris Jones DT – Bowling Green |
Kwame Geathers DT – Georgia |
Bennie Logan DT – LSU |
Rex Burkhead RB – Nebraska |
Round 6 |
C.J. Johnson WR – Grand Valley St. |
Dennis Johnson RB – Arkansas |
Jakar Hamilton S – SC State |
Corey Fuller WR – VA Tech |
Reid Fragel OT – Ohio State |
Bryan Broaddus’ Mock Analysis: For the sake of this Mock Draft I have allowed history to dictate that a guard while slide down the board to the Cowboys spot at 18 and with that move, they would be more than happy to turn the card in of Jonathan Cooper of North Carolina who in my view is the best guard in the draft. When it comes back to their selection in the second round I have them staying in the Tar Heal State and choosing running back Gio Bernard who is a shorter player but gives them some quickness out of the backfield and a different style of a back to pair with Murray. There are those that think Bennie Logan in the 3rd might be a little rich there but I don’t think so and I believe the club feels the same way. The Cowboys did a private workout with him and brought him in on a visit. He could be that one technique that replaces Josh Brent. Gerald Hodges would be a nice fit as a potential Sam while Jakar Hamilton brings some toughness and coverage as a safety. CJ Johnson has outstanding timed speed and catches the ball well. He has played both inside and out so the fit is there. Again, in that round you are looking for traits to develop and he has several.
Nick Eatman’s Mock Analysis: Last week, I went against the mantra I’ve been saying for months – and that’s to draft big, especially on the offensive line. While safety is a need, hopefully that can be addressed in the second round. But if Warmack is around at No. 18, that would be a great pick. I moved Jones to the third round this week because of his injury concerns, but even if he doesn’t play right away, he’s got the talent to wait for. Goodwin is the pure runner that I think this team has missed for a while. Because of that track speed, he probably doesn’t make it that far down to the fourth round. And while the sixth round is probably too long to wait to draft a back, there is something intriguing about Johnson. He won’t be the highest back taken from his school, but he’s a fireplug of a player who is a great kickoff returner and has the toughness and attitude this team could use.
Ed Cahill’s Mock Analysis: In this situation I have the Cowboys selecting the best available players on their board. My first round pick has a lot of talent, but may slip to the Cowboys at the eighteenth pick. Bjoern Werner may have to play in rotation for a year, but he gives you depth on the line, a promising future, and some cap relief at the position next season. Kyle Long gives you some flexibility on the offensive line as he could play both guard and tackle. He should have the talent to come in and contribute right away. Justin Hunter has tremendous ability and would be great value if he falls into the third. Now, I’ve been against this for most of the offseason, but if the Cowboys were to bring in a veteran running back I could see them taking a chance on Marcus Lattimore. He’s a tremendous kid with all-pro talent, and given some time I think he could return to form. Kwame Geathers, brother of former Cowboy Clifton Geathers, provides a big body at the 1-technique on the defensive line. Jakar Hamilton is a former Georgia Bulldog who has first half of the draft talent. If he is available in the 5th or 6th it’s an absolute steal.
Rowan Kavner’s Mock Analysis: The needs at offensive line and safety will make the Cowboys consider a variety of options, but Vaccaro fills a need if available in the first round. It’s feasible that all five offensive linemen are gone by the Cowboys’ first pick, and if the top safety’s still on the board, that would make for a logical selection. They could still fill a need at guard in the second round and potentially get a player with first-round talent if Warford’s still on the board. Franklin had a tremendously productive season last year at UCLA and his sub-4.5 speed should draw some interest at the backup spot. I’m starting to think the Cowboys’ starter at right tackle will either be Doug Free or a free agent pickup, but Mills provides adequate size to work with and develop into a potential starter. At 6-foot-2 with 4.3 speed, Fuller has all the tools a team could want with a late pick.
David Helman’s Mock Analysis: I approached this mock draft using the scenario that all of the Cowboys’ offensive line targets were gone by No. 18. I don’t want to reach, and the defensive front needs plenty of help of its own. Sylvester Williams is just that type of pocket collapsing defensive tackle Dallas needs, with 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks last season. If the Cowboys can’t find an offensive lineman they like in the first round, it seems imperative they nab one with their second pick, and Larry Warford is a big dude who played well for an awful team. Round 3 seems like the best place to find value at safety, as T.J.
McDonald is just one of a handful of quality guys who should be there. To make up for missing a lineman at No. 18, I wouldn’t mind them going overboard in the late rounds, starting with Ricky Wagner. I still think this team should add a decent running back, and Burkhead fits that power back mold, plus he’s got local ties. Fragel is inexperienced at offensive tackle but his massive 6-8 frame gives him a lot of upside.
Editors note: Stay up-to-date with the Dallas Cowboys 2013 NFL Draft and NFL Top Draft Prospects by clicking here:
THE 2013 NFL DRAFT SHOW: Fan Takeover (Video/Audio)
The Draft Show: Fan Takeover (Click HERE to watch)
Bryan Broaddus and Ed Cahill let the fans takeover the show with the NFL Draft just fifteen short days away.
RELATED: 2013 NFL DRAFT PRIMER: Brian Broaddus’ Top 25 Prospects
2013 NFL DRAFT PRIMER: Dallas Cowboys insiders reveal their six-round mock draft
IRVING, Texas – This is the time of year when mock drafts are everywhere.
Websites from all over weigh in with various opinions on where these prospects are going to end up. So each Friday, the DallasCowboys.com staff will select their own mock draft, projecting what the Cowboys will do from rounds 1-6, along with some quick analysis for their decision.
To start it off, the staff has four different players going No. 18 to the Cowboys and none of them have Alabama guard Chance Warmack, who many of the “experts” suggest will fall to Dallas.
Obviously it’s still early in the game but let’s have some fun and let these guys take a stab at it:
Bryan Broaddus’ Mock Analysis: Going on the thought that all the offensive linemen with the exception of Fluker are off the board. Vaccaro is also off the board as well. Austin is on the board and team could field calls to move back but a chance to add the second best defensive tackle in the draft is too inviting so they turn in the card for Richardson. I think Pugh is a really good player than can work at a couple of different positions. Wheaton is a nice route runner with solid hands. I love Bell’s size and the ability catch the ball out of the backfield. And I really like how Jefferson looks on film as a blocker.
Nick Eatman’s Mock Analysis: I have a hard time thinking both Warmack and Cooper will be there, but if they are, it’s probably a smarter pick to take an interior lineman. But something tells me Vaccaro will be there and the Cowboys will address their safety needs here in the first round. I really like Jones from Alabama. His injury situation will drop him out of the first round but I wouldn’t let him get past me in the second. Reminds me a lot of Max Unger from the Seahawks. Randle looks like the ideal back with good size and has a power style with some speed. Sampson doesn’t have a great ‘wow’ factor but is a productive receiver with big-play ability.
Ed Cahills Mock Analysis: I’ve tried to convince myself that one of top two guards will be available at No. 18, but that is a risky assumption, so I played it safe and selected D.J. Fluker. He would give you a powerful run blocker on the right side of the line. I addressed the safety spot with Matt Elam. This guy is a great read-and-react player with a high motor that would fit well in the Cowboys new defensive scheme. Many will scoff at the Rex Burkhead selection, but when you turn on the film you see a runner with great vision and lateral quickness that could come in and contribute right way. My 6th rounder is not a sexy selection, but Michael Williams is a converted lineman who could prove to be a crucial run blocker in two tight end sets.
Rowan Kavner’s Mock Analysis: The Cowboys have a real opportunity to take advantage of a plethora of talent on the offensive line early on in this draft. Cooper or Chance Warmack would be a must have if still available. Snagging two linemen early would solve the Cowboys’ biggest problem from last season and give them the opportunity to let go of Doug Free if they so choose in June. It’s possible safeties Kenny Vaccaro, Eric Reid and Jonathan Cyprien are all gone by the third round, but Thomas could contend for a starting spot immediately. The guy was a total playmaker in college and can do the same as a ball hawk for a defense in desperate need of takeaways. Logan’s been on the Cowboys’ radar for a while and can fill a need at either the one or three technique. Potential steals are available in this draft at running back, from Rex Burkhead to Knile Davis, but if they’re gone, Stacy could provide some toughness.
David Helman’s Mock Analysis: I don’t think you can go wrong with either Cooper or Warmack, but it seems like Cooper is more likely to be there at No. 18. On top of that, his ability to shift to center could be valuable if the Cowboys have to play musical chairs with their line again. The other line needs help, too, and Short might be the best pass rusher of all the defensive tackles in this class with 6.5 sacks as a senior at Purdue. Thomas jumps out to me because of his abilities as a ballhawk – eight picks during his senior campaign – which is something this secondary needs. Mills is another offensive lineman who could switch positions, which could come in handy. Gillislee is a battering ram who doesn’t have too much wear-and-tear after limited carries early in his Florida career. Boyce has deceptive speed and shiftiness, which could spice up the competition for No. 3 receiver
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