Category Archives: Ed Cahill

ROAD TO THE 2014 NFL DRAFT: Senior Bowl 2014 Calendar and Schedule

ROAD TO THE 2014 NFL DRAFT - Senior Bowl week begins today - Senior Bowl 2014 Calendar and Schedule - Senior Bowl logo button

IRVING, Texas – Members of the Dallas Cowboys hit the road Sunday for the 2014 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

It’s time to check out some of the best and brightest players from college football’s senior class as they prepare for the 2014 NFL Draft.

Expect detailed notes, features, and videos throughout the week including a wrap-up after each day of practice. We’ll attempt to keep everyone well-informed on players to look at.

Last year, Dallas Cowboys NFL draft picks Terrance Williams, J.J. Wilcox, and B.W. Webb were all members of the South squad at the Senior Bowl. The annual event features a plethora of players who will undoubtedly be selected in the top few rounds of the upcoming draft. It’s where tackle Eric Fisher helped his draft stock, eventually going as the first pick in the draft last year.

With needs across the defense and particularly on the defensive line, defensive tackles such as Minnesota’s Ra’Shede Hageman, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald, Arizona State’s Will Sutton, and Penn State’s DaQuan Jones will all be players Dallas Cowboys fans should take note of.

Outside pass rushers such as Auburn’s Dee Ford, North Carolina’s Kareem Martin, and Arkansas’ Chris Smith will also garner a lot of attention, in addition to the quarterback class which features Fresno State’s Derek Carr, Clemson’s Tajh Boyd, and San Jose State’s David Fales, among other notable players.

There are sure to be more surprises in store and players that jump off the field and catch scouts eyes, as we cover the Senior Bowl action through Thursday.

The full schedule for the week of the 2014 Senior Bowl, which culminates in the game Saturday, Jan. 25, can be found here and below. Players weigh-in is followed by the North and South team practices. The teams will practice through Monday – Thursday before getting ready for the game with a walkthrough Friday.


2014 Senior Bowl calendar and schedule

ROAD TO THE 2014 NFL DRAFT - Senior Bowl 2014 Calendar and Schedule

Monday, January 20

8:30am-10:00am Weigh-In Mobile Convention Center
Exhibit Hall
INFORMAL INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE OUTSIDE EXHIBIT HALL AFTER EACH PLAYERS’ WEIGH-IN PROCESS IS COMPLETED
1:00pm-3:00pm South Team Practice Fairhope Stadium
INTERVIEWS AFTER PRACTICE ON FIELD
3:00pm-5:00pm North Team Practice Ladd-Peebles Stadium
INTERVIEWS AFTER PRACTICE ON FIELD
6:30pm-8:00pm Player/Media Night Battleship USS Alabama
MEDIA EATS AT 6PM
7:30pm-8:30pm FCA Coaches Fellowship Renaissance Riverview Plaza
Mobile Bay II
8:30pm-11:00pm NFL Club/Player Interviews Renaissance Riverview Plaza
First floor meeting rooms
     

Tuesday, January 21

9:30am-11:30am North Team Practice Ladd-Peebles Stadium
INTERVIEWS AFTER PRACTICE ON FIELD
1:30pm- 3:30pm South Team Practice Ladd-Peebles Stadium
INTERVIEWS AFTER PRACTICE ON FIELD
5:00pm News Conference
COACHES/SELECTED PLAYER
Renaissance Riverview Plaza
Mobile Bay II
6:30pm-8:00pm AT&T Seafood Jubilee Mobile Convention Center
MEDIA INVITED
7:30pm-8:00pm FCA Coaches Fellowship Renaissance Riverview Plaza
Mobile Bay II
8:30pm-11:00pm NFL Club/Player Interviews Renaissance Riverview Plaza
First floor meeting rooms
     

Wednesday, January 22

9:30am-11:30am North Team Practice Ladd-Peebles Stadium
INTERVIEWS AFTER PRACTICE ON FIELD
11:30am-1:30am PNC Bank Senior Boil Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Corporate Tent Village
1:30pm-3:30pm South Team Practice Ladd-Peebles Stadium
INTERVIEWS AFTER PRACTICE ON FIELD
5:00pm News Conference
COACHES/SELECTED PLAYER
Renaissance Riverview Plaza
Mobile Bay II
6:30pm-8:00pm FCA Rally
Mobile Convention Center
8:30pm-11:00pm NFL Club/Player Interviews Renaissance Riverview Plaza
First floor meeting rooms
     

Thursday, January 23

9:00am-11:00am Community Service Project Selected Schools/Hospitals
WILL ALERT MEDIA TO LOCATIONS FOR PHOTO/STORY OPPORTUNITIES
2:30pm-4:30pm North Team Practice Fairhope Stadium
2:30pm-4:30pm South Team Practice Ladd-Peebles Stadium
INTERVIEWS AFTER PRACTICE ON FIELD
6:30pm-8:30pm Player Banquet BattleHouse Renaissance Hotel
     

Friday, January 24

10:30am- 11:30am North/South Team Walk Through Mobile Convention Center
COACHES HAVE OPTION TO CLOSE/CHECK DURING WEEK
3:00pm-7:00pm Coca-Cola Meet The Players Mobile Convention Center
INTERVIEWS/TV LIVE SHOTS MAY BE CONDUCTED AS PLAYERS SIGN
3:00pm-7:00pm al.com/Press-Register
Reese’s Senior Bowl Experience
Mobile Convention Center
     

Saturday, January 25

10:00am-1:00pm Baumhower’s Restaurant
Tailgate Challenge
Stadium Parking Lot
11:00am-2:00pm Food For Less Tailgate Party
MUST HAVE PASS TO ENTER
East Parking Lot
Ladd-Peebles Stadium
1:00pm Stadium Gates Open Ladd-Peebles Stadium
  IBERIABANK Corporate Tent
Village opens
 
  PRESS BOX OPENS  
2:30pm Pre-Game Show Begins Ladd-Peebles Stadium
3:00pm Kickoff Senior Bowl 2014 Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Post Game Postgame interviews Under West stands near lobby entrance (approx. 50yd line)

BUTTON - NFL Draft Prospects - The Boys Are Back website

TRAINING CAMP REPORT CARD: Dallas Cowboys top 10 performers in 2013-2014 offseason

TRAINING CAMP REPORT CARD - Dallas Cowboys top 10 performers in 2013-2014 offseason - The Boys Are Back blog 2013-2014

OXNARD, Calif. – Training camp is officially winding down here in Oxnard as the fourth and final week is nearly completed.

The Dallas Cowboys have just one more full practice remaining today before they break camp tomorrow (Friday), head to Arizona and play their third preseason game Saturday afternoon against the Cardinals.

Obviously, the most important goal of training camp is for the Cowboys to come together and improve as a team – one unit.

But since that won’t be determined until the start of the regular season, the Dallas Cowboys website writers have ranked the Top-10 players from training camp only. This certainly isn’t the list of the 10 best players on the team, but rather the two best handfuls of players who have performed better than anyone else here on the practice fields.

Staff writers Bryan Broaddus, Rowan Kavner, Nick Eatman, and David Helman, along with online radio hosts Ed Cahill and Derek Eagleton all selected their Top 10 players. The list is a combination of performance and expectations heading into camp. Here are the results.

Honorable mention:
Dan Bailey / Sterling Moore

Dan Bailey nearly cracked the Top 10, but got left off a few lists because his practice regiment isn’t exactly the same as a position player. He’s been pretty steady this time around. Moore has been a nice surprise as a fourth corner with his physical play, especially against a competitor such as Dez Bryant.

10. DeMarco Murray – While it’s never easy to evaluate running backs in practice, Murray has been good with his reps, both as a runner and pass-catcher. Staying healthy in the regular season is his biggest factor for him but he certainly looks determined enough to prove his critics wrong about his durability.

9. Ernie Sims – His latest groin injury is bad timing for this veteran linebacker trying to make the most of his second chance. Sims was a guy the Cowboys weren’t sure would fit in the 4-3 scheme and he’s gone from a roster long shot to a possible starter, competing with Justin Durant. His physical play and ability to mix it up with the offense has been refreshing.

8. Doug Free – This pick has a lot to do with expectations of last year. Doug Free has taken advantage of two injuries. Jermey Parnell was supposed to compete with Free at right tackle but his hamstring injury has limited him all of camp. Free hasn’t had to face Anthony Spencer, who missed all but two days with a knee injury. All Free can control is his own situation and he’s done better than expected so far.

7. Lance Dunbar – He immediately established himself as the No. 2 back as Joseph Randle began to work his way back into camp from an offseason thumb injury. Dunbar’s demonstrated a little of everything he can do this camp, catching passes effortlessly, hitting the hole quickly and bringing a special elusiveness that the other backs don’t possess, while carrying all of his traits to the preseason games. He’s done everything he can to ensure he’ll be involved in the offense in some degree this year. 

6. Orlando Scandrick – You can argue that he doesn’t always line up against Dez and Miles, but he gets his fare share of them in the team drills. Scandrick is another one on this list primarily because of expectations. But he’s been a fighter this whole camp. He’s battled in the one-on-one drills, showing he’s got some veteran savvy to his game, especially when facing bigger receivers. He’s made plays on the ball and rarely gets out of position at all. A really strong camp for the Cowboys third corner.

5. Jason Witten – You won’t find many Top 10 lists that exclude Witten, regardless of the category. He’s never flashy, but always good. And that’s been Witten’s training camp from start to finish. In fact, it’s evident the Cowboys are making a point to get Witten more involved in the red zone offense and they’ve done that in the team drills and red-zone situations. If camp is any indication, Witten’s touchdowns should go up this season.

4. Sean Lee – There aren’t many players on this team, maybe even in the league that absolutely love the training camp grind like Lee. The passion he plays with on Sundays in the regular season is matched both in practice and even in the morning walk-through sessions. That intensity is infectious and trickles down to his teammates. But let’s not forget his play either. He looks to be a perfect fit in the middle of this 4-3 scheme with his instincts to get to the ball and his ability to drop into coverage and make plays on the ball. If he stays healthy, Lee will easily compete for a Pro Bowl spot.

3.  Jason Hatcher – Here’s a surprise to the list, especially this high up. But Hatcher has been short of dominant here in practice, which can sometimes be tricky to evaluate without pads and teams going all out. Still, Hatcher has been hard to block in both individual and team drills. While some might say the Cowboys are lacking at the guard position, part of it could be the fact they’re going up against Hatcher, whose quickness of the ball has been impressive for the recently-turned 31-year-old.

2. Dez Bryant – It was a close race for first but the wide receiver gets a close second. Still, what Dez brings to the table every day is so important to this team. The intensity for this camp is at an all-time high and Dez is the main reason for it. He competes on every single snap and wants the ball thrown his way every time. If he doesn’t come up with the catch, Bryant will get upset with himself and vows to improve on the next play. That has to make the younger receivers around him better. Bryant has been the best player at camp every year since he got into the league and he hasn’t dropped off any. His expectations coming off of last year probably hurt him slightly.

1. DeMarcus Ware – The reason Ware gets the nod of Bryant is simple – he’s been dominant on just about every play of camp. When it comes to one-on-one battles, Ware hasn’t really lost one. It’s gotten to the point where Tyron Smith’s ability has been questioned some, just because Ware has beaten him regularly. Two things appear evident about Ware: He looks completely healthy this year after a handful of injuries in 2012, and this 4-3 scheme will be a great fit for him. Ware looks as good in this camp as he has in any other camp of his career. For a future Hall of Famer, that’s good enough to land the top spot on this list.


RELATED: Analyst/Scout Bryan Broaddus Training Camp 2013 Top-10

TRAINING CAMP REPORT CARD - Dallas Cowboys top 10 performers in 2013-2014 offseason - The Boys Are Back blog

With no practice tape to break down from Wednesday, lets take this opportunity to go through the list of players voted for in the writers poll of top ten players of training camp 2013.

  • DeMarcus Ware – This was a no brainer for several reasons. He has been the most dominate player in the camp. He works daily against the best offensive linemen on the squad and is rarely defeated or put in a bad situation. His health and fitness level are at an all time high and the scheme really plays to his strengths.
  • Dez Bryant – Bryant has once again showed up to camp with a purpose in mind and that was to improve to become a more complete receiver. We all understand his skill level, but where he really has improved his overall game is on the mental side and as a blocker. What Bryant has shown is when he understands what his responsibilities are, he can be an even more dominate player. He is also understanding of how to use his big body to cause problems for defensive backs off the edge. For him, it’s all about being that complete player.
  • Sean Lee – If there was a player on this squad that was built for this Monte Kiffin 4-3 scheme, it is Sean Lee. His ability to read and react to what he sees is rare. To play Mike linebacker in this scheme, you have to be able to tackle in space and on the move. Lee is also outstanding when it comes to understanding pass coverage. He is rarely out of position and he has been physical enough to handle a guy like Jason Witten down after down. He really has shown to be a complete player.
  • Jason Witten – I really like what I have seen from Witten in this zone scheme as a blocker. He has the understand of how to position himself to secure the block but he is also crafty enough to know how to put his hands inside to also control his man. His route running has been on point and his hands in the red zone have been clutch. Father Time might be knocking on some players doors around the league but not this guy.
  • Jason Hatcher – This has been a real surprise for me in camp because I really wasn’t sure how well he would consistently hold up inside. He has been playing the under tackle but will shift to nose when Jay Ratliff returns to the lineup. Hatcher has been consistent in his approach and he has developed some extra pass rush moves. He has played with power which is something that I questioned coming into camp. I will be interested if he can continue this positive trend but in this camp, he is starting to erase my doubts.
  • DeMarco Murray – The most complete back on this squad is DeMarco Murray. We have not had a chance to see it in these preseason games but in observing these practices day-after-day, you can see him playing at a high level. He has shown a physical toughness and desire to prove those wrong that believed he couldn’t stay healthy. He has run the ball with a nasty streak, been consistent catching the ball and been solid on his blitz pickups. His preparation for this season has clearly shown.
  • Orlando Scandrick – There are those of you reading this I am sure are saying that we have seen this before from Orlando Scandrick only to be disappointed in the end. Scandrick has a different look about him this season and its just not the mental side of the game which he has always excelled. Where Scandrick has been different in my view is in the physical side of the game. He is finishing more plays, he is making it tough for receivers to catch the ball on him. He is fighting down the field better. There were times where you would see him clutch and grab which would result in fouls but we are seeing a lot less of that. His game overall, just has a different feel.
  • Lance Dunbar – For Lance Dunbar, his rise up to this level started all the way back in OTA’s and minicamps. Dunbar has always been quick but he appears to have taken that to a whole new level. He has been explosive and with the ball in his hands, has been a nightmare for tacklers to deal with in the open field. He has an outstanding feel for how to get the ball to the edge or make the cut inside. He is catching the ball well and with soft hands but where he has improved is as a pass blocker. His height limits what he can accomplish but the heart and desire make up for that. He is not afraid to step up and his technique is clearly better. Coaches are gaining more confidence in him each practice.
  • Ernie Sims – If there are players that are playing with chips on their shoulders, Sims is the leader of that group. I honestly gave him little shot at this 53 man roster with some of the young players that were added to this group, but he once again proved me wrong. Sims has a real shot to not only make this roster but to start. You can just see in his body language that he is clearly on a mission. Between plays, you don’t see him standing around the other linebackers, he is off on his own. He has no friends on this team, at this point. Matter of fact the only time I have seen him smile was when he young son was running around on the field after practice. Sims has been everywhere on the field. When watching tape, you don’t have to ask what number he is wearing. It has been a shame that he is missing practice time with this groin injury but until then, he has been outstanding.
  • Sterling Moore – When I observe Sterling Moore down-after-down, I am not surprised that he is playing the way he is. He has been physical both run and pass but he has also shown the ability to both play on the outside and in the slot. I really have been impressed with him in coverage. He doesn’t give receivers much room in route and when the ball is in the air, he really does a nice job of finishing the play. The way he is playing, it is going to allow this staff to be patient with B.W. Webb and his development as a corner. Moore gives this squad a great deal of flexibility and if they have to match team’s this season with multiple wide receivers, they should be a good shape.

DALLAS COWBOYS BREAK: Team options when it comes to right tackle Doug Free

VIDEO - The Draft Show with Bryan Broaddus and Ed Cahill - The Boys Are Back blog 2013

Cowboys Break: What To Do With Free? (Click HERE to play video or listen)

Join Bryan Broaddus and Ed Cahill as they discuss the Dallas Cowboys options when it comes to Doug Free in the coming weeks. (Duration – 59:56)

2013 NFL DRAFT: Day-Two breakdown and analysis on today’s three Dallas Cowboys selections

2013 NFL DRAFT - Day-Two breakdown and analysis on the three Dallas Cowboys selections

If the opinion on the Dallas Cowboys’ draft was confused or uncertain 24 hours ago, it certainly seems to have cheered up heading into the weekend.

Dallas added two new weapons to what was already a potent offense, and they secured a playmaker in a position of need. That’s highlighted by Baylor wide receiver Terrance Williams, who many thought the Cowboys might snag in the first round.

So, to recap: Jerry Jones and Co. grabbed a receiver many thought was a first round talent, and they upgraded the depth at safety. Tight end Gavin Escobar is a bit of an unknown, but he offers an intriguing receiving option to compliment Jason Witten.

So if Thursday night’s first round was a bit of a head scratcher, Friday night feels more like a fist pump.

Bryan Broaddus:

I’m not surprised that they went with a tight end in this draft but I thought it would have been later and more of the blocking type like Sims or Jefferson. Gavin Escobar is a big body that can get down the field and make adjusting catches. Hands are outstanding which is one of his best traits. He will need to develop some strength and toughness at the point of attack and work on his technique but he has a chance. Know the scouts were really high on his ability to develop because of what we had seen on tape.

The scout in me was really hopeful that the front office would have been able to pull both Bennie Logan and JJ Wilcox for this Monte Kiffin defense, but they were only able to grab one in Wilcox but in my view, it was a really nice get. I really enjoyed studying his film and watching him play live at the Senior Bowl along with wide receiver Terrence Williams. Wilcox will knock you stiff and Williams is a steady, polished route runner that can make consistent plays.

Ed Cahill:

The Dallas Cowboys made it clear with their first three picks in this draft that they are maximizing their investment in Tony Romo. I had Gavin Escobar in my final mock draft in the fourth round, but truth be told I thought he might be taken in the third. I still like the value, and on tape, the kid catches everything.

Terrance Williams gives you an immediate contributor and an eventual replacement for Miles Austin. He is a guy the Cowboys were probably considering in the second, and to have him fall to them in the third must have sent high fives around the War Room.

J.J. Wilcox is a guy we have followed on The Draft Show all offseason, and a player the Cowboys staff has spoken highly of in the months leading up to the draft. Just from hearing his first few interviews he sounds like a great kid, and I think he might end up being an even better player. There may have been a few safeties in this class more NFL ready right now, but I think Wilcox projects better than most of them.

Nick Eatman:

I can’t lie and say I knew much – if anything – about Gavin Escobar before the pick. He certainly passes the eye test with his size. I have some concerns about getting another pass-catching tight end who needs to work on his blocking. Isn’t that James Hanna? But still, it’s a big weapon for Romo.

But I wanted the Cowboys to take Terrance Williams instead. So naturally, I like the third-round pick to get the Baylor WR. I think he’s a polished, NFL-ready receiver. Look how the other two Baylor receivers did last year as rookies. I think he’ll contribute right away. Wilcox fits a position of need and he’ll have a chance to compete with Matt Johnson and Will Allen to start.

Rowan Kavner:

In getting Gavin Escobar – It seemed more likely the Dallas Cowboys might grab a running back, receiver or safety here rather than a tight end who seemed to excel more as a pass-catcher than a blocker. But he did score 13 touchdowns in his final two seasons, and this team could use his 6-6 frame to help out near the goal line and erase the red zone woes.

As a candidate for the Cowboys’ first round pick, getting Terrance Williams, the nation’s leading receiver in college last season, provided great value in the third round. The trade with San Francisco looks better today than it did the day prior by adding the local star, particularly if they can figure out how to use Williams and Escobar in conjunction with each other.

Safety J.J. Wilcox was a candidate in our mock drafts because of his athleticism and potential, which were both draws for the Cowboys. He doesn’t have much experience as a safety after moving around positions, but he could end up being a special playmaker at safety and should be an immediate contributor on special teams.

2013 NFL DRAFT PRIMER: Dallas Cowboys insiders reveal their six-round mock draft

2013 NFL DRAFT PRIMER - Dallas Cowboys insiders reveal their six-round mock draft - Safeties - The Boys Are Back blog 2013

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
18th

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 
LB – Penn St.

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:

BUTTON - NFL Draft Picks - The Boys Are Back blog. TBAB Button - NFL Draft Prospects


THE 2013 NFL DRAFT SHOW: Fan Takeover (Video/Audio)

VIDEO - The Draft Show with Bryan Broaddus and Ed Cahill - The Boys Are Back blog 2013

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.

AUDIO - Download audio MP3

RELATED: 2013 NFL DRAFT PRIMER: Brian Broaddus’ Top 25 Prospects

THE 2013 NFL DRAFT SHOW: Mocks drafts and top 25 (Video/Audio)

VIDEO - The Draft Show with Bryan Broaddus and Ed Cahill - The Boys Are Back blog 2013

The Draft Show: Mocks Drafts and Top 25 (Click HERE to watch)

Bryan Broaddus and Ed Cahill compare mock drafts, break down Bryan’s new Top 25, and discuss the players that came into visit Valley Ranch this past week.

AUDIO - Download audio MP3

RELATED: 2013 NFL DRAFT PRIMER: Brian Broaddus’ Top 25 Prospects