An attempt to mock, 1.0
by Chandus on Feb 28, 2010 6:00 PM CST
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Print1st Round: Nate Allen, FS (6005, 207, 31 and 9 3/8), South Florida.
Some are going to call this a reach, but I'm considering that Thomas (FS), Iupati (G/RT) and Williams (RT) won't be around, so, you have to take the BPA in a position of need.
Who's Nate Allen? FS with range; good hips; instinctive player; knows how to take the right angles; solid tackler, knows how to wrap up; quick reactions and recovery speed; has a nose for the ball, but isn't a ballhawk; leader; smart, called the defensive plays which is a need if the team wants to replace Ken Hamlin; experienced in zone and man coverage, should do well in Wade's cover 4 scheme.
2nd Round: Lamarr Houston, NT/DE (6026, 305, 33 and 9 1/2), Texas.
Looking for Jay's backup shouldn't be the whole plan, improving the pass pressure in 4 and 3 man fronts should be the plan and doing it without hurting the ability to stop the run would be excellent. This guy can do it all.
Who's Lamarr Houston? Quick; good motor; disruptive force; versatile, has experience playing every position along the Line, including NT, but is often aligned on the shoulder of his matchup (Wade's kind of Lineman); doesn't give up, keeps his feet moving; great pursuit along the line; mean; strong.
3rd Round: Kyle Calloway, RT (6062, 323, 33 1/4 and 10 1/8), Iowa.
He isn't a LT, but he has the skill set required to be a really good RT for a long time.
Who's Kyle Calloway? natural knee bender; not light on his feet and has some problems with footwork technique against elite pass rushers; though and durable; good hand technique; mean; keeps going through the whistle; decent side to side quickness; at his best when run blocking in zone; versatile, can also play Guard.
4th Round: Eric Olsen, C/G (6037, 306, 32 1/2 and 9 3/8), Notre Dame.
Not starting material right off the bat, but would be a noticeabe upgrade over the previous years depth in the interior... Which isn't saying much, but... I guess that you know what I mean... I just hope that he can play the bass or Colombo's going to be mad at him...
Who's Eric Olsen? Versatile, has some experience playing G; smart; though and durable; strong and mean; good hand placement and technique; not a natural knee bender and footwork needs to be improved; at his best when drive blocking; struggles some with quickness in pass pro (which wouldn't be something new, considering that Gurode and Davis struggle with the same stuff...).
6th Round: Antonio Brown, WR/RS (5100, 186, 31 and 9), Central Michigan.
Speedy and quick receiver and return specialist.
7th Round: Thomas Welch, T (6064, 307, 33 1/4 and 9 1/2), Vanderbilt.
Physically gifted Tackle prospect with a lengthy story of injuries, needs to be polished and better strength and conditioning coaching.
And that's it, what do you guys think?
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
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I like the Allen pick. We need a FS that can cover and by the time we pick again at 59 they might be gone. I really don’t think that Houston can be a good NT, he might prove to be a good DE but he’s a little light to be a good NT. I know Ratliff is also light for the position but he’s a special player. Calloway is a solid lineman and could replace Colombo at RT in a couple years. Olsen and Welch would add depth to the line. I’ve never seen Brown play but he could be a good RS. We have tried to draft speed guys late to be returners but they haven’t worked out.
Overall not bad. You have to figure that at least 1 of the lineman turns into a starter and you hope that others become serviceable pros. Allen is a player that I’m really starting to like. Thomas will be gone when we pick at 27 and we could see a run on safeties in the 2nd round this year much like last year.
Which are the things that make Ratliff special?
His motor.
His strength.
His quickness.
And the fact that he never gives up.
Houston has those and Wade knows how to use them, be it as a 3-4 NT or as a 4 man front pass rush DT.
Forget about a mammoth NT prospect that can’t do the things that Ratliff does at NT, the Cowboys had one of the best Defenses in the League last year without one of those, a guy that can bring more heat from the interior and that truely gives Ratliff some rest is a serious need.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
If we’re drafting a guy just to be his backup I would rather have the big guy. Someone that would eat space on goal line situations. The chances of Houston being the same player as Ratliff are very slim. I’m not against taking Houston mostly because I think he could make a good DE replacement for Spears.
+1
He looks like he’ll make a good pro. I wonder if he played with Jenkins for a year or so in S.FlA?
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Mar 1, 2010 8:24 AM CST up reply actions
Overall I like it
Allen is the 1st is not a problem IMO. I think he’s worth it because he would start from Day 1 and be an upgrade over Hamlin. Already has good connection with Jenkins, that’s a bonus. (I wonder if Dallas has had an eye on him since Jenkins was scouted, I bet they did)
Houston in the 2nd is good, although I like Arthur Jones and Alex Carrington more, but Houston’s an explosive player and would be a good backup at End or NT and could line up inside in the nickel.
Calloway is a solid pick in the 3rd, even though he’s having a bad combine, he’s been a quality starter for Iowa and they have a great record for producing OL.
Olson, not a fan. I’d rather see a DB in this spot. This draft is deep for CB and Dallas could find a steal with this pick.
Brown in the 6th is a great pick. I don’t know how much he could contribute as a WR, but he’s one of the best RS in the draft.
to make the jump to the next level, Odrick said today he needs to work on one area. "Just being more violent overall,'' Odrick said. "Play the game and play it right, violently.''
Pretty good Chandus,
I’m also a big fan of FS Nate Allen. Looks like a real smart center-fielder with good size and good skills in coverage.
I’m also a real big fan of Lamarr Houston. You’re right, he’s got Ratliff like attributes; quickness, motor, versatility. He could play DT or DE in our scheme. One thing though, DT’s tend to drop some on draft day. Houston seems like he’s rated a third rounder and I think there’s every chance he’ll be there with our late third round selection.
Not overly fond of Calloway. Doesn’t look like he’s athletic enough to be a great pass blocker. And I want some great pass blocking Tackles for our legit QB and pass first offense. I’m sick of huge guys who get out-quicked on the edges consistently.
I like the way you’re thinking with the rest of the positions you’ve targeted (differ on what players though). Welch is worth a 7th round look.
Heh...
I would love if the Cowboys have a chance to grab Iupati or Williams in the 1st, but those guys won’t be there… Other than those guys, who’s worth a 1st Round pick? I can only think of Pouncey… But I think that Allen has a better chance of starting from the first game, so I went with him…
In the 2nd the team wouldn’t think twice to land someone like Ducasse, but I don’t think that he’s going to be there… The guy has the feet to be a LT, he’s just SO raw that he isn’t a 1st Round prospect… J.D. Walton, John Jerry and Jon Asamoah would be tempting, though.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Yeah, I agree, and I’m just messing with you. Personally, I think the Cowboys should trade up and make sure they get one of the offensive linemen they like, but I doubt they will.
I also doubt that they will...
Not because they’re stupid, or because they can’t see their obvious weaknesses… It’s because they’re seeing their weaknesses that they won’t…
1 Interception and very few passes defended from the starting safeties is such an awful number for a position that’s settled. Hamlin and Sensabaugh are certainly part of the Defense that went 2nd overall in points allowed, that’s part of their work, but they can’t make a play to save their lives…
If Gurode goes down, we’re in a world of hurt.
If Kosier goes down, we’re in a world of hurt.
If Davis goes down, we’re in a world of hurt.
If Jay Ratliff goes down, we’re in a world of hurt.
At least, now we know that Free can play in either Tackle position, so the need for a Franchise LT is lessened, but it isn’t as if this team is one hole away from winning the whole thing…
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Yuck!
Not the positions, but the players. All seem to be reaches of a round or two above where they could be avaiable.
Better prospects in each round should be available.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
I figured as much... Some reasoning for the top 2 picks:
a) This Draft has a lot of talent at the Safety position. True.
But the drop off from the top 5 coverage guys (Berry, Thomas, Allen, Burnett and Jones) to the next group (Mays, Wright and Asante) is quite big… The FS position is going to run bare by pick 40-45, you can almost bank on that.
If the Cowboys want to upgrade the position they will either have to take their guy on the first or make a small trade (but I don’t like the chances of that happening in this deep draft).
b) Lamarr Houston is the kind of prospect that’s extremely hard to rate.
Some analysts will tell you that he’s a late round prospect, some will tell you that he’s a 3rd Round prospect that’s trending up. That has everything to do with their education or with their scout sources…
For example, a team that likes size on their DTs because they use a 2 gap scheme won’t like him and won’t rate him as high as a team that wants a one gap disruptive force that can run… The kind of prospect that several teams like… The Cowboys love Ratliff, the Colts like that kind of prospect, too… The Vikings, for example, won’t like him.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Safety falls
One of the truisms of the draft is that WRs and Safeties fall, OGs go real low, and Tackles rise.
This deep, deep class of Safties will mean a ton will be available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I’d be willing to bet that only Berry gets taken in the 1st round.
The Roy-haters are going to go ape when only Bryant (and maybe not even him) is taken above us in the 1st. These folks are going to be blogging furiously, and then cussing out GM Jerry when we pass.
The one bright spot is that GM Jerry’s been dropping hints that OL might finally be addressed in the 1st. I’ll believe it (and praise him) when I see it, but history does not bode well. That’s when I’ll be throwing my beer at the TV and cussing his soul(less).
I don’t have a great feel, but Raf’s Mock 2.0 seems to be a pretty good first guess.
I do like that you brought some new blood into the discussion. It at least made me look up these guys.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Safety falls, really?
Which Draft did you see last year, just to mention one year?
The Draft in which Delmas, the top rated Safety in that year, went with the 1st pick in Round 2? The Delmas that would be rated as the 3rd best coverage Safety in the Draft behind Berry and Thomas?
The Draft in which Chung went with the 2nd pick in the 2nd Round? The Draft that also saw Darcel McBath and Sherrod Martin get selected in picks 48th and 59th?
I think that the trio of Allen, Burnett and Jones compare favorably to Chung and are better prospects than McBath and Martin…
Safeties that can cover aren’t falling, they are actually getting selected higher and higher. Mays may fall.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
They went in the 2nd Round!
It’s been since 2002 that more than 1 safety was taken in the 1st Round. BTW, it’s when we took Roy Williams and Ed Reed went to Baltimore (I just threw up a little).
The fact is that no matter the need, Safeties simply go in the 2nd Round after the run of CBs has been exhausted. Very similar to Guards, RBs and WRs. RB & WR falling is a relatively new trend.
Another interesting note is that the single Safties taken have been incredible. The list includes:
- ’09: None
- ’08: Kenny Phillips (last pick of the 1st)
- ’07: LaRon Landry (6)
- ’06: Michael Huff (7)
- ’05: Antrell Rolle (8)
- ’04: Sean Taylor (5)
- ’03: Troy Polamalu (16)
- ’02: Roy Willy (8), Ed Reed (24)
- ’01: Adam Archuletta (20)
- ’99 & ’00: None
Does that mean that only 1 safety is worthy? No. There are plenty of good-to-great players that were selected in later rounds. It simply means that the position is de-valued compared to others like LT, QB, DE/OLB, & CB.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
A few corrections:
‘07 actually had 3 taken (even though Griffin was a CB and started for Oak as a CB, he’s officially listed as a FS) and Reggie Nelson.
’06 had 2 with Whitner (was listed as a CB on another site)
’05 had none (Rolle was a CB and began his career there)
’03 had none (Polamalu was a general DB, usually indicating a CB being converted, but in his case, I think he was a college LB, but I could be wrong)
‘96-’99 only had 1 safety taken (Donovan Darrius).
Bottom line is there are few Safeties taken high. To assume that the “Top 3” safeties will be gone by the time we draft at 27 would be only the second time in decades.
One interesting note is the drastic change from SS to FS that has emerged lately.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Seems that there is a upward trend of safetys going higher in the draft.
Safeties are being taken higher because the league is becoming a passing league. that only stands to reason. None from 96 to 99 is interesting. (Those players you mention that were listed as DB’s must have been drafted with Safety in mind. Their size/skill set/intangibles must have had their drafting team thinking Safety …. )
So?
Do you want to take the leftovers that will be there for the Cowboys 2nd Round? According to last year, Mays may be available!
Roy Williams part deux!
Or are you willing to bet that one of Thomas, Allen, Burnett and Jones will be there for the Cowboys? I don’t think so, and last year is proof enough, prospects that would have been 3rd Round picks in this Draft were selected higher than the Cowboys current 2nd Round pick…
If you want to take one of them, you’ll either have to bite hard and take one with the 27th, trade down a bit or trade up a lot in the 2nd.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Yes
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
What are we going to bet?
Unas cervezas on this side of the border?
That would be fun!
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
You're on!
Sí, pero él tendrá que ser más de uno. ¿Puede usted viajar a Matamoros?
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Ok, my friend, don't try to write in spanish...
You’re killing my language!
Not that I don’t kill your language on my articles… But that’s also brought up to me when I make penalizable mistakes!
The actual translation for your comment would be:
Sí, pero tendría que ser más de una. ¿Puedes viajar a Matamoros? (Yes, but it would have to be more than one (beer). Can you travel to Matamoros?)
And my answer is: sadly, I can’t travel right now and in the following future, but that’s something that we can talk at a later time… It isn’t as if we’re going to go somewhere else for our Cowboys fix… We haven’t and it’s been like 6 years that we met in the BoysBlog…
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Well, that's what I meant to say.
But you’re still on. Maybe we could grab a beer sometime in the future. Until then, here’s a virtual pop top and a toast you, mi amigo.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Same here!
The difference is that I’ll be doing it with the beers that around here are cheap and good… I’ve made 2 trips to the U.S., and I still can’t believe how expensive a Corona is around there (even if you look around for a place that’s less expensive)… And it isn’t our best beer!
A toast for all the taxes that push the prices all the way up!
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
There is NO way 6 safties are drafted before 59.
There are also 2-3 Cbs that will translate to S as well. Guys like Chris Cook and Trevard Lindley. I will be shocked if anyone besides Berry and Thomas are drafted in the 1rst. That leaves both Jones’, Allen, Burnett, Cook, and Mays. Those are just the S with a 2nd round grade.
Safety's fall in normal years - this year there is only 1 first round CB
Eric Berry is a consensus top 5 pick. Joe Haden should be top 10 unless his 40 time from yesterday killed his stock. So if anyone thinks only 2 DBs will go in the first round of the draft, you’re crazy. The lack of top flight CBs will push up the Safeties.
If Houston went to a small school ...
He would be a fourth round lock for the cowboys.
Corey Proctor plays the Drums, btw
Bigg plays Bass.
I don’t know about the FS in the 1st, he does seem like a reach, but I do like the linemen you picked in rounds 2,3 and 4.
If Allen is your guy - trade down
Seriously, this is a reach in the first. I’ve seen tons of mocks and I’ve never seen him in the first. This has nothing to do with the player, mind you. But his value is not in the first. Trade back 10 spots, pick up a 3rd rounder and you can still get him.
like the Houston pick
it is def not on anyone elses mock ….
And the guy just ran a 4.8ish and looked quick in the workouts...
That guy is going to be selected higher than what is believed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
don't like that...
2 of your top 3 picks are defense. Hope its just the opposite and 2 of the first 3 are for the O side of the ball.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
That has everything to do with whom I believe will be there...
I can take the easy way out and say that Iupati will be there and that would be my mock! Hell, I can also say that Okung will somehow fall to the Cowboys pick!
It doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen, though.
So, with no LTs or RTs worthy of the 27th pick, who do you take? Do you reach for one? Or do you take the BPA in the other positions of need? S, C/G, WR or NT.
I took the Safety, make your call.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
time will tell...
always take the BPA, always.
My board shows Iupati, a guard, will still be there at 27 as there will be a run on tackles.
Morgan Bennett FS from GT should be there at #2;
Rodger Safford T from IN should be there at #3; if not Jared Veldheer, T from Hillsdale.
Cool your jets bro’; this is all just mental masturbation anyway.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
Cool your jets or...
Take a pill?
Make up your mind, dude…
This is my mock, it’s my opinion and this is an opinion blog… I’m supposed to write what I think… And to have fun, you’re taking all this a bit too seriously… At least apparently…
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
me seriously?
You may want to avoid posting in the future if you can’t handle having your opinion challenged.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
Who was the one that started with all the "cool your pill"?
That was you.
I responded to you comment by passing the ball to your court to see your opinion and you started talking about mental masturbations…
Seriously…
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Is that like air sex?
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Mar 4, 2010 8:53 PM CST up reply actions
Can I ask your reasoning
For picking Allen over Burnett? I’m assuming Burnett will also be available at 27.
Movie Reference
by accidental innuendo on Mar 2, 2010 7:57 PM CST reply actions
Of course, but I'll quote, it's up there for you to see...
Who’s Nate Allen? FS with range; good hips; instinctive player; knows how to take the right angles; solid tackler, knows how to wrap up; quick reactions and recovery speed; has a nose for the ball, but isn’t a ballhawk; leader; smart, called the defensive plays which is a need if the team wants to replace Ken Hamlin; experienced in zone and man coverage, should do well in Wade’s cover 4 scheme.
Can you say the same thing from Burnett? Especially the part about Allen calling the plays, I’ve also read about him being like a coach on the field, because he can see things and make changes…
If the plan is to replace Hamlin, you need to replace what he does on the field, too.
Burnett was certainly more of a playmaker in College and the team needs one of those, but is his head ready? I know that Allen is better prepared, that’s why I’m going with him.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
burnett should be available
by the time our boys pick at #2; would be a reach at their #1 imo
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
still have time for opinions to change
lots of pro days coming up and in some cases we get to see who the Cowboy`s like.
AS of now the Boys like
RD 1 Iupati, he might fall this far, has faced inferior competition and is still a project and only top notch can`t miss Guards should go rd 1.
RD 2 Chris Cook FS Yes there are others ranked higher that might be a more popular selection but this is the guy the Boy`s want.
RD 3 ILB Muckleroy, I think the 3-4 philosophy preaches that LB`s are constantly added so not sure if this is an indication of doubts on Jason Williams or just stocking the cupboards but so far all signs point to this guy.
If Choice is traded the Boy`s seem to like Ben Tate, I still think we move a DE and my best guess would be Hatcher to Miami or Bowen to NE, Buff, or KC. Bennett to Cinnci? we should have jumped last yr…not sure if Cinnci makes the same offer.
I really like Nate Allen and would be fine with it.
I don’t like Houston at that spot.
You have Calloway going too late, but boy would that be a steal.
Waiting until the 7th for a OT is not a good strategy. I’ve said already that Dallas may HAVE to reach because of the lack of quality depth there.
"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I think Dallas should go after atogwe of the rams and ray edwards of the vikes it would give them another superior pass rusher and a good safety for Dallas then trade hamlin and spears to get better picks. i think they should get tate with the first rounder
Atogwe is going to want to much money
and Edwards is to small to play 3-4 DE. WE are set at OLB for at least the next 5 years. No one is going to take Hamlin, either of them.
The Draft will probably have between 22 and 24 first round rated players
Several 2nd round rated players WILL be selected in the 1st Round.
Such a thing happens in every Draft, it isn’t unusual.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Which really means it isn't about the rounds, it's about a larger order of players listed on each team's draft board.
I think Dallas may have to make a slight reach in round 1 on an OT.
It is what it is.
"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I think Dallas will reach for a safety rather than reach for an OT
Safety being more glamorous
by AustonianAggie on Mar 10, 2010 9:27 AM CST up reply actions
You may be right
…but that would be a horrible mistake IMO.
Dallas has neglected this position in the draft. Their are O-linemen worthy of the #27 pick as well as opportunities to move UP and get a lineman who may fall a bit.
After Williams and Berry, which safety is worth the #27? Nate Allen? I would vehemently disagree.
"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Who would have a higher chance of starting as a rookie?
The 3rd best Safety prospect (in a talented Safety crop) or the 6th (or 7th) rated Tackle prospect or 2nd rated Guard or 1st rated Center?
My money is with the Safety.
I also want OLine help, but that’s my reasoning, I just can’t see a huge difference between picking a guy like Ducasse in the first or taking a guy like Jerry in the 2nd, or taking Pouncey or Walton.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
No
It’s not about how the player is rated against their collegiate peer, it’s about who is sitting in front of them on the pro roster.
Relative to your question, I’d disagree and take the OT (Ducasse) because, as we saw last season, the play at that posiiton is declining due to age and injury.
Jerry and Pouncey are interior linemen and would have two healthy, competent players (Bigg and Kosier) in front of them.
Again, I don’t care if they START as a rookie, I care about the kind of career they have with the team. You have to think in terms of the future, not just 2010.
"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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