Cowboys Draft '11: A Look Forward to What Was Left Behind
by Rafael Vela on May 17, 2010 5:45 PM CDT
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PrintThat's right, your eyes are not deceiving you. We're already looking at the 2011 draft here at Blogging the Boys, just a few weeks after the 2010 rookie fiesta.
Forecasting what the Cowboys will pursue next April is easy - look at the positions they explored in depth this year and last, but did not take. Guard, center and cornerback top this list, with defense end a distant fourth. The Cowboys missed on Max Under in '09 and had Mike Iuputi and Maurkice Pouncey on their short list this year. Corner was also considered, though Dez Bryant's fall shuffled the Cowboys' plans. The Cowboys will also have to sort out which of its many free-agent DEs in waiting stay and which go.
Today's release of Cory Proctor and Duke Preston reinforces the need to re-stock at the interior line spots.
Okay, so we know where the Cowboys are looking, but to whom will they turn? BTB's new best friend Wes Bunting has some ideas. If you missed it, SB Nation has formed a relationship with The National Football Post, where Bunting runs the draft shop. And if you've neglected NFP since the draft, shame on you!. Bunting has just concluded his list of the top 100 college prospects. Of particular interest to me is his 21-40 cut, which has eleven o-linemen and cornerbacks among its 20 members. Forecasting draft picks a year out is like forecasting the 2016 Presidential elections. It seems like folly, but the good news is that the 2011 cupboard seems well stocked at the Cowboys' positions of need.
I asked Bunting to give me a handful of O-line prospects who fit the Cowboys profile and he kindly obliged. Join me over the jump for his reply:
OL Mike Pouncey: Florida (6-5, 310)
A massive interior lineman who will make the move to center this year. Possesses good power on contact and is a pretty good athlete for the his size. Exhibits a skill set similar to the one of twin brother Maurkice Pouncey who the Steelers drafted in the first round this season.
Possible selection: Rounds 1/3
OG John Moffitt: Wisconsin (6-5, 320)
A physical in-line blocker who plays with a mean streak and is at his best when asked to win off the ball in the run game. Isn't an elite athlete, but works hard and knows how to stick to blocks inside.
Possible selection: Rounds 2/3
OL Benjamin Ijalana: Villanova (6-4, 320)
A downright dominant small-school offensive lineman with the power and fluidity to mature into a very capable NFL interior presence. Reminds me a bit of Jets 2nd round pick Vladimir Ducasse and could really move up draft boards with a strong year.
Possible selection: Rounds 2/3
There are many more OL prospects. At first glance, 2011's appears a deeper offensive lineman group than 2010's. Don't take my word for it. Click on Bunting's profiles and see for yourself.
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Actually, you were second ...
I mean, technically Raf wrote the article, so he was clearly before you in recognizing the glaring need.
Stevie Wonder
could see the Cowboy need for a center; indeed the need is so glaring, I wouldn’t be surprised to see something pop up before August that would send Dallas a backup center.
Picking 32nd
It’s hard to find the best talent when picking at #32 in the draft, but I have faith that the Cowboys can do it!
Just like we did this year with Iupati and Pouncey
Oh wait…
Not trying to be an ass, but I’m just saying. If there were any elite interior linemen left, we would’ve been debating between that guy and Dez, rather than Dez and trading down.
You are not being an ass
you are just completely devoid of any historical perspective whatsoever by basing your statement on one year rather than taking into account the past 10 or 20 years where that wasn’t the case at all.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
I'm not saying it's impossible
And you are certainly right in terms of historical precedent. But I think people just assume that these guys will be there that late, and it’s not exactly a foregone conclusion. I heard way too many times this offseason “oh well if all else fails, we can always just get an elite interior lineman at 27, because that’s where they really start to go.” And that was incredibly wrong as it turned out.
First time in at least 7 years
I went back 7 years in the draft prior to the draft and couldn’t find a case where 2 interior linemen where taken before 27.
This was indeed an odd draft.
I doubt it’s the beginning of a trend, probobly just idiosynchracy.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 18, 2010 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes but how many in the last 7 years were unanimous elite prospects.
Guards don’t grade out elite status very easily.
KICK ASS every day!!!
by squidlo97 on May 18, 2010 11:07 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
They can always trade up and get who they covet
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
by APerfectStar on May 18, 2010 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Always?
If it were so simple, everyone would be doing it. It takes two to tango and not everyone is in the mood to dance when it comes to picks in 12-20 range. Moving into the top ten is rarely worth the risk of giving up the value of 2nd and 3rd rounders.
You think the targeted interior OL prospect will be in the top 20?
Those players usually go at the bottom of the 1st rd.
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
by APerfectStar on May 19, 2010 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Aaaah
You’re joking right?
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 17, 2010 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions
We would have the sickest WR corps ever.
No way in heck it happens though unless some things really change.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on May 17, 2010 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow
How many WR do you want? Austin, Williams, Bryant, Ogletree and any others that may or may not be around by the end of the season. We don’t need another 1st or second round receiver
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on May 17, 2010 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Mike Pouncey is not as good as his brother
his size is better but he doesn’t have the same athleticism.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
I kinda figured that
If he was as good, he would’ve come out this year right? I know absolutely nothing about Mike, but I always just assumed that since he didn’t come out this year he probably wasn’t as good. Hopefully if we end up getting him he develops into a stronger player between now and draft day.
yeah that is exactly what happened
They both submitted themselves to the NFL advisory board. One came back with an early round grade and one didn’t.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
Not many interior linemen go in round #1
Plus the Boys have put themselves in position to draft the best player available, which has worked for them. Round 2 or 3 is likely, rather than round 1. Moffitt is a beast if he is there.
by spadesking131313 on May 17, 2010 9:20 PM CDT reply actions
So with Proctor and Preston gone
That leaves us Bright, Holland, Phil Costa, and Chet Teofilo on the interior backup list. Brewster is still listed as an OT on the roster, but he may be going back to Gaurd. That leaves McQ, Sam Young, Mike Tepper, Will Barker and Barron as back up OT’s. Either the Cowboys see something in a couple of these guys, or they aren’t done looking at FA’s and trades.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Deunta Williams of UNC
He is a good ballhawking safety in his senior year. In likely case an underclassmen will jump ahead of him like Eric Berry and Earl Thomas jumped all the seniors this year. So he may just be available when we select.
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on May 17, 2010 11:49 PM CDT reply actions
I wonder how much coaches look ahead towards the next draft class
when making decision for this draft, based on the anticipated depth. Like I know there are supposed to be 3 top notch QBs and 3 Dez-like WRs in next year’s draft. Could that factor into guys like Clausen and Dez dropping below their projected spots? Do they plan ahead and consider this as part of their draft board, even as maybe a tiebreaker between two players who would otherwise be of equal value?
(of course the possibility of a rookie salary cap figures into it as well with a position like QB).
Senior players to keep an eye on
QB – Jake Locker
WR – Terrance Toliver
OL – Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder, Anthony Castanzo, Mike Pouncey
QB – Jake Locker
RB – Evan Royster, DeMarco Murray
TE – Weslye Saunders, Luke Stocker
DL – Marvin Austin, Adrian Clayborn, Cameron Heyward, Allen Bailey
LB – Greg Jones, Kelvin Sheppard, Bruce Carter, Von Miller
CB – Prince Amukamara, Ras-I Dowling
S – Deunta Williams, DeAndre McDaniel
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on May 18, 2010 4:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow!
I had no idea there was two different guys named Jake Locker. And what’s really amazing is that they both play QB. I wonder if they have to play each other this season.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Guys I think will be good as well
QB Jake Locker
QB Jake Locker
QB Jake Locker
by Cowboysaficionado on May 18, 2010 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
That means
keep both eyes on them
Unlike a Cowboys' season, in life, there may not be a next year.
by Reno Cowboy on May 18, 2010 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If the 2011 draft is much deeper in OL prospects
than the Cowboys 2010 draft looks even the more better since reaching for an OL, which many have suggested we should have done, would have been stupid since this upcoming draft class looks like it provide us with more options at that position for the future.
In Romo we Trust
They won't lock out before the draft
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
The rookies may have to get real jobs.
Unlike a Cowboys' season, in life, there may not be a next year.
you know we`ve been all over drafting a LT and FS for 2 yrs now
maybe more but seems like brass has their own agenda so with that here`s my 2011 mock.
3 rds only
rd 1 Allen Bailey, DE
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 288 | College: Miami (Fla.)
rd 2 Brandon Saine, RB
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 217 | College: Ohio State
rd 3 Chris Culliver, CB
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | College: South Carolina
These are guys you "wish we could have" ...
I can’t imagine the Cowboys looking for a RB early in a draft for at least another 2 or 3 years … unless we have a “Dez” type back fall into our laps.
I will reserve final judgment until training camp, but at this point, I am hopeful that between Brewster and Bright we emerge from this season with at least one solid interior starter. Ultimately we need to bring in FOUR more guys – the only position I like for our future is Free. For now, the depth chart looks like Barron and Holland, with Brewster and Bright the most promising prospects.
The problem with “next year’s draft” is that it’s another year or two before we can really start thinking about the O-Line as a strength… frustrating and very disappointing given the talent at our skill positions.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Over on DC.com
There was lots of good reading. It seems the Cowboys are pretty high on Brewster. I mean we knew that, but they are reaffirming it. Hudson Houck mentions that he might surprise some people. They moved him back to RT. I think we’re looking at our future Tackles in Free and Brewster right now.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
I'll be ecstatic if that's the case
Colombo is fine, but he’s getting older and we saw what happened last year when they had no viable back-up for him…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Columbo, being the intense person he is
is likely to have a chip on his shoulder this year. Free is going to push himself due to Barron fighting him for the job. Now if we can find some interior quality depth I’d say the management of this team has done quite well without any quality draft picks.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
The Bottom Line:
the management of this team has done quite well without any quality draft picks.
… outside of trading up – and trading away our draft – we were not likely to find a rookie that would start for Dallas this year. Using free agency and developing guys like Bright seems to be their strategy, here’s hoping it pays off.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
draft talk..
when we had OTAs start yesterday? no one has anything to post about the first time the whole teams got together this offseason? With or without updates from OTAs, im drafted outttttt
#9 has the most incredible 4 yard gain in the history of the NFL.
Don't forget about
Stefen Wisniewski, OG/C from Penn State.
He’s projected as a late 1st round player. He can play both Center and Guard and is very consistent. Gets a good push in the running game and is solid in pass protection.
Also has something like a 3.98 GPA and earned a full academic schollie from Penn State, allowing the team to use an extra athletic schollie else where. So he can definitely be a g uy who makes all the line calls pre-snap etc.
Seems like a great fit for us in the late 1st round.
there was a guard by almost the exact same name
from Penn State that was drafted by the Raiders in the first round back in 1989, wonder if that is his kid.
In Romo we Trust
That would be his uncle
Steve Wisniewski, who was actually drafted by the Cowboys with the 29th overall pick but was then immediately traded to Oakland. He was an all-decade lineman for Oakland too. So on top of everything else, dude’s got great bloodlines as his father also played D1 Football.
thats right...forgot about that draft and trade deal
I’m glad we ended up with Stepnoski though, thought he was a much better linemen.
In Romo we Trust
You usually know Cowboys history better than most
but in this case it was not an either/or. The Cowboys could have had both players.
From one of my pre-draft posts:
The cautionary tale of Guard Steve Wisniewski, 8-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All Pro for the Raiders, and the one that got away:
The Cowboys drafted Wisniewski with the first pick of the 2nd round in 1989 (#29, CAV: 90), and immediately traded his rights and the 1989 sixth round pick (#140-Jeff Francis, CAV: 0) to the Raiders for a 1989 second round pick (#39-Daryl Johnston, CAV: 25), a 1989 third round pick (#68-Rhondy Weston, CAV: 2) and a 1989 fifth round pick (#119-Willis Crockett, CAV: 0).
Stepnoski was the 57th pick in the 3rd round. (CAV is Career Approximate Value as per pro-football-reference.com)
by One.Cool.Customer on May 19, 2010 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I knew that OCC
I just meant that I’m glad we ended up with Stepnoski because he was a great player for us in those dynasty days.
In Romo we Trust
I'm a disbeliever
Dallas will look to a skill position or high value defender again…
I saw with my own eyes that Lupati was on their board, I wonder if they’d draft him though
I hope the Cowboys don't rely on Wes Bunting
for scouting expertise. Mel Kiper knows more about rating prospects than Bunting does. Don’t believe me? Go to the NFP website and check out his picks this year.
Unlike a Cowboys' season, in life, there may not be a next year.
Well....
if you mean draft picks, you really can’t see who is right until three years from now.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 19, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not drinking the koolaide
I wanted Iupati or Pouncey i felt weeks before the draft happen Jerry needed to trade up with the Titans at 16 since that didn’t happen do not expect any SB appearance with this another year older OL. I’m not hoping or stressing over us draft a good OL even if that glaring need becomes a problem this year and i feel it will. Since Jerry wants to be stubborn oh well i guess we won’t be seeing a SB any time soon.
I'm drinkin'...There's enough for everybody!
Trust them...they know what they're doing.
by Aaron Novinger on May 22, 2010 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
pass some o' that Blues-berry Quencher over here ...
This TEAM is good enough to win a Super Bowl. Even with a mediocre line, the offense will put up solid numbers… but don’t be so sure this line will fail.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
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