Mocking The Cowboys Draft: The Rise Of The Linemen

by One.Cool.Customer on Jan 28, 2011 2:46 AM CST

Another week is almost over and we have got another edition of freshly mocked drafts to peruse.

The highlight of this week's mock draft roundup is the magical disappearance of Prince Amukamara from the ninth spot on almost all mock drafts. Perhaps Jerry's comments from the Senior Bowl practices scared the mockers away, but it's more likely that Prince has simply moved up the rankings, just out of the Cowboys' reach.

Even Mel Kiper is finding it difficult to let Amukamara slide all the way to the ninth spot:

"I can't see (Amukamara) getting past Dallas. Now, surprises happen every draft, and you never say never, but right now, I had a tough time getting him down to Dallas," Kiper said. "I didn't even feel great about pushing him down to Dallas. I thought about even giving him to a couple teams earlier. San Francisco (at No. 7) could go corner, maybe somebody could trade up and get him."

As a result, this week sees an influx of both both offensive and defensive linemen as the Cowboys' first pick.

Walter Football, 1/27/2011: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

First of all, Jones has to make sure that his biggest investment, Tony Romo, is protected. Dallas lost all hope when Romo was knocked out for the year against the Giants. Marc Colombo is a sieve at right tackle, so Dallas must find an upgrade at the position to keep Romo healthy.

And second, according to Mike Mayock, Nate Solder is drawing comparisons to Tony Boselli. Solder weighed in at 6-8, 315 pounds at the Senior Bowl, and he could easily tack on 20 more pounds to his frame. Mayock believes Solder will be a top-15 pick.

Drafttek.com, 1/25/2011: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State.

Do I think Cuzzin Jerruh will invest a 1st round choice on an offensive lineman? No -- do I think he should? Absolutely! Any viewer that watched the Cowboys play this season could see the OL deficiencies and even with Romo's escapability, he suffered a season-ending injury. Sherrod can play either bookend and the interchangeability between he and Doug Free will be valuable on game-day inactive decisions. Injuries do play a part in the NFL game, as the Cowboys learned all too well this season.

Sportsagentblog.com, 1/25/2011: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Nate Solder is the top offensive tackle in the draft…enough said. Without Flozell Adams, the Cowboys offense has struggled at times. Although defense was a huge problem in Dallas in 2010, they were suffering from a lot of injuries and should bounce back in 2011.

NEpatriotsdraft.com: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Solder is a mammoth lineman that has all the potential in the world. He would solidify a Cowboys line that hasn’t been up to snuff lately. Cornerbacks and defensive linemen are also options here.

SI.com (Don Banks), 1/27/2011: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Cornerback makes the top of the need list in Dallas, but the two top 10 prospects are already gone. Dareus would offer great value at No. 9, and he's a proven talent who thrived in Nick Saban's 3-4 defense at Alabama. He'd likely play at end in the NFL, and his knack for penetrating and making things happen in the backfield would no doubt help the Cowboys' pass defense by increasing the pass pressure up front.

CBSSports.com (Chad Reuter), 1/24/2011: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

If Dallas doesn't consider any of the offensive tackle prospects worthy of this selection, then they go with the best player on the board in Dareus.

CBSsports.com (Rob Rang), 1/24/2011: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Excluding outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer (college defensive ends) the Cowboys spent one first-round pick this decade on the big men up front (DE Marcus Spears, 2005). Dallas could use a highly rated offensive tackle here, but with no OT worthy of this pick, they shift to the defensive side of the ball or trade down. Clayborn's production dropped this season, but not his value in the eyes of scouts, who view him as the top senior defensive lineman (and among the safer prospects) in the draft.

The Football Expert (Brian Cox), 1/25/2011: Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California

I am not a 'look at this crazy pick!' kind of guy, so this is a dead serious projection. Last year no one (including me even though I was quite familiar with him) expected Tyson Alualu to be a top 10 pick and that turned out pretty well. His teammate already has more draft momentum and would not be as surprising in this spot. Anyone who has watched a Cal game can see how disruptive Jordan is. Maybe the Cowboys grab another corner, but I prefer them addressing the problem on the front end.

SB Nation (Brian Galliford), 1/24/2011: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M.

Dallas desperately needs to address its secondary, but may need to trade up if it wants a top-flight corner. Miller would add speed to their front seven; the idea of blocking up Miller and DeMarcus Ware on the same down is quite formidable.

Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft overview (min. two rounds deep)

	last updated	1st Round	2nd Round	3rd Round	4th Round	5th Round	6th Round	7th Round
Draftsite	1/28/2011	Tyron Smith, OT, USC	Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma	John Moffitt,G, Wisconsin	Kendrick Ellis, DT, Hampton	Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson	Devon Torrence, CB, Ohio State	Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
New NFL draft	1/28/2011	Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio St	Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU	Justin Boren, G, Ohio St	Jeron Johnson, SS, Boise St	Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU	Ian Williams, DT, ND	Jason Teague, CB/FS, TCU
New Sport Draft	1/24/2012	Stephen Paea, DT, O State	DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas	DeVier Posey, WR, OSU	Jeron Johnson, SS, Boise St	Ronald Johnson, WR, USC
Walter Football	1/27/2011	Nate Solder, OT, Colorado	Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor	Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma	DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami
NE Patriots Draft	1/28/2011	Nate Solder, OT, Colorado	Corey Liuget, DL, Illinois	Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
NFL Draft Blitz	1/20/2011	Marcel Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama	DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas	Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Sideline Scouting	1/23/2011	J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin	Marcus Cannon, OG, TCU	Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
Drafttek	1/25/2011	Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State	Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

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Comments

The Combine will settle a lot of dust.

BTW,been a while,how is life OCC aka Obi-wan Statmaster?

Cowboys For Life!!!! Win,Lose,or Lose Horribly!!!

by NVCowboy4Life on Jan 28, 2011 3:02 AM CST reply actions

I disagree

Combine isn’t where teams really evaluate the prospects, they do that by watching game tape.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 28, 2011 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

Wasn't talking about teams,was talking about "Mock Drafters".

Cowboys For Life!!!! Win,Lose,or Lose Horribly!!!

by NVCowboy4Life on Jan 29, 2011 1:25 AM CST up reply actions

Were in a tough situation

Well likely want to trade our pick and it seems that #9 pick – maybe all the picks 8 through 11 or 12 – are no mans land in this draft. Well need some luck to get good value for our pick. Perhaps some team (like the 2010 San Diego) to fall in love and chase a player (Matthews). Otherwise well end up with a pick in the first but little excitement. Certainly won’t match the excitement from last years first round.

by Eagles suck on Jan 28, 2011 3:04 AM CST reply actions

this would be my guy

with the 1st pick Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama…but he won’t be there..but if he is i’m all for it

by 0k on Jan 28, 2011 3:21 AM CST reply actions

I don’t know, if they do really merit going at 9 I wouldn’t mind an offensive tackle; that said there should be absolutely no blue chip talent left on the defensive side of the ball before we reach for a big ugly.

BTW 0K, Wes Bunting says that Cam Jordan is better than Dareus, and that Bowers is slightly overrated.

by G_SWAG on Jan 28, 2011 3:42 AM CST reply actions

i think there be a big run on DL early...he might be

the last one left..but it’s all speculation at this point…for all we know jerry will pick another WR

by 0k on Jan 28, 2011 3:58 AM CST up reply actions

I doubt it. He's only drafted

one WR in the first round since he’s been here. That’s 1 in 20 years and that one pick was in the 20th year. .

by Sharksbreath on Jan 28, 2011 7:39 AM CST up reply actions

So the top 2 Corners gone is a reaction to Jerry?

I doubt he has that much effect. I really like several of those mocks. This is a deep draft due to all the underclassman declaring. The top 125 is stacked. Trade down from No. 9 and get that extra pick or two. Draft weekend should be lots of fun.

Anyone think the owners will try to put a rookie salary scale in the CBA for this season after the draft? If the CBA comes after the draft I think the rookie pay scale comes into play in the 2012 draft. Only thing is, everyone in the NFL wants it, owners and players. Even though the rooks won’t have signed their contracts yet, it just seems wrong to impose the pay scale after the draft.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

by White Wolf on Jan 28, 2011 5:53 AM CST reply actions

That's going to be a weird situation anyways.

Several times in the past, the team picking #1 has had a tentative deal in place with the guy they wanted to pick on draft day. Kind of hard to do that this season if there’s no CBA in place. Heck, they can’t even trade veterans until that’s done. That’s going to be another weird situation…the usual trading players for draft picks. How’s that going to work without a CBA?

For once, I actually agree with what Antonio Cromartie has to say…quit the bickering, get in the room and get the deal done.

Rabid and luvin' it

by lonewolfz28 on Jan 28, 2011 11:28 AM CST up reply actions

Cro is dead on

they are messing with peoples lives man
players like Cromartie who have like 11 kids and are a free agent need their money
the players union is really making me cringe
if I saw the head of the union in person I would smack the s*** out of him
seriously
if there is no football for the 2011 season idk what Im going to do im gonna be so pissed off man

by Archie Barberio on Jan 28, 2011 11:32 AM CST up reply actions

I am not usually an advocate of unions

but I am in this case. Their players can literally lose years off their lives and the owners want to play more games and take 18% of the revenue away from the players? That hardly sounds like that should go down without negotiation to me. I don’t like the CBA uncertainty but I don’t know how you can really expect the Player’s Union just to accept whatever the owners throw out there.

And honestly, Cromartie should keep his mouth shut. Everyone wants to get the deal done. That isn’t the issue. The issue is deciding exactly what that deal constitutes. And, if there is one person who I am not going to feel sorry for in this situation it is Cromartie considering his general lack of responsibility.

Formerly Cowboyfan729
If I had a nickel for every time the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I would have zero nickels

by Creasy729 on Jan 28, 2011 12:07 PM CST up reply actions

IMO if the owners want the players to take a pay cut, claiming they are losing money, they need to open their books.

Prove it, then talk about it. No proof? Why should they just take your word when you won’t back it up.
Plus with a longer season there will be bigger rosters, so more players for less $. The rookie pay scale will help with that, but still, it will be a cut.

I wouldn’t mind a provisional over the cap policy like the luxury tax baseball has. Make it up to 2-5% over the cap and match $ for $ over the cap with the penalty going into the players retirement fund prehaps.

by Rena on Jan 28, 2011 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

I am in total agreement with your first paragraph

and your second point is actually a really interesting idea. It would be a good idea to help fund that fund since you know teams like us, the Redskins, and others would probably make use of that extra bit of cap space.

Formerly Cowboyfan729
If I had a nickel for every time the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I would have zero nickels

by Creasy729 on Jan 28, 2011 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

Draft Nate Solder and we have our T's for next 8 years. imo.

prefer trading down ( need more picks) but would be happy with Solder then a FS in the 2nd.
Guard in the 3rd.
hope CBA get’s done then pick up DL help.

Davie Wilson
"how bout them cowboys"!!!

by scotscowboyfan on Jan 28, 2011 7:21 AM CST reply actions

That'd be a good plan

If they follow it

by Antonio S on Jan 28, 2011 9:31 AM CST up reply actions

I agree, Solder would be a good replacement for Colombo

then in FA we acquire a good solid guard and we’re set for 2011, at least offensively.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 28, 2011 12:34 PM CST up reply actions

Disagree on Solder,don't like him at all.

Read some where that since Free played so well,they may try to get another player of that type to play RT.Have more athletic bookend tackles.I don’t like this idea at all.IMO,Carimi would be a much better RT for us.

Cowboys For Life!!!! Win,Lose,or Lose Horribly!!!

by NVCowboy4Life on Jan 28, 2011 5:21 PM CST up reply actions

NO!

NO Marcel Dareus (Spears 2.0). I would rather resign spears, who is good in his role, and use that pick to get someone like Cam Jordan (or other top attacking DE) to replace the dancing bear. Not everyone on our DL can be attackers, but an upgrade at RE to an attacking style player would do wonders for our front.

Solder is an intriguing prospect and I wouldnt be unhappy picking him up, however it is likely there are better prospects on the board when we are up at #9. If this is the route they take I would rather see a trade down and a pick up of Smith instead.

by topgrosscloser on Jan 28, 2011 8:03 AM CST reply actions

If Draft Guru (and God) Mayock says so...

Then Solder is now my most wanted OT in the draft. I would still like to trade down into the 15-20 range in the 1st round and pick up an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick. But if Sodler continues to rise up the board, then grab him at the #9 spot. Fix our bookend OT for years to come and then grab a G in the 2nd or 3rd. It wouldn’t be a sexy draft, but it would hlep what most ails us.

According to Mike Mayock, Nate Solder is drawing comparisons to Tony Boselli. Solder weighed in at 6-8, 315 pounds at the Senior Bowl, and he could easily tack on 20 more pounds to his frame. Mayock believes Solder will be a top-15 pick.

"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
"Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in control." - Tom Landry

by Kegbearer on Jan 28, 2011 9:21 AM CST reply actions

link/ source?

by rabblerousr on Jan 28, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

Mayock's Top 5

I quoted the quote that OCC has linked to walterfootball mock draft.

Solder is also the #1 OT in Mayock’s racent rankings of top5 rookies by position which can be found at rotoworld site.

by Kegbearer on Jan 28, 2011 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

thanks!

by rabblerousr on Jan 28, 2011 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

Should also be noted

Mayock thinks Carimi would make the best RT, so something to keep in mind, but I think having two LTs (Free and Rookie) compete and then having either play LT if one is injured is just a bonus.

by Kegbearer on Jan 28, 2011 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

Mayock is the man

seriously Mayock might be the best draft guru because he knows football
he was a cornerback he played the game
most of the guru’s didnt play the game
listen to Mayock talk, he is so precise and knowledgeable about the game
I take Mayock’s word over anyones and if he says Solder is Boselli like, than I would take his word on that
Mayock knows his stuff and I really appreciate his outlook on the NFL and the draft

I remember him saying Dez was a top 5 talent and man was he right
but its the lower round players he is really good at evalu

by Archie Barberio on Jan 28, 2011 11:34 AM CST up reply actions

evaluating

by Archie Barberio on Jan 28, 2011 11:34 AM CST up reply actions

Mayock is the very best, no question about it

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 28, 2011 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

solder i s okay ... but i would leave him alone till the 2nd,,,

Solder just has upside..but is no way near a starting LT in the NFL right now..he needs time plus i doubt he’s ready to play RT either…

I want Carmini he was playing guard in practice and was looking good.. plus he’s an automatic NFL starting RT.. plug and play this guy now!!! but what i like the most about the guy is the fact he has the ability to play LT in the league. Mayb now mayb in a year or so, but he has the talent.. Could this guy be the next Larry ALLen?

by lostar2009 on Jan 28, 2011 11:59 AM CST up reply actions

Solder won't be there int he second.

He’ll be gone by pick 18.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

by White Wolf on Jan 28, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

Agree on Carimi,I just don't see Jerry paying #9 money to a RT.

IMO he trades down and gets a few more picks.

Cowboys For Life!!!! Win,Lose,or Lose Horribly!!!

by NVCowboy4Life on Jan 28, 2011 5:26 PM CST up reply actions

naw i doubt that either...

but i remember 1 thing JJ did say … u move 2-3 spots down and u get the same guy..

Dallas can move 2-3 spots down.. pocket the 3rd rounder and grab carimi.. after 13 i cant say carimi will be on the board.. but if he is taken i say move back another 2-3 spots and grab the 3rd or 2nd… then u might have sherrod, Tyson and consonzo kid to pick from or bypass them all together.. but u have amass two 3’s or a 2nd and 3rd..

now we can lick our chops as we draft

by lostar2009 on Jan 28, 2011 7:37 PM CST up reply actions

solder no please

he will be a bust, a BUST, i would be very pissed if we let another bunch of good players go away to grab nate solder, if you want RT, in the second and third round will be some prospects

by ratware on Jan 28, 2011 10:21 AM CST reply actions

I say no thanks to Sherrod.

I’d much rather have Solder, Smith, or Carimi.

by Fergie3108 on Jan 28, 2011 10:28 AM CST reply actions

WHATS WRONG WITH SHERRROD?

by lostar2009 on Jan 28, 2011 12:00 PM CST up reply actions

I FIND IT ODD MAYOCK HAVE HIM RATED AS 5TH BEST OT...

But i was under the impression sherrod was a pure LT prospect.. more NFL ready at the LT postion than any of those 3 guys.. wonder whats up with him

by lostar2009 on Jan 28, 2011 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

From what I've read, he's really struggling at the senior bowl.

by Fergie3108 on Jan 28, 2011 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

Mocks - complete waste of time until after combine

cowboys.xanadu-fx.com

by txnomad on Jan 28, 2011 11:28 AM CST reply actions

team don't draft according to combine results...thats a myth

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 28, 2011 12:37 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, and after the combine..

you hear, oh, you have to use the game tape.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

by White Wolf on Jan 28, 2011 12:37 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not surprised by Prince falling

I think he’ll prove to be the third or fourth best corner come draft time and go at the end of the first.

Not thrilled with his game.

by rabblerousr on Jan 28, 2011 11:29 AM CST reply actions

Brandon Harris time?

I also really like the UNC corner Burney, seems like he has that lockdown mentality

by Archie Barberio on Jan 28, 2011 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

I'm on board with Burney

He may start shooting up draft boards, but if he’s there in the second round it would be hard to pass him up.

by TK19 on Jan 28, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

This is a weird draft

There just aren’t any guys I"m 100% in love with. Every top ten pick I have issues with. There is some talent and depth to this draft, but no real “can’t miss” prospect IMO.

by TK19 on Jan 28, 2011 12:09 PM CST reply actions

+1

Besides # of team needs, this is another big reason why I still like trading down as the best option. I see more value in getting another 2nd or 3rd round pick than the difference between guys that can be drafted at #9 or #15-20.

by Kegbearer on Jan 28, 2011 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

Solder still makes me nervous.

I know some are high on him lately but the guy just seems to be really raw when I watch his “highlights.” I mean, if the guy can’t handle the moves of Aldon Smith, how is he going to handle the moves of a Justin Tuck?

With that being said, it’s hard not to notice his potential. Still though, I worry that it would take a year for him to even see the field due to having to iron out his technique. Ultimately, there isn’t a consensus awesome tackle so maybe Solder is the best there is, but he makes me more nervous than even Tyron Smith since at least Smith’s main question seems to be putting on weight, not technique or skill.

Formerly Cowboyfan729
If I had a nickel for every time the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I would have zero nickels

by Creasy729 on Jan 28, 2011 12:12 PM CST reply actions

Agreed,

One of the reasons I am high on Smith is that even with needing more weight he held his own against Jordan in their game. And Jordan is tearing up the OL guys in the senior bowl.

by Rena on Jan 28, 2011 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Let somebody else draft Solder

The guy has all the potential you could ask for, but he isn’t there yet and I’m not sure he will ever be. The guy has a pretty high bust potential imo. Besides, if I’m drafting for long term potential then I’m taking Tyron Smith, who has shown he can do it in college he just needs to add weight. Solder is just measurables and flashes right now, he hasn’t shown he can do it consistently even at the college level.

I feel this is a pretty accurate assessment of the kid. The videos in particular are eye opening… just watch him get abused:

http://dallascowboystimes.com/2011/01/dallas-cowboys-potential-draft-pick-nate-solder-ot-colorado/

by Spaceball on Jan 28, 2011 1:06 PM CST reply actions

First off

Any human being who believes that Adrian Clayborn is going to ever come close to living up to a 1st round billing in the NFL needs to give away all of their electronic possessions, and never watch a game of football ever again.
ZERO burst, ZERO moves, ZERO upside. He is the epitome of J.A.G. I would grab torches if this guy somehow wound up in a Cowboys uniform.
Secondly, I’d rather have Carimi at RT than Solder. Solder yeah has all that athleticism etc. but his tape is BAD. Soft, horrible technique. Give me Carimi who you know will be reliable and tough which is exactly what we need at RT.
PS- Don’t forget about Marcus Cannon out of TCU.

by BigD88 on Jan 28, 2011 2:12 PM CST reply actions

I Like Cannon as a Guard

Reminds me of Davis…that is Davis when he first came to Dallas that is…

formerly I draft the Cowboys!!!
Yes...I am Ironman....seriously my last name is ironman in German

Knowledge and Skill overcome superstition and Luck-Dawn Patrol

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 28, 2011 6:50 PM CST up reply actions

Romo must be in top form for Dallas to stay strong. Moreover, a new draft should be in waiting to fill Colombo’s position. The defense has also been shaky but is doing much better with Flozell Adams is in the line. I just hope there won’t be major injuries to destabilize the team.

Bryon Russell, back in Michael Jordan's face

by colemanrr16 on Jan 31, 2011 8:16 AM CST reply actions