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Mocking The Cowboys Draft: Any Late Risers This Year?


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Draft season has reached a point where mock drafts are beginning to become highly repetitive because of a lack of new data. For the most part, this week's mock drafts haven't factored in the impressions from the Senior Bowl practices. That will probably happen next week.

The next signifricant data input will come from the Combine and Free Agency, but both are still a long way away. As such, the draftniks are beginning to cycle through the usual suspects for the Cowboys, and this week is not much different

At this point, I'm waiting for some prospects to 'pull a J.J. Watt' and begin their late but steady climb up the boards to make these mock drafts a litte more interesting. Who could those candidates be this year?

Michael Brockers is making a push despite not having much production in college. Both Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw impressed at Senior week, as did Janoris Jenkins. Could their stock rise further with solid showings at the combine?

For now, it's too early to tell with any degree of certainty who may be a late riser. After the break, we look at who some recent mocks like for the Cowboys this week and you can weigh in on who you think could be a late riser this year.

Star-divide

Don Banks, SI.com, 1/27/2012: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Cowboys' secondary was the reason the Giants won the NFC East rather than Dallas. Jenkins, the ex-Gators cornerback, has some maturity issues that will scare some teams away, but the Cowboys usually aren't too skittish about such things. Alabama safety Mark Barron is another solid option, but he doesn't have Jenkins' elite cover skills.

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com, 1/27/2012: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

After watching the Cowboys' secondary give up big play after big play, Jerry Jones will look to the draft to find a quality corner. Kirkpatrick possesses the size, length and range to contend with the explosive receivers that rule the NFC East.

Drafttek.com, 1/26/2012: Michael Brockers, DE, LSU

After drafting the "People's Choice" OG David DeCastro last week, this CMD operates under the assumption that Cuzzin Jerruh opens his pocketbook and signs UFA Carl Nicks from the Saints to play OG. Any defensive backfield operates better when the opposing QB is pressured by the front seven; therefore, Dallas selects LSU Super Soph Michael Brockers (54 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 int) to play DE on the opposite side of DeMarcus Ware (in front of OLB "Almost" Anthony Spencer).

Many Cowboy fans would like "Almost" replaced, but a comparative analysis of the top 12 strong side OLB34's in the league shows Spencer to rank 1st in total tackles, tied for 5th in sacks, tied for 1st in fumbles forced, tied for 2nd in QB hits and tied for 1st in tackles for loss. The Giants have demonstrated in their playoff run that down linemen can generate pressure - if Brent and Lissemore prove they can handle the nose, Ratliff and Brockers would form an excellent set of bookends.

Walter Football, 1/25/2012: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The Cowboys have major issues on the interior of their offensive line. Left guard Derrick Dockery is a free agent after missing most of 2011 with a knee injury. Center Phil Costa sucks. Right guard Montrae Holland, meanwhile, can't really be relied upon.

David DeCastro is one of the top interior linemen prospects to come along in years, and he's the highest-ranked prospect on the board. This is a perfect match.

Draftace.com, 1/25/2012: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Cowboys and Eagles picking back-to-back creates an interesting dynamic, as both could be interested in some of the same players, including Kuechly. Bradie James (31) and Keith Brooking (36) are both free agents and clearly aren’t part of the Cowboys long-term plans. The addition of Kuechly would give Dallas two of the best young interior linebackers in the game (along with Sean Lee).

Draftking.com, 1/23/2012: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

I'm not necessarily as high on Coples as some other prognosticators out there are, but there is no doubting his size and that he'd be an ideal fit as a 3-4 DE.

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

Site Date 1st Round 2nd Round 3rd Round 4th Round 5th Round 6th Round
Draft Tek 1/26 Michael Brockers, DE, LSU Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina Emmanuel Acho, ILB, Texas B.J. Coleman, QB, Chattanooga Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, DT, Baylor Jaymes Brooks, OG, Virginia Tech
Draft Site 1/26 Alfonzo Dennard, CB Nebraska Brandon Washington, OG, Miami Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pittsburgh Dearron Thomas, QB, Oregon Duke Ihenacho, S, San Jose State Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
Walter Football 1/25 David DeCastro, OG, Stanford Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama Tank Carder, ILB, TCU Kheeston, Randall, DE, Texas - - - -
Mocking The Draft 1/23 David DeCastro, OG, Stanford Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State Philip Blake, OC, Baylor Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska - - - -
Poll
Which mock draft do you like the most?
Drafttek
246 votes
Draft site
72 votes
Walter Football
557 votes
Mocking The Draft
142 votes
I'll pass on all of them
167 votes

1184 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 189 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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I would go with Drafttek

only if the OL needs were addressed through FA, ie Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs etc.

by nycowboysfan on Jan 28, 2012 9:12 AM CST reply actions  

waterfootball has best mock...but Markelle Martin

I really like free safety Matin from OSU, I want Dallas to draft him….

before there was law, there were the Cowboys!!!

by orli on Jan 28, 2012 9:22 AM CST reply actions  

I believe in BPA this year,

If DeCastro is there at #14, he will clearly be BPA, so we must take him. I like both Walter and mocking the draft. I love Jenkins at # 2 and Crick at # 4.
U

Wish you were here and comfortably numb.

by pfloyd1 on Jan 28, 2012 9:23 AM CST reply actions  

If Carl Nicks isnt signed its clear cut

Decastro is the guy. If Nicks is signed Ingram has to be there will be road graders in the 3rd and 4th rounds.

Pass rush, secondary, DL come first if Nicks is signed

by CowboyWay on Jan 28, 2012 9:42 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

This.

I kind of want Mario Williams and draft DeCastro.

by DCyanks21 on Jan 28, 2012 3:11 PM CST up reply actions  

Rumor is Mario doesn't like the 3-4, plus I doubt Houston let's him get away.

I really doubt Jerry drafts another O-lineman in the 1st.

The only prefect science is hindsight............Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Jan 28, 2012 3:22 PM CST up reply actions  

Rumor is Houston doesn't want to pay him the $ of the tag.

Watt, Reed, Barwin, and Cushing… they don’t need more rush.

by DCyanks21 on Jan 28, 2012 4:17 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah I heard it's $22m for 1 year, but he still doesn't like the 3-4.

If Jerry signed him we’d be about done in FA. Not going to happen.

The only prefect science is hindsight............Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Jan 28, 2012 4:29 PM CST up reply actions  

Yea that's fine.

We need an impact player. Stop signing players on our squad to deals they don’t deserve. (Cough Scandrick and Sensabaugh) And averages Joes like Elam.

by DCyanks21 on Jan 28, 2012 4:34 PM CST up reply actions  

actually it is 16 milion

not that it makes a difference

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 28, 2012 4:36 PM CST up reply actions  

Every where I read is it whatever number is great and since his salary was 18 mil last year itll be 120% of that

Which is higher than the league avg top 5

"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo

by thebigham on Jan 28, 2012 5:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Me too, I keep reading it is in the 21/yr area.

That doesn’t mean that another team will have to pay 21 million, its what Houston would be on the hook for.

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

"Meanwhile, like a bitter wine, Philadelphia’s jealousy fermented in the dark cellars of pride and resentment. With no playoff hopes of their own, Eagles fans turned towards hating the Cowboys." Steve Sabol, NFL films

by Nickthegrip on Jan 28, 2012 5:52 PM CST up reply actions  

Well I just finished working on the house next door to Mario.

I will stop in and ask him how he feels about playing for 10 mil in Dallas.

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 6:04 PM CST up reply actions  

yeah thats what the tag will be

doesnt mean houston or anyone else can’t sign him for less though.

"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo

by thebigham on Jan 28, 2012 6:25 PM CST up reply actions  

well here is where I got the number

And to clarify the guys over at BRB are just as good as our guys here…

http://www.battleredblog.com/2012/1/27/2725802/2dh-the-justice-system-works-swiftly-in-the-future-now-that-theyve

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 29, 2012 8:59 AM CST up reply actions  

and yet not lnk or explanation to back it up.

Everywhere ive read its 22mil.

"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo

by thebigham on Jan 29, 2012 11:11 AM CST up reply actions  

In my opinion

We HAVE to sign an interior OL through FA. And I’d like to see a veteran CB added as well. Assuming that happens:

1. Melvin Ingram
2. Markelle Martin
3. Dwight Bentley
4. NT/DE/ILB
5. Same as 4
6. TE/QB
7. Same as 6

I don’t see J. Jenkins being available in the 2nd round. I’ve mentioned Bentley here a couple of times, and he just keeps killing it at the Senior Bowl practices. Hopefully, he validates the week with a good performance in the game. I’ve watched him play for the last 4 years, and he is definitely an NFL quality CB. For comparison’s sake, think Lardarius Webb. Bentley is only 176 lbs, but he’s 5’11 and will probably end up near 190.

by sportsfanatic21 on Jan 28, 2012 10:01 AM CST reply actions  

No way Jenkins ends up in the second round. At some point talent trumps

smoking weed. As Jerry said about Dez. The baggage he carried was mitigated by where we picked him. (paraphrasing) I do think we could trade down and get him though.

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 10:06 AM CST reply actions  

It's not the weed that's worries me.

It’s he was dumb enough to get arrested 2 times in 3 months for it.

The only prefect science is hindsight............Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Jan 28, 2012 10:13 AM CST up reply actions  

Anyone that reminds me of "Pac-Man" Jones is not worth looking at

The era of the full of himself look at me guy should be O-V-E-R in Dallas…and if I can never post a 100 yard game Bryant doesn’t change his tune…he should be flushed away too.

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 10:29 AM CST up reply actions  

Terminology -

Memo to Mr. Bryant…

I used the word “flushed” for a reason….

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 10:29 AM CST up reply actions  

I've been calling him Pacman II for awhile now.

The only prefect science is hindsight............Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Jan 28, 2012 10:46 AM CST up reply actions  

I'm not talking about Dez.

Dez is an angle compared to Pacman.

The only prefect science is hindsight............Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Jan 28, 2012 1:23 PM CST up reply actions  

*angel

The only prefect science is hindsight............Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Jan 28, 2012 1:27 PM CST up reply actions  

Since I don't think jenkins will be there in the 2nd

I voted Drafttek. I believe we will go after Nicks or Grubbs in FA to address the O-line. If Dre K fell to us at 14 I’d be all for it and knowing Rob Ryan’s wish for CB that can takle I bet he’d make a push for him. Brokers at 14 is a distinct possibility because I expect he will turn a few heads at the combine.

by Bermystar on Jan 28, 2012 10:22 AM CST reply actions  

I am not a fan of making a player change positions......

however of the highest rated cb’s I think Dre would make the best fs in this draft. Hypothetical here, what if we sign Thomas at cb and move Dre to fs. Imo the secondary would be considerably improved.

That said we still need a disruptive player in the front 7.

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 10:29 AM CST reply actions  

Fully agree Mensa

I don’t like changing a player’s position either, especially when drafting so high, but Dre really seems like he’d make a good FS.

by Bermystar on Jan 28, 2012 10:31 AM CST up reply actions  

i agree football mensa

But will top you one…

I think we need TWO impact front seven guys this year…now, Bruce carter has a shot to be one of the two…but I would look for two in the first three rounds and hope two of the three (picks and Carter) contribute mightily to aiding Lee, Ware, Ratliff, a healthy brent, Lissy and company…(No not you Spencer!) for some good defensive football next season.

Yeah!

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 10:32 AM CST up reply actions  

Plus one on B. Carter

We essentially have a 1t round pick in him, hope he pans out.

by Bermystar on Jan 28, 2012 10:38 AM CST up reply actions  

Top-15 draft picks should not change positions

I’m not ever spending a top-15 pick on an Isaiah Stanback, Jason Williams, Anthony Spencer project.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Jan 28, 2012 10:39 AM CST up reply actions  

Alan Ball

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 12:16 PM CST up reply actions  

I keep it simple - this is how I rate a draft pick....

This is when a photographer says “Now say cheese!”

This is David DeCastro smiling!

I don’t need combines, game film, scouting reports, insider Mel Kyper nonsense…

This photo is all I need to make my pick.

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 10:39 AM CST reply actions   1 recs

What do expect from Andrew Luck's bodyguard

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

How do you want to be rememberd. Go out there and play every play like it is your last play. Be remembered as the person you want to be for the rest of your life. Spike Dykes, Midland Lee and Texas Tech Coach.

by Birddog26 on Jan 28, 2012 10:56 AM CST up reply actions  

A rare breed

DeCastro is what I refer to as a “Killer Guard”

Like the Killer Whale in the ocean…they will pound the big Sharks to defend their pods….

A killer guard swimming alongside our young killer tackle will certainly damage any predators that try to bust up the backfield….

And I’ll say it now…loud and clear…anyone named Alfonso Dennard will be a mediocre to bust player in the NFL…the name just doesn’t make it…It’s not an NFL great type of name…“Alfonso”…It’s a Happy Days clustermoosh…

Dre Kirpatrick – Yes
Courtney Upshaw – yes
Trent richardson – yes
Alfonso? – no!!!!!

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 11:02 AM CST up reply actions  

Like I.M. Hipp
the name just doesn’t make it

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 11:14 AM CST up reply actions  

Bleacher Report...

There are two different Cowboy mocks on Bleacher Report by two separate authors – here is the one I prefer:

1. Alfonso Dennard CB Nebraska
2. Vinny Curry DE Marshall
3. Brandon Mosely OT Auburn
4. Ladarius Green TE Louisiana Lafayette
5. LaMichael James RB Oregon
6. Case Keenum.QB Houston
7. Mike Daniels DT Iowa

Here is the link to this draft
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1041244-dallas-cowboys-mock-draft-7-round-predictions

by jtgreet02 on Jan 28, 2012 10:53 AM CST via mobile reply actions  

Bleacher Report is a joke

I would believe nothing they report.

by bevomav on Jan 28, 2012 10:58 AM CST up reply actions  

Why?

I have found them reliable on some fronts.

by jtgreet02 on Jan 28, 2012 11:00 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

Nothing wrong with bleacher report

One thing i notice though…I can almost tell what team every author of every mock draft is because they all have a tendency to let talent slip just a little too far to their squad’s pick in every round.

It’s laughable….

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 11:07 AM CST up reply actions  

Haha

Bleacher Report is a joke. It’s trolls who get a chance to write about sports.

by BrickTop on Jan 28, 2012 11:55 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

no seriously BR called out BtB members.

The ban is on BR from anyone from BtB. They are low down dirty scum between your toes people.

"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo

by thebigham on Jan 28, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions  

Bleacher Report is awful

Some of the worse journalism, hell its not even that it’s just a joke how can anyone take anything serious from them smh

by CowboyWay on Jan 28, 2012 1:55 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

For those of you who don't remember

This is the BR , BtB incident. Though the article was modified due to the massive backlash the content can still be found in the comments section. Don’t do them a favor and click the link to goto the article though.

Here.

"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo

by thebigham on Jan 28, 2012 2:06 PM CST up reply actions  

I actually

hadn’t read the article before, but just did. The part that interests me is towards the bottom he mentions that you should be a fan of the team that is in your city. What about people like me who don’t have a professional team that’s really all that close. I’m from Nebraska and have been a Cowboys fan for as long as I can remember.

by jack dein on Jan 28, 2012 3:19 PM CST up reply actions  

Here's what I do.

Who cares, you trying to justify why you like a certain team, is them winning.

"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo

by thebigham on Jan 28, 2012 3:21 PM CST up reply actions  

If the Cowboys had a play making DE they could cover up Spencer.

But I like going BPA

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 10:57 AM CST reply actions  

The Cowboy need to be able to stop the pass , They need a cover WR and they need pass rush.

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 10:59 AM CST reply actions  

Like Denver

Any team that can run the ball at will can protect their defense…

Why was Denver in so many low scoring games??? Everyone credited their defense…heck no…the run game kept the defense off the field and well rested.

DeCastro, Free, Smith…Fiametta…Demarco Murray…..now we’re talking!!!!

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 11:05 AM CST up reply actions  

The Broncos have Von Miller otherwise they would be a 5- 11 team.

I would just go BPA.

The biggest needs the Cowboys have are DE and CB.

While I think we can get by with the OL we have if someone says we ought to take DeCastro because not only is he likely to be terrific but also that he is low risk I am okay with that.

I do think that if we draft DeCastro number one that we ought to go out and sign Jason Jones or better cause the defensive linemen in this draft after round one either don’t pass rush well or just aren’t very good.

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 1:05 PM CST up reply actions  

What about vinny curry in the 2nd? I've been hearing his name more as the days gone by

"Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas. But Chuck Norris wears Sean Lee pajamas. That is all." --sirjason22

"I'm gonna punch you in the ovary, that's what I'm gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker." --Ron Burgundy

by DarkKnight88 on Jan 28, 2012 10:55 PM CST up reply actions  

I’d take Curry in a heartbeat if he’s still there for our 45th pick.

by One.Cool.Customer on Jan 29, 2012 3:52 AM CST up reply actions  

yea i heard he could start to rise up the boards as the combine gets closer

"Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas. But Chuck Norris wears Sean Lee pajamas. That is all." --sirjason22

"I'm gonna punch you in the ovary, that's what I'm gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker." --Ron Burgundy

by DarkKnight88 on Jan 29, 2012 6:06 PM CST up reply actions  

Not voting for anyone until Chia is an option.

I was interested in what Drafttek said about Spencer. Put an end that can get some more consistent push in front of him, and I think he, and the entire defense for that matter, will look a lot better. I just wonder how much he is valued by the team, because that should determine if he stays or goes in free agency.

Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos

by Tom Ryle on Jan 28, 2012 11:20 AM CST reply actions  

I can see that

If he’s playing the strong side then its gonna be harder on him to play the run, cover, or anything else they ask him to do. He did call himself out earlier this year but we’ll see if he can get motivated to play by RR if he can get a strong push beside him.

The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT

If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

by Final Frame on Jan 28, 2012 12:52 PM CST up reply actions  

Gonna give another try

14. Melvin Ingram, OLB, S. Carolina
45. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
82. Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina
113. Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami(OH)
144. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
175. Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina
213. Sean Cattouse, SS, California

background for picks: according to Raf’s interview with Wes Bunting and Raf’s own info, the Cowboys are going to be looking for DBs in the draft. So I went DB heavy.

Oh, my bad.
My bad?!
Your bad don't work in my world! -Ray Lewis

by TexasGarcia37 on Jan 28, 2012 12:05 PM CST reply actions   1 recs

thank you

Oh, my bad.
My bad?!
Your bad don't work in my world! -Ray Lewis

by TexasGarcia37 on Jan 28, 2012 12:31 PM CST up reply actions  

Be a pretty nice face lift to the secondary

Even if only a few of them made it.

The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT

If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

by Final Frame on Jan 28, 2012 12:54 PM CST up reply actions  

Walker, Ball, and Newman are gone

So I feel pretty good that all three would have a good shot at making team.

Oh, my bad.
My bad?!
Your bad don't work in my world! -Ray Lewis

by TexasGarcia37 on Jan 28, 2012 12:59 PM CST up reply actions  

I'd like to see what Mario Butler has learned being on the PS.

The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT

If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

by Final Frame on Jan 28, 2012 1:38 PM CST up reply actions  

Sean Catthouse is an interesting prospect TG37

ur the 1st person i’ve seen mention his name.. I still remember the game where luck scrambled on a play then put his shoulder down & just sort of nudged sean outta the way lol.

"Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas. But Chuck Norris wears Sean Lee pajamas. That is all." --sirjason22

"I'm gonna punch you in the ovary, that's what I'm gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker." --Ron Burgundy

by DarkKnight88 on Jan 28, 2012 11:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Draft Query -

If Trent Richardson fell to 14….

Is that unpassable?

Richardson / Murray???

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 12:28 PM CST reply actions  

How does Mark Ingram compare to Richardson?

Maybe that can shine some light, because everyone passed on him.

"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo

by thebigham on Jan 28, 2012 12:34 PM CST up reply actions  

Trent Richardson is a beast

All around more explosive than Ingram…Ingram is very good but doesn’t have the “blast” fuel….Richardson has everything Ingram has with a full rocket of blast fuel…I think will be better than Murray…which could be frightening…

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 12:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Richardson is a similar type of RB to Tiki and LT

those are the RBs who he reminds me of when I watch him run.

He’s definitely a better player than Ingram, as he’s got power + speed, elusiveness, and can catch the ball.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 1:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

what the cowboys do in free agency will cause most mocks to change drastically

my first pick in FA pool is C. Cambell….he’s the Charles Hailey of the past here in the present…the cowboys have to seriously consider him at DE being a real game changer…the dude is 6’-8" tall …bats down the football like he’s playing volleyball and can be a special teams demon on kicks and punts..then in the draft first pick CB…after combine workouts which narrows down possibilities..if i had my druthers ….a CB that faced the spread most of the time in college ..since the giants and eagles run alot of spread on offense against the cowboys to make sure Allan Ball is on the field for an easy completion

by 0k on Jan 28, 2012 12:35 PM CST reply actions  

Coples

I have seen him anywhere from #5 to #15. Perhaps we should be asking who the late faller is going to be, instead of the late riser. With his size, could he fit in the 3-4, and if so, how does he compare to Brockers(who seems like the new “it” guy, after DeCastro)?

I really like Drafttek’s stance, if not necessarily the player they use for it. If Coples falls, maybe he could be the bookend to a repositioned Ratliff. Suddenly, if you have Ware, Ratliff and Coples rushing the passer, maybe pundits will focus on the things Spencer does do well, instead of his perceived shortcomings.

I personally think secondary is a bigger need than either line, but this is where resolve in the BPA philosophy becomes important; with the depth at corner, you can probably land somebody good with a 2nd pick.

by Alan Smithee on Jan 28, 2012 12:52 PM CST reply actions  

Coples scares me

I think he’s a guy who will just be “very good” in the NFL.

We need someone beyond “very good” at 14.

We need All-Pro.

by Rome One on Jan 28, 2012 12:59 PM CST up reply actions  

I think Coples has as much upside as any player in this draft.

And the Cowboys really need a DE. If they had one they could cover up Spencer.

A real DE would help the Cowboys more than just about anything else.

But as I said Coples could be risky. He could really really help the Cowboys but you could also get the Vernon Ggholston nightmare with him.

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 1:12 PM CST up reply actions  

work ethic seems like the issue

I don’t know how serious the concerns are or should be. It probably won’t matter, anyway, as someone will likely take a shot on him before Dallas picks.

If he does fall, though, and you have a chance to get a top 6 or 7 talent who fills a need and fits your system, in the middle of the first round, you have a pull the trigger, yes?

by Alan Smithee on Jan 28, 2012 1:44 PM CST up reply actions  

I don’ t think it is worth ethic as so much as him not going all out (maybe to avoid getting hurt ) last season.

I think he is a big time rare talent.

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 2:12 PM CST up reply actions  

he has blue chip talent

that can’t be said for many in this draft. I think he can be an all pro, he’s so talented

by somebodyquiet on Jan 28, 2012 2:13 PM CST up reply actions  

I agree with what you said.

Within 36 months a lot of people on this site are not going to be reminded of what they said.

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 2:18 PM CST up reply actions  

not going to want to be reminded of what they said.

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 2:19 PM CST up reply actions  

If they pick Coples, and he turns into a good player,

Then you will be this year’s Chia/Tyron Smith. You’ve been pushing Coples since day one.

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

"Meanwhile, like a bitter wine, Philadelphia’s jealousy fermented in the dark cellars of pride and resentment. With no playoff hopes of their own, Eagles fans turned towards hating the Cowboys." Steve Sabol, NFL films

by Nickthegrip on Jan 28, 2012 4:10 PM CST up reply actions  

You'll be surprised

how many people will suffer from selective amnesia once the draft is done.

by One.Cool.Customer on Jan 28, 2012 4:38 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm not a draft guru, I don't really start caring until the cards get turned in.

I do expect people to conveniently have memory lapses just like last year :)

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

"Meanwhile, like a bitter wine, Philadelphia’s jealousy fermented in the dark cellars of pride and resentment. With no playoff hopes of their own, Eagles fans turned towards hating the Cowboys." Steve Sabol, NFL films

by Nickthegrip on Jan 28, 2012 5:54 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, I try to stay reserved once the picks come in

They know way more about this stuff than I do, they also have more information than any of the draft gurus. When they picked Sean Lee in the 2nd round in 2010 or Bruce Carter over Ben Ijalana in 2011 I’m sure they had their reasons.

by Omar Little on Jan 29, 2012 3:17 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm sure you will love to point it out to us.

And this is coming from someone who really really likes Coples as a pick right now (not enough to trade my draft for him though).

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

by Creasy729 on Jan 29, 2012 12:00 AM CST up reply actions  

Assuming Decastro goes first I would go with all defense from 2-6 with a TE in the 7th… Sleeper pick for me is Derek Wolfe from Cincinnati if we can snatch him in the fourth I expect a relentless powerful d-lineman!! He’s 6-5 300 just what we need to replace Kenyon Coleman and Marcus Spears

by BL0217 on Jan 28, 2012 1:06 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

I don’t think the DE in this draft after round three are going to be serious pass rushers.

It would be easy to upgrade Kenyon Coleman and Marcus Spears cause neither of those guys can pass rush .

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 28, 2012 1:15 PM CST up reply actions  

I expect Alfonzo Dennard's draft stock to plummet in the coming weeks.

Everything I’ve heard out of the Senior Bowl suggests he looks pretty bad. Stiff hips, weak in press coverage, slow to make reads on the ball, poor closing speed. The most discouraging note was from a report retweeted by Adam Caplan that said “Dennard was burned multiple times by receivers with third day potential at best.”

Unless he’s an incredible late round value, there’s just no way I want the Cowboys spending a premium pick on this guy. I’m a bigger proponent of taking a DE/OLB first, but I’d rather take an OG like DeCastro and let somebody else reach for Dennard while we snag Minnifield/Jenkins/etc. in the second.

The last I saw of Dennard, Alshon Jeffrey was owning him. No thanks.

"If something is a sure thing, it requires no faith." - David Allen

by KeyOfZ on Jan 28, 2012 1:08 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

Jeffrey had 4 catches for 148 yards and 1 TD. When you consider that he had one 78 yard catch it’s really not that bad of a day against one of the better CFB WR’s.

Being from Nebraska I watched every Nebraska game this year and last he consistently took on the other team’s number 1 WR and did a very good job. I thought it in 2010 and 2011 that Dennard is a better CB than Amukamara was. In 2010 they matched Amukamara up with Blackmon from OSU. Blackmon had a great first but the second half they moved Dennard over and he did a very good job on him.

His physical abilities will limit him some but I still think he’s the 4th best CB in this draft. Will probably slip to the end of the 1st round but will be a solid value.

by jack dein on Jan 28, 2012 3:26 PM CST up reply actions  

Denard is good when he jams a receiver, but if the receiver gets a step, Denard can't close.

That’s why Jeffrey burned him until they got into a fight and both were canned..

He’ll be a better safety than CB in the pros.

Wish you were here and comfortably numb.

by pfloyd1 on Jan 28, 2012 4:10 PM CST up reply actions  

Walter Football must be Cowboys fans

DeCastro AND Jenkins?!??!?!? Wow, I’d make Mensa bow at Jerry’s feet. The later two picks are kinda “meh,” however reading the mock I’d probably say that their 3rd and 4th round picks would be Brewster/Jones and Jamell Fleming respectively.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 1:12 PM CST reply actions  

He's an Eagles fan.

Hope that doesn’t burst your bubble. But I do like his picks as well.

"If something is a sure thing, it requires no faith." - David Allen

by KeyOfZ on Jan 28, 2012 1:13 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

an Eagles fan who has mellowed over the years

he used to seem to go out of his way to show his anti-Dallas bias. Much improved over last two seasons, IMHO

| Blogging The Boys | SBNation Dallas | Producer/CoHost Flood The Block Radio, TUE 7p RockTheFlow.com |

by KD Drummond on Jan 28, 2012 3:37 PM CST up reply actions  

LMAOOOOO

I’d make Mensa bow at Jerry’s feet.

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 1:37 PM CST up reply actions  

Actual Question:

Who are you high on for the 14th pick: DeCastro? Ingram? Upshaw? Perry? Dre? Bockers? Still?

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 1:39 PM CST up reply actions  

DeCastro would be the safest pick.

Then Brockers,
Dre
Still
Ingram/Perry
Upshaw

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 1:41 PM CST up reply actions  

Oh yeah

Walter Jones/Steve Hutchinson…no more getting stuffed at the line for this team!

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 1:45 PM CST up reply actions  

Neither would be blowing late leads

The running game was downright terrible last year, it’s a pass first league BUT, the running game is important:

1.) Killing the clock late in games.
2.) In the redzone when secondaries tighten up against the endzone.
3.) Keeping a defense honest so they don’t drop everyone deep.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 1:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Well there were obviously problems and there's obviously areas where the team needs to improve

I don’t think I ever suggested otherwise, the level of improvement needed was always my biggest point. Newman couldn’t cover a baby with a blanket after Thanksgiving and the interior OL was pretty weak aside from Lumpy. I think Smith/Free will be fine at LT/RT given Free’s previous numbers, age, and pedigree…but the interior of the line needs work.

I think for the reasons I mentioned, that the interior OL was the second worst unit on the team (first being special teams) so I’d like to address that first and foremost. The team has talent, lets not act like they’re miles away. 8-8 means two wins away from being a serious playoff contender…right? I think a productive interior OL will help the team protect leads against teams like the Pats, Giants, and Jets late in games, protect Romo so he can find his talented receivers, and not put all the pressure on the defense do hold a ten point lead in an NFL where people throw for 4K yards on a regular basis. I also think the redzone efficiency will go up if the team can do something on the ground when secondaries tighten up. Or at the very least it will force teams to keep at least seven in the box opening up holes for Romo on the outside. A lot of people say that the defense (or Romo) blew the late Jets, Pats, Lions, or first Giants game. My question is, how many points did the offense score in that half? Look the Pats, Lions, and Giants have pretty good offenses, holding them below 21-28 points a game is unrealistic . They’re going to score. The offense needs to do their part too. I think part of the issue is the lack of a running game that can do what this team needs the running game to do.

As to the defense? Yeah the pass rush needs to improve, but Newman was the worst player in that unit aside from maybe Brooking or Bradie. Improving him opens up the door for the biggest jump in improvements. However, I feel that while the defense isn’t elite, I think it’s good enough. Or maybe, more to the point, can be good enough with a player or two. Add an impact corner and if Carter has a Lee type jump in talent we’ll see that defense be more than adequate. Of course were replacing the two worst starters on that unit with people that can actually play their position, that’s a huge improvement.

The DL needs to improve, but I’m absolutely stumped as to how to do it. Lissemore shows some promise, Hatcher seems like he can be a competent player, Rat had an underrated season at DT, yeah we’d all like a big NT but if any of you guys see Haloti Ngata available for the taking let me, and more importantly the folks at Valley Ranch know, players like that are rare though. Ideally you’d acquire a giant anchor NT and let Rat play a DE opposite Ware and Lissy and Hatcher fight it out for the other side and wish Spears the best. But, the Cowboys don’t live in an ideal world.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 2:59 PM CST up reply actions  

I think Mensa was being sarcastic

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 3:01 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm pretty positive about this team and the current direction

We frequently get in big ugly spats, despite being closer on most things than we realize.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 3:06 PM CST up reply actions  

Everyone's passionate about the Boys

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 3:15 PM CST up reply actions  

LOL

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 3:50 PM CST up reply actions  

We have 4-3 personnel on the d line.....

The team needs lot’s of positions to be filled. Agree with you on just about everything in that post.

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 3:49 PM CST up reply actions  

Perhaps on the 43 personel

I still think Ratliff is good enough to play on any DL 34 or 43, and Lissemore is more suited to a 34 end than a 43 tackle, were just not so sure if he’s suited for the NFL yet. As to the positions of need we also have to keep in mind that it’s the NFL no team is perfect, you can have a weak secondary, or a weak pass rush, or a weak LB corps and still do pretty well. Some units and positions are more important than others, the most important is obviously a QB and I would say the second most important is the OL. For that reason I am throughly for DeCastro.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 4:01 PM CST up reply actions  

So my ideal draft would be:

David DeCastro
Janoris Jenkins
Ben Jones
Jonathan Massaquoi (comp pick)
Jamell Fleming
DeMario Davis
Ryan Broyles
Akeem Hicks

Two corners, two interior OLmen, and not a whole lot on the DL…but that’d give the secondary a (needed) kick in the ass. Another pass rusher and a few good prospects in the later rounds.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 1:24 PM CST reply actions  

Omar if that draft came to fruition the next question would be

how & when could we get u to become part of the dallas front office?

"Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas. But Chuck Norris wears Sean Lee pajamas. That is all." --sirjason22

"I'm gonna punch you in the ovary, that's what I'm gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker." --Ron Burgundy

by DarkKnight88 on Jan 28, 2012 11:16 PM CST up reply actions  

At this point they'd have to be willing to deal with my obnoxiousness and the deal'd be done.

Obviously I love this stuff and pay isn’t that big of a deal to me at this point. Being a law student I realize that money’s not everything. Anywhere were I could actually have a reason to get up in the morning other than a paycheck.

by Omar Little on Jan 29, 2012 3:19 PM CST up reply actions  

Walter Football is really tempting (albeit unrealistic)

but I’ll have to go with Mocking the Draft. Crick in the fourth round is too big of a bargain to pass up.

by DerUbermensch on Jan 28, 2012 1:29 PM CST reply actions  

To answer OCC's fast riser...

Maybe the Aldon Smith or JJ Watt of this draft will be one of the tackles. Bulaga played at an extremely high level, maybe that will catapult Reiff up draft boards. Maybe it’s Jonathan Martin…I’d say that’s the most likely riser category. All the teams in the top 10 need better pass protection, so they might be rising.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 1:41 PM CST reply actions  

I think Brockers will go to the Panthers.

If not it will be Dre. That is their 2 weak areas.

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 1:43 PM CST up reply actions  

Bockers might be the big riser...

There’s quite a few teams that need a 34 end or at the very least a 43 tackle.

by Omar Little on Jan 28, 2012 1:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Agree.

Jerry is the end all in Dallas.

by football mensa on Jan 28, 2012 1:45 PM CST up reply actions  

The Brockers and Kuechly mocks are tossed out

Dallas won’t take either player.

Also, the Eagles have never taken a LB or Safety in the 1st Rd, so Kuechly to the Eagles makes no sense. The Eagles are more likely to go OL, DL, or WR in the 1st rd. Aside from McNabb in 1999, that’s where Eagles 1st Rd picks are allocated.

A team who I’ve got pegged on Luke Kuechly, The SD Chargers. They need an ILB to pair with Butler as Spikes was a bust, since he’s only usefull on running downs, they need their version of Sean Lee.

Dallas will not take Keuchly because Jerry already said, the Boys have Bruce Carter as their guy that they plan to start opposite Lee.

The Boys won’t take an unproven player like Brockers, maybe if this was 1996-2002, they might. But under this regime, they’re more likely to take Coples than go with Brockers.

Brockers, if he’s drafted in the first round will be a gamble pick by Buffalo or Carolina.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 2:02 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

I tossed out the ones with Brockers and Dennard personally. lol

I just don’t think either is worth a 1st round pick. So that left me with the 2 with DeCastro, I picked Walter as I like a CB in round 2. When there is a deep draft at a position you need to take advantage of it, especially if it is a huge hole and you need 3 of them on your team now.

by Rena on Jan 28, 2012 8:23 PM CST up reply actions  

spikes was a bust?

He’s been in the league for 13 years

by matt575 on Jan 30, 2012 3:01 AM CST via mobile up reply actions  

Fiammetta

Anyone see his block on Ryan Kerrigan in week 2? Add that to the way we ran the ball vs Detroit and NE and that block where he took out to Redskins and you have a lot of reasons to be excited about the Cowboys running game. It could be real dominant next year… no wonder the guy was ranked #2 in his draft year.

by scraig on Jan 28, 2012 2:42 PM CST reply actions  

He needs to stay healthy

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 2:49 PM CST up reply actions  

I would too if it didn't include the first rd bust

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 3:02 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't wamt Dennard or Brockers

Ii voted for Mocking the Drsft

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 3:16 PM CST up reply actions  

The only CB worth taking from a talent standpoint at #14 is Jenkins. Claiborne will be gone.

I’m totally down on Denard, he’d make a better safety than corner at the next level. Dre is the dumbest guy in the world and his skill set is not as good as Jenkins.

I’m concerned with drafting a CB at # 14.

As Ron White says, “you can’t fix stupid”.

Wish you were here and comfortably numb.

by pfloyd1 on Jan 28, 2012 3:18 PM CST reply actions  

gotta vote for Walter Football getting Jenkins in the 2nd round, but realistically that ain’t gonna happen.

would love a DeCastro pick, but I like Drafttek’s take this time that we get Nicks in FA and then go for pass rusher or CB in the first round.

"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry

by scottmaui on Jan 28, 2012 3:42 PM CST reply actions  

and "Center Phil Costa sucks"

way to put it diplomatically lol

"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry

by scottmaui on Jan 28, 2012 3:48 PM CST up reply actions  

btw where's the Senior Bowl open thread???!!!

"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry

by scottmaui on Jan 28, 2012 3:42 PM CST reply actions  

im starting a open thread for the senior bowl in fanpost if anyone wants to join

We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''

What else makes a strong leader?

"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.

"That's' what we're going to do.''

by TARHEEL PAUL on Jan 28, 2012 3:47 PM CST up reply actions  

There already is one

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 3:47 PM CST up reply actions  

Look in fanshot sectiom

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 3:47 PM CST up reply actions  

yeah I was just thinking there should be a front page one

"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry

by scottmaui on Jan 28, 2012 3:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Senior bowl thread

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/1/28/2754950/senior-bowl-open-thread

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 3:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Draft Talent Please

Would luv to get Upshaw and Jenkins in ghe first and second or trade back into the first for Jenkins weed smoking or not guy is a Stud i say take a chance sign Nicks of Grubbs and a saftey like Micheal Griffin

by slickman26 on Jan 28, 2012 3:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

5th in sacks?
Many Cowboy fans would like “Almost” replaced, but a comparative analysis of the top 12 strong side OLB34’s in the league shows Spencer to rank 1st in total tackles, tied for 5th in sacks, tied for 1st in fumbles forced, tied for 2nd in QB hits and tied for 1st in tackles for loss. — Drafttek.com

What do y’all think of this?

check out my bands nanoSMASH and Day vs Night

by AustonianAggie on Jan 28, 2012 5:12 PM CST reply actions  

I was just going to block quote this as well

I’m not sure about these numbers, but it does give me pause and wonder if the real problem lies along the D-line rather than the other OLB….

And: would bringing in an Ingram or Upshaw give us any more than Spencer?

by rabblerousr on Jan 28, 2012 5:51 PM CST up reply actions  

your second question is the one I'm struggling with

I’m not sure what system Ingram fits in, and I’m not sure Upshaw isn’t basically a copy of Spencer.

I’m not in the “Spencer sucks” camp, and even if I was I think this team is already looking at having to find new starters at too many positions to throw Spencer’s spot into that mix, as well.

If the Spencer replacement isn’t already on the team, then that’s one more hole to fill through the draft or free agency, and if the team is going after a big name FA I’d prefer it be Carl Nicks.

by Alan Smithee on Jan 28, 2012 6:06 PM CST up reply actions  

Most importantly

We have to realize that Upshaw isn’t exactly Brian Orapko or Cay Matthews. So even though, Spencer isn’t an elite pass rusher, I’m unsure Upshaw can be a tangible upgrade over Spencer with the current defensive line that the team has. I think Ingram has the potential to actually be something special, so he’s a guy I’d consider…Upshaw? Ehh, not so much.

by Omar Little on Jan 29, 2012 3:24 PM CST up reply actions  

I think it means the Cowboys will be paying quite a bit of money to retain Spencer's services.

he’s a good OLB, people need to stop with the Ware comparisons.

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

"Meanwhile, like a bitter wine, Philadelphia’s jealousy fermented in the dark cellars of pride and resentment. With no playoff hopes of their own, Eagles fans turned towards hating the Cowboys." Steve Sabol, NFL films

by Nickthegrip on Jan 28, 2012 5:55 PM CST up reply actions  

I think it's more important to see what the Cowboys think of it.

Regardless, I think the case against Spencer stands pretty strong:

A) Spencer had 4 pass-rushing sacks. 2 were him tackling scrambling QBs.
B) Even spotting him those two sacks, Spencer was equalled in sacks by three rookie SOLBs (well two, but one had 5.5 sacks)
C) SOLBs I would rather have than Spencer: Ahmad Brooks, Ryan Kerrigan, Justin Houston, Clay Matthews, Lamar Woodley, Shaun Phillips, Brooks Reed
D) That pegs him in the lower half of SOLBs for 3-4 teams. At best you could say he is average.
E) If the Cowboys do improve next season, we will not have an opportunity to add a top pass rushing talent for a while. If Quinton Coples is off the board, upgrading the SOLB spot is the next best way to improve the pass rush.

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

by Creasy729 on Jan 29, 2012 12:12 AM CST up reply actions  

F) Also, people always marvel at the Giants' pass rush, but they do what is necessary and spend first round picks on pass rushers.

Meanwhile Dallas fans want to draft guards at #14 and expect Rob Ryan to generate a pass rush out of nothing.

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

by Creasy729 on Jan 29, 2012 12:13 AM CST up reply actions  

Well there's a lot wrong here...

The Giants do have a great pass rush, but I think it’s getting a bit overrated. They’re in the Super Bowl, so everyone thinks everything they do is great. It’s the NFL, every team has glaring weaknesses and every team is very beatable. Hell the Giants were beatable seven times this year, twice by the Redskins.

However:

A.) The Cowboys DL isn’t very good at all. That effects Spencer’s numbers in sack totals.

B.) Most importantly, there’s more than just sacks that count. It’s like judging a ball player that only hits 20 HRs and saying he doesn’t have power and ignoring his great defense and base running, oh and the fact he hit 50 doubles. Anthony Spencer is the best 34 OLB in covering the run, better than Ware or anyone else you can name. He also excels in coverage.

C.) The OLBs you name is sort of a misleading list. Ahmad Brooks plays behind the best 34 DL in football. Clay Matthews’ role on the defense isn’t really similar to Spencer’s at all, it’s more similar to Ware’s, so the correct comp is Erik Walden and Anthony Spencer takes dumps that are better football players than Erik Walden. Justin Houston, Brooks Reed, and Ryan Kerrigan are rookies. While I’ll give you Ryan Kerrigan, I’d still caution against overrating rookies. After 2010 you’d be insane to take Justin Upton over Jason Heyward in a keeper’s fantasy draft, one year later Heyward struggled while Upton became of the best players in the game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Reed and Phillips struggle next year, oh yeah and they didn’t have as good of seasons as Spencer’s 2011 anyways. There’s plenty of players whose rookie season happens to be their best year. So the guys I’d say are better than Spencer as the “other” 34 OLB? I’d say it’s Kerrigan, Woodley, and maybe Phillips. Also consider that Spencer went full retard that last game against the Giants. That was probably the worst game of his career and that unfairly effected several of his advanced grades. I think Spencer’s a lot better than you’re giving him credit for. Is he like Ware or Romo and you have to pay him what he wants to keep him? Of course not, but if he accepts a fair deal for his services I’d love to have him back.

D.) I don’t believe in “the next best way,” I believe you always take the best way to upgrade your team. The goal of the game is to outscore your opponents. You can do that in a variety of ways, which is why I am for taking a Guard. The interior OL is still the biggest problem on the team and if you have an elite other worldly talent available there I say take him. If they take DeCastro I think fans will be plenty happy and not even worry about the Giants pass rush because they’ll be too busy laughing at Tron and DeCastro making the Giants DL their bitch.

by Omar Little on Jan 29, 2012 3:47 PM CST up reply actions  

If they take DeCastro I think fans will be plenty happy and not even worry about the Giants pass rush because they’ll be too busy laughing at Tron and DeCastro making the Giants DL their bitch.

I would luv to see this in the future, preferably asap.

"Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas. But Chuck Norris wears Sean Lee pajamas. That is all." --sirjason22

"I'm gonna punch you in the ovary, that's what I'm gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker." --Ron Burgundy

by DarkKnight88 on Jan 29, 2012 6:32 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, I'll take that flyer. We'll see what his Combine says but I think Foles has

always been one of those guys that has everything going for him physically. He’s got CAN’T FAIL stamped across him like Locker did. Someone will snag him in the bottom fo the first, top of the second at the latest I think.

I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010

by pjohn56 on Jan 28, 2012 10:29 PM CST up reply actions  

btw, I am not endorsing Foles. I'm saying he's a workout warior with a little bit of production.

He set up a screen pass with his eyes pretty nicely in the Senior Bowl but, then again, Arizona was Arizona before he got there and, well, it still is.

I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010

by pjohn56 on Jan 28, 2012 10:31 PM CST up reply actions  

What if Martin or Reiff fall to #14?

Do you draft a tackle and swith Free to guard?

Wish you were here and comfortably numb.

by pfloyd1 on Jan 28, 2012 5:44 PM CST up reply actions  

I'd seriously consider it.

One of those guys over DeCastro? Yeah I’d think about it.

by Omar Little on Jan 29, 2012 3:47 PM CST up reply actions  

Vinny Curry in the second round. Watch him shoot up the combine

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 28, 2012 6:12 PM CST reply actions  

I agree.

He could easily get to the front of the second round.

by jevans1729 on Jan 28, 2012 8:38 PM CST up reply actions  

I have a question guys

Every time we discuss the Cowboys and free agents everyone keeps comming up with we need to resign Robinson and Fiammetta….but when i look at his contract (Fiammetta) he has 1 yr remaining and he doesn’t show on any 2012 free agents list….is this something someone came up with and it has just been run with ..or do we have info that is credible on this??

If things are'nt always what they seem...why do they seem to be

by BigDBoys on Jan 28, 2012 6:35 PM CST reply actions  

Fiammetta is a restricted free agent

Restricted Free Agents are NFL players with expiring contracts, but three years or less of NFL experience. A RFA can negotiate with other teams, but his original team has the right to match any offer and retain the player. If his original team does not match the offer, it is awarded a draft pick from the acquiring team.

by One.Cool.Customer on Jan 28, 2012 7:19 PM CST up reply actions  

Coolest part about that is

we picked him up on the wire and he worked out for us whenever he played.

The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT

If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

by Final Frame on Jan 29, 2012 12:11 PM CST up reply actions  

I Am Up To The Eyebrows

With this BPA garbage! This team has NEEDS; failure to address those NEEDS last year lead DIRECTLY to it’s losses and the Giants going to the Super Bowl! So, UNLESS the BPA FITS YOUR NEEDS; you’d BETTER take the BPA who DOES or you’ll be looking at this same situation again NEXT YEAR! UNLESS, they bring in Mincey from the Jags (Williams from the Texans is NOT likely to happen) and/or Landry from the ’Skins; they NEED to deal with the needs of the DEFENSE that ALLOWED double digits leads to get away! This draft is supposed to be DEEP in Oline, a good CENTER (the position of ACTUAL need) should be found in the third or even fourth round!

GO COWBOYS! GET SOME BIG D! AH-OOO-AH!

by Howleyesque on Jan 28, 2012 8:23 PM CST reply actions  

David DeCastro, Janoris Jenkins, Tank Carder

was all I needed to see to cast my vote.

I’m not stuck on DeCastro but if we got a cumulative talent haul with our first three picks like the one, I’d be very excited for training camp.

I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010

by pjohn56 on Jan 28, 2012 10:25 PM CST reply actions  

no off season

do any of you think that our rookies hit the wall towards the end of the season? i know they should’ve tried to stay in shape on their own but i wonder if not having off season strength and conditioning affected their play down the stretch. i’m curious if it affected the veterans also.

by maxdout on Jan 29, 2012 12:57 AM CST reply actions  

kirkpatrick

i’m very curious to see how kirkpatrick does in his agility drills. i’m not sold on a cb that is 6’3. just seems he wouldn’t be quick enough. i guess we will see.

by maxdout on Jan 29, 2012 1:10 AM CST reply actions  

Is the belief that if the Cowboys want Nicks, there is no chance he would sign elsewhere?

It’s odd how everyone just assumes that whatever free agent we want, we will just have.

I have no clue who they’ll draft in the first round, but I’m guessing that if there’s someone out there that’s injured, that will be our second round pick.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 29, 2012 1:35 AM CST reply actions  

I just don't see us taking a guard at pick #14

Most opinions I have read here don’t consider trading down.There will be some surprises before we pick that might drop players that fill other teams need.

This draft seems to be loaded with talent in the later rounds that aren’t as risky as what is available at our pick.

by TCB Orange Dino on Jan 29, 2012 6:28 AM CST reply actions  

I think it's less unlikely with the new CBA and rookie salary cap.

Previously, teams were less likely to take a guard that early, as the contract owed to a lower pick was considered too high for a guard. However, with the new rookie cap, that is no longer an issue. Additionally, top level guards are now being paid considerably more than they were just a few years ago.

It’s also why I think it doesn’t make much sense to trade back. With the new rookie salary cap, the value slotting for certain positions is significantly less of a factor. It made sense to trade back 10 spots a couple of years ago if the guy that you wanted wasn’t worth what you would have to pay him at that slot, even if it meant potentially missing out on him. Now, with the rookie cap, it makes more sense to take the guy you are targeting, even if it is a few spots early.

I think a lot of people are still caught up on the old values and things like Jimmy Johnson’s trade chart. With the new rookie cap, it’s a different world. Just as an example: In 2010, Sam Bradford got a 6 year, $78M contract, with $50M guaranteed; in 2011, Cam Newton got a 4 year, $22M contract, with the team having an option on a 5th year at $14M. That’s way less of an investment, and therefore far less of a risk, and far less repercussions for a bad pick or picking someone early.

by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 29, 2012 10:36 PM CST up reply actions  

I like Walter Football

but I like this more:
1.David DeCastro OG
2. Chase Minnifield CB/Jayron Hosley (I’m indifferent on them)
3. Kirk Cousins QB
4. Frank Alexander DE
Comp- Jamell Fleming CB
5. Jeff Fuller WR
6. Tramain Thomas S
7. Cordarro Law DE/OLB

by soonercowboy14 on Jan 29, 2012 9:04 PM CST reply actions  

I'm already sipping on the George Iloka kool aid

Trade up to late 2nd and snatch him up!

Let me be the scouting director AND the GM

by SportsDrunk on Jan 29, 2012 9:32 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions  

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