Mock draft roundup

by Dave Halprin on Mar 13, 2007 10:01 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News

Now seemed like a good time for another mock draft roundup.

Let's start with the unintentionally funny. Don Banks and his editor over at SI.com need some help.

22. CB Aaron Ross Texas Jr. 6-1 192
The Cowboys secondary was torched in December, and with the abundance of first-round talent at cornerback, Wade Phillips won't overlook his top need. Hughes, a strong cover man, would give Dallas the option of shifting Anthony Henry to free safety.

OK Don, are we drafting Aaron Ross or Daymeion Hughes? Just wondering.

FOX Sports.

22. Cowboys Dwayne Jarrett WR USC Junior
Though the Cowboys likely have more glaring needs at safety and the offensive line, Jerry Jones would be delighted to scoop up a talent like Jarrett with the 22nd pick. Dallas's passing game was among the league's best in '06. However, the Cowboys starting wideouts are not getting any younger.

Don't like it, I don't think we need to spend our 1st round pick on a WR - unless it's Calvin Johnson!

Todd McShay.

22. Dallas Projected pick: +Reggie Nelson, DS, Florida
Nelson stamped his standing as the No. 2 safety in the 2007 class when he blazed a 4.35 40 at Florida's recent pro day. He isn't great against the run, but Nelson is a ball hawk center fielder who would complement SS Roy Williams extremely well.

Rotoworld.

22. Dallas - Miami (FL) FS Brandon Meriweather
It no longer appears that Anthony Henry will move to free safety after all, and considering Meriweather should be available when Dallas drafts, that's a decision that makes sense. Meriweather can cover the deep middle, allowing Roy Williams to play closer to the line of scrimmage and Pat Watkins to learn the nickel from Aaron Glenn, who's close to retirement.

Why would Pat Watkins, a FS, be learning the nickel from a CB?

Sports Xchange.

22. Dallas Cowboys Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami
Off-field red flags will be enough to scare off some teams, but the Cowboys have always shown a willingness to gamble on greatness. Due to the press given to LaRon Landry and Reggie Nelson, Meriweather doesn't always get his due, but the former Hurricane is among this draft's top defenders and would fill a huge need as a coverage safety to pair with Roy Williams.

Pat Kirwan.

22. Dallas: Michael Griffin, S, Texas
I think the Cowboys will look at the best corners, safeties and wide receivers at this spot. With three or four solid wide receivers and at least two defensive backs left with first-round grades, Jerry Jones will get a good player.

Vic Carucci.

22. Dallas: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
Revis, who also can contribute as a return specialist, shows good coverage skills and has the size and strength to help against the run. If new coach Wade Phillips can plug in Revis as a starter right away, he could move veteran cornerback Anthony Henry to free safety.

Notice a pattern? Almost everybody has us taking a safety or cornerback, or a combo back who can play both. Interesting.

But my favorite pick, which breaks the pattern.

Pete Prisco, Sportsline.

22. Dallas Cowboys Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
He is a perfect 3-4 end and can provide a Luis Castillo-like player for Wade Phillips, who comes over from San Diego as head coach.

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Comments

We need pressure on the QB

DE/OLB pressure, thats our first priority in the first round, not a free safety or another high priced corner, followed by a Left tackle, this will probably be Flozells last season in Dallas, I'm not putting my money on a unproven seventh round draft choice in McQuistan.

I dont want Jarrett, he cant get off of press coverage, reminds me of Mike Williams. Steve Smith was the better receiver on USC. I would never draft any of these receivers in the first round of this draft other than Calvin Johnson.

by Deke on Mar 13, 2007 11:16 AM CDT reply actions

I agree 100%

which ought to concern you...

Another big time pressure player to complement Ware and keep the load off Ellis would automatically improve the secondary and the LBs in coverage, both HUGE problem areas late in the season. That would also allow Phillips to play Toy WIlliams closer to the line of scrimmage as he has stated repeatedly. Then draft a talented OT. Third choice would be a NT to spell Ferguson and eventually replace him. If the team picks up receivers and DBs in the later rounds, or additional LBs, great.

by dunkman on Mar 13, 2007 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions

That should be "Roy" Williams

although I kinda like Toy the way he payed last year...

by dunkman on Mar 13, 2007 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Hillarious

I agree that a WR in the first round is a bad idea. Other than Johnson - there is nobody else worth picking over our glaring needs: DE/OLB, OL, and S/CB. There are too many quality recievers in the mid-late rounds.

I love the Carriker pick too - I saw him against Texas this year. I still think we might be going for a safety a little later in free agancy when the prices come down. That being said - how could you go wrong with Meriweather or Griffin?

Ben Grubbs was a popular pick in the 22 spot for a while. With Davis signing, I guess that does not make sense anymore - but it would have been a nice pick to challenge Kosier for eventual replacement and then go for a LT next year early.

If Carriker goes before 22, I would like to see us go safety - why move Glenn there as an experiment that we are not sure will work. I say draft a true safety and see what kind of pressure we can get on the QB with the Phillip's 34 to help the secondary.

Long Live Teague - the defender of the STAR

by ibleed blue on Mar 13, 2007 12:20 PM CDT reply actions

Todd McShay is right on

Nelson in the first should be the pick. We certainly don't need another pressure player in the first rd, Phillips scheme will take care of putting pressure on the qb. Ware, Ellis, Carpenter and Burnett should all fit that bill, we have more pressing needs elsewhere.

If Nelson is off the board at 22, I actually wouldn't mind seeing us take a WR as T.O. and TG are on the wrong side of 30. Need more talent at that position.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Mar 13, 2007 12:38 PM CDT reply actions

Problem

Nelson won't be there at 22.

Long Live Teague - the defender of the STAR

by ibleed blue on Mar 13, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

It would be great

if the scheme fixed our pressure problems, but I'm skeptical. Or "spectacle" as Tanya Harding might say. I won't boo like a Giants fan if a DB is taken, but only because Aaron Glenn is getting older. Otherwise I think the defensive backfield is in better shape than the defensive line (Newman and Fergie being a wash) and getting a Castillo kind of guy would solve the vast majority of the team's coverage issues.

by dunkman on Mar 13, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions

WR would be perfect

TG is 34, TO is 33. They're not getting any younger. If Meachem or Jarrett is available, the cowboys would be stupid to pass that up...

We have good players on D, if Phillps' scheme doesn't work with the players we got now, then he is the wrong coach for this job.

by Longhorn @ Blogging The Boys on Mar 13, 2007 1:13 PM CDT reply actions

JJ's comment was

that wide receiver is a "position of strength" (actually I think he said "strenth") on the team. Knowing what first round WRs get for money and how unpredictable they are, I would be surprised if he went that way unless Grizz's man Calvin were available.

I too am hopeful that the scheme will improve the defense, but given the offensive performance last year, the young WRs on hand now, and the apparent improvement on the O-line, I'd opt for a defensive playmaker.

by dunkman on Mar 13, 2007 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions

We have about 3 great players on D-

about 5 good players on D- and another 3 that need to be replaced or eventually replaced. It was not the offense that hurt us toward the end of last season. Solid WRs are plentiful in the middle rounds. What will make the greater impact this year- a third WR or a better pass rusher / cover guy. We are close to making a deep run in the playoffs - but a third WR will not make as much of an impact.

Long Live Teague - the defender of the STAR

by ibleed blue on Mar 13, 2007 1:30 PM CDT reply actions

Tom Orsborn

in San Antonio kind of splits the difference...

by dunkman on Mar 13, 2007 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

No way Carriker is falling to us

Burt-D

by Burt D @ Blogging The Boys on Mar 13, 2007 2:08 PM CDT reply actions

Someone plant a rumor on Carriker, so...

he falls to us @ 22.

Would that be cool or what?

Him falling to 22... not the rumor.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" - Ric Flair

by kcbrett5 on Mar 13, 2007 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Carriker

This is the first time I've read an opinon of Grizz that indicated a major issue I never suspected. We need Carriker??!!?? The last I read, Carriker was 6'6" and a couple of pounds over 290. That means, physically, he is the same as Spears, Canty, Hatcher, Bowman & Ratliff ... give or take a pound and an inch or two one way or another. Suffice it to say, Carriker is a defensive end.

With a team that needs more O-line, secondary, and defensive tackle help we will get the most bang for our buck by drafting another 300 lb defensive end in the first round ...?

If you say so ... but I always imagined between Spears, Canty, Hatcher, & Bowman we could get what we need out of the DE position and use Ratliff (as he has in the past some) for back up Defensive tackle.

Seriously, I just can't imagine Carriker has something our group dosen't have and so much of it that we need to spend a first round draft pick for it.

by JJshairgel on Mar 13, 2007 4:10 PM CDT reply actions

Good points

but you could say that Ryan Fowler and Brian Urlacher are the same physically, so who needs an Urlacher.

The real question the Cowboys have to answer is wheter Hatcher, Spears and Canty are the answer and were just held back developmentally / schematically, or whether they really don't have what it takes.

Same questions on LBs - James, Carpenter, Ayodele... And for that matter, Watkins and Williams.

by dunkman on Mar 13, 2007 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

True

But that is what I was tryig to say when I said ... does Carriker have something (pass rushing skills) that Canty, Spears, Hatcher & Bowman don't have. Its not that I don't believe it (I'm not an expert)... its just that I don't want too. Beacuse I like Canty, Spears, Hatcher & Bowman as a promising group of young players. (and Ratliff)

Really, given our current team needs and considering our current level of talent at defensive end I find it hard to beleive Carriker can supply so much more pass rush/run support that he is worth using our first round pick.

I don't mean this as a critic. I was just surprised since Grizz, who I think knows football and is a good evaluator of players, would suggest we do need to spend our first round pick on a DE. I was really surprised. I think the difference in one of the top CB's and Henry or the upside of one of the o-line players is a little greater then the additional talent we woulld get in Carriker over our current group of DEs.

by JJshairgel on Mar 13, 2007 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Spears has been a disappointment....

he hasn't shown the ability to rush the passer at all. Canty is OK, but he also hasn't shown that he can apply pressure to the QB regularly. Hatcher is young and shows promise. Bowen is a non-factor. Add all that up and I'm not sold on our DE's.

Carriker ran a decent 40 time, and was unbelievable running the short shuttle. This shows he has good speed and amazing ability to change direction with a solid 6' 6", 300 lb frame. At the Senior Bowl practices, he was destroying the opposing tackles.

And I never just say that a new aggressive scheme will fix a players problems, although I definitely like that we will be more aggressive.

If you're reading this, you could be commenting, too. Sign up for a free account on Blogging The Boys.

by Dave Halprin on Mar 13, 2007 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Well ok

you just said it and I am surprised to hear it. And a little bummed.

by JJshairgel on Mar 13, 2007 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Not sold on Carriker

Carriker is a little inconsistent from the scouting reports. Mike Mayock from NFL Network said the same in a recent show "Path to the Draft" on NFL Network. I do agree that Spears is a disappointment at this point and it's worth looking into a DE in the draft. Canty, I believe will be a much improved player in Wade's one gap 34 defense. Hatcher is intriguing because he might benefit the most and could push Spears out of the starting spot.

by Cowboys81 on Mar 13, 2007 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Adam Carriker scouting report

Carriker Scouting Report:

Strengths:

Has outstanding size and a big frame. Has tremendous strength and is extremely powerful. Holds his ground and is excepional against the run. Has a motor that never stops. Solid tackler. Instinctive and purses well. Is technically sound and uses his hands well. Is versatile and could play a number of different roles and positions. very porductive. Tough guy and a hard worker with great intangibles.

Weaknesses:

Is not overly athletic and lacks great timed speed. A DE/DT tweener. He might be too tall and has trouble protecting his lower body. Is not a great natural pass rusher. Is not explosive and doesn't have a burst to close. Has battled through a series of minor injuies during his career. May not be a good fit for every team.

Notes:

Might be able to move inside to tackle but his best fit at the pro level will probably come as a DE in a 3-4 scheme. He isn't the type of flashy pass rusher we are accustomed to seeing from the position, but that isn't everything. With so many teams now moving to the 34 defense there will probably be a high demand for this guy so don't be surprised if the "Blackshirt" goes higher than most expect.

Sacks totals:

2003 1.0
2004 3.0
2005 9.5
2006 7.0

Total: 20.5

by Cowboys81 on Mar 13, 2007 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions

signing a CB would let us replace TNewman

not that I want to see him leave, but if we could go without paying a CB $10mm a year it would help the cap a lot

by 325424 on Mar 13, 2007 5:54 PM CDT reply actions

Tagged

Newman will be tagged if they can't come to a long term agreement after the season. Count on it.

by Cowboys81 on Mar 13, 2007 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Thats the market for CB's of his caliber

I'm sure we will resign Newman, even though its gonna be crazy money.

I'd rather get one of these CB's to replace Reeves or Jones and eventually A.Glenn. We don't have to do it in the first round, but I hope it's a first day pick.

by APerfectStar on Mar 13, 2007 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions

And maybe that is truer now

than under Parcells because Phillips takes risk in the secondary in order to bring pressure. Newman is ideal for that kind of man coverage.

by dunkman on Mar 14, 2007 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions

As the great Tom Landry said

It takes 3 years to develop a D-lineman.

Burt-D

by Burt D @ Blogging The Boys on Mar 13, 2007 7:23 PM CDT reply actions

This sounds like Spears make or break season.

I hope he plays up to his first round potential.

by APerfectStar on Mar 13, 2007 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions

There are many weeks left to study

this draft and so I am reluctant to express an opinion on a player yet. As to philosophy, the defense has owned too many 1st round picks in a row (are we the antithesis of Detroit?) and needs to draft offense. If one of the WRs available to us at 22 is worthy of the pick, I hope we take him. Yes, Calvin Johnson would be great but 21 teams ahead of us are not that stupid even if 2 or three of them are.

I think we should look at the Seattle game for a more accurate gauge of our needs. The defense played well. The offense struggled. We have addressed Marco Rivera's position and perhaps now can move on to build for the future on the O-line and WRs. I am still a believer in Watkins and thus prefer a serviceable CB to a FS.

They have got to be out of their minds to believe the tripe about Julius being traded. First, Philadelphia is not a good source for Dallas news. Dallas would not trade him within the division. Second, Julius is our best guy, not Barber. Look at Seattle game again to see why. Third, unless we get a pick that nets Calvin Johnson there is nobody in this draft I think is more valuable than Julius. So I simply don't believe it.

by lee3022 on Mar 13, 2007 11:08 PM CDT reply actions