Dr. Z tells some interesting tales in his mock draft. Not content to just put up a name and a brief explanation of the guys skills or whatever, he gives you some inside information as to why he picked these particular players. For instance, check out his Cowboys pick.
Yesterday the DFW S-T had an article on DeMarcus Ware and his recollections of his rise last year in the draft. Couple of interesting parts:
"Lawson is the guy who is white hot right now," Mayock said. "I gave him a third-round grade, too, before the season. Now he is between 12 and 20. He lit it up at the combine. He ran a 4.4 [seconds] in the 40."
I'm nervous about Lawson, everybody who reads this blog knows that. I'm not so nervous that I think he'll be a bust, but if he is going to play the strong-side he's going to have to gain weight. The article mentions that even Ware, who plays the weak-side, was asked to put on weight to play as a 3-4 linebacker.
Most reports have Lawson somewhere around 240 lbs. If Dallas wants him they must be convinced that he can put on the weight without affecting his game.
OK, back to Ware, here's the kind of talk I love to see from a second year player.
As far as on-field work goes, Ware said he is using his hands more as a pass rusher, dropping into coverage and re-routing receivers.
"I was more of an upfield rush guy, I didn't use my hands," Ware said. "Now I am upfield, but I use my hands more. I will use my power and my quickness. Anybody can stop speed. Just cut it off. I need to do stuff to counter that."
Again, I'm not saying Lawson is a bad pick, but these are the kind of growing pains he'll go through in making the transition to a 3-4 linebacker.
Nick Eatman takes on the QB's in this article. The only question is will Dallas spend a pick in the later rounds for a QB. Jerry Jones seems to give us an answer.
A QB in the draft looks doubtful this year.
Reports of drafting Charlie Whitehurst may also be moot now. Check out this blurb from ESPN Insider (sub. required).
If Whitehurst is going that high, there's no way the Cowboys draft him. Also from the ESPN Insider:
His game was hurt somewhat by the fact he had to play left tackle in 2005, to help solidify the Panthers' offensive line, and by some weight problems. But his weight seems to be under control now and scouts see him as a real in-line tough guy.
Now there's a group of three guys that Dallas should be looking real hard at in the second round. We need help in the middle of the line, let's hope that one of the three are still available at #49.