Mocking the Cowboys Draft: Eight Weeks To Go

It's mock draft time, that wonderful time of the year when hope springs eternal and everybody becomes an expert in player evaluation and selection. One of the joys of draft season is mock drafts; anybody can make one and nowadays anyone can publish one. It's the time of year when any random internet dude knows more than our coaches and scouts. Combined.

But you never know, that one mock draft you're reading may just be the one that has it all figured out.

Below you'll find choice quotes on which players some mock drafts like as our No. 1 pick, and also an overview of selected draftniks that have published a mock draft of at least three rounds. So without further ado, let's take a spin around this week's Cowboys mock draft world.

(We recommend starting with Raf's Mock 2.0)....

Who will be the Cowboys' first pick? Ten different answers from ten different sources.

Matt McGuire @ WalterFootball.com - 2/26/2010

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri. This is one of the more surprising picks in my mock, but I've heard that NFL teams are thinking Sean Weatherspoon (a.k.a. "Spoon") can also play inside in a 3-4 defense as well as outside in a 4-3 defense. Weatherspoon compares very favorably to New England's Jerod Mayo when he came out, and if the Pats would spend a top-10 pick on him as an inside linebacker, I see no reason why Dallas wouldn't look at Spoon here. Also, Spoon has a very contagious, extroverted personality that reminds me a little bit of Ray Lewis, and I think that "superstar" personality will win over Jerry Jones.

Don Banks @ SI.com - 2/25/2010

Taylor Mays, S, USC. The Cowboys could use another option at offensive tackle should they let Flozell Adams go, but Mays should be an easy card to turn in. Though he didn't make enough big plays for the Trojans as a senior, he's a gifted athlete who has impressive size and speed, and he fills a crying need in Dallas. Honestly now, who wouldn't want a guy named Mays playing centerfield for their defense?

KFFL.com - 02/24/2010

Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho. Upgrades Kyle Kosier's spot. Can play OT if needed - a mauler that fits in with the rest of DAL's lumbering OL.

Draftek.com - 2/23/2010

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland. Campbell's workouts, including rehab on his turf toe and knee, have progressed nicely over the past few weeks - we will see at the Combine if it's enough to move him up the Big Board. If not, and if he can keep his weight (and future big contract) under control, the Cowboys may have a replacement for Flozell Adams.

Dallascowboystimes.com - 02/22/2010

Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn St. We displayed this pick in our original 32-team mock draft, and it just seems to make sense. Odrick is a perfect 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. He has a tremendous motor– one which the Cowboys will need in the near future with so many restricted free agents at the position. Idaho G Mike Iupati or a top-tier tackle could also be the pick if they are available.

Draftace.com - 02/22/2010

Chad Jones, S, LSU. While offensive line is the most glaring need, with six lineman already gone in this scenario I don't envision them reaching for someone like Vladimir Ducasse. Safety wasn't an obvious weakness for the Cowboys, but neither Gerald Sensabaugh or Ken Hamlin are among the elite players at the position. Jones has Taylor Mays-like size is the type of physical defensive back the Cowboys covet. He has the athleticism and size to play either safety position.

Thefootballexpert.com - 2/22/2010

Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. After the Saints game, I bet Tony Romo is pleading with Jerry Jones for some more offensive line help. Left tackle Flozell Adams is near a great career at 34 years old, while Marc Colombo isn't much younger at 31 years old. Trent Williams' stock drops this far mostly for two reasons: he may only be able to play right tackle, and he is an Oklahoma lineman. Both Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson had high draft grades at this time and fell to the 2nd and 5th round respectively. The Cowboys could also be interested in receiver Golden Tate.

Draftempire.com - 02/20/2010

Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida. Keith Brooking, 34, is under contract for two more years but moving forward the Cowboys need someone a little more athletic to put next to Bradie James. Spikes is one of the better coverage linebackers in this year’s class.

NFLtouchdown.com - 2/16/2010

Maurkice Pouncey, G Florida. Examination: Here’s a player who’s stock will rise or fall depending on how the rest of the draft plays out ahead of him. The Cowboys need help on the offensive line and Pouncey is the best offensive lineman available while bringing a lot of talent with him, he’s only a small reach.

Chris Steuber at Scout.com - 2/12/2010

Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame. The Cowboys could draft an OT or a FS at this spot. But with the talented Tate available, they pair him with the emerging Miles Austin.

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