Wes Bunting Mock Draft No. 3: Tyron Smith To Cowboys

Wes Bunting released his mock draft version 3.0 today. Wes Bunting is the National Football Post's draft guru, and is ranked at the very top of draftniks we pay attention to here at BTB, which gives his opinion a little more weight than we give most other mock drafts.

Bunting of course knows how to deliver a mock draft that gets people talking, and of course his mock contains a couple of surprises and some interesting picks. His top pick from version 2.0, Cam Newton, drops to number five. Blaine Gabbert is also off the board ahead of the Cowboys pick, which pushes a couple of blue chip prospects Dallas' way.

With the 9th pick in the 2011 draft, the Cowboys take Tyron Smith. Bunting writes:

It’s rare to find an offensive tackle with Smith’s dimensions, length and overall movement skills. He still possesses plenty of upside to his game and with some time could end up being one of the better offensive tackles in the league.

Other notable selections

• At pick #10, the Redskins get Robert Quinn, the second OLB taken after Von Miller. Quinn and Orakpo could form a formidable pass rushing duo in Washington, and for this reason alone it's a good idea for the Cowboys to invest in some protection for Tony Romo.
  
• By the Giants' turn at pick #19, the two top tackles, Smith and Castonzo are already gone and the Giants pick Nate Solder.
• In a draft class that's supposedly stocked with defensive talent, Bunting has eight (!) offensive linemen going in the first round. The Eagles come up empty in the O-line sweepstakes but make a very solid pick with Brandon Harris.