Compared to last year, free agency this year turned out to be a little bit of a bummer for Cowboys fans. The Cowboys haven't made any moves yet and probably won't until they extend either Romo or Spencer or both, or do something about Doug Free.
In the meantime, we can turn our attention back to the draft. The draftniks are scrambling to account for the free agency moves made so far, and not many have updated their mocks yet. But we'll look at this week's mocks anyway, even though some of them were published before free agency officially kicked off on Tuesday.
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas | |
NFP, March 14 | Comment: "Many are predicting the Cowboys will grab guard Chance Warmack here, but with issues on the back-end of their defense, the Cowboys grab Vaccaro. Not only is he a gifted talent, but he is smart and mature which should allow him to handle a starting job as a rookie." |
Drafttek.com, March 14 | Drafttek is discontinuing comments for the next few weeks, as they are continually running re-simulations as a result of Free Agency. |
Walter Football, March 11 |
Comment: "The safety position was a major weak point for the Cowboys this past season after Barry Church tore his Achilles' tendon. Church was extended prior to the injury, but he's owed less than $1 million next year, so that wouldn't have prevented Dallas from picking a safety early. Gerald Sensabaugh's release only magnifies that need. Kenny Vaccaro is the top player available at this juncture. The Cowboys are very interested in him." |
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri | |
FFToday, March 13 | Comment: "Previous pick Sharrif Floyd won’t make it this far, and Richardson may not either, but I think an explosive three technique tackle is a top priority as they convert to a 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. Kenny Vaccaro will also be a consideration here, as the team has struggled to settle the position and has the opportunity to add a playmaker up the middle." |
CBSSports (Brinson), March 12 | Comment: "Dallas is making the move to the 4-3 defense and needs someone to occupy blockers. Richardson can do just that and allow Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware to get loose." |
NE Patriots draft, March 11 | Comment: "The Dallas Cowboys have been searching for a 3-technique defensive tackle for quite sometime and Sheldon Richardson is their guy. Granted, this might be a bit of a reach at No. 18 overall, but Richardson fits exactly what the Cowboys need." |
Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina | |
NFL.com (Norris), March 13 | Comment: "Buzz is building that Cooper is being considered as a guard and a center. He would improve either spot for the Cowboys." |
CBSSports (Brugler), March 12 | Comment: "Will Jerry Jones really draft an offensive guard in the top-20 of the draft? Although it might seem like a longshot, Cooper is absolutely worth the pick and Dallas can't afford to pass on an interior lineman of his caliber, especially because he brings versatility at guard and center." |
Buffalo Bills Draft, March 11 |
Comment: "The Cowboys would love to get Cooper at this spot. He’s an athletic blocker that can pull and get to the second level with ease. The Cowboys line had a real problem opening up running lanes for DeMarco Murray and Cooper would be an immediate solution there. He can hold his own on the inside and could break open some big runs.." |
Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama | |
E$PN (Kiper), March 11 |
Comment: "Sticking with this pick from the previous mock, Warmack is an immediate upgrade on the interior of the offensive line. The ceiling of a Pro Bowl guard, Warmack is an absolute plow in the run game, and has very good instincts as a pass-blocker, picking up stunts and blitzes extremely well. Free-agency factor: The Cowboys would have to be creative financially to find an offensive lineman with Warmack's talent on the open market, so this isn't a pick I think will shift based on buying season." |
Optimum Scouting, March 11 | Comment: "Offensive line help is a must for the Cowboys this year, in free agency and the draft. If a DT falls, they’ll likely be the pick, and safety is an option as well. But getting a Top 10 worthy lineman at this point is too good to pass on." |
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah | |
CBSSports (Rang), March 4 |
Comment: "After a long run with the 3-4 defense the Cowboys are making the switch to the 4-3 alignment with new coordinator Monte Kiffin. For Kiffin's famous Tampa-2 scheme to work the team will need to add a penetrating three-technique defensive tackle. Lotulelei flashes the talent to warrant top five consideration but his draft stock is on shaky ground after it was discovered during medical testing at the combine that his heart isn't functioning efficiently. At this point in the draft, however, the gambler in Jerry Jones might find Star too talented to pass by." |
DJ Fluker, OT, Alabama | |
CBSSports (Judge), March 11 | Comment: "The Cowboys must find offensive-line help to push a running game that's not there and to protect Tony Romo. Fluker is a perfect choice for right tackle." |
Kawann Short, DT, Purdue | |
CBSSports (Kirwan), March 11 |
Comment: "The Cowboys could use a big guard like Chance Warmack here, but are switching to a 4-3 defense, and a solid "3 technique" player is critical. Word coming out of Dallas is that Jay Ratliff will be the "Warren Sapp" defensive tackle. If so, then the team could take Warmack." |
Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina | |
Charlotte Observer, March 14 | Comment: "Dallas clearly needs help on both the offensive and defensive lines. The guess here is that they'll go with defense, since the top three offensive tackles and top two offensive guards could be gone by No. 18. Defensive end Anthony Spencer has been tagged as the Cowboys' franchise player, so tackle has become the defense's biggest need. Williams is still a developing player, but he could eventually become a real difference maker in the interior line with his size and speed combination." |