The Cowboys sent scouts to the Pro Day for TCU, where it was revealed that they have interestin at least one of the prospects.
The big named player at the pro day was defensive end/outside linebacker Stansly Maponga. The biggest negative for Maponga, a Carrollton, Texas native, is his health. He's going to visit a doctor to determine if he needs surgery to repair a broken left little toe. Maponga didn't run at the combine because doctors told him the bone was too soft. He ran on Thursday. His official 40 times were: 4.84 and 4.85. He also benched pressed 225 pounds 30 times and had a vertical jump of 29 1/2 inches. After his workout, Maponga said he could have done better and said he's got another workout schedule for Sunday with the Atlanta Falcons. Maponga has met with Cowboys' officials and another meeting is being planned.
Want to know a little more about Maponga? I checked out SB Nation's TCU site, Frogs Of War, for some info. Most observers there felt he would stay in school one more year to improve his draft stock after an injury-plagued 2012 season. But Maponga decided to make the jump. From Frogs Of War:
In 2011, Maponga dominated, leading TCU in tackles for loss with 13.5, sacks (9), forced fumbles (5) and fumbles recovered (2).
2012 has been well documented for Maponga, and we all know it wasn't as great of a year. He finished with only 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks, and was clearly not feeling completely healthy from the SMU game through the end of the season.
Maponga's measurables are a little small, he's 6'2" 265 pounds, but he's got the motor and the skills off the line to be very effective in this league.
That size seems to match up pretty well with what the Cowboys are now looking at for their defensive ends. A little lighter and quicker.
STRENGTHS: Natural edge rusher who displayed natural pass rush skills. He is quick off the snap, shows good flexibility to react to cut blocks and is more stout at the point of attack than his size might indicate due to his natural leverage advantage and good upper strength. Maponga also shows strong, active hands, which he uses well to defeat blocks and knock the ball free. He has forced seven fumbles over the past two seasons.
WEAKNESSES: Too short to remain at defensive end for some NFL schemes. The lack of success former TCU edge rushers (Jerry Hughes, Bo Schobel) have enjoyed in the NFL could give decision-makers pause on draft day.