2013 Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft Tracker: One Week To Go

Comment: "The Cowboys recorded a franchise-low number of sacks in 2012, accumulating only 34.0 for the season . . . and 26.5 of those came from the LB positions. That will just not cut it for the new 4-3 "Tampa 2" defense that new DC Monte Kiffin will be installing . . . and the defensive philosophy is built upon pressure from the defensive line, most notably the 3-technique DT disrupting the interior. Richardson had 10.5 TFL and 4.0 sacks in 11 games for the Tigers, playing their first year in the SEC. His athleticism belies his size, as at the Combine he ran a 5-second forty (1.69 at 10 yards) and proved his strength with 30 reps from 34.5" arms."

Comment: "New DC Monte Kiffin told his players to watch film of Seattle's defense: if Barry Church plays in the box, Dallas needs a "center-fielder" at FS, requiring coverage skills of a CB, tackling skills of a FS, and the speed/range to cover the back-end of the defense. Darius Slay played CB for the Bulldogs, tackled well enough to drop back in a deep position, and clocked a 4.36 forty at the Combine. "

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. Williams left scouts buzzing with his athleticism at the North Carolina Pro Day and would be a perfect schematic fit."

Comment: "Jason Witten isn't going to last forever."

Comment: "I'm sure Jerry Jones will want to make a splash with this pick, but the Cowboys desperately need to revamp the trenches on both sides of the ball. If one of the top two guards (Warmack, Cooper) or top three defensive tackles (Floyd, Lotulelei, Richardson) are still available, that will make the most sense."

Comment: "Dallas will look to add a safety early in the draft and if it's not Vaccaro in the first, Reid could be the target in the second round."

Comment: "The Cowboys offensive line just isn’t good at all. Adding Fluker at right tackle is just a start. I’d expect the Cowboys to spend multiple picks on the offensive line this April."

Comment: "Fluker was just the beginning and Frederick might not be the end. He can play any of the interior line positions, giving the Cowboys some flexibility inside. I love him as a pulling guard, he is so good at the second level."

Comment: "Ideally a guard slips this far, but Vaccaro, who excels playing near the LOS and as a nickel pass defender, is hardly a fallback option."

Comment: "With Monte Kiffin taking over as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys are switching to a 4-3 scheme and the roster is lacking DT depth."

Comment: "If no safeties or worthwhile defensive lineman are on the board at 18, the Cowboys may be "forced" to take an offensive lineman. Depending on where the offensive scheme is headed, it could be Cooper or Warmack. Assuming a more mobile offensive line front, Cooper fits better."

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Comment: "The Cowboys need to upgrade their offensive line again this year and it’s about time Jerry Jones does it. He decided to give Romo a RIDICULOUS contract extension, so he needs to give him better protection."

Comment: " Amerson has shown me enough to say he can be a good CB in this league, but I like the Cowboys taking a chance on him and moving him to S. With the secondary they have I think he’ll prosper."

Comment: "Look for the Cowboys to grab a defensive lineman that can produce day 1. Richardson would be a steal at pick 18 and would be a great fit in the Cowboys converted 4-3. Right tackle (Fluker) is also an option if they don’t sign someone before draft day."

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Comment: "As the Cowboys switch to a Tampa 2 defensive scheme, they should be in the market for another interior penetrator at defensive tackle who can bring pressure up the middle while also improve the Cowboys’ interior run-defense. They could get that out of Florida’s Sharrif Floyd. Floyd is a great athlete for a defensive tackle, but also strong and powerful at the point of attack. He can add a difference-maker to the Cowboys’ interior line, and is great value at the No. 18 overall selection."

Comment: "The Dallas Cowboys may be set to fill their need at right tackle with Eric Winston, as the two sides have "mutual interest" according to NFL.com, but even if so, they still have a need at right guard. Tennessee’s Dallas Thomas would be a great addition to the offensive line, as he is a skilled offensive lineman with the size, athleticism and power fit to play either spot at a starting-caliber level."

Comment: "The Cowboys are making a switch on defense to a 4-3. Vaccaro has not been available for many updates, but he returns this time around. The Cowboys would love to have him while they make their transition."

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