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[In this series, we’re going to give you options for each Cowboys draft pick each round to see where BTB’s draft strategy is at.
We’re just going to assume that the Cowboys stay put and pick so no trade options here. Using Dane Brugler’s prospect rankings at NFLDraftScout.com or hints from their pre-Draft visits, we’ll give you options of guys with a chance to be on the board. After we have gathered all answers to the polls, we’ll publish the perfect BTB Draft.]
BTB’s poll results for the first five rounds:
DT Vita Vea at pick 19 with 44% of the vote
WR Courtland Sutton at pick 50 with 27% of the vote
G Braden Smith at pick 81 with 39% of the vote
LB Fred Warner at pick 116 with 66% of the vote
FS Tarvarious Moore at pick 137 with 52% of the vote
LB Jack Cichy at pick 171 with 44% of the vote
For this exercise, we’re going to give three options at each pick in the sixth round at 192, 193, and 208th overall.
PICK 192
Hercules Mata’afa, OLB/DE, Washington State (Brugler: 189th)
Where he fits: He’s a bit of a tweener at 6’2, 254lbs, but the Cowboys would likely use him as a pass rush specialist where he has the best initial first-step of any prospect. He’s extremely raw, though the explosion is there, and he may have to play linebacker due to his size limitations. At times, he can be susceptible to cut-blocks or being knocked down, which he’ll need to work on balance and technique there. The talent and production is undeniable where he had an insane 47 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks. He lives in the backfield but it’s going to take a creative coach to find his fit in the NFL.
D.J. Reed, CB, Kansas State (Brugler: 191st)
Where he fits: He’s an undersized corner at 5’9, 188 lbs, but he’s got incredible length in his arms at 36.5 inches. Reed is an explosive athlete in his own right where he had four interceptions last season ranking second in the BIG 12 but also averaged 34.2 yards per kickoff return, ranking second in the nation. Reed was very productive ranking fifth on the team with 47 tackles, 13 pass breakups (3rd in BIG 12), 4.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
Jaleel Scott, WR, New Mexico State (193rd)
Where he fits: He’s got incredible length (6’5, 34.5 inch arms) and is one of those guys that can high-point the ball with the best of them. Scott is one of those guys that can jump out of the gym and you see his former basketball skills translate in his football performance. Scott has a great understanding of comeback routes and spatial awareness. He still has a lot of room to grow and needs to improve his play strength but if a team needs a jump-ball guy downfield, Scott is your man.
Poll
Of these three prospects, who’s your pick at 192 in the sixth round?
This poll is closed
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43%
DE/OLB Hercules Mata’afa
-
25%
CB D.J. Reed
-
30%
WR Jaleel Scott
PICK 193
Daurice Fountain, WR, Northern Iowa (Brugler: 196th)
Where he fits: He was in our fifth-round poll but Fountain is very likely to fall in the sixth round somewhere and he’s been a favorite in our BTB mocks. Fountain is somebody the Cowboys have interest in but he’s also a solid all-around receiver. He’s got size, 4.4 speed, and has a great repertoire of routes ready-made. He’s not a perfect prospect but he can create his own separation which could help him make a roster early in his career. One last chance to make this right with my pet cat, BTB.
Poona Ford, DT, Texas (Brugler: 199th)
Where he fits: Ford is an undersized tackle that is really fun to watch. He’s extremely solid at the point of attack where he can take on double-teams but he also flashes some solid pass rush ability. Ford has the initial quickness, relentless motor, and can be a valuable contributor to the Cowboys rotation. Being undersized at defensive tackle should not hurt him too much as his tape was really good.
Trayvon Henderson, SS, Hawaii (Brugler: 200th)
Where he fits: The Cowboys need to add depth at the safety position and even with Moore selected in the fourth round, they could use another strong safety candidate. Henderson is a very smart player with great awareness and understanding of how to combat multiple offensive schemes. Henderson is a willing and physical tackler but he still needs some improvement with his technique. He’s got pretty good ball skills, having nine career picks with Hawaii and he can contribute immediately on special teams.
Poll
Of these three prospects, who’s your pick at 193 in the sixth round?
This poll is closed
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29%
WR Daurice Fountain
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51%
DT Poona Ford
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18%
SS Trayvon Henderson
PICK 208
David Wells, TE, San Diego State (Brugler: 202nd)
Where he fits: If you throw anywhere in the vicinity, Wells is more often than not coming down with that ball. He was a full-time starter that had to work his way up a steep depth chart. He was so good in 2014 that he forced the incumbent to switch to right tackle. Wells has sure hands, was a reliable target, and played with a lot of toughness. He’s a gritty player that works hard to master every facet of playing the position which is why the Cowboys worked him out.
Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia (Brugler: 228th)
Where he fits: Harrison has a rare athletic profile with outstanding flexibility and smooth movement that guys his size usually don’t possess. The talent is off the charts but he’s a beacon of inconsistency and has multiple off-field concerns. The Cowboys have showed interest in him but he will require a patient staff that can develop him. Again, he’s a rare talent that could project as a full-time starter in the future.
Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss (Brugler: 230th)
Where he fits: The Cowboys have shown interest in Smith and they’re certainly looking for a scat back that is explosive in space. Smith is exactly that plus a little more as he showed that he may be small at 5’9, 200 lbs but he was physical, tough, productive, and most importantly he was durable (multiple games with 30-40 touches). He offers a lot to a team because he can be a threat in the passing game but also plays with a lead dog mentality.
Poll
Of these three prospects, who’s your pick at 208 in the sixth round?
This poll is closed
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16%
TE David Wells
-
21%
OT Desmond Harrison
-
62%
RB Ito Smith