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The Dallas Morning News asks a good question of Dane Brugler, it’s a scenario that could happen on Thursday night.
If Leighton Vander Esch and Calvin Ridley are both there at 19, who do you think Dallas would take?
Brugler: Good question because like I’ve said, I think WR/LB or LB/WR are the Cowboys’ preferred targets in the first two rounds. My guess is Vander Esch would get the edge and one of the main reasons being Dallas liking the depth better at the wide receiver position on Day 2 rather than linebacker. Vander Esch offers the versatility that the Cowboys covet on defense.
Draft Show Analysts Each Reveal Their Top 10 WRs Heading Into NFL Draft - Staff, Mothership
Brugler may think the Cowboys would go Vander Esch, but he makes clear he thinks Ridley is the #1 WR in this draft. A couple of other Cowboys observers disagree.
The three analysts from the Draft Show podcast have varying opinions as well. Check out the Top 10 list of receivers from Bryan Broaddus, David Helman and Dane Brugler.
Bryan Broaddus 1. D.J. Moore 2. Calvin Ridley 3. Anthony Miller
David Helman 1. D.J. Moore 2. Calvin Ridley 3. Anthony Miller
Dane Burgler 1. Calvin Ridley 2. D.J. Moore 3. Anthony Miller
Cowboys’ draft day stories ... LB Sean Lee - Drew Davison, Star-Telegram
If the Cowboys go with Vander Esch, he may be replacing Sean Lee in another year. At one time, Lee thought he was going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler.
Sean Lee remembers having a split household on April 23, 2010, the day the Dallas Cowboys drafted him.
His hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, had the 52nd overall pick, needed linebacker depth and brought in Lee for a pre-draft visit. It all seemed to fall in place perfectly.
Except the Steelers opted for another linebacker, Virginia Tech’s Jason Worilds.
Cowboys have built solid defensive line but can’t stop now - Todd Archer, ESPN
There are plenty of Cowboys fans who wouldn’t mind a big defensive tackle for the Cowboys in round one, but Todd Archer thinks that won’t happen.
The Cowboys have a need for a nose tackle. It’s not Collins’ best position. Price is coming back from a knee injury. But the Cowboys do not place early-round importance on the spot. Vita Vea might be a nose tackle to some but the Cowboys see him as an under-tackle with his athleticism. If they take a nose tackle, it will be in the middle rounds.
Cowboys pick up fifth-year option for DB Byron Jones - Todd Archer, ESPN
It was reported the other day the Cowboys were going to pick up the fifth-year option on Byron Jones. It turns out they already have.
The Dallas Cowboys have picked up the fifth-year option for 2019 on Byron Jones’ contract, according to multiple sources.
The move actually happened last Friday, ending speculation on what the Cowboys planned to do with the 2015 first-round pick. The option is worth $6.29 million and is guaranteed only for injury.
Cardinals sign former Cowboys DE Benson Mayowa - Patrik Walker, 247 Sports
A former Cowboys has found a new place to play
Benson Mayowa has a new home.
The Dallas Cowboys released the veteran pass rusher on March 7 and just ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft, according an official team statement, he’s reportedly now signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year deal worth up to $1.6 million. That’s quite the fall from the three-year, $8.25 million deal he signed with the Cowboys initially, but his failure to continually play up to the standard they wanted ultimately led to him being shown the door this offseason. He’d deliver a team-high six sacks in 2016, but things went awry from there.
A different former Cowboy has lost a potential suitor.
Now that Baltimore is acquiring former Saints’ WR Willie Snead, Ravens are out on Dez Bryant. They showed some initial interest.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 23, 2018
Mailbag: Does Hanna’s Retirement Create TE Need? Trading Up Or Down? - The Mothership
There is always talk about the Cowboys acquiring a tight end in the draft. The recent retirement of James Hanna brought that back to the forefront.
With James Hanna’s retirement, will Dallas be looking for one of the better TE’s in the 3rd of 4th rounds? I like the TE from Oklahoma.
Bryan: They’re really excited about Blake Jarwin, who was brought up during the season. They also need to take a look at Rico Gathers as well, so having to take a tight end early might not be in the plans.
David: I sure don’t get the feeling they have a lot of interest in tight end. They didn’t bring in any tight ends on their visits, and Jason Witten is still producing. Maybe they draft one with one of their Day 3 picks, but it doesn’t feel like a super high priority.
Witten is the reason that tight ends seem to be wasted picks in Dallas. He’s ready to go and feels he can produce.
Challenges to his playing time should mount as he enters his 16th season. Does Witten use that as fuel as he enters this stage of his career?
”I just think my standard is so much higher than any draft pick or any player that can come in here,’’ Witten said. “My standard is really high for the way I want to play. That’s not to minimize any individual player because there are a lot of great, talented tight ends in the draft and potentially in free agency.
”I don’t think ‘fuel’ would be the right word.’’
A Look At Top Draft Needs, Potential Picks For Dallas Cowboys - CBS/Fort Worth
That doesn’t stop some mockers from taking a tight end high in the draft, no matter how much it seems like it won’t happen.
2nd (round)—MARK ANDREWS—TE—Oklahoma
The heir apparent to Jason Witten, this 6-5, 256 pounder would replace fellow Sooner James Hanna, who retired this week. Andrews caught 22 TD passes in 3 seasons, QB Baker Mayfield’s best friend in the passing game. Andrews plays like a cerebral, savvy veteran who understands route concepts, plus showed good athleticism, running a 4.58 forty at the combine.
Another second-round tight end, and Witten would probably outlast him, too.