30 of the NFL's 32 teams are now in full-blown draft prep mode. The Senior Bowl has come and gone and concludes the remaining 'organized football' on scouts' and mocker's schedules until the Combine arrives.
The big guns among draft analysts are busy preparing their updated mock drafts and many mockers are frantically updating their mocks based on their impressions of the Senior Bowl as the first wave of post-Senior Bowl mocks hits the interwebs.
After the break, we look at who Wes Bunting, Don Banks, Peter Schrager, SB Nation and others are projecting as the Cowboys first-round draft pick.
| Analyst | Pick | Comments | Next five available players | My Take |
|
Wes Bunting, NFP (1/30) |
Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin |
Center and guard are both needs in Dallas and the idea of adding a potential blue-chip lineman who has the skill set to play either spot is simply too good to pass up even at 14. | ILB Luke Kuechly, OLB Courtney Upshaw, RB Trent Richardson, ILB Dont'a Hightower, OT Mike Adams | I'm surprised Wes is mocking Konz this high. I would love Konz in a Cowboys jersey, but not with the 14th pick. This could be an option in a trade-down scenario. |
|
Ryan Van Bibber, SB Nation (1/30) |
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama | Another obvious fit for a team that tried to bluff its way through with Terrance Newman in the secondary. Kirkpatrick is a physical cornerback who excels in man coverage. He'll match up well in the NFC East against the Giants' receivers. Obligated to mention his marijuana arrest, it's nothing more than a reminder of how silly the draft stock game gets sometimes. | ILB Luke Kuechly, WR Kendall Wright, CB Janoris Jenkins, OLB Melvin Ingram, WR Michael Floyd | This is a Nick Saban protegé, and Garrett has very close ties to Saban. If the Cowboys end up picking Kirkpatrick, they'll have done their homework. Remember, the Cowboys loved, loved, loved Patrick Peterson last year. |
|
Draft King, (1/30) |
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina | Coples looked great in the Senior Bowl, though in many ways it wasn't an accurate demonstration of his potential since he mostly faced off with Washington OL Senio Kelemete, who projects much stronger as an offensive guard than as a left offensive tackle. But there is no doubting Coples' size and strength, and he could be a great fit for Dallas' 3-4 defense. | ILB Luke Kuechly, OG David DeCastro, RB Trent Richardson, OLB Vontaze Burfict, WR Alshon Jeffrey | Jerry Jones said "our defensive front is one of the strengths of our team." LIAR, LIAR PANTS ON FIRE! Welcome to the Cowboys, Quinton. |
|
Peter Schrager, Foxsports (1/29) |
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama | A 6-3 cornerback (think Patrick Peterson size) with top-flight speed (think Patrick Peterson speed), Kirkpatrick is the rare tall cornerback who can keep up with the game’s fastest receivers (like Patrick Peterson). The Cowboys are desperate for some depth and some young talent at cornerrback. Kirkpatrick - a guy I could see going in the top 10 - would be an absolute steal at No. 14. | LB Zach Brown, SS Mark Barron, CB Janoris Jenkins, DE Nick Perry, C Peter Konz | At 6-2, Kirkpatrick could be just the guy the Cowboys need to shut down the tall-receiver-nuisance the Cowboys repeatedly faced in 2011. |
|
Sideline Scouting (1/29) |
David DeCastro, OG, Stanford | The Cowboys lost guard Bill Nagy for the year and he was marginal at best to begin with. Dallas lost the reputation for having a strong interior line a long time ago and DeCastro hopes to bring that reputation back. There have been four interior offensive linemen drafted in the Top 21 in the last three years (Mack, Iupati and the Pouncey twins) but it wouldn't be a surprise if DeCastro goes higher than any of them. He's the top interior lineman in this draft and should be able to help keep Tony Romo healthy as well as open up holes for the dynamic duo of DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones. | ILB Luke Kuechly, WR Alshon Jeffrey, RB Trent Richardson, OLB Nick Perry, OT Mike Adams | As a Cowboys fan, I've been conditioned not to expect a lineman in the first round. If that were to happen in two consecutive years, I would have to contact the Vatican to have this officially recognized as a miracle. |
|
Don Banks, SI.com (1/27) |
Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama |
The Cowboys' secondary was the reason the Giants won the NFC East rather than Dallas. Jenkins, the ex-Gators cornerback, has some maturity issues that will scare some teams away, but the Cowboys usually aren't too skittish about such things. Alabama safety Mark Barron is another solid option, but he doesn't have Jenkins' elite cover skills. | ILB Luke Kuechly, SS Mark Barron, RB Trent Richardson, OLB Whitney Mercilus, WR Michael Floyd | Jenkins' stock is trending up strongly after his Senior Bowl performance. At this stage, the Cowboys will be happy to have him as an option at no. 14, and if they have no issues with his character questions, neither do I. |
2 recs | 105 comments
I like those picks
I am waiting on combine reports on DeCastro.Unless he is superman 14 is too high for a guard.
I don’t think we will get Kirkpatrick unless we move up a few spots.
TCB Orange Dino - January 30, 2012
14 is not too high for him, unless he bombs the combine
If he is Super Man at the combine he might not make it to us.
DEL1SLE - January 30, 2012
He'll probably be gone by #14
If he isn’t, though, he’s my pick. He is an outstanding prospect. He was dominant at Stanford. He has a nasty mean streak too.
pfloyd1 - January 30, 2012
you gotta think one of the two – either Castro or Dre are gonna be there for us @ #14. Doudtful both are off the board. Sure you wouldn’t sank Jenkins over Dre though…6’2 is > 5’11.
StarloverinWNC - January 30, 2012
And quickness is much more important in a CB than height
Ill take a quick 5’11 cb over an average foot speed 6’3 guy any day. That’s a no brainer
Dynamicduo - January 30, 2012 via mobile
You are absolutely right, except...
Kirkpatrick isn’t an “average foot speed 6’3 guy”.
RenoCowboy - January 31, 2012
I disagree but the combine will say a lot. If he has Peterson foot speed he'd be a top 5 pick.
Janoris has better foot speed, I’ll bet on it. But combine will tell us.
Dynamicduo - January 31, 2012 via mobile
Agreed...
In my mind, our O line presented problems, but it was the lesser of evils in comparison with our D. The O line didn’t cause us to miss the playoffs, but that secondary sure did. I don’t see how you don’t go Defense with the first pick.
Rembrthe90s - January 31, 2012
You have to be able to tackle in the NFC East
Janoris Jenkins has show on tape he doesn’t like to come up and make a play on the run
djthumpl - January 30, 2012
Dre Kirkpatrick is a better tackler no?
Antonio S - January 30, 2012
I've read a few times...
that Dre is the best tackling CB in the draft. I can’t speak to it myself, but I’ve read it.
BigDumbFace - January 30, 2012
yeah he is def one of the best
Archie Barberio - January 30, 2012
actually
from what I know about Janoris, is that he is a decent tackler
he made a real nice tackle on Pead in the Senior Bowl that saved a TD, but from what I gather about Jenkins, he looks like and sounds like a solid tackler
but that is one thing Rob Ryan will be looking at in these CB’s
Archie Barberio - January 30, 2012
BR
Had an article that said JJ and JG were locked on to Jenkins in Mobile. They also said that their guys were close enough to hear them and JG couldn’t stop talking about his press coverage and quickness.
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1041989-2012-nfl-mock-draft-post-senior-bowl-edition/page/15
mho - January 30, 2012 via iPhone app
take what you read at BR with a grain of salt
These are the same guys who drum up Romo isn’t clutch, should Kitna or McGee get a shot articles every few weeks.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Wow! Coples going @ #32 to New England...
Get outta town!
StarloverinWNC - January 30, 2012
Has to be a Pats fan
BrickTop - January 30, 2012 via mobile
shocked me too
mho - January 30, 2012 via iPhone app
hard to take a guy seriously when his main point shouldn't be his main point
TNew wasn’t amazing, but he wasn’t the weakest link.
Problems before TNew should have been mentioned:
1) Scheme and being confused pre-snap leading to blown coverages
2) Jenkins and watching him go down multiple times a game
3) Scandrick has been a 3rd corner at best
4) Ball … ugh seriously I wouldn’t trust him as a ball-boy
5) Safeties where are you?
6) Walker should have never been out there
At least I saw him turn for the ball, something the other guys rarely did. 4 picks ain’t bad either. Imagine what a pass-rush would have done for his career, or some safety help.
fuji1232 - January 30, 2012
I'm sorry
did you watch the final game against the Giants?
bryangene - January 30, 2012
I agree
Victor Cruz retired Terrence Newman
AustonianAggie - January 30, 2012
Perfectly worded,
and thank you Victor Cruz! Haven’t been much of a Newman fan for a long time now.Gotta hand it to him though, he had people fooled for quite a while.
Silverblue - January 30, 2012
Cruz is #2 lining up in the slot
He had a huge year owning alot of cornerbacks, Namdi as well.
fuji1232 - January 31, 2012
His statement was extremely true Sir
Mac_Eleven - January 30, 2012
I would love both Coples and Jenkins/ Dre Kirkpatrick
But there is no chance in hades even with a trade up such a thing could happen.
Would be a 2 player draft that even those who hate two player drafts could love
Jonathan Stern - January 30, 2012
Coples
Is lazy…..you do not want him….this from a Tar Heel fan
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 30, 2012
thank you.
Then we ought to get Jason Jones
Jonathan Stern - January 31, 2012
that is kind of bad news.
Cause that means we have little chance of getting substantially y better at defensive end any time then. If the Cowboys don’t get a lot better at defensive end then the Giants , and the Packer will will continue to get the best of us game in and game out.
The DeMarcus Ware against the league pass rush continues.
Jonathan Stern - January 31, 2012
Rare
that there is only one way to skin a cat. Meaning, if the only way to upgrade a unit on your team is with a first round draftee, you must have a very good level of talent to begin with…
ary201 - January 31, 2012
Well we could get Mario , or Campbell , or Avril or Jason Jones or Coples.
The other ends out either aren’t strong enough or aren’t athletic enough, or aren’t fast enough to dramatically change the Cowboys.
Some 300 lb DE who runs a 5:05 in the 40 is not going to be that much better than Spears.
Fixing defensive end , defensive back and guard – I kid you not would have a something on the order of a " miraculous effect "on this team.
Jonathan Stern - January 31, 2012
But as I said
A DE (Coples / Williams)
A CB
and a Guard
makes the Cowboys team that could whoop the Patriots or the Packers.
The Cowboys don’t need to accept rebuilding they can get to the Superbowl next year.
Jonathan Stern - January 30, 2012
LOL
Rena - January 30, 2012
I'm not sure
if drafting an olineman for the first time last year means Jerry has met his 2-decate quota, or if he’s broken the seal and now won’t mind doing it again if it’s the best value and a good fit, which DeCastro certainly could be both at 14.
scottmaui - January 30, 2012
Luke Kuechly and Dont'a Hightower will not be Dallas Cowboys
If you saw Jerry speak last week he made it clear, their plan is to have ILB#2 be Bruce Carter.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Zach Brown will not be a Dallas Cowboy as well.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Signing Calais Campbell would set up a good strategy
We could get interior OL and db without aging to fill such a big area of need. Konz, Gilmore and Iloka would be a great haul.
Additionally we could snag a talented guy that’s bpa to add depth to our roster.
DE s going to be the hardest position to upgrade. Time to spend for a young guy that can be a difference maker in the pass rush. I hope AZ doesn’t slap the tag on him.
HudBaby - January 30, 2012
Getting a NT or DE
Cant see Campbell being available. I think the best way to get a dynamic DE is to target a big NT (sign Saliai or draft Ta’amu) and move Ratliff to DE.
IF Coples ever fell out of the top 10, I’d go for him.
Draft an OLB early, even if he’s “another Spencer” he’ll at least be cheaper.
DB23 - January 30, 2012 via mobile
isn't there a 98% chance he gets franchised?
clark - January 30, 2012
98.7% actually.
Nickthegrip - January 30, 2012
OCC the one mock that made me go Hmmm.
Nolan Nawrocki for PFW chose Ryan Tannehill QB, Texas A&M at #14 for the Cowboys. I thought he was late 1st or early 2nd at best. The Cowboys wouldn’t draft a QB that high this year. Any thoughts.
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
I don’t see it. Two Aggie QBs with question marks is too much even for me. I like these guys and want the best for them, but not for Dallas
AustonianAggie - January 30, 2012
I really, really, don’t see that happening. But then again, if we’re perfectly honest, none of us has a clue how Garrett thinks.
One.Cool.Customer - January 30, 2012
That's what I thought.
Just getting caught up from the weekend and wondered if I had missed anything. PFW does good work and that pick caught me off guard.
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
Psst.
You have Mark, instead of Melvin, Ingram up there for the next 5 picks after Kirkpatrick. Just a heads up.
BigDumbFace - January 30, 2012
pffft. Melvin, Shmelvin. Thanks for the pointer though.
One.Cool.Customer - January 31, 2012
Would be suprised if he wasn't thinking OL, DL, or DB.
DCB* - January 30, 2012 via mobile
If we take Tannehill I'm going to need a Dr
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
No way we draft Tannehill.
pfloyd1 - January 30, 2012
I would draft a QB high next year
not this year
Romo isn’t the problem, but they need to prepare for the future and I would do that next year
lets gear up for one more big run and then start thinking down the road in 2013
Archie Barberio - January 30, 2012
Exactly
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
Wow!
So much for Nolan Nawrocki’s credibility.
RenoCowboy - January 31, 2012
these guys mention Patrick Peterson a lot… Patrick Peterson is Awesome! Only players last year I would of taken over Patrick Peterson are Cam Newton and Von Miller. Saying the Cowboys like Patrick Peterson is like asking if American’s like Mom and Apple Pie. You just lie and say yes even when you don’t
AustonianAggie - January 30, 2012
Yeah..
Also, I don’t think Kirkpatrick can run like Peterson they way they suggested. I mean, they basically said he’s as good as Peterson. Why will he make it to 14 instead of top 5 like Peterson? I don’t think the pot hurt him That much.
BigDumbFace - January 30, 2012
Not as good as Peterson at all
They’re overrating the guy.
SportsDrunk - January 31, 2012
Jerry Get me the following in the first 3 Rds
1) Lindsay Soto
2) TMobile Girl
3) Quibids Girl
Good, get er done! ;)
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
TMobile girl is the one in the pink dress right?
BrickTop - January 30, 2012 via mobile
yes
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Peter Kontz at 14 seems a bit high.
Is there still medical concerns with him or do I have the wrong player ?
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
That’s the rumor but no one has said what’s wrong with him. If konz grades out as high as pouncey of the steelers then I’m fine taking him that high
somebodyquiet - January 30, 2012 via mobile
He has had blood clots in both lungs. That forced him to miss the last 2 games a year ago.
He was still on blood thinners for it and missed spring practice the following semester.
Rena - January 30, 2012
Thanks Rena:
Thought I had read something on that. Being ranked that high seems risky unless they can control it.
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
well the rumors are the Cowboys are looking at DB's
for years I have heard how the Cowboys would love for a CB to fall to them in the draft
I think the Cowboys are taking a serious look at Janoris Jenkins
if indeed that is the pick, more power to the Cowboys because I know they will have done their homework and we get a real time talent
Archie Barberio - January 30, 2012
I'm quite happy with any of those picks.
All fill needs, but I figure we could still get a good Centre in the secord or third. Corner or Dline if DeCastro is gone.
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
Jenkins is rapidly becoming my favorite pick at #14, contingent on what we do in FA.
And the team doing their homework on him, of course.
Like Rohpuri, though, I still like Dontari Poe as a darkhorse at 14.
TheBlueBaron - January 30, 2012
see my comment/link above
mho - January 30, 2012 via iPhone app
His size scares me more than his attitude. 5’9 is tiny. I thought I read he was 5’11 and I was fine with that but he’s only 5’9. That’s way too small
somebodyquiet - January 30, 2012 via mobile
5096 191 is what he weighed in at the Senior Bowl
We can round up to 5’10 if you like….
Mac_Eleven - January 30, 2012
He's 5'9 but
Wasn’t the reason he stayed on the national radar because of how he more than held his own with Julio Jones, Alshon Jeffrey and A.J Green, all tall receivers?
Maybe his height isn mitigated by his athletic ability and feel for coverage.
Alan Smithee - January 31, 2012 via mobile
OCC
I must say I look forward to Mondays because of this article! Rec’d
mho - January 30, 2012 via iPhone app
Nice Job as usual OCC
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
I'm not sure what to make of the Jerry quote.
The defensive front can’t be considered a strength. If so, I’m going to be disappointed this offseason. I mean, I guess he’s almost right since our best defenders are in the front 7.. but it needs to be upgraded.
He knows that, right? RIGHT??
BigDumbFace - January 30, 2012
Derrell Revis was a 13th pick or so, so a CB at 14 isn’t that bad of a situation… it’s just these guys all have question marks, mostly due to drugs. Thats a big reason why I’m looking else where at 14, and thinking CB every pick there after
AustonianAggie - January 30, 2012
My first and second rd targets
First Rd: Quinton Coples, David DeCastro, Dre Kirkpatrick, Janoris Jenkins, Mark Barron, Cordy Glenn, Peter Konz, Dontari Poe, Melvin Ingram, Nick Perry.
Second Rd: Jared Crick, Kevin Zeitler, Bradon Washington, Chase Minnifield, Stephen Gillmore, Kelechi Osemele Ben Jones, Vinny Curry, Johnathan Massaquoi, Bruce Irvin, Markelle Martin.
I just randomly listed these names in each round.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Third Rd: Alameda Ta’amu, Kendall Reyes, Jamell Fleming, George Iloka
Can’t think of others at the moment..
BrickTop - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Here's the full 3rd and 4th Rd list
Third Rd: Brandon Boykin, Antonio Allen, Kendall Reyes, Leonard Johnson, George Iloka, Vontaez Burfict, Josh Norman, Shaun Prater,
Fourth Rd: Harrison Smith, Michael Brewster, Alameda Ta’amu, Malik Jackson, LaDarius Green, Jamelle Flemming, Brandon Brooks, Cliff Harris, Josh Robinson, Tramain Thomas.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Good list
Do you and Chia do mock drafts after the combine is over?
BrickTop - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Regarding Mock Drafts
It’s a laboring task because you can’t predict trades.
I’m leaning towards doing one mock draft sometime in March/April, depends if I can find the time. If I don’t have the time, I might just take my comments on my draft targets by round, and turn them into a post where I explain why I like so and so over so and so.
If Chia does a mock draft, it’ll probably the week of the draft.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
yeah I am waiting this year
Archie Barberio - January 30, 2012
i will do some cowboys ones after the combine
but I am only doing my NFL 32 first round mock the day before the draft this year
last year I didnt even do one
Archie Barberio - January 30, 2012
Hmmm...wanna work on a 32 team first round mock before the combine and after it?
In the draft season there seems to be a few pretty big events:
Before and after the North/South bowl and the Senior Bowl. Right before the combine and right after the combine (if you get invited to the combine, even if you don’t have a great showing you still get a bump), and of course after it. Before and after individual workouts and finally right before the draft.
Omar Little - January 31, 2012
that sounds interesting
Rohpuri - January 31, 2012 via mobile
Question.
You think Burflict will make it to the 3rd? Or are you just saying that you’d take him if he made it there?
BigDumbFace - January 30, 2012
If Burfict made it to 3rd rd, I'd take him.
Actually, I’d even consider him in the 2nd rd.
Where do I think he goes? Any where fo
the late first to late second.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
Drew Boylhart from the Huddle Report
has Jared Crick as the top DL in the draft. He says he has a “can’t quit” work ethic.
cowboy1966 - January 30, 2012
nice
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
a word about the RKG
As we head into the pre-draft months I know we will all stretch our minds reading everyone’s thoughts on draft picks. I would like to add this. I worked with youth for 20 years and the idea of Right Kind of Guy (or Girl) is not a static concept. At first it begins with bringing in certain people and types (drafting and FA) but then those who work with them (Coaches in the NFL) mold them into a community (a team). They put forth and understandable aim and goals establishing a foundation, and as they do that and the group responds then RKG shifts from the concept of Character Issues to Karma and Charism. Because once a foundation is established then whomever is brought in begins to be affected by the foundation (thus you don’t have to worry so much about them being characters because they will join a program already in motion).
It is the idea that Bill up in New England has established such a program that he can take in the Alberts and TO’s of the world because they will be coming into a disciplined system with enough steam behind it that they will be molded verses being destructive.
I expect that by next year at this time we can take Wrong Kind of Guys because our house will have a focus and understood direction.
LiveNDieBlue - January 30, 2012
yup
By 1992, Jimmy and Jerry were able to bring in Haley because their foundation was established.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
heres what how we should draft
1 Stephon Gilmore*, CB, South Carolina
Gilmore is excellent in man coverage. He displays ideal route recognition skills, and he uses his strength and physicality to dominate in press man coverage. He also uses his hands well to prevent separation and reroute receivers in press coverage
or
Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama – I know the wrong kind of guy
As long as Jenkins can alleviate concerns about his off-the-field issues in pre-draft interviews there is no reason why he shouldn’t find a home somewhere in those initial thirty-two picks. Jenkins has taken care of his business this week.
2 Senio Kelemete, G, Washington – Zeilter
An athletic player who lacks ideal height and arm length for offensive tackles, but has enough height for a guard…as impressive range…fires out of his stance…still plays like a defensive linemen, agressive and strong…has a mean streak in his game…usually plays with good leverage…really nice run blocker
3 Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
Has great versatility: Has lined up at DE, OLB, and ILB. Motor that doesn’t stop. Great team leader. Great first step, or at least gets up the field quickly with timingChanges direction very well………Violent hitter
4 Nigel Bradham, ILB, Florida State
Bradham was fast and athletic all game long, running down opponents from all directions of the field. He was terrific in pursuit and Bradham made several outstanding plays in open space. Bradham showed skill in pass defense and was on top of his game covering tight ends and running backs.
Bradham appears to have a perfect health record, which is understandable given his chiseled body.
Bradham looks a bit like a giant safety. Hips are a bit high, arms are long, and waist is narrow. Bradham, despite his build, holds up well in traffic, and makes a lot of plays by engaging a block, shedding, and pursuing. He is completely fearless and will always try to plow into the largest piles, and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ball carrier. Cover skills, in both man and zone, speed, quickness, and agility are very good.
Bradham could fit in the NFL at any 4-3 LB position, and inside in a 3-4
5 Dominique Hamilton, DT, Missouri
Hamilton is well overlooked and could get a boost from the down defensive line class. Hamilton is intriguing because of his overall body structure, deceptive athleticism, and potential to fill out to play nose tackle. There aren’t many players who can excel at nose tackle in the N.F.L. which makes Hamilton a potential rarity and he could see a boost in his stock
6 Chris Rainey, WR/RB/KR/PR, Florida
looked better as a wide receiver than a running back this week, although he would prefer to stay primarily in the backfield. Rainey used his elite speed to gain separation from cornerbacks
6 Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois
cowboyzz11 - January 30, 2012
Really good mock. Is this a cowboyzz11 original?
Tbh, I expect only a certain number of holes that will be filled this offseason counting returns from the draft and free agency. Some well-recognized issues will plague us again next season, and maybe the season after.
accidental innuendo - January 30, 2012
yes it is original
and I wish more people would listen to my picks
cowboyzz11 - January 30, 2012
I though that was very well done
Just curious
Why Shea McClellin over Chandler Jones?
Jonathan Stern - February 1, 2012
Some decent picks.
But you are 2 corners and a FS short.
oldboysfan - January 30, 2012
There are two players that I want...#1 and 1A
As far as I’m concerned I would like one of the following two players, David DeCastro or Dre Kirkpatrick.
I like Upshaw, Ingram and a few others, but not at #14, and most certainly not over DeCastro or Kirkpatrick.
I don’t like the logic of using a #14 on a rookie center like Konz and saddling him with the responsibility to lead that offensive line. I would much prefer a FA veteran pickup to man the position.
Ingram and Upshaw are nice players, but not world-beaters. This draft is also relatively deep at the OLB position and I wouldn’t blink twice if we picked up a guy like Vinny Curry in the 2nd round over Ingram/Upshaw at #14 in the 1st.
Our cornerback depth is absolutely autrocious. Like it or not, we have Jenkins and Scandrick and then………? I’m also not in love with the idea of Scandrick as a starter. A lot of folks have soured on Kirkpatrick as a player for some reason. I see a very talented, fluid and dynamic cornerback who isn’t afraid to put a helmet on a player…..ahem [T-New?].
Phillyboijr - January 30, 2012
I like your thinking Philly
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
T New -
“Best Hurdle I have ever seen on a football field.” – Edwin Moses, Olympic Gold Medal Hurdler.
Rome One - January 30, 2012
that's embarrassing
especially since it involves a player a few cowboys fan where chirping for towards the end of last year’s draft, Henry Hynoski.
Rohpuri - January 30, 2012 via mobile
I agree Philly
I am a big fan of Dre! I also wouldn’t mind DeCastro. However I thing OL in FA is better suited for us given the Cap space and the holes we have. OL tend to come cheaper than CBs, OLBs, Ss, & DL. That’s a lot of holes to fill in one offseason. But I think JG can do it!
mho - January 30, 2012 via iPhone app
Fair point...
I’d love to see this team grab Carl Nicks and a starting caliber center to put on our line. FA is great because you have history on a player and can make a resonable projection of how they’ll play.
Having watched DeCastro, I think he’s the real deal and a bluechip type prospect. You’re right, this team has serious holes and depth issues. They need an influx of talent in the secondary, no two ways about it. This team has spent too many years trying to avoid using premium picks on the secondary (T-New and Mike Jenkins notwithstanding).
Phillyboijr - January 30, 2012
yep
I wonder who they passed up for lackluster talent that Tuna & Doughnut fell in love with?
mho - January 31, 2012 via iPhone app
Why Trent Richardson?
Nearly every one of the mock’s in the article mention the RB. I’m thinking we have much greater needs than RB, especially in higher rounds. Not sure I’d even take a RB at all this year.
Silverblue - January 30, 2012
Although I think Jerry is tired of Newman's lack of effort and preparation
I don’t see a corner going before the 3rd round… Dre is the ideal candidate but he has a big “Turn Back” sign on his forehead. Jenkins would be a nightmare for play-by-play announcers and his height might be a deterrent, and Claiborne is going to go in the top 5 or 6. Unless we trade up we’re going to end up drafting an OLB. Coples will go before 14 and I don’t see us going for Konz or Decastro with that pick. I can see DE or OLB – Nick Perry or Upshaw/Ingram – at that spot. I expect OG will go in the 2nd and a decent CB in the 3rd.
If we don’t draft a CB in the 1st round then I can see TNew coming to camp before they decide what to do with him. It might end up a money decision because unless you have a solid corner who can start at LCB then we are looking at Scandrick and Ball if we keep him. If we can land a decent Corner in UFA that might be a better scenario, we can cut TNew and have decent $$ for UFA.
There’s still the guaranteed $$ though…
scraig - January 30, 2012
I'm with Wes
It’s the right move.
That probably means they’ll do something different.
5Blings - January 30, 2012
Jenkins & Jenkins
Sounds good.
And the more I think about it, the right strategy is going pass rush and Center in FA. Hopefully one guy among Mario, Avril and Campbell come free and Jerruh swings the checkbook. Sign Myers from the Texans and we’re pretty set to get all the DBs we can on the draft.
SportsDrunk - January 31, 2012
Phillip Blake?
Just curious if there were any strong thoughts about him out there. All the talk about a center, and it seems he could be someone right in the backyard available outside the first round or two. I know Kiper loves him.
If I was redoing the CBS Draft challenge I’d probably go
Jenkins
Crick
Blake
Then look at NT, FS and extra o-line/corner help.
Alan Smithee - January 31, 2012 via mobile
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