There's no secret that the Cowboys could use some help on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary. This past season did see marked improvement over the 2010 campaign, but there is a large talent void that needs to be filled with some combination of free agency and the amateur draft.
Of course, player draft projections will change dynamically once the Scouting Combine gets underway later next week. For now, the only thing evaluators have to go off of is that pesky, irrelevant game performance stuff. It's so overrated. [/sarcasm]
ESPN's Mel Kiper has been doing this draft stuff for years. While, as Rabble pointed out in his 'Scouting the Scouts' piece he's never been employed by an NFL front office, he has probably played the largest role in why the draft process has become must-see TV. He's earned his reputation, for better or worse, to be discussed when he releases his mocks.
With his Version 2.0, he has Dallas taking Alabama S Mark Barron. The article is behind the Insider pay wall, so we can't link you to much, but Barron would be the first first-round safety for Dallas since the drafting of Roy Williams.
Dallas got shredded far too often with the passing game in 2011, and while Barron might be a very slight reach here in terms of his current grade, he's a perfect fit for the Cowboys. I have "defensive back" on my sheet as a big need in Big D, meaning they can't go wrong with either the top safety or the top cornerback here, and Barron offers the most value. Better in run support right now than he is in coverage, Barron could get better against the pass, but he's an upgrade for the Cowboys.
Barron is the 22nd ranked player overall according to Drafttek.com, 26th according to NFLDraftScout.com, but ranks high at 15th according to Wes Bunting at the National Football Post.
Follow the jump to see where other prospects that have been linked to Dallas have been slotted by Mel.
According to Mel, Dallas will pass up on the following prospects in order to take the safety.
17. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB - Cincinnati Bengals
20. Whitney Mercilus, DE - Tennessee Titans
21. David DeCastro, OG - Cincinnati Bengals
23. Janoris Jenkins, CB - Detroit Lions
27. Vinny Curry, DE - New England Patriots
29. Peter Konz, C - Baltimore Ravens
So, would you pass up on the players listed above to draft the best safety of a shallow safety class? As I mentioned in the comments section of my One Man's Gang article, there is a deep safety class emerging for the 2013 draft. Do you think Dallas could tread water for another year with Sensabaugh and Elam, or another stop gap free agent?
1 recs | 138 comments
I'd be greatly disappointed if we skipped on both DeCastro and Captain Kirk/Jenkins.
Especially if we’re getting a safety that isn’t great in coverage. How’d that work out the last time we did it? I’d much rather stick with what we’ve got or sign a reasonably priced guy if we can find an upgrade ’til next year.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
can't pass up those guys for him
He’s the best safety that much is clear. But is that position of greater priority than CB or G/C? I don’t think so
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
I would hate for the boys to miss DeCastro as well
but S is a bigger need. Who is starting caliber S after Sensy? Taplin-Ross? Church? McCray?
At least Arkin and Kosier have some starting experience…
Tyrone Jenkins - February 15, 2012
We can get by with Sensi and Elam.
I’d LOVE to finally have the answer at safety, don’t get me wrong, but are you sure Barron is that answer? I like him, but I don’t like him at pick #14. Especially if there’s a DeCastro sitting there, one of the best guard prospects in quite a while. Especially considering our line is the only thing that’s keeping our offense from reaching its potential.
Provided we get some upgrades at CB (and possibly a bit of pass-rush help), which I think is still possible via a combo of FA and draft, our safeties are passable. I suppose you could argue the same about the line if we could get a good C like Meyers, but I’d feel dumb passing on DeCastro.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
This will all change by the time the combine has rolled around but..
I would hate to see Decastro, Jenkins and Dre passed up by the us. Although I do think safety is a need (just like it is every year) you cant pass up on a stud corner or the best interior lineman in the draft (ol or dl) Again.. this will change greatly in the coming weeks with free agency and the combine coming. But I would think that if Dre or Jenkins check out, they have got to be the pick unless we address CB in FA.
dscan141 - February 15, 2012
also hoping that coples falls to us
dscan141 - February 15, 2012
Pipe Dream.
Try not to dwell on it.
StarloverinWNC - February 15, 2012
Coples is lazy...you don't want him
BWAREofDWARE94 - February 19, 2012
CB should most definitely be addressed in FA.
We MUST acquire a CB &/or Safety in FA to be competitive. We need 1 Starting CB, one nickel CB, and 1 Starting Safety, minimum.
StarloverinWNC - February 15, 2012
Not without trading down and getting 2 first rd picks, should we pass on DeCastro.
After the first 10 picks, anything can happen. The Combine & FA will do allot to clear the water so to speak. I just want a ‘value splash’ FA signing. C’mon JJ get us a difference maker in FA. Even if its just one, at least we won’t be shopping for 2 Elite talents next season to make the run.
I really think finishing up that O-line is paramount this year. Get Nicks and pay good money for him. He’s young and just think 2-3yrs down the road the chemistry this O-Line could have???
LT – Tyron (3yrs remaining on his rookie deal)
G – Nicks (5 yr deal)
C & B/UPs – Kowalski/Meyers/Costa/Konz/Arkin/Nagy
RG – DeCastro (4yr rook contract)
RT – Free (Signed thru 2015)
HAVE HAVE HAVE TO Get that O-Line at least one quality addition Minimum.
StarloverinWNC - February 15, 2012
That is my preference ...
Get both Nicks and DeCastro and let whoever is left fight it out for the last spot on the line. After resigning Laurent and Fiametta, spend the rest of the money/picks on the defense.
I like the potential rivalry that could develop between Nicks and DeCastro. You have the alpha-dog, pro-bowl guard in the prime of his career and you have the highly-touted rookie who wants to show that he belongs. I want to see them get into a competition to see how many LBs they can pancake.
With that offensive line, we will be able to pass/run on anybody. You don’t need a top-10 defense when you are putting up 30 points/game. Last year, we had a middle-of-the-road defense. With a killer offensive line that gives Romo plenty of time to throw and huge lanes for Felix and DeMarco to run through, a middle-of-the-road defense is enough to give you the makings of a championship-caliber team.
Conn Cowboy - February 15, 2012
wouldn't that be nice
Take me back to the 90’s why don’t ya?
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
If there' s ever a time machine created
I call shotgun, 92 will be the 1st place I go back to.
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
I'd be honored to drive
Good starting off spot
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
sounds like a plan then lol
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Shoot I'd ride b!ch for that trip!
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
Offensive line has to be the priority
Think of it this way, great offensive linemen make all the skill players on offense better. So his impact is much larger than a safety or a cornerback’s. If you put Nicks and DeCastro in the middle of Dallas’s offensive line, Tony Romo has longer to throw the ball. He takes fewer sacks. He can throw the ball deeper. Dallas has less need to leave extra players in to block. The repercussions for the passing game are enormous.
In the running game, I read somewhere that both Murray and Jones average above 8 yards per carry on well-blocked runs. Well, if you have better guards and a better center, you are going to have better blocking, and many more long runs. Remember that under Bill Callahan, the Jets led the league in running a couple of years in a row, and both years it got them to the AFC Championship.
Dallas HAS to put its top draft picks on the lines — offensive first, then defensive — where the greatest impact is made. Build from the inside out.
VAfan - February 15, 2012
While I agree in putting picks in the Oline we desprately need Secondary help as well.
There is a way we can ride with the Dline we have with a minor upgrade to Coleman which I believe we might have in Brent/Lissy stepping up and moving Rat outside. Our secondary on the other hand is in need of a major overhaul. The only two I dont mind seeing next year is Jenks and Sensi, now I’m fully aware that I have to see Scan again and I’m hoping he can be coached up to play the ball vs the receiver. He has the power and strength to be a force just needs to be coached up on his technique for sure. Hopefully we can get another body on the Dline I would LOVE to see a true NT but with all the problems we’ve had making sub-par QBs look elite we gotta shore up that secondary.
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
I think
you are going to have to wait on that D-line addition. Improve the secondary, and the D-line will improve.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
Yeah I think so too
Our Pass Rush was pretty good last year thanks to the One man Sacking Machine, and maybe with better CB play Spencer could get himself a coverage sack or two.
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
If you have already
signed Routt in FA, I would do your suggestion in a heart beat. Then you go get a Vinny Curry or a George Iloka in round 2. Maybe even the center from Georgia in round 3 if we got lucky. That would only give us two FA signings too.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
If Dre Kirkpatrick is sitting there and we pass him for Barron who might not be right until 2013
I would be disappointed. If they’re eyeing Barron the most likely move is to trade back into the 1st round for him. I myself rather trade back then trade up with so many wholes to fill. The key will be in FA. That will be the sign of what the plan is this offseason and how the draft will go. Just hope that we’ll be sitting on draft night know that we will be using the BPA approach
djthumpl - February 15, 2012
I agree with you on the Kirkpatrick/Barron thing
But as for trading down: I don’t trust Jones on any draft day trades any longer. He has had notoriously lousy results since Johnson left back in the Middle Ages.
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
fixed
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Kiper
Finally got it right… There’s a correlation between good safety play and super bowl champs… You’re not winning a title with bums like Abe Elam at s…
drobe86 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Kiper is a dope.....
and this post proves it.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
Mike Mayock >>>> Kiper
Kiper is not the same guy he was years ago.
Antonio S - February 16, 2012
barron was a reach at 14 before he got hurt
no its just downright stupid to take him at 14, if he falls to us in the second round, great scoop him up sign elam or another vet to fill in until barron is healthy and ready to start
demarcus94 - February 15, 2012
You're dreamin'
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
im really not
barron is iffy for the start of the 2012 season, he will for sure miss all the draft workouts and has a good chance at missing all of camp….
demarcus94 - February 16, 2012
Recovery time for his surgery was listed at 6-8 weeks, he should be working out before the draft.
Rena - February 16, 2012
Better in run support than coverage.
Reminds me of another safety we used to have that was great against the run and terrible in coverage. That is why we finally got rid of him. We don’t need another Roy Williams.
cowdog - February 15, 2012
If you watch Barron play, he also creates turnovers.
If the ball’s in front of him, he’ll make a play on it
Rohpuri - February 15, 2012
Williams could do that too
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
hes not terrible in coverage, hes just better against the run
demarcus94 - February 16, 2012
does this look like terrible coverage?
http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg477/vabamaman/alabama/mark-barron-o.gif
Mr. Abe Froman - February 16, 2012
It was a great play
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
Really stupid speculation
and draft thinking.
Barron might be there at 45 and the Cowboys should pass there as well.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
..Why?
I agree with not taking him in the first, he’s not worth that, but I’d take a look at him in the second. Depends on who else is still on the board though.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
I agree...
Depending who else is available, Barron may be tough to pass up in the second if still available.
cowdog - February 15, 2012
Another player starting on the PUP list?
Three years in a row?
It’s ironic the Cowboys often have trouble making decisions, waste time, over hold players on the one hand and then engage in what seem like endless Stalin like 5 year plans to nowhere.
They could be short right now 9 starters. How about not being cute and drafting a player who might be ready?
Yes, the board matters but…………good grief.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
I'd have to agree here.
Barron would be great in the 2nd, or if we some how got a second 1st, IF he were a day one starter. But I’d rather have Poe or Gilmore or a pass-rusher.
mho - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Why would he be on PUP?
Rena - February 16, 2012
Please no safety in the first round.
It’s simply not a major need. Elam and Sensabaugh are OK. We need DeCastro or one of those corners.
REAP IT - February 15, 2012
I'd love to have Nicks and DeCastro...
But I also think Jerry and Jason want Jenkins. I also think well get a serviceable G & C in FA. Just my opinion!
mho - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Coples = JJ Watt
Feel bad about missing out on JJ Watt?
Here is your chance for a do over.
Jonathan Stern - February 15, 2012
idk about that Jonathan
JJ was never questioned for his lack of drive or motor like coples so no I don’t believe it would be a do over.
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Jerry has consistently told
you that the D-line is a strength. Coples ain’t gonna happen. He is really not a good fit in a 2 gap 3-4 scheme.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
but the Cowboys don't play a 2-gap 3-4
they tend to play a 1 gap system that is more of a 4-3 under. You put Coples on the line in between Ratliff and Ware, or on the end at LDE, with Ratliff next to Ware(josh Brent or Lissemore manning the “NT” spot, and you would have a pretty fearsome front four…..
I am Ironman!!! - February 16, 2012
No
I like Tron better anyways. You can miss out on a good player you just need to make sure you get a good player with your pick.
Omar Little - February 16, 2012
thank u omar
tron was the right pick n I believe he’ll have a better overall career than watt, everyone here saw how romo had to pull his houdini act constantly now just imagine if colombo was still blocking (shutters).
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
I would really be surprised to see DeCastro and Kirkpatrick still on the board that late.
But that’s just me. And the combine will change much.
Tom Ryle - February 15, 2012
no way at #14
Being the best safety on this years board isn’t saying much. The fact that Kiper has DeCastro, Fitz, and Jenkins falling as far as he does makes me wonder. Isn’t there a safety comin outta Oklahoma St that can play some pretty good football?
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Absolutely not!!!
I disagree 100% with this mock. There is no way we skip on decastro, Jenkins, and Kirkpatrick for an injured safety who’s not that great anyway. Very disappointed in kiper…btw, I prefer mcshay.
JesseWar3 - February 15, 2012
+1
He must know something everybody else in the country doing the same job he does knows.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
doesn't know. I ment
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
You don't become a winning organization ...
by reaching for players just because they are a position of need. This goes against the best player available (BPA) philosophy that Jerry/Jason is supposedly preaching.
Another reason why I’m very hesitant to take Jenkins. Too many people have him picked much lower in the draft. If people are wondering if he might drop into the second round, then I don’t want to pick him at 14.
Conn Cowboy - February 15, 2012
Especially true......
when the Cowboy’s have need at least in five areas; CB, S, LB, DL, OL.
Short as many as 9 starters.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
hes gonna change his mock weekly to keep readers reading.
till combine and such its just for something for people to read.
if it did play out this way though i dont know if id be terribly upset if hes high on Dallas board and they arent reaching. (according to there board)
yehti - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Kd you mentioned in your other front page post that next year the safety position will be stronger...
and I agree. I would like to draft one this year but not in the first round. Barron isn’t good enough to be pick 14. Say a Brandon Taylor in the 4th this year then make a strong play next year. We aren’t one safety away from the superbowl.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Agreed Mensa,next years crop of safeties(esp FSs) is deeper and much better than this year.
Go stop-gap this season and have the chance to get one of 3-5 really good safeties next year. I really like the LSU kid,can’t remember his name for the life of me though.
NVCowboy4Life - February 15, 2012
Tyrann Mathieu
White Wolf - February 16, 2012
He's a run stopper with below average cover skills.
He makes big plays but gets beat a lot because he’s out of position… BUT he’s very young and talented. However, everyone talks about janoris Jenkins height, mathieu is about 5’8. Wayyyyyy to short to be a pro safety guarding TE’s
Dynamicduo - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Reid is the LSU safety
Mathieu is the corner who is too small to play anything but slot in the NFL
KD Drummond - February 16, 2012
Reid is the player I was thinking of,drafting him next draft would,imo,be a coup.
If the future safeties for Dallas were to be J Taplin-Ross-SS and E Reid at FS,I could get very excited.Although Ross is listed as a FS I see him as more of a traditional in the box SS. Hopefully they can make something along these lines happen.
NVCowboy4Life - February 16, 2012
NV the best safety in college next year plays at LSU....
His name is Eric Reid. He is better than Lester , McDonald and Rambo. He plays fs.
Tyrann Mathieu plays cb at LSU right now but he will play safety in the pros. He is not first round material.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
Man I can't even barely remember not worrying about at least one safety position.
Sure would be nice to have a real FS at that position and then we could put Sensi back where he belonds at the SS and be decent admittedly not great but still managable for a couple years til Church or McCray can take over or we draft someone else in the mid range and work them in too.
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
Fixed.
StarloverinWNC - February 21, 2012
Go back to the 1980s when your old man draft thoughts were still relevant Mel
No way in hell the Cowboys do this.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 15, 2012
deep safety class in 2013? I’m incredulous because this flies in the face of my latest pet hypothesis, that safety is an intrinsically weak position in all drafts — because best athletes are made corner backs.
I would be shocked if Dallas selected a safety at 14, though. CB, Guard, or Front 7 I could see, just because the Guard (DeCastro) would be awesome, a CB would be worth the value and need, and I can buy a front 7 guy as a BPA with value at 14
AustonianAggie - February 15, 2012
I don't understand this from Kiper
I think the Jimmy Clausen thing is getting to his head
pass on DeCastro and Kirkpatrick for a player who won’t even be ready until late July?
yes, in the 2nd round Dallas does this, but never in the first in the top 15, never
Archie Barberio - February 15, 2012
Jimmy Clausen
May be available soon. I remember a lot of people on here liking him. What do u think about kicking the tires on him as a 3rd developmental QB crack?
emmitthound - February 15, 2012
hey for a late draft pick, I would do it
Archie Barberio - February 15, 2012
even if clausen were marginally good, he would crumble under the weight of being the quarterback of the dallas cowboys. dallas needs to stop wasting picks/money/roster spots on backup qbs and extra kickers and rbs they will never play.
strokes - February 15, 2012
I mentioned Clausen a few weeks ago
as was flagged 15 yds for Unsportsmanlike Penalty by O.C.C.
@Tonekupone - February 16, 2012
That's another flag
Taunting – 15-yard penalty
One.Cool.Customer - February 16, 2012
haha at least you're consistent sir!
@Tonekupone - February 16, 2012
IF he could be the QB at ND
then the pressure here will not get to him.
Now whether he can be good or not is another matter
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
clausen was one of the top recruits in the country, and notre dame football hasn’t been relevant in years. zero pressure on clausen, and even then he was willing to sell out others. tony romo otoh has broken his collarbone, broken his ribs, busted his hand, won division titles, still put up numbers that suggest he’s one of the best qbs in the league, and people still criticize him thinking dallas needs a replacement.
strokes - February 16, 2012
Why won't he be ready till late July?
I keep reading this from people, that he will miss TC, be on PUP, etc.
Google “Mark Barron has hernia surgery” and read what comes up.
http://rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7497/mark-barron
Rena - February 16, 2012
Rena, I have seen you post this comment several times, but, there is one thing you need to learn.
Grimlock83 - February 16, 2012
And that one thing is facts don't matter.
Grimlock83 - February 16, 2012
I know, but sometimes it irritates me so I try to make them think before following the other sheep blindly.
Rena - February 16, 2012
if Barron was 100 percent
I wouldn’t call Kiper crazy here because I have suggested Barron that high before, but since he is more of a prototypical SS, I would rather go for him in the 2nd or a trade up
Archie Barberio - February 15, 2012
Agreed
Since our safeties are more interchangeable, can’t see us going that direction. Would much rather see DeCastro if it fell that way. If he fell to our second, considering his recent injury, I’d be more receptive to that.
emmitthound - February 15, 2012
in the 2nd round its a major steal
at 14 its sort of a reach, but a good reach
Archie Barberio - February 15, 2012
Some of Mel's hair spray has seeped into his brain.
Not gonna happen!
Jim Vance - February 15, 2012
he's really losing it since that Clausen draft
I really didn’t like his ratings the last two years honestly, I thought McShay has been on point the last two years while Kiper is falling off
Archie Barberio - February 15, 2012
By the way Chia
Awesome new sig man bada dadada I’m Lovin it!
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
Too early to get an accurate Mock
It’s right before people start being able to do an accurate mock. No visits, no interviews, etc.
Omar Little - February 16, 2012
Only if they trade down
If they move down into the 19-20 area and take him, fine. As Chia has illuminated, he’s a hitter but also has nice ball skills; he’s not a LB playing at S like Roy was.
That said, no way they pass on DeCastro or Dre. Broaddus says they will not touch Janoris.
I would really like to see them draft 3 DBs in rds 1-4 and fix the secondary. Sign a FA G/C—that’ll have a multiplier effect and the whole OL will kick up a notch.
DB23 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Rather have Dre
he can play either CB or FS
Lissyyyyy - February 15, 2012
Rather have DeCastro
He helps the pass game and the run game.
Omar Little - February 16, 2012
and the Defense
DCB* - February 16, 2012
True
If the running game kills the clock in the 4th quarter that’s less time the defense has to hold a lead.
Omar Little - February 17, 2012
I'll jump for joy
If we get stuck in this situation and pick Kirkpatrick, DeCastro, Jenkins but if we end up with this and go Barron I think I’ll rip the TV off the wall and throw it out the window..
Static - February 15, 2012
don't worry
It’s a fact Kiper is Falling off. I just wait for his mock to come out so I can find out exactly who is not going where, and what is not going to happen. McShay has gotta feel good about his future.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Don't throw the TV out the window...
throw it at Kiper… then pick it up and throw it at Jerry…
LDVFootball - February 15, 2012
Gotta get it out of the house first anyways...
And I’ll just skip right past Kiper and go straight for Jerry…
Static - February 16, 2012
so barron's a no-go for the combine?
if he ran fast and tested out well, that would lock him in around dallas’ pick, but if he just has game film to convince people, it could complicate things. seeing all the people in favor of bringing a replacement-level player like elam back again at a good salary, barron makes even more sense to me. i like it more than fitzpatrick for some reason. and i think the jets would probably love to have him playing that centerfield position and close all those plays pool and the rest have been letting slip through. besides, are you really going to argue against taking a ‘bama player? that’s a B+ pick automatically that most likely kicks up to an A when you factor in dallas’ DB needs.
strokes - February 15, 2012
that's why I take Fitz
If I got my choice I take the corner. Just like you said about those Bama guys. CB is just flat out the greater need over Safety
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
all things being equal, sure, but if barron were the better athlete, that trumps the position rule. dallas probably can’t get a safety as good as that through any other means, but they could replace newman with a good corner in free agency or in the second or third round. the play from jenkins and scandrick would elevate more with a better safety behind them than it would putting a different corner on the other side.
strokes - February 15, 2012
you take him over Fitz and DeCastro at #14 overall?
He would have to be Ed Reed. It’s a pretty important pick
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
what if he were some version of ed reed? barron started on two national championship teams. he makes plays (and misses some) all over the field. i assume he would run about as well as other safeties taken in the top 20 (except maybe polamalu) while being a bit taller and having more reach. the problem is you won’t know because of his injury. i think barron would be a reasonable pick even at #14, but obviously he has to prove he’s fast and prove he’s healthy. i’ll wait for gosselin’s board to tell me whether or not either happened. decastro, meanwhile, is nice, but he’s still just a guard. and fitz is just a corner who is graded in the same tier as these other guys, not the top corner in the draft.
strokes - February 16, 2012
New to the board,but I'm a life long Cowboys fan.
Mark Barron is a baller,his last three years at Alabama he played through injury,and made many a highlight reel.Yeah I’m a Bama fan.Barron played with two hernia’s most of the season,hence he will miss the combine.But a player like him wont drop that low in the draft.This guy’s all heart,and a leader.If we could land him and Dre,our D would be very dangerous.Though there is quite a compelling argument for the offensive line from what I’m reading,and I’m torn between the two.But there’s the old saying ‘’Offense sells tickets,but Defense wins ballgames’’.
Crimsoncaller - February 15, 2012
Welcome aboard, Crimson
Seems like you know your way around a blog. Here’s a newbie rec to get you going.
White Wolf - February 15, 2012
Thanks Wolf
I used to browse the ugh, AOL Cowboys board.Just because a member would post various Cowboy articles I would read.I should have known better being a member of SB Nation.I’m just psyched to maybe see some of Bama’s best wearing the Star.Nick Saban runs a pro style offense at Alabama,predicated by a big physical defensive 3-4 scheme.
Crimsoncaller - February 15, 2012
second round steal
If he falls to the second round it would be a blessing I say do what we gotta do to get him at that point. I stay away from him in the first.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Welcome to BtB crimson fan
please join in on the blogs n converse w/ the best fans in football, you’ll learn a thing or two just reading the comments.
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Welcome Crimson
Newbie Rec for ya
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
As Sgt Hartman would say to Kiper....."You did that on purpose, you want to be different!!"...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m_1hglRkPk&feature=related
Around 9:00
They all want to say something different. Kiper is a clown.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
mel kiper has to be one on the worst "draft experts" out there
ratware - February 15, 2012
Mel's got a pretty crazy draft going here
I love Cordy Glenn because I thought he might be a second round steal but that was a few weeks ago and he’s really moved up. Apparently Mel thinks he’s better than Decastro. Not sure about that!
I definitely wouldn’t take Barron over either of these guards He’s also got Devon Still going 25th and I would pick him before Barron
livemontana - February 15, 2012
+1
If we don’t go secondary I would love to get Still
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
Kiper must be smoking whatever those TCU players were caught selling
1) If David DeCastro is there at 14 the Cowboys would be stupid to pass up on him. He would be the best player available, and he upgrades a position of need. I take Mel Kiper’s mock drafts with a grain of salt. Remember, in 2010, he was the dummy who kept up the Dallas Cowboys will take Bruce Campbell in the first round nonsense. That kid didn’t get drafted until the 4th round, and has barely played in 2 seasons in Oakland.
2) I’m not saying I don’t like Mark Barron, and I’m not saying Mark Barron isn’t a first round talent. I’m just saying, like I’ve been saying the past month, Mark Barron would be my second or third choice depending on whose available.
3) If Vinny Curry continues to climb up, I definitely wouldn’t pass him up for Mark Barron, as he’s my favorite pass rusher. I won’t complain if we took Melvin Ingram. I just like Vinny Curry a lot.
Rohpuri - February 15, 2012
Ingram was terrible in the Senior Bowl
I don’t know who was blocking him, but that is someone the Cowboys should be looking at.
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
I know
But then when you go back and watch South Carolina games, you see him stand out. It’s hard to not like the kid.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
Simple answer, no!
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Need position But
Not exactly an inspiring writeup on Barron overall. Makes me wonder what S would be available in round 2 or 3 and whether they’d also get the “would be an upgrade for the Cowboys” stamp of approval. If Barron is the BPA then I guess okay, but at 14 I’d have to believe someone at a need position will grade out better. I just hope that the next safety we draft in the 1st round is closer to Ed Reed than Roy Williams.
Evil Dallas - February 16, 2012
Kiper is a joke anymore
everyone laughs at him and he has not yet figured that out
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
unless Barron is the BPA @ #14 for one of our need positions, I don't want him this early
I’m pretty sure there will be a player better then barron @ #14 who is of need
Nets2410 - February 16, 2012 via Android app
Well i dont think so
but the blog would explode if it were to happen that way….wow
BigBad Joe - February 16, 2012
Dont know about Barron but
Defense.is the way to even if we r putting up 30 a game it means nothing if you give up the same amount we had the giants down 12 late and look whst happened
slickman26 - February 16, 2012
i think the pressing need as far as DB's go would be CB,
upgrading the corners makes the current safeties better, but i dont really think it works the other way around. Ed reed doesnt make jimmy smith any better than he already was. so i think decastro still has greater value than barron.
rockkicker - February 16, 2012
or one of the top 2 corners as well
rockkicker - February 16, 2012
Kiper=Windbag
mtibus - February 16, 2012
I tend to on his scouting.
His mocks are usually accurate, well accurate during the times that mocks tend to be accurate. Dallas played things pretty close to the chest last year, even their hometown guy had the pick wrong. No one’s had visits, Combine hasn’t happened and there’s not a lot of ways to accurately mock a draft outside of the top five. However, when mocks start to get accurate Kiper’s inside dope across the league is second to none. As far as needs go he’s pretty accurate. If anything a Mock Draft after say 10th or so should have three players that they might select…it’d be an interesting project. Anyways, here’s a four year old mock draft but the opening line is still pretty pertinent.
Omar Little - February 16, 2012
In 2010
He kept mocking Bruce Campbell to us
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
Well that's because they picked at 27th
And that was before the draft got re-organized.
Omar Little - February 17, 2012
I would fling myself from a bridge if we picked up an injured Safety that may not suit up until July-August with our first pick..uggggg
Noonelikestheeagles - February 16, 2012
Once again, he will be ready in a month, 7 weeks now max.
Rena - February 16, 2012
Mel Kiper
Dre Kirkpatrick and David DeCastro, OG offer more value than Mark Barron and should not be overlooked. I like Barron as a pick but he recently had a double hernia and will drop in the draft. The question is how far.If Dallas could get Kirkpatrick or DeCastro, maybe they could pick Barron in the 2nd or move up from the 2nd to get him. The next option if the prior picks are gone @ 14 they could trade down a few slots and still get Barron and a extra 2nd or 3rd pick. Janoris Jenkins, CB is too small for consideration. Our existing DBs are always injured attempting to civer or tacke far bigger players. Peter Konz C – would be a good pick also at bottom of 1st or top of 2nd.
jrcowboy49 - February 16, 2012
Barron shouldn't even be part of the discussion...
For what to do with the 14th pick. Whether or not the Cowboys put a first round grade on him the revelation of his injury should kill any speculation. The team needs an immediate contributor in the spot, and has plenty of other areas that are not manned by serviceable players today.
Likewise I wouldn’t consider Coples even if he were available. The moment I hear motor questioned I’m out. That’s the exact opposite of what this defense needs. They need talented passionate football players.
Am I the only one that finds it weird that Dre Kirkpatrick has been re-named Fitz on this board?
Linebacker22 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
I don’t even understand that. Care to explain the etymology of Fitz to me?
StarloverinWNC - February 21, 2012
Kiper always projects teams drafting for pure need
and the Cowboys under Garrett will not do that, they will take the BPA at a position of need, which definitely won’t be Barron.
I think the Cowboys either go DeCastro, pass rusher or whoever is the BPA at 14.
Terry - February 16, 2012
All I could say is we all know who had sports Herina problem … he wont be with the team next year
DOOMSDAY7494 - February 16, 2012
Best realistic scenario
The Pokes need an impact rookie class, uh-duh. Safeties, corners and receivers struggle as much as rookie QB’s. The offensive linemen adapt more quickly, either because it is an easier process to grasp or because o-linemen are smarter. I’d say upgrade by drafting a stud like DeCastro, cheaper than Nicks, and pursue veterans in Free Agency. Terrell Thomas, Routt, even Finnegan are good options for us. Look for a kid like Kuechly or Carder in the second or a safety like Markell Martin….Develop our talent but build the team from the inside out……championship teams are built just like that…..
Aztec Driller - February 16, 2012
Really
I would be awfully mad if they passed up on the 2nd best corner in the draft, which is our most pressing need right now or Decastro who is everyone’s safest draft pick for Barron. I don’t see that happening at all Kiper. Have y’all ever noticed that Mel and Todd could be agreeing on a player and somehow it still always turns into a debate.
Ihatethesaints - February 17, 2012
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