Hot on the heels of yesterday's Mel Kiper mock draft comes Wes Bunting's latest offering, mock draft version 3.0.
Bunting, of course, knows how to deliver a mock draft that gets people talking, and in his third iteration of his mock draft, he offers the third prospect for the Cowboys after having the Cowboys select David DeCastro in v 1.0 and Peter Konz in v 2.0. But what makes this third version highly auspicious is what happened last year:
After mocking Robert Quinn to the Cowboys in his mock v 1.0 and Prince Amukamara in v 2.0, he hit the nail on the head in v 3.0, mocking Tyron Smith to the Cowboys. Will Bunting be able to repeat that feat this year?
With the 14th pick in the 2012 draft, the Bunting has the Cowboys taking Dre Kirkpatrick. Bunting writes:
The Cowboys have to be thrilled with both Kirkpatrick and Stanford OG David DeCastro still on the board. However, I see them opting for the big corner because of the overall priority of the position.
So this year's mock 3.0 is doubly auspicious, not only because of last year's pick, but also because both Kirkpatrick and DeCastro are available for the Cowboys - and if those two drop that far, other prospects must have taken their place in the top 13. After the break, we look at who those players are.
Earlier this week, our own Tom Ryle took a look at how 12 different mock drafts averaged out and derived the following list of players that could be considered the 'consensus top 13'.
| Rank | Player | POS | School |
| 1 | Andrew Luck | QB | Stanford |
| 2 | Matt Kalil | OT | USC |
| 3 | Robert Griffin III | QB | Baylor |
| 4 | Morris Claiborne | CB | LSU |
| 5 | Justin Blackmon | WR | Oklahoma St. |
| 6 | Trent Richardson | RB | Alabama |
| 7 | Quinton Coples | DE | North Carolina |
| 8 | Riley Reiff | OT | Iowa |
| 9 | David DeCastro | OG | Stanford |
| 10 | Michael Brockers | DT | LSU |
| 11 | Dre Kirkpatrick | CB | Alabama |
| 12 | Johnathan Martin | OT | Stanford |
| 13 | Devon Still | DT | PSU |
In his conference call with media representatives yesterday, Mike Mayock said that "the first seven to eight picks are pretty solid, then after that comes some questions." Wes Bunting seems to agree, as he has also has the top eight players in the table above in his top 13. After that, the situation gets a little less clear.
Here's how Bunting's top 13 differs versus the consensus table above:
It seems like every year, the draft sees some late-rising QBs, OTs and DE's. Bunting's mock draft is an indicator that that may happen again this year, and that is a good thing. The Cowboys can only hope that more names rise and push some higher rated prospects their way. The names in the bullet list above will bear watching over the coming weeks and perhaps there will be enough movement in the top ten to even push Quinton Coples the Cowboys' way.
0 recs | 174 comments
Everyone always talks about who's the most accurate scout...
But how can they not be accurate when they each put out 10 versions of the draft. If I had that many guesses, I’m sure I’d hit on a few pucks also. Wondering whether this scout is right or not is a waste of time at this point.
Once FA begins, if the Cowboys make their moves early (I think they will), then we can tell what’s needed and see who is BPA.
Frankster_1 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
*Picks*
Frankster_1 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
that's valid
but what else would these guys do for content between now and the draft?
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
I'd like to see all stats against garbage teams thrown out.
I’d like to see how teams did against the top 25 teams only or at least the strong teams. I know that would be difficult for the small schools but even they have padded stats playing perennial losers. I know that’s probably a bunch of work but it’ll keep them busy from now to the draft. And I agree with you, we do need something between here and the draft. Even though I stated my opinion above, I still find myself reading every article on BTB. Hehe.
Frankster_1 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Stats are team generated though
Stats are team generated though, and you cant fault a guy for playing in a small school, or if his team isnt up to par. A RB is going to be a product of his offensive line. A wr is a product of his QB, and vice versa. It takes a lot more than stats. One offensive tackle could look great because his counterpart on the other end of the line is horrible and the defenses attack there more frequently.
Oakster41 - February 17, 2012
good point!
However, at some point you have to move past the “guys around him” mantra. You must look for things like technique, skill, athleticism, etc. In a perfect world stats would tell us everything about a player, but they don’t. This is why we have scouts, and I think our scouts have done well the last few years.
mho - February 18, 2012 via iPhone app
Before the combine and FA these are strictly throwing something at the wall and hope it sticks.
And I would think that for the best rating on drafts they use the final one before the real deal happens.
Anyone else excited that the Combine is next week?
Rena - February 16, 2012
heck yeah!
Dying for FA too
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
My perfect fa/draft scenario
Sign Calais Campbell, Finnegan.
Draft:
1. Ingram
2.Gilmore/Minnifield
3. Ta’amu
Guard or safety in the 4th-5th.
Glimore and Dre are the two cb’s who I believe could transition to fs. Their games and builds are fs style.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
You think Ta'amu will be there in the third?
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
No way
he’s a mid to late 2nd round pick IMO
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 16, 2012
Also IF and a Big IF Cambell dosent get franchised, and IF, IF dallas/jerry pulls the mirricle out and we sign him,
No way we can sign Finnegan as well, let alone Fiametta, Hollad, Elam/Elam’s Replacement, or Robinson.
Proxy406 - February 16, 2012
Hence it being his "perfect" fa/draft scenario not most likely
Cowboys_Attack - February 16, 2012
Ok but even in the perfect senerio where both are on the market
Dallas cant afford both. So its not just unlikely, its impossible.
Proxy406 - February 16, 2012
Well I think Dallas can afford both
but won’t be able to sign anyone else.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
They will be fielding a team of 1/4 rookies/UDFA's if they do that.
Rena - February 16, 2012
Exactly.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
Mensa
If you suggest taking a Safety in the 4th or 5th who do you suggest?
LSU’s Bradon Taylor or Arkansas’ Tramain Thomas? Taylor would be a nice future replacement for Sensabaugh at SS, but Thomas has ballhawk ability.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Taylor and Thomas are pretty close.
Overall slight edge to Thomas right now but future I give it to Taylor.
As of right now I think Ta’amu is there in the 3rd. Seems more teams are returning to the 4-3. Teams are learning the 3-4 is hard to stock and it’s too easy to make a mistake. Also that you continually have to spend so many picks on linebackers at the expense of other positions.
Hint hint.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
In the mock above
Bunting has Ta’amu going 25 overall
dave33 - February 16, 2012
I think Thomas is more of the ballhawk than Taylor
Taylor is the more polished/rounded player, but Thomas is the more athletic ballhawk type
either one would be a great pick
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
We need the ballhawk
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
My thoughts
1) If DeCastro is the BPA at 14, the Cowboys should take him. They need to improve that interior oline, otherwise Romo will be a sitting duck again. If the Cowboys establish that DeCastro presents an upgrade over Arkin/Nagy at one of the G spots, they need to take him.
2) Not saying CB isn’t an area of need. I just think the Cowboys want to get a veteran who can hold the fort at CB2 so they aren’t forced to take one in the first rd and pass up the best G prospect.
3) If the Cowboys take Kirkpatrick in the first round, they have to be confident that he’s a shut down corner, someone who’ll hold up well in man/press coverage. Whoever the Cowboys draft at CB has to be able to play man to man really well. Ideally, they don’t want to have one of their CBs on the outside playing 10 yards off the WR.
4) I agree with Nick Perry to Seattle. They need a pass rusher, and if he tests well at the combine, he’ll be Pete Carrol’s first choice. Why? Pete recruited Perry to play for him at USC. Perry’s freshman season, was Carrol’s last season as HC.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
If memory serves, it seems that Caroll has not demonstrated an overt allegiance to taking USC players.
Earl Thomas versus Taylor Mays comes to mind, but I think there were other examples.
jazzbo251 - February 16, 2012
Because Mays sucks.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
he would be a great LB
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
Didn't the Panthers convert Thomas Davis from Safety to Linebacker?
Mays was a great safety in Madden 2011…sucks he hates tackling and can’t cover in real life.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
yeah he was a hybrid player from Georgia
too big and slow to play S, but perfect for LB
if he didnt get keep getting hurt, he would be a fantastic player
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
Mays was overrated
Nick Perry, as a 3 year starter is really good. He would be ranked higher if he didn’t get injured his sophmore season.
The reason Mays wasn’t drafted by Pete, Pete saw Mays struggle in their last season at USC. They were giving up big plays in the passing game, and could no longer stop the run. Mays couldn’t cover and couldn’t tackle-a bad combination for a safety. He was merely a speedy athletic missile launcher.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Yes, I totally agree.
I was just making the point that prior to the draft, a lot of “experts” thought that Carrol would naturally take Mays.
jazzbo251 - February 16, 2012
watch out for Nick Perry
dude is a beast man
real darkhorse for us but I would love getting him at 14
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
The combine is where you will see Perry move up the board.
Really though last season was his best. It would be another projection from de to olb. Dallas does’nt do well in those situations.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
I wouldn't say that.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
You know I like Nick Perry too
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Say that again.
One.Cool.Customer - February 16, 2012
I like him to.
Rena - February 16, 2012
I think most of us do
I love the kid
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
You know I like Nick Perry too
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Thank you
One.Cool.Customer - February 16, 2012
LOL
my phone screwed up by posting that twice.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Normally we delete the second post, but I just couldn’t resist this time.
One.Cool.Customer - February 16, 2012
If Dre and DeCastro are both there.
Gimme DeCastro every time. We can get a starting CB in the 2nd or even 3rd round.
StarloverinWNC - February 16, 2012
Our defense probably won't be that helpful if our offense leaves them on the field all game.
That’s what I like about this scenario. Address the o-line. Get DeCastro. If he’s not there at 14 take BPA. Address the o-line in the second round.
JannyDones - February 17, 2012
I agree that the o-line needs to be addressed!
However, how many games were lost because the defense couldn’t make stops? Lions, Jets, Pats, NY x2. Sure romo threw picks in two of those games, but with a stop we would have won! The O-line needs a C and “upgrades” at G. We drafted two Gs last year. Get a C in FA and I think the line will play better.
The defense needs a NT, 2-3 CBs, S, and possibly a LOLB! Drafting defense would prove to be more prudent!
mho - February 18, 2012 via iPhone app
I think the majority of the blame
goes to the offense against the loins, jets, pats (throw in the cards game also) i’ll give u the 1st gnats game was lost on the D n the new yrs gm neither side showed up so that’s a wash, those probably weren’t the examples u wanted to use.. I would say upgrading either the D or O would be beneficial, each side is inconsistent as hell then u have the special teams which isn’t special @ all except to the opponents, its crazy to think that @ the very least of the “09” draft jerry could get a dynamic kick returner or someone that’s a real play maker, sadly he found a way to mess that up.
DarkKnight88 - February 19, 2012
it wasn't just him...
Wade, & Ireland played a huge part in it too. Over the last few Coaches we have seen Jerry take up their mantra. This tells me that Wade and Ireland both thought the 09 draft should be used for ST & backups. Since those two left JJ has been echoing SJ and JG mantras of building through the draft and staying true to the board! Wade would fall in love with kids who had no potential, thus putting us where we are. You can’t blame JJ for everything bad (Spears, the last 15 years) and not give him credit for the good (Ware, Lee, Romo, even TO gave us good times)!
mho - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
The odds are that a D player will be taken with the first pick, since the only O player
I’d seriously want is DeCastro, who likely will be gone. I want a potetially true impact player and hope the Cowboys rate guys on that basis. Impact D players would incude Coples, Ingram, Jenkins and possible Upshaw, Perry, Dre.
While I like Dre because of his size and ability to tackle, I don’t think he’s a shutdown corner like Jenkins. I also wonder how you judge someone who clearly played on the best D in college football, with guys like Barron, Lester, Upshaw, Hightower, Chapman, etc, playing with him and arguably making him look better than he might be.
pfloyd1 - February 16, 2012
Arguably
DeCastro played next to Martin, who is being mocked in the top 15 as well. Arguably making him look better than he is.
mfoster - February 16, 2012 via Android app
Not if you watched DeCastro...
because if you had, his ability and intelligence is pretty evident. He pretty much never misses a moving target while pulling, he’s the first lineman to fire off the line at the snap and gets a ton of push, and he pass blocks with his head on a swivel, always on the lookout for the twist or stunt. I think I’d still take him even if Dre falls to us.
DannyWhite - February 16, 2012
Yup
DeCastro should be the first choice.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Or maybe DeCastro made Martin look better than he is.
I think individual performance improves with better personsel surrounding you. In Dre’s case he had an incredible Alabama D around him with multiple players who will end up in the pros. It’s sort of like having Mantle hitting behind you, they must pitch to you.
pfloyd1 - February 16, 2012
You could make the same argument about Andrew Luck
Two of his linemen, OT Martin and OG DeCastro will be top 15 picks this year, TE Coby Fleener is a second rounder, and WR Doug Baldwin, who went undrafted last year, turned out to be the Seahawk’s best receiver. There was some serious talent around Luck in Stanford. Did that make hime look better than he might be?
One.Cool.Customer - February 16, 2012
I'm on board
W/ Luck being over rated.
He had a killer o line and mediocre front 7 talent. That makes for alot of low pressure, pitch-and-catch situations.
Couple that with the fact that he was literally forced to spread the ball around due to mediocracy in his receiving corp and the lack of a star receiver. You’ve got yourself the makings of a guy that will, at very best, take some time to adjust to tne speed of the game.
mfoster - February 16, 2012 via Android app
Luck made a lot of high pressure throws dude
I don’t what you saw to say that.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
+1
Luck is by far one of the best college QB prospects i’ve seen in years. i’m betting Stanford is going to look more like the old Stanford once Luck leaves.
Harbough & Luck made that team imo
DCNation73 - February 16, 2012
agreed
Rohpuri - February 17, 2012 via mobile
As someone who watched a lot of Andrew Luck the last 3 years
I don’t buy into the Luck is overrated argument.
He didn’t play with a single elite WR, as Doug Baldwin was an UDFA in 2011. For Baldwin’s career at Stanford, he had 96 catches, 1360 yards.
Luck can make all throws, and all the reads, and can throw on the run, his mobility is a very underrated part of his game.
If you watch Luck play, you’ll see he does the same things at LOS in his pre-snap cadence that Peyton Manning does in the NFL. Most college QBs aren’t given the opportunity to make their own play calls, and make their own audibles; Andrew Luck showed he could handle that responsibility. If you watch most college games, you’ll the see the entire offense look to the sideline for the play and the adjustment/audibles. That wasn’t occurring at Stanford. Also, he ran a pro-style offense at Stanford.
Luck is also a very accurate QB: career 67% completions, and threw 82 TDs to just 22 INTs in three years as a starter.
Luck is also a team leader, rally everyone on his back kind of guy.
Trust me, if by sheer stupidity Luck fell to 14, the Cowboys would do a freaking conga line at the Valley Ranch War Room as they would’ve landed their next franchise QB.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
I'm with you.
Luck’s accuracy and in-game knowledge are pro-level.
jazzbo251 - February 16, 2012
I'm a stanford grad and live 2 minutes for Palo Alto
Watched Luck’s first game (I think 3 years ago) live. When he came in, it was like a different offense had taken the fieid. There’s no doubt that Luck is a superb pro prospect. If he became a Cowboy, I’d join the conga line.
Eagles suck - February 17, 2012
Luck
First things first.
He is not falling to 14. If he did, I would be right in there with you bro.
Secondly.
I never said I thought he would bust, or that he never made high pressure throws.
All I meant, is this guy had good protection against PAC 12 blitzes. If you take a long look at the “best QBs in the NFL”, you’ll notice the superiority of their protection.
-Brees(couple of pro bowlers and an all pro)
-Brady(same)
The you look at guys who can be or even have been dominant, but suffered oline issues.
-Ryan
-Rivers
-Romo
-Cutler
You can’t deny that, though there still will be pressure with a good line, the pitch and catch plays are much more frequent for guys with good protection.
mfoster - February 17, 2012 via Android app
RGIII > Luck
Cam Newton > Luck; there is a pattern here.
Iowacowboy - February 19, 2012
Not to mention that one man wrecking crew Owen Marecic…who could forget that guy…dude played LB and FB the entire year before going to Cleveland.
Noonelikestheeagles - February 16, 2012
i think Luck is the real deal
but he had a great OL in front of him, a very good and underrated RB, good WR’s and a good TE
he really had a lot of talent around him
good idea for an article by the way
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
it takes all units
to make a great team; dissing Kirkpatrick for playing with great players… is kind of reminiscent of dissing Bobby Carpenter for playing with guys who made him look good. But CBs are a solo role, one bad CB is easily exposed
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
Kirkpatrick is the real deal
I have watched almost every game he has played at Bama the last 3 years
blue chip talent since high school
the reason I like him is because he is big and tackles, he could also transfer over to FS because his skill set really translates well there
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
Yes
he doesn’t have to be a career FS just temporary next year unless he winds up being Ed Reed. Plus this gives him a double chance not to bust. I watched Barrons tape and sometimes Kirkpatrick looks more like the FS coming into bust people up more so than Barron. Kirkpatrick is in there mixing it up in half of the plays and its not even his tape.
dmagikwand - February 16, 2012
Everyone should watch this 1 minute video of Kirkpatrick
busting people up and decide if he couldn’t play both positions. I want him bad.
dmagikwand - February 16, 2012
Those aren't scrub WR's he is tackling against the Hogs either.
Rena - February 16, 2012
That should be 3 is Joe Adams, formatting didn't like me saying #3 at the start.
Rena - February 16, 2012
SEC
that is why I like SEC kids in the draft
I cannot remember the last SEC kid we drafted
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
Felix Jones?
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
Of course we would pick the worst of the sec.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
here you go Mensa
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
I see no pick or link Ro.
My guess is it’s a pic of Jamarcus.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Btw Flynn was way better.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
No Mensa.
It’s three guys in tactical strike gear (full face covering and all that good stuff) doing a face palm! Lol.
mho - February 18, 2012 via iPhone app
Lol Ro that's a low blow
The reasoning behind that pick still boggles my mind smh, u never ever take a complimentary back in the 1st.
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
what can I say?
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
Haha
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Luck had average WRs
If his receivers were good they’d be touted as first and second round picks.
His best WR was Doug Baldwin, who went UDFA last year.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
I honestly don't think he had all that talent around him
and even if he did, we can’t fault him for having a team around him. Instead, he excelled in every situation while there have been QBs who have had talent around them but haven’t been able to produce.
somebodyquiet - February 16, 2012
According to Wes Upshaw is still there. Take him @ 14 and go after Minnifield in the 2nd
DOOMSDAY7494 - February 16, 2012
I'm not taking Spencer 2.0 at #14
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
bingo!!
ratware - February 16, 2012
he will be better than Spencer
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
Take him, yes! fix the pass rush!
Rat-Pack - February 16, 2012
Poor Ryan Tannehill
If he gets drafted in the top 15, he’s my QB candidate to become a bust.
The kid has “potential” but needs time to develop. Ideally, he needs to go a team that won’t be under public pressure to play him right away.
I hope the Dolphins get Matt Flynn so Tannehill is given the first rd kiss of death.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Correction
It should say, “I hope the Dolphins get Matt Flynn so Tannehill ISN’T given the first rd kiss of death.”
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
i want Tannehill to go early,
Because that would help push one of our bigger needs down, like a kirkpatrick or Decastro.
wtshaolin - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Matt Flynn made himself a ton of money starting that last game of the year for the Pack.
Antonio S - February 16, 2012
yes he did
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
It wasn't just that one game.
It was also the game vs the Pats year before last on Sunday night football. Pack darn near won that game with him at qb.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
That's true
Wasn’t that same game were the Packers lineman had that kickoff return?
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Flynn has done well in spot duty.
But without that last game of the season, people would just be throwing his name around as a nice backup or MAYBE a sleeper as a starter. He definitely made a bunch of money from one game. I’d stay away.
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
Also, it was a Patriots lineman that had the big return.
Dan Connolly, if I remember correctly.
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
That the one for a TD?
Loved that play. He had both arms wrapped around the ball running as fast as he could looking around for someone to tackle him. Then he got up after scoring and lined up for the extra point.
Rena - February 16, 2012
I'm not sure.
The one with Connolly, he got caught around the 20 or so. You may be talking about a different play, I don’t know. It was a lot of fun to watch, for sure.
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
I think it will be alot different when DCs have weeks and weeks of game tape on him
but maybe it works out for the team that gets him. I’m glad we don’t have to be one of those teams rolling the expensive dice on him right now.
dmagikwand - February 16, 2012
I agree
he’s got talent and was coached by a pro coach, but he’ll need some pro work. If he’s a day 1 starter I fear he’s toast
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
Tannehill at 9 is a bust waiting to happen.
DIRE WOLF - February 16, 2012
Tannehill in round 3 is a bust waiting to happen
The Cole Train - February 16, 2012
Not so much expected in the 3rd, he'd have time to sit and watch for a year or two.
He’d be expeced to start right away as a #9 overall pick, that’ll be a ticket to disaster.
DIRE WOLF - February 16, 2012
Are there any good pass rushers that translate well as a 3-4 DE?
Nets2410 - February 16, 2012
Quinton Coples and Jared Crick
I’d rank Coples ahead of Crick.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Reyes in the 4th
I really like Reyes in the 4th round
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 16, 2012
me too
consider that Pasq has Cowboys connections too
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
I really like Reyes
And that Pasqualoni connection helps.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
yup
he really wouldn’t shock me at all to get drafted by us
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
i can't wait for FA and draft things have been so quiet lately
right now i would thank someone starting odd rumors
ratware - February 16, 2012
They have been. Like us wanting Moss.....
Rena - February 16, 2012
even that was boring
ratware - February 16, 2012
Crick is average. Coples is the best of the lot but he is more of a true 4-3 player.
I only want Coples if we go strictly 4-3.
Someone will be that guy. There is always one every draft. It may take a while for it to manifest itself. Fletcher Cox is who I would put my money on at being a good 3-4 de.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
Does anyone know the bust rate of Guards, drafted as guards, in the first round? I remember that Tackles do really well, but I can’t find any stats on this for guards
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
very few guards are taken in the first
so it is hard to figure. However I cannot remember any that were that were busts.
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
yeah off the top of my head I only have that guy Seattle drafted who plays in Minnesotta now, and Mike Lupati — and both of these guys were succesful
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
Steve Hutchinson in Minnesotta
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
Steve Hutchinson is who you're talking about
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
those are the only two I can remember
I would compare DeCastro to Hutchinson, very similar
but I think DeCastro is a great guard prospect, maybe equal to or better than Iupati, so I believe the Cowboys will love him
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
yeah I can really imagine
DeCastro turning Dallas in to a completely smothering run team who controls the clock and delivers great Play Action Passes. DeCastro is so good in my view, he’d help our defense
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
Our defense will also improve
with improved time of possession, third down production, and redzone success on offense.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
we were fortunate enough to have maybe the greatest
Guard of all time in Larry Allen. Hell, my favorite jersey to wear is his. it would be great to get another premiere guard…
wtshaolin - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak. Both first rounders....
Both hof’ers and both played for the Oilers at the same time.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
Bruce Matthews was one of my favorite players.
Do they still make lineman like that? He went to the pro-bowl as a guard, center and tackle.
I’d be happy selecting a guard in the first if he turns out to be one of those guys.
But nobody is a sure thing.
sirjason22 - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Both Pouncey's.
Rena - February 16, 2012
Depends of course on your defeinition of busts and hits.
I looked at that two years ago in this post about bust factors on offense
In summary: Of the 13 interior linemen taken in the first round between 1998-2007 only one was a bust. Of the 28 first round tackles, only two were busts.
If we define ‘draft hits’ as guy who made the Pro Bowl, more than half (7 of 13) of the interior linemen were hits and a third (8 of 28) of the tackles were hits.
Really the only first round interior lineman I found who was a bust was OG Matt Stinchcomb, drafted 18th overall by the Raiders in 2000.
One.Cool.Customer - February 16, 2012
and that was the raiders anyway
even before he was senile Al was blowing O line picks
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
Figures the Raiders draft the bust
Remember Robert Gallery in 2004?
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Gallery was an ot coming out of college. He was a bust as an ot. He is very good as a guard.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
I know
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
Probowl is murky… Interior Oline players require name recognition to get in the Probowl, and once there they are there for life. I remember how Andre Gurode turned getting stomped on his face in to Name Recognition and his 1st Probowl. I even called it on this message board during the game.
AustonianAggie - February 16, 2012
I don’t disagree. But then please give me a better measure that’s fairly easy to track and that helps separate Hits from JAGs and Busts.
One.Cool.Customer - February 16, 2012
Kirkpatrick
he really offers us a #1 CB and he would instantly upgrade the CB unit
if we had a CB unit of Mike Jenkins(healthy) Orlando Scandrick and Kirkpatrick, we would have a really good CB unit
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
I'm only taking Kirkpatrick under 4 conditions
1) He passes a background check-great the charges were dropped. But I need to know this kid wouldn’t fall back into smoking pot once and NFL paycheck comes his way-I have nothing against pot, but when I’m paying 6 & 7 figure contracts, I don’t want guys who will be selfish enough to risk playing time for a toke of the herb.
2) I have to be satisfied the guy can be a lockdown cover corner, who we can trust in man/press coverage. I don’t want a CB who we need to scheme around and have him play 10 yards off the LOS.
3) Along the lines of number 2 above, he’d better a run 4.3-4.4 forty and blow Chase Minnifield out of the water in combine testing: if these guys are close, I’ll try and get Minnifield.
4) David DeCastro can’t be on the board because, without a healthy Romo standing upright, this team won’t make the playoffs regardless of our CBs.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Ro name me one lock down cb not named Revis right now.
Not even Namdi is lock down. Big wr’s blow Namdi up.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
I wonder how lockdown Revis is.
I think if Dez would’ve had his legs under him in the first game of the year.. it might’ve been pretty interesting. Dez was doing some nice things against him early on.
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
IF.
Most used word in Dallas lore for the last 15 years.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
Sigh.
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
Here I am trying to question whether or not ANY corners are “lockdown” anymore. You focus on me using the word IF. Great.
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
"You" aren't important enough for me to focus on.
The “if” part of your comment was chuckle worthy though.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
You aren't good at this.
I see you said, “no cb is total lockdown” just a few comments down. So, we agree. You just wanna play tough guy, though.
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
hilarious discussion between you two
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Dumb takes himself too seriously. LOL
football mensa - February 17, 2012
which big WRs are you talking about?
he was pretty shut down once they let him get back to what he was used to
somebodyquiet - February 16, 2012
The Eagles screwed around with Nnamdi the first half of the season
They thought they could mask their deficiencies at Safety by having Nnamdi roam around the secondary like Charles Woodson.
When they let Nnamdi just take one side of the field he played well.
This is what happens when you think an oline coach can coordinate a defense. And this is why the Eagles will never win a SB with Andy Reid, he’s an idiot when it comes to things like this.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Cruz and Nicks were damn good vs the Eagles.
I agree they finally let Namdi do his thing. But no cb is total lockdown. Revis and Namdi are the best. Those guys don’t fall out of trees every draft.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
it'd be great if someone like that fell out a tree to dallas tho
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Tru Dat !
football mensa - February 16, 2012
LaDarius Webb from the Ravens
2011 was his first season as a starter: 55 tackles, 5 INTs, 20 Passes Defensed.
While playing as nickle/dime guy in 2009 & 2010: combined stats of 2 INTs 15 passes defensed.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Too bad he's a RFA.
StarloverinWNC - February 16, 2012
Joe Haden, Brandon Flowers, Corey Webster
I consider them lockdown kinda
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
Brandon Flowers...what could've been
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
What should've been.
football mensa - February 16, 2012
I bet he runs a 4.4
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
Chia.
If it came down to Kirkpatrick or DeCastro, who ya got?
BigDumbFace - February 16, 2012
I'm not Chia, but..
Who did we get in FA? If it was a starting caliber CB then you go DeCastro. If it is someone like Nicks, then Kirkpatrick. If you fill both with mediocre then I think you have to go Kirkpatrick simply because we have guards that should be at least decent, but if we have Jenkins and Scandrick as the starting CBs then we’re screwed.
Static - February 16, 2012
But you can get a really good CB in the second or 3rd rd
DeCastro is better than our guards on the roster.
Chase Minnifield, a second round CB, and Leonard Johnson 2nd-4th rd prospect are better than Scandrick, and either one could start at CB2. We don’t need to blow our wad in the first rd on CB if we don’t have to.
The drop off from DeCastro to other guards in the draft is more significant than the drop off in the CBs.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Quite a few mocks I’ve seen have Minnifield going in the late 1st.
StarloverinWNC - February 16, 2012
He's been a riser the last few days
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
depends on what we do in free agency
I love DeCastro, but we really need a CB and I love Kirkpatricks skill set
premier CB’s are hard to get and I would rather have the corner and draft a G later
Archie Barberio - February 16, 2012
The thing i'm hearing is that this is both
a deep g n cb class so whichever way they go in the 1st/2nd will be fine w/ me as long as they stick to their board n get some ball players… Btw I just noticed ur sig lmfao that’s classic son.
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Cowboys have to take the O lineman, unless DeCastro is gone
The most important area for the Cowboys to improve in the offseason is the interior of the offensive line. We didn’t lose most of our games last year because of defensive breakdowns. We lost most of them because our Oline couldn’t protect Romo or open holes for our running backs. This was especially true late in the season when our old guards and weak center were overwhelmed.
Sign Nicks and Myers and draft DeCastro. This will maximize the value of all the skill players we have on offense, and give Tony Romo the chance to do something for the rest of his career. (Sign Robinson too.)
Put whatevfer resources are left into the defense, including some free agent signings to protect us at CB, ILB, and FS. It’s doable.
VAfan - February 16, 2012
I agree with signing Nicks and Robinson
but I would rather just get a veteran C like Saturday for about 1.5 a year x 2 years to hold the fort at C and teach. Cap room gets tighter with Myers. I think we got a C from the Steelers that was near the end of his career and he gave us a couple of solid years awhile back. Veteran leadership a C would be a big plus.
I would rather use the cap room room from myers a get just a good CB… then draft Kirkpatrick on top of that. But if Dre is gone and DeCastro is there I say take him but then nothing but defense the rest of the way out of the draft unless somebody beyond wildest dreams offensively is still on the board later down.
dmagikwand - February 16, 2012
our putrid Guard plays says otherwise
Romo ain’t got another year if he is pounded anywhere near like he was this year
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
Rob Ryan is a strong personality
and so is Jerry. If RR says DBs, DBs, DBs and DeCastro and Kirkpatrick are both on the board I see Kirkpatrick getting picked. JJ seems more enamored over the years with DBs than OL and I don’t think JG would override both of them. I hope we leave Spencer be and take the cash to sign a DB and OL in FA.
I don’t think the drop off will be that great without Spencer and we may even get lucky and it will improve with Victor Butler. I wouldnt even address SOLB in the 2nd if Poe is still on the board in the mid 20’s I would dump our second and third to move back in to the first to get him….all of this being contigent upon getting the OL and CB in FA.
dmagikwand - February 16, 2012
You mean Stephan voting with JG?
I know RR will get a strong voice, and a vote. But I thought the actual “votes” that counted were 3, JG, JJ and Stephan.
Rena - February 16, 2012
Mocks before both Combine and FA
are a total joke
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
Love to draft him,obviously.(:
Not sure if he drops to 14 though.
Crimsoncaller - February 16, 2012
If DeCastro and Kirkpatrick are on the board at 14
Hard to pass up DeCastro. Won’t complain if the pick is either guy, but my first preference is DeCastro.
I just want talented producers.
Rohpuri - February 16, 2012
a month ago my wish was for decastro first
…and minnifield second. Now I don’t think either will be available when we pick.
wtshaolin - February 16, 2012 via mobile
No CB at 14?
I’m starting to think that there isn’t a corner after Claiborne, who obviously will be long gone, that I’d want at 14. I think two in the first four rounds is a must, and one in FA but unless Kirkpatrick runs extremely well I l’m not sure under what conditions he’d be BPA.
I’d also be more excited about Nick Perry at 14 than Upshaw…Upshaw is another one that I’m extremely interested to see how the explosiveness and athleticism measure at the combine.
Linebacker22 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Janoris Jenkins?
This kid held AJ Green to 43 yards and Alshawn Jeffry to 53 yards when he played at Florida. If he hadn’t been stupid he would be pushing Claiborne for the top CB spot. Even Birddog26 has said he would take him in the first round! I’d take him at 14 in a heartbeat with a good combine performance.
mho - February 18, 2012 via iPhone app
On talent, yes...
To clarify- I think Jenkins is a better fit for RR’s scheme than Dre, but given the path he’s taken I don’t think anyone will take him in the top 15. Just my opinion. I wouldn’t be upset if they did, I just don’t think it will happen.
Linebacker22 - February 18, 2012
I do.
RR, JJ, & JG all know they need a shutdown corner & this kid can be just that! Given the way he has handled his situation you take a top 5 talent at 14!
mho - February 21, 2012 via iPhone app
Birddog.
How does Dre look to you? Is he worth the 14th pick or do you think he’ll be a bust?
mho - February 18, 2012 via iPhone app
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Blogging The Boys to post a comment.