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Will Jason Garrett's relationship with Nick Saban lead Dre Kirkpatrick to Dallas?
Mock draft season is at its pre-Combine peak, and the draftniks across the country are scrambling to get their last mocks up before the Combine opens its doors later this week.
SBNation's Ryan Van Bibber got in on the action early yesterday and updated his 2012 NFL Mock Draft, just in time before the Combine shakes up these rankings with 40-yard times, bench press results and 3-cone drills.
For the Cowboys, not much has changed. Van Bibber has the Cowboys selecting Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick for the third time in four weeks:
The Cowboys who really need help in the secondary. This pick will depend on what they do in free agency, where Brent Grimes, Cortland Finnegan and Brandon Carr could also provide a fix. Kirkpatrick matches up well against bigger, physical receivers, which could come in handy against Dallas' division rivals in New York.
Cornerback ranks at the very top of the Cowboys' needs this offseason, and if the Cowboys wait until the draft to solidify the position, Dre Kirkpatrick looks like a pretty good bet. Other corners like North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins or South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore are currently rated a little lower than Kirkpatrick, but that may change after the Combine - in either direction.
With Stanford Routt agreeing to a $20 million, 3-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, free agency now offers three big-name corners for the Cowboys in Cortland Finnegan, Brent Grimes and Brandon Carr. But each of those guys will want to see big money and it's questionable whether the Cowboys will want to go down that route.
For today, the SBNation mock has the Cowboys picking a corner, and while the prospects are bound to change in the next iterations of these mocks, a corner has been a fairly consistent theme in the SBNation mocks. Here's a list showing Van Bibber's weekly projections for the Cowboys since the start of the year:
Feb 20: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Feb 13: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Feb 7: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jan 30: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Jan 23: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jan 17: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
Jan 9: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jan 2: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
0 recs | 73 comments
I have Kirkpatrick higher than Jenkins
and not just for the “character concerns”
Kirkpatrick(assuming he has a good Combine) could be a very good FS. Jenkins has not shown that he could play at that position(lack of tackling instincts)
plus you add in the reported height issue of Jenkins @5-9 vs 6-2 and the fact that Jenkins as been busted twice for the Wacky Tabacky(where as Kirkpatrick was simply wrong place wrong time by all appearances)
thus if given the choice I take Kirkpatrick over Jenkins in a heartbeat…..
I am Ironman!!! - February 21, 2012
Its not just weed with Jenkins
Its assault. I know he’s said he’s changed. but that’s a lot to invest in Pacman the sequel.
Nickthegrip - February 21, 2012
true forgot about that
I am Ironman!!! - February 21, 2012
I would love to pick up Michael Griffin (S) from TEN…draft Kirkpatrick and another senior CB (two year contract. That would be a great facelift for our secondary.
Noonelikestheeagles - February 21, 2012
i like more jenkins, he's a natural corner
kirkpatrick is just a tall guy, he could plays CB or S but never will be as good as jenkins (if he doesn’t ends like pacman), jenkins is more closer to 5’10 than 5’9 he has already showed what he has against julio and a.j. look at NFL, who your top corner the 5’11 Revis and not the 6’2 sean smith, however i’m not saying i would take jenkins with the 14th pick, i won’t, bu i think he’s a better corner
ratware - February 21, 2012
Screw both those Potheads
The ghosts of Quincy Carter and Kareem Larrimore still linger.
Mighty Blue Star - February 21, 2012
yes, but we really need some good CBs. Larrimore was never as good as either of these guys. He was a 2nd round pick at the height of Jerry 1.0
AustonianAggie - February 21, 2012
Kirkpatrick has no prior history of "being a pothead"
that isn’t to say that he isn’t, but he has never tested positive for it(to our knowledge) and the one time he was supposedly “busted”, the charges were dropped, which supports the “wrong time wrong place” theory…..
Maybe that means he was better at hiding it, but given the current known facts,I would tend to disregard Kirkpatrick’s “arrest”.
I am Ironman!!! - February 21, 2012
As I said last week.
People are forgetting the Saban/Garrett connection. If Saban says to Garrett what you said, that is was “wrong place/wrong time” scenario for Dre, Garrett would listen to Saban, and that would probably go a long way to Dre being selected by the Cowboys, if he’s still available at #14.
aubatron2011 - February 21, 2012
good point.
ary201 - February 21, 2012
I agree, Saban will wiegh heavy on this pick.
Musiccitynorm - February 21, 2012
of course first and foremost dre needs to be on top of dallas' board
i hope he’s not
ratware - February 21, 2012
There are potheads on the Cowboys' roster currently.
Probably a few players you’d want to keep, too.
BigDumbFace - February 21, 2012
who?
Musiccitynorm - February 21, 2012
Yeah BDFace
Who?
Tennessee_Jed - February 21, 2012
I didn't mean to suggest I knew someone in particular.
We could toss around some good guesses, though.
BigDumbFace - February 21, 2012
BDFace
Which players are you referring to? Who on the current team?
Tennessee_Jed - February 21, 2012
I suspect he is just going on probability and some past records.
But I would go further. I don’t think you can find an NFL roster that is completely clean, and some of the names are ones you would not want to lose. And there have certainly been plenty of examples of Cowboys with a preference for da ganga, like Mark Stepnoski.
Tom Ryle - February 21, 2012
Yes.
There are people across all professions that smoke pot. It isn’t such a bad thing. They can still do their jobs at a high level, assuming they aren’t using while doing said job, of course.
BigDumbFace - February 21, 2012
Step moved to Canada so he could smoke week.
Step weighs about 210 right now.
football mensa - February 21, 2012
weed not week lol
football mensa - February 21, 2012
I agree with the headline of the mock
“After Luck everything’s a mystery”
Omar Little - February 21, 2012
That’s interesting that Dre is consistent as #1 choice. I hope we can get Terrell Thomas signed to a similar contract that Rout just inked with the Chiefs. Maybe a little less even with him coming off the ACL injury. So hopefully going into the draft this position is not as empty as it is now.
I’d like as our first round pick either:
1. Decastro
2. Coples
3. Still
I’m assuming we’re going to get a good cornerback in round 2 or even 3. I’d like Brandon Boykin in round 2 or Josh Norman in round 3
livemontana - February 21, 2012
You would have to sell me on Still
I thought he was falling down the boards and I think I like Ingram over Coples. But, I’m really hoping DeCastro is our pick.
JannyDones - February 21, 2012
I don't think Birddog thought too highly of him in the first.
TheCowboyFan - February 21, 2012
He's definitely been under the radar the fast couple of months
About the only guy touting him is here: http://thedctimes.com/2012/02/introducing-scouting-the-draft-series-at-new-york-times/
livemontana - February 21, 2012
Cornerback Terrell Thomas, New York Giants in Contract Talks
http://www.giants101.com/2012/02/09/cornerback-terrell-thomas-new-york-giants-in-contract-talks/
Might not see free agency.
ary201 - February 21, 2012
hmm the link scared me but reading the article
it sounds like he’s open to leaving if they don’t value him like he feels he is worth. And that being said the Giants just won a superbowl without him, have other free agents to sign, and not a lot of cap room. We got a chance
livemontana - February 21, 2012
If the Boys are to move forward
they must hit on this pick.
Kirkpatrick would fill a need.Jenkins has too many issues to be drafted at 14.
Lots of scenarios have to play out if we are to get the guy we have slotted at 14.
I looked at Mayok’s draft and he has some players valued lower than most mocks do.For example Kirkpatrick is the 4th CB in his draft.
TCB Orange Dino - February 21, 2012
Dre should move to fs.
football mensa - February 21, 2012
BPA
I think Decastro will be the pick, but I’m okay with Kirkpatrick
birdness - February 21, 2012
Agreed
JannyDones - February 21, 2012
This is how I feel too,,, I'll be happy either way.
Musiccitynorm - February 21, 2012
I'm just not feeling DeCastro lasting that long.
Let’s see how the combine goes.
Tom Ryle - February 21, 2012
I'm glad Dennard is no longer the guy being mocked to us
Rohpuri - February 21, 2012 via mobile
+1
His name has really faded from discussion in recent weeks. I don’t like anything about the guy – undersized, stiff hips, doesn’t read and react well, and if a WR gets any kind of jump on him, it’s over. His stock crashed and burned at the Senior Bowl – Adam Caplan wrote that he was getting owned by UDFA types – and I’m not sure the combine will help much.
KeyOfZ - February 21, 2012
If I'm not mistaken, Mayock pointed that out
That Dennard was getting beat by later rd/udfa guys.
Rohpuri - February 21, 2012 via mobile
You are correct.
Gotta give credit where it’s due. Not sure why I thought Caplan. Need to make sure my homework’s done before I turn it in, I suppose.
KeyOfZ - February 21, 2012
Either way I found it hilarious mockers were giving him to us
That made me pay attention to him at the Senior Bowl, and my suspicions were confirmed, he’s garbage. I wouldn’t even take him with the idea of moving him to safety. Let someone else blow a pick on him.
Rohpuri - February 21, 2012 via mobile
Tracy Porter in FA
should come cheaper and is still a young guy
BPA in first (decastro if he is there, Dre or Jenkins, or trade back for Konz, Poe)
glad the combine is upon us, love to see how much looking good out of pads changes things in the mocks
BigBad Joe - February 21, 2012
A guide to looking good out of pads:
Tip #1: Don’t earn a nickname referring to a large landmass.
KeyOfZ - February 21, 2012
Get this guy a Manssiere...
dunkman - February 21, 2012
disturbing, very disturbing
eightball - February 21, 2012
who is that?
yehti - February 21, 2012 via mobile
Terrence Cody, ...
… or his twin sister. Not 100% sure.
eightball - February 21, 2012
lol
yehti - February 21, 2012 via mobile
Correction...
That is MOUNT Cody…
ProBowlFactory - February 21, 2012
The Ravens fist pumped when he weighed in
Rohpuri - February 21, 2012 via mobile
KeyofZ
That’s one of the ugliest women I’ve ever seen.
Tennessee_Jed - February 21, 2012
Wow
I didn’t know that pornographic images were allowed on BTB, although I agree, very ugly woman…
ProBowlFactory - February 21, 2012
seriously
My wife isn’t exactly “Petite” but I think he has a bigger “chest” than she does
I am Ironman!!! - February 22, 2012
Agree Joe, I want DeCastro badly, but I fear he'll be gone. If Konz checks out medically or if Poe
is available trading down makes sense.
pfloyd1 - February 21, 2012
Rob from the Gmen, either of their 2 corners. That would be a good start.
My pet cat is still the kid from the Thundering Herd (great name), DE Vinny Curry in the second and I am torn on the first pick (esp. as noted, we have not gone through FA yet).
If we grab 2 Cbs in FA then I vote Decastro, if not then Kirkpatrick and in the 3rd or 4th a Center.
LiveNDieBlue - February 21, 2012
14th Pick
I believe DeCastro if available @ 14 will be the highest rated pick and needs to be stronly considered. There are a few other OG that could be picked in 2nd round that are good. If Dre Killpatrick is @14 I would like NT POE with the 2nd pick.
jrcowboy49 - February 21, 2012
Lots of Talented Corners
My vote is for a Stud OL, DL, or LB. This is not a deep draft for DL/LB. And at #14 we can get best G or C prospect. My pick is for wither DeCastro or Coples or Courtney Upshaw. Then grab 2 CBs in Rounds 2-4.
DeLeon - February 21, 2012
I vote for either top DB that played NCAA FB in the state of Alabama
eightball - February 21, 2012
DeCastro's the guy
The surefire hit is DeCastro. Though Kirkpatrick and Jenkins possibly could shore up the DBs, DBs seem to be hit or miss in the first round. But a guard with credentials like DeCastro’s would go a long way to solidifying the OL for the next 10 years with Smith. And there’s no downside to him at all.
The Cowboys should seek to solve their DB problem with FAs and the 2d-7th rounds. 1st round needs to be DeCastro all the way.
mushpuppy - February 21, 2012
Kirkpatrick
Almost has to be the pick at 14.
The FA market does not show enough value at the position.
You’re going to get a physical and versatile guy with better size and measurables than Carr, Finnegan, or Grimes for 15-20 million less in the overall contract.
If Soliai, Spencer, and a starting quality C/G were brought in via FA, we could trade up a few spots with our extra 4th to snag a falling interior lineman prospect(Konz, Glenn…?)
We could then use the 3rd rounder to pick up a 4th corner prospect to replace Ball.
4th rounder to target a cheap replacement for Robinson(Adams, Wright, BROYLES. All of which are more talented and cheaper than Robinson w/ return ability)
In this same scenario for FA and Kirkpatrick pick, I would not mind seeing them trade back into the first with our second and third to pick up Alshon Jeffrey if he falls to the end of the first and using the 2 4th rounders on a 4th corner and interior OLine prospect(Brewster, Ziegler…?)
mfoster - February 21, 2012 via Android app
What makes it tough to plan
Is the guys that tend to slide for some reason. It is easy to say “DeCastro” with the first. Take CB with the 2nd and 3rd,….. but what happens when a talent starts to slide and he is too good to pass up. Now you are waiting until the 3rd and 4th to get a CB… those may not start. It is too tough to have a plan for all the the picks. Just pick the best player available in every round. If we fill most of the holes in the free agent season, we should be able to do that.
Oakster41 - February 21, 2012
Nicks was just on XM
he said he wants more money the Evans got 2 years ago.
yehti - February 21, 2012 via mobile
YIkes
BigBad Joe - February 21, 2012
Well of course he WANTS more money than Evans.
ary201 - February 21, 2012
I want him
Buth that’s too much money for an OG.
birdness - February 21, 2012
Hello Meyers and Wells
Rohpuri - February 21, 2012 via mobile
And with teams having so much cap $ they have to spend, he will probably get it.
Rena - February 21, 2012
DeCastro at 14 if available
yehti - February 21, 2012 via mobile
+10
then;
cb
olb
c
cb
qb
dt
ilb
rockkicker - February 21, 2012
wupps, too many rounds
rockkicker - February 21, 2012
Well we could get a compensatory 4th rnd pick
Sean N - February 21, 2012
I agree with that one
Then it has to be Trumaine Johnson (CB), then I think you have to go with Jonathan Massaquoi (OLB) and Ben Jones ©. Of course I think it will probably end up being Ben Jones in the third and Massaquoi in the 4th based on what I am hearing now…
ProBowlFactory - February 21, 2012
Malik Jackson
Is a very intriguing prospect in the mid to late rounds. Josh Norris brought him up the other day, and I watched some tape on him. He looks very quick off the edge, although he lined up inside in Tennessee’s 4-3 quite a bit, and he’s a tall guy (6’5" 270lbs) , which is very important to me when it comes to outside rushers. Check him out
KJDH2154 - February 21, 2012
Assuming the picks go this way, if Melvin Ingram is avalable at 14
they take him instead of Kirkpatrick.
jordanch68 - February 22, 2012
Melvin Ingram=Victor Butler
Why would you waste this pick on the same product.
Ingram, or Butler for that matter, is not the right kind of guy to fill the gap Spencer would leave.
Spencer is football smart, big, fast, and handles exactly what he needs to for the position he is asked to play.
You know why this team can’t be successful?
Jerry? No.
Romo? Nope.
Garrett? Uh uh…
It’s fans that expect every talented player to be an all pro because they are Cowboys. It’s the pressure to succeed brought on by millions of impatient fanatics.
The one thing I always hear about great defenses is you play great when you have the system down and can fly around without thinking.
Well, what the hell happens when you’re put on a pedistal by over zealous fans and that’s always on the brain?
mfoster - February 22, 2012 via Android app
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