Cowgirls’ Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft #2
By cowgirlcas
I previously did my first Dallas Cowboys mock draft for the 2013 NFL season. In light of the switch to the Tampa 2 defense, and some of my former selections electing to go back to school, it is time for my 1st update.
Nov 3, 2012; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Terrance Williams (2) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
I am not a fan of taking the best available player on the board just because he is there and he is “flashy” . When I went to DallasCowboys.com and saw the headline “Baylor Star Terrance Williams Hopes To Become A Cowboy”, I thought, “oh no, here we go again.” Everyone knows Cowboys owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones’ penchant for making a splash so-to-speak by drafting “FLASH” in the 1st round. At this point, I thought: “oh no, what if Williams happens to be on the board when the Dallas Cowboys pick at 18? The Dallas Cowboys were 3rd in passing in the NFL with 4,903 yds 26 TD’s, but 31st running the ball and 26th in red zone scoring. So, I ask:
Why is WR a need?
The numbers below clearly indicate my motives behind my selections in this mock draft. Unlike Jerry Jones, I am a firm believer in drafting the best available player that fills an immediate need, so obviously WR isn’t on my list. I feel both Cole Beasley and Dwayne Harris have more than proved that they are up to the task.
- 1992 Cowboys- 2,131 rush yards and 20 rushing TD’s
- 1993 Cowboys- 2,161 rushing yards 20 rushing TD’s
- 1995 Cowboys- 2,201 rushing yards 29 rushing TD’s
- 2012 Cowboys- 1,265 rushing yards 9 rushing TD’s
"If Jerry Jones is too blind to see this, then Cowboys fans need to find an alternate team to cheer for in the post season. This team will never go deep in to the play offs with this kind of imbalance. A Super Bowl is out of the question!"
1st Round:
Given that 2 of my former 1st round selections (Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews) have decided to stay in school, Barrett Jones isn’t even on the board at this time because of his career threatening injury, the switch to the Tampa 2 defense and the uncertainty of Tony Romo signing an extension in Dallas, I was forced to completely redo round 1.
Dec 3, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) recovers an onside kick during the first half of the 2011 SEC championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Alec Ogletree, OLB
Height/Weight: 6-3 234
School: Georgia | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Newnan, GA
The switch to the Tampa 2 defense created an immediate need for quick athletic LB’s. Bruce Carter and Sean Lee both fit the bill, but then who?
Mandatory Credit sbnation.com
Tyler Wilson, QB
Height/Weight: 6-2 218
School: Arkansas | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Greenwood, AR
With the fear that Tony Romo may want to move on to greener pastures, combined with the fact that the Dallas Cowboys need to plan for the future anyway, I studied quite a few QB’s so far this offseason. As you all know, I am not one to pay much attention to the media projections. That being said, this is my guy. Wilson is the real deal. Good anticipation/accuracy, very poised, good read and react skills, extremely mobile. Good foot work, moves well in and out of the pocket. decent arm strength, quick release and he can throw on the run like Tony Romo. Lets face it, If Jerry decides to draft a QB, he better get one with some decent mobility. Otherwise, his first round pick will be on injured reserve.
Oct 27, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) comes onto the field for the game with the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 21-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Vaccaro, FS
Height/Weight 6-1 218
School: Texas | Conference: BIG12
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Brownwood, TX
As most of you know, the Tampa 2 defense relies heavily on the play of the safeties (another position where the Cowboys severely lacking depth). Vacarro can play either SS or FS and has shown he has the speed (4.49- 40) and the athleticism that meets the task.
2nd Round:
In spite of the fact that some of these guys have changed their locations in the projections, my grade stays the same. I am more concerned about what they did week in and week out during the season, than during drills at the Sr. Bowl.
Oct. 5, 2012; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Ezekiel Ansah (47) grabs hold of Utah State Aggies running back Kerwynn Williams (25) during the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB
Height/Weight: 6-5 270
School: Brigham Young | Conference: IA
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Ansah is an athletic freak. He has all the intangibles NFL scouts look for. The switch to the Tampa 2 defense has also created holes at the defensive end position. I am keeping Ansah in the 2nd round because of his lack of experience. If he falls, then grab him. If not, he’s high risk and high reward.
Nov 3, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Marlin Lane (15) after scoring the winning touchdown to defeat the Troy Trojans 55-48 is congratulated by teammate Tennessee offensive linesman Dallas Thomas (71) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Thomas, OT
Height/Weight: 6-5 310
School: Tennessee | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
I am still concerned about the depth on the offensive line. With Doug Frees’ inflated salary and lack of production, he may end up a cap casualty by June 1st. I have no confidence what-so-ever in Jeremy Parnell’s ability to be a starter in the NFL. Therefore, I strongly believe the Cowboys need to draft an offensive tackle. Thomas faced some of the biggest and best pass rushers in the SEC and fared well.
November 24, 2012; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defensive tackle Kawann Short (93) waits for the snap against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Kawann Short, DT
Height/Weight: 6-3 315
School: Purdue | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: East Chicago, IN
Losing Josh Brent due to off field issues and the recent allegations that the battle scarred injury laden Jay Ratliff was guilty of being involved in an alcohol related accident, some depth at the defensive tackle position is a must for the Dallas Cowboys.
3rd Round:
Mandatory Credit ukathletics.com
Larry Warford, OG
Height/Weight: 6-3 343
School: Kentucky | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Richmond, KY
I spent a lot of time studying this player. He is your prototypical road grading interior offensive lineman. Constant pressure up the middle has been Tony Romo’s nemesis for quite some time now. It is imperative that Jerry Jones add some beef in the middle, especially if Tony Romo plans on departing from Dallas. Kyle Orton would end up in a wheel chair playing behind this offensive line.
Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ricky Wagner (58) in the 2012 Rose Bowl game against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated Wisconsin 45-38. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky Wagner, OT
Height/Weight: 6-6 310
School: Wisconsin | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: West Allis, WI
I also spent a lot of time studying this player. He is country strong, athletic and has great instincts. These are traits that can’t be taught. In spite of media projections showing him as a 4th-5th round projection, I don’t see him playing LT in the NFL. I graded him as a guard. As you all know, Wisconsin is known as OL university, so you know he was well coached. If he was athletic enough to play LT in the Big10, then he is more than athletic enough to be a good pulling guard at the next level. I am content with a 3rd round grade.
Dec 2, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball walks onto the floor with the Big Ten football trophy as he and teammates James White (right) and Melvin Gordon are introduced during a time-out at the Kohl Center. The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team defeated California 81-56. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Montee Ball, RB
Height/Weight: 5-11 215
School: Wisconsin | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Wentzville, MO
Ball is an exception to my rule. If he is on the board when the Dallas Cowboys draft in the 3rd round, this is a no brainer with Felix Jones being in a contract year and DeMarco Murray’s injury issues.
4th Round:
I am staying pat with my 4th round selections.
September 15, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs safety Shawn Williams (36) and linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) tackle Florida Atlantic Owls running back Damian Fortner (22) in the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Shawn Williams, S
Height/Weight: 6-1 218
School: Georgia | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Damascus, GA
Shawn Williams is not what I would call an Ed Reed, but he is a solid developmental player who I believe could make an immediate impact on special teams and provide an adequate backup for Barry Church. He has the potential to eventually be a starter.
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish center Braxston Cave (52) warms up prior to the 2013 BCS Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Braxston Cave, C
Height/Weight: 6-3 305
School: Notre Dame | Conference: Big East
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Mishawaka, IN
September 29, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end William Gholston (2) on the field during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State won 17-16 Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
William Gholston, DE
Height/Weight: 6-7 278
School: Michigan State | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Detroit, MI
Gholston is the real deal. At 6-7 280 lbs he has the size and strength to manhandle offensive linemen. He is very athletic and has the speed to play in space as well as the quickness to beat linemen to the edge.
5th Round:
Sep 3, 2011; Clemson, SC, USA; Troy Trojans wide receiver B.J. Chitty (17) is brought down by Clemson Tigers linebacker Jonathan Willard (not pictured) and defensive end Malliciah Goodman (97) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 43 to 19. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Malliciah Goodman, DE
Height/Weight: 6-4 280
School: Clemson | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Florence, SC
Goodman is what I call one of those under the radar mid round picks; he has good length, quickness and overall athleticism. He could be a decent defensive end to provide some depth in the rotation.
September 22, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) during the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Kiko Alonso, ILB
Height/Weight: 6-3 242
School: Oregon |Conference:Pac12
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Los Gatos, CA
Alonso has the traits to develop in to a quality LB at the next level. He has good awareness and the quickness to get upfield and disrupt the backfield. He is still a little raw in his technique, and will need to work on his strength and his pedal, but none the less, he is good in coverage and exhibits good ball skills. He is a decent developmental player that is a perfect fit for the Tampa 2 defense that could utilize his speed on special teams.
Aug 31, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Dion Sims (80) reaches for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Boise State Broncos at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US Presswire
Dion Sims, TE
Height/Weight: 6-5 285
School: Michigan State | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Detroit, Mi.
It’s looking more and more like the John Phillips experiment in Dallas is over. He is an UFA and It doesn’t appear he will get a new deal. That being said, I have been one who always liked the idea of using an undersized athletic OT as a blocking TE because in most cases, the defensive ends in the NFL keep getting bigger stronger and faster, and they are a handful for the avg TE. Well, I killed 2 birds with one stone here. Sims is a load at 285 lbs and still has the speed (4.76 40) to be an effective TE. He has good hands and is an efficient blocker. At 6-5 he can big boy opposing defenders who are trying to cover him. Some boards have him projected in the 3-4th round and he has the intangibles to merit a higher grade than that. However, his felony conviction in 2010 and some injury issues early in his career make him a high risk, high reward player. If he falls to the Dallas Cowboys in the 5th round, I say draft him.
6th Round:
Again I am staying pat with my previous selections.
January 2, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Cornelius Washington (83) tackles Michigan State Spartans running back Le
Cornelius Washington, OLB
Height/Weight: 6-4 268
School: Georgia | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Hephzibah, GA
Height/Weight: 6-6 340
School: N. Carolina | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Windsor, NC
September 22, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans nose tackle Anthony Rashad White (98) during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium against the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony White, DT
Height/Weight: 6-2 330
School: Michigan State | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Battle Creek, MI
When I watch White play it reminds me of a bull in a china closet. He will amaze you with his quickness for a big boy. He isn’t one of those big interior defensive linemen that you watch push the pocket front, draw a double team and that’s it. Nope, this guy is all over the field. I was amused watching him against the center I mocked in the 4th round. Obviously the center needed some help. What impressed me the most was his power at the point of attack and his ability to get off of blocks and run across the field to make a tackle. He doesn’t have any fancy pass rush moves or the best technique I’ve ever seen, he just over powers his opponent. To get White in the 6th round would probably be the best late round pick since Jay Ratliff. A good coach like Marinelli would turn him in to a beast. I couldn’t imagine trying to block him if his technique was a good as Jay Ratliff’s. He is much bigger and more powerful than Ratliff is now.
I apologize if I disappoint, but if you were looking for flash, you wont find it here. The main thing the Dallas Cowboys are missing is some nasty in the trenches. I admit, they wouldn’t sell a lot of jerseys with this draft, but they may just finish better than 8-8. I included a video of Tyler Wilson. If Jerry Jones does get the notion to draft a QB, this is my guy.
Join the SportDFW Nation! If you are not following us on Facebook & Twitter, the Giants fans are winning.