New Dallas Cowboys’ 7 Round Mock Draft: Surprise Risers and Fallers

Dec. 26, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Cody Wilson (11) makes catch while being tackled by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Jonathan Dowling (1) in the second quarter of the 2012 Little Caesars Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5

FS Jonathan Dowling

Western Kentucky

6’3” 190 lbs

Jonathan Dowling is one of the few free safeties in this draft class that really brings excitement. He’s tall and rangy and plays like a natural ball-hawk. He plays the ball rather than the man which leads to passes defensed and INTs.

Despite playing at a small Conference USA school he has excellent technique and is a disciplined defender. He plays strong Special Teams which will be needed at the next level while he fights for a starting spot.

His limitations start with his build. He’s slender which inhibits his ability to tackle well. He’s poor in the box and against the run. He has a tough time shedding blocks. He’s a deep safety only. His character is also a concern as he was kicked off of the Gators in 2010 and transferred schools. No legal problems but for a 4 star recruit to get kicked off a team it had to be something bad.

With so many safeties in the draft that lack natural cover skills, grabbing the one dimensional FS seemed like a good choice in the 5^th round.

 On to the 7^th Rounders….