Dallas Cowboys: 2015 NFL Draft Primer
By Ryan Ratty
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Day 1 Targets
1. Todd Gurley, Running Back, Georgia
The Cowboys run a zone-blocking scheme and the running back in this draft class that makes the most sense is Todd Gurley. If he is available when the Cowboys are on the clock, Gurley would be a great addition, as his combination of size, speed, and elusiveness would be of great use in Dallas behind the Cowboys’ vaunted offensive line. Gurley is a transcendent running back and although it may sound far-fetched, if the Cowboys added Gurley, don’t be surprised if they really end up not missing DeMarco Murray at all.
2. Kevin Johnson, Cornerback, Wake Forest
Oddly enough, the Cowboys didn’t re-sign Sterling Moore. Currently, Orlando Scandrick is the only cornerback on the roster that can be trusted. Brandon Carr hasn’t been good since 2012 and it’s clear that the Cowboys aren’t huge fans of him anymore, as they have already asked for a pay cut from Carr. Morris Claiborne has been a bust since the Cowboys moved up in the 2012 NFL Draft to select him. Add in the fact that he’s recovering from a tricky torn patellar injury and it’s easy to see why the Cowboys are concerned about him.
With all of that being said, the Cowboys could draft one of the more heralded cornerbacks in this year’s draft class in Kevin Johnson. At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Johnson clearly needs to add on weight, but he’s so fluid in coverage and he has terrific ball skills. Johnson does a great job at mirroring opposing receivers and that will be of good use in Dallas.
3. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Defensive End, UCLA
Before the addition of Greg Hardy, this was the hot pick for the Cowboys in mock drafts across the web. Owamagbe Odighizuwa is an absolute freak off the edge. He’s built extremely well and although he isn’t the best pass-rusher, he does an excellent job at diagnosing the run and making plays in the backfield. The main concerns with Odighizuwa are his hips, as he has already had two surgeries on them. Regardless of the Cowboys adding Hardy, if he is suspended and Jeremy Mincey doesn’t produce, the Cowboys will need someone opposite of Lawrence, so adding Odighizuwa in the first round still isn’t out of the question.
Next: Day 2 Targets