Cowboys First Round Draft Predictions

Dallas Cowboys First Round Draft Analysis

By Zach Wolchuk

As promised in my previous article, I plan on giving a list of defensive line candidates I see as good fits for your Dallas Cowboys. Since the draft is now just nine days away I will also give a list of other potential players that could be of good value and or fill a need for the boys with pick 16.

Let's start with the defensive line. As stated in my previous article this will be a new look front four come training camp. George Selvie will be the only returning starter from last season. Yes, the team did re-sign veteran end Anthony Spencer this past weekend, however he barely saw the field last season due too his knee injury which potentially could still give him problems. The addition of Henry Melton was a good step in the right direction for the team. Although, Melton is essentially playing on a one year prove it deal that had a three year option the club can pick up following the season. The predicted starting front four in my personal opinion for training camp would be Selvie, Hayden, Melton, and Spencer. Both Spencer and Selvie have played right defensive end during their time with the Cowboys. So the need for a true left side end is a position the team should look too fill in this draft.

My number one option at 16 for Dallas would be Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald. When looking at film from this young man all you see of him living in opponents backfields. He has a quick twitch, good instincts, and a general nose for the football. He is the prototype 3 technique in a Rod Marinelli defense in my opinion. Donald did nothing but stand out anytime you watched a Pitt Panther football game last fall. This guy was well on my radar before he turned heads at the NFL scouting combine. His numbers were off the charts and are quickly becoming legendary for a defensive tackle. Donald posted a 4.68 40 yard dash (best at combine), 35 reps on the bench press (best at combine), 7.11 3 cone drill (best at combine), and a 4.39 20 yard shuttle. As impressive as these numbers are, I have never been one too elevate a prospect based on a tremendous work out. If the players looks good on film that is what truly counts. In this case Donald was a player who plays outstanding on tape and then combine that with a jaw dropping workout.

Odds are Aaron Donlad will be gone by the time the Cowboys are on the clock come May 8. Another player I like is Anthony Barr from UCLA. This guy is a converted running back. Only played outside linebacker the last two seasons in Jim Mora's 3-4 defensive scheme. Barr shows natural pass rush skills and a knack for getting too the quarterback. Other than Clowney he to me is the best pass natural pass rusher in this class. He makes “Wow” plays. A lot can be said about how raw he is and some worry about his upper body strength and hand play. In my opinion this guy just makes plays. I believe Rod Marinelli would have a field day with this guys ability. It is said that the Cowboys would have him play down as most likely the left defensive end in this scheme. This would work because the left side is asked too support less in run support, however, I think with time and coaching Barr can become one of the elite defensive players in the NFL. Regardless of position, maybe he is better suited as a 3-4 OLB, but I would not pass on him at 16. Getting too the quarterback is too important in today's NFL.

At defensive end two players are being discussed as first round candidates at the position. That being Kony Ealy of Mizzou and Dee Ford from Auburn. Personally I am not high on Ealy. If you look at him physically he is long and presents all the athletical qualities you want from an end in today's league. He goes in line with the JPP and Aldon Smith mold of long and athletic ends or converted outside linebackers. To me his production does not match the athleticism, I would prefer too take his counterpart at Mizzou Michael Sam who has made news for his sexuality more so than his play on the field. I think Sam has a place at least as a third down pass rusher and a ceiling comparable to a Trent Cole. He could be steal in later rounds. 

While I do not like Ealy, I do very much like Dee Ford. He was the one player in the national championship game for Auburn on the defensive end that really caught my eye. Some say he may not be an all around player, but I think he has potential and could arguably be the next best end too Clowney in the class. Taking him at 16 could be too high for the Cowboys, but if the team trades down, his name could be up for consideration. 

Other potential first round options along the defensive line are Timmy Jernigan from Florida State, Louis Nix from Notre Dame, and RaShede Hagemen from Minnesota. The latter two are more one technique in the cowboys defense. Big bodies who can stop the run yet still collapse the interior of the pocket and get push on the quarterback. Both of which would improve the interior defensive line of the Cowboys. Jernigan presents some interesting versatility. I think he can play either the three technique because of his quickness and motor, or play the one technique because of his size and strength. The ability too move him around could be just what the doctor ordered for Dallas. Not to mention he led the Noles' in tackles in their national championship win over Auburn.

The Dallas Cowboys have many holes other than just along the defensive line. This team has needed a true safety ever since Darren Woodson retired. I like Barry Church at strong safety, I think he has proven to be a reliable tackler, although he has shown some struggles when covering tight ends. This club really needs a rangy center fielder. A true ball hawk if you will. The best guy in this years class to me is Ha-Ha Clinton Dix from Alabaman. This guy can cover sideline too sideline and also has the physical tools too lay the wood on guys. He would immediatly improve a cowboys secondary that seemed too really lose it's confidence last season.

Other safety options in round one are Calvin Pryor of Louisville and even Jimmie Ward of Nothern Illinois. Ward is the only safety of the top three to visit the Cowboys this off season. A personal under the radar favorite of mine is another Florida State Seminole Lamarcus Joyner. Joyner has played Safety, outside corner, and slot corner for the Noles' during his collegiate career. He has game speed and flies around like no other safety in my opinion from this class on the back end. Like his teammate Jernigan, his versatility is something that would intrigue if I were the Cowboys.

I really do not want the Cowboys taking a wide receiver round one in this years draft. This class is very deep at the position and in my opinion defensive line, safety, linebacker, and even taking an offensive lineman such as Notre Dames' Zack Martin round one would be the way to go. Martin has experience playing across the offensive line, he was also a captain and MVP for Notre Dame at their bowl game this past season. How many offensive lineman do you know with that kind of resume. Martin could come in at start guard for Dallas and also kick out and play right tackle if Doug Free departs next season in free agency. Drafting Martin would solidify the offensive line and make it a strength for the team.

Later round players that could be targets for Dallas along the defensive line are Domique Easley from Florida, Will Sutton from Arizona State, Stephon Tuitt from Notre Dame, Demarcus Lawrence from Boise State, Scott Crichton from Oregon State, Marcus Smith from Louisville, and Jackson Jeffcoat from Texas. Of these players Easley in my opinion has the most talent, but is also coming off a knee injury. All are solid options and players I like anywhere from rounds 2-4.

As the draft quickly approaches the Cowboys remain one of the wild cards of the first round. The team could be in a prime trading spot if one of the top quarterbacks fall. Or if Johnny “Football” Manziel fell to 16 I have hunch he may just be box office enough that Jerry pounces. Will Dallas move up for a player in covets? Or will they trade down and acquire more picks in a deep draft? Or just stay put and see how the board falls and take the best player available. We shall find out soon enough.

Make sure and keep checking our page on BlogTalk for our Nosebleed Seats NFL mock draft special coming very soon.