Tag: Mock

Drafting Dallas 2019: 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0

Posted on by Jason Pruett in Drafting Dallas 2019

It was a tale of two seasons for the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.

America’s Team labored through the first half of their schedule, getting off to a disappointing 3-5 start. The offense was maddeningly inconsistent, showing but mere flashes of competence, let alone brilliance, while a stalwart defense would seemingly keep the team in contention each week until struggling themselves at the most inopportune moment. With no sign that success would be forthcoming, the franchise was presumably headed toward an offseason of significant change.

Instead, the front office took measures to make a run at the NFC East—the division there for the taking with neither the Cowboys nor one of their rivals able to stake claim through eight games. A mid-season trade for wide receiver Amari Cooper and the dismissal of offensive line coach Paul Alexander in favor of assistant Marc Colombo seemed to serve as the catalyst for a turnaround. The Cowboys reeled off five straight victories, ultimately winning seven of their final eight games to earn the division title and a berth in the NFL Playoffs.

Riding a wave of momentum into January, with an offense that seemed to do just enough to win and a defense that would rise to the occasion with the game in the balance, the Cowboys turned back the challenge of the Seattle Seahawks during NFC Wild Card Weekend. But, the ride would grind to a halt in Hollywood, as Dallas was summarily dismissed by the eventual NFC representative in the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams.

Now, much like the offseason following the 2016 campaign, the Cowboys will look to build on the promise of a playoff appearance in an attempt to finally end their championship drought of more than two decades.

In my 1.0 installment of Drafting Dallas 2019, I’m assuming front office duties to mock draft the full seven rounds for the Cowboys using the current edition of my DRAFTPLEX Board. For context, this isn’t a prediction or projection of what the actual front office will do, nor is it a fantasy draft where the best players just happen to conveniently fall to the Cowboys. I will be making my selections as realistically as I can based on my evaluations to this point, with the knowledge that offseason variables (releases, trades, free agency signings, draft stocks, etc.) will most assuredly impact future installments.

While the complete NFL Draft order is not yet confirmed, the Cowboys are currently scheduled to make their first selection at #58 in Round 2, followed by #90 in Round 3. The exact number and order of their selections in Rounds 4, 5, and 7 are to be determined pending the disclosure of compensatory picks. Dallas does not currently possess a Round 1 selection after trading it to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for wide receiver Amari Cooper this past season, nor a Round 6 selection after trading it to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for cornerback Bene Benwikere in 2017.

That all being said, for the purposes of this exercise, I will be drafting under the prevailing assumption that Dallas will be awarded a compensatory selection in Round 4 for the departure of linebacker Anthony Hitchens in free agency, giving the team a total of six selections.

Now, let’s go on the clock with Drafting Dallas 2019 1.0.

Round 2 | Pick 58
Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas
The Dallas defensive line developed into a formidable unit by season’s end, but perhaps its most physically gifted player was a veritable non-factor in 2018. David Irving was absent from training camp, served a four-game suspension to start the year, and played in only two games, his season derailed by off-field matters and injury. Irving is now no longer under contract and not expected to be back. That said, there were times when the self-proclaimed “Hot Boyz” clearly missed his physical presence and disruptive play. Possessing a similar frame and ability to affect the game from the edge or the interior, Omenihu has drawn comparisons to Irving and should be a strong consideration if he remains on the board when the Cowboys enter the fray at #58.

Round 3 | Pick 90
Elijah Holyfield, RB, Georgia
Ezekiel Elliott claimed his second NFL rushing title in three years, while also leading the league in rushing attempts and total touches. Working behind a banged up offensive line, Zeke took a pounding week in and week out, but rarely left the field. Meanwhile, backup Rod Smith did little to lock down the supporting role after a promising end to the 2017 season. Now a free agent, Smith could still return because of his special teams value, but the Cowboys should really consider upgrading the primary reserve—not only to preserve Elliott’s health over the course of the season, but as insurance as he nears the end of his rookie contract. Holyfield resembles a slightly smaller Elliott, with comparable speed, power, and elusiveness, and flashes the feature back potential that would make him an ideal rotational running back for Dallas.

Round 4
Andre James, OL, UCLA
The Dallas offensive line was essentially a shell of the five-man front that dominated opponents just a couple of years prior. Center Travis Frederick was lost for the season early due to illness. Guard Zack Martin and tackle Tyron Smith fought through injuries virtually the entire year. At left guard, rookie Connor Williams and journeyman veteran Xavier Su’a-Filo split time while battling injuries of the their own. Meanwhile, Joe Looney and La’el Collins are both entering contract years, with swing tackle Cam Fleming possibly one and done with the club. With the unit aiming for a return to form in 2019, I would expect Dallas to continue investing resources up front with an eye toward the future. James is an intriguing mid-round blocker, entering the process as a redshirt junior with 32 college starts to his name—including a full season at each tackle position.

Round 4 (projected compensatory selection)
Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
Perhaps the biggest unknown of the upcoming season for the Cowboys is the passing game. The team parted ways with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, then appointed Kellen Moore to the position with just one year of pro coaching under his belt. New quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna and tight ends coach Doug Nussmeier expect to have involvement in the offensive game plan as well, with head coach Jason Garrett overseeing the entire operation. But, it’s not just the coaching staff that is being shuffled, as the roster expects to see some shakeup as well. Fan favorite Cole Beasley is currently a free agent and has expressed dissatisfaction with his role in the offense, while injury and pedestrian production could see Dallas also move on from veterans Tavon Austin and Allen Hurns. Offering good size and great speed, Slayton would give the Cowboys both a vertical threat down the field and big-play potential underneath.

Round 5
Otaro Alaka, LB, Texas A&M
Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch were a revelation for the Cowboys in 2018, playing far above expectations and proving that the defense could not only survive, but thrive without veteran leader Sean Lee in the lineup. Lee has one year remaining on his contract and his cap hit could make him expendable, but this selection is primarily to offset the potential free-agent departure of strongside linebacker Damien Wilson. A versatile second-level defender who compares favorably to Smith and Vander Esch physically, Alaka could assume SAM duties, working in the box on early downs while providing the ability to rush the passer when called upon.

Round 7
Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College
The Cowboys felt the loss of first-ballot Hall of Fame tight end Jason Witten during the 2018 campaign. But, even with the growing pains that have many projecting them to target a tight end early, you get the sense that they could just ride with the group they have for 2019. Geoff Swaim is a free agent, but likely wouldn’t cost much to bring back. Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz came on comparatively by the end of the season. And the upside of project player Rico Gathers remains despite his limited production on the field. However, Dallas could still afford to introduce another tight end to the mix. Sweeney doesn’t enter the draft with the athletic profile of other tight ends in the draft, but he’s a sure-handed receiver and capable blocker who can come into camp and compete for a roster spot.

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX

2018 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Final Edition

Posted on by Jason Pruett in 2018 NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft will finally commence on Thursday night, and as much as we all want to think we know about how the first round will unfold, history tells us that there will be selections that surprise, players that unexpectedly rise and fall, and unpredictable trades that lay waste to our best-laid mock draft plans.

Taking this all into consideration, I am pleased to present my 4.0 and final 2018 NFL Mock Draft. These first-round projections are intended to represent a possible sequence of events that I believe could occur—including potential trade scenarios.

1 | Cleveland Browns — Sam Darnold, QB, USC
All of the pre-draft smokescreens clear to reveal Darnold as Cleveland’s choice for their quarterback of the future.

2 | New York Giants — Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Giants have been speculated as a suitor for Darnold, but if the Browns steal him away, we might find out that their love for Barkley is real.

3 | New York Jets — Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Broadway Baker has a nice ring to it, but the polarizing Rosen just might be the better football fit for Gang Green.

4 | Buffalo Bills (via CLE) — Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
* TRADE * The Bills package their two first-round picks, next year’s first, and possibly more to jump up for the chance to draft the big-armed Allen.

5 | Denver Broncos — Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Depending on their quarterback preference, the Broncos could end up shopping for a trade, but this scenario assumes that they covet—or are content with—Mayfield.

6 | Cleveland Browns (via IND) — Bradley Chubb, RSH, North Carolina State
* TRADE * The Colts might love Chubb, but if the Browns come calling with the two first-round picks acquired from Buffalo, that could be enough to sway them.

7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Derwin James, S, Florida State
James to Tampa has been proclaimed the worst-kept secret in the NFL leading up to draft day. Will it hold true?

8 | Chicago Bears — Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Nelson to Chicago has been one of the most popular player-to-team projections this draft season. It almost makes too much sense.

9 | San Francisco 49ers — Harold Landry, RSH, Boston College
The 49ers could target one of the top linebackers, but with a seemingly desperate need for an impact edge rusher, they strike while they can.

10 | Oakland Raiders — Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The talented Fitzpatrick just might slide—right into a reunion with his former secondary coach at Alabama, now on staff with the Raiders.

11 | Miami Dolphins — Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Miami is a team that could go in multiple directions, but it would be difficult to pass on arguably the top cover corner in the draft.

12 | Indianapolis Colts (via BUF through CLE) — Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
* TRADE * With the first of their two firsts acquired from the Browns, the Colts acquire the centerpiece for new DC Matt Eberflus’ defense.

13 | Arizona Cardinals (via WAS) — Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
* TRADE * With the electric Jackson within striking distance, the Cardinals swoop in before another team can beat them to the punch.

14 | Green Bay Packers — Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
The Green Bay secondary needs more reinforcements and Jackson fits the profile they look for on the perimeter.

15 | Washington Redskins (via ARZ) — Vita Vea, DT, Washington
* TRADE * After trading back with the Cardinals, Washington beefs up the belly of their defense to counter the run game of their NFC East rivals.

16 | Baltimore Ravens — Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Call it an upset if a Ravens team with a pipeline from Alabama and a need for offensive weapons passes on the pro-ready Ridley.

17 | Los Angeles Chargers — Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Defense is a strong possibility, but drafting the plug-and-play McGlinchey to stabilize their offensive line has to be a consideration for the Chargers.

18 | New England Patriots (via SEA) — Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
* TRADE * Vander Esch to Dallas has become mandate in the draft community, but New England might have eyes on him, too—and the early-round ammo to move up.

19 | Dallas Cowboys — Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
The Cowboys miss out on one of their most publicized targets in Vander Esch, but ultimately opt for the even more highly-touted Edmunds, who somehow slides.

20 | Detroit Lions — Marcus Davenport, RSH, UTSA
The Lions secured the services of Ezekiel Ansah for the year with the franchise tag, but still bring in Davenport to be his eventual replacement.

21 | Cincinnati Bengals — James Daniels, C, Iowa
The Bengals continue overhauling their offensive line by adding the draft’s top center prospect in Daniels.

22 | Indianapolis Colts (via BUF through CLE) — Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
* TRADE * With the second of their two firsts acquired from the Browns, the Colts look to fortify their offensive front with the versatile Wynn.

23 | Seattle Seahawks (via NE) — Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
* TRADE * After trading down, offensive line and defense will be strong considerations for the Seahawks, but Guice might give them Beast Mode flashbacks.

24 | Pittsburgh Steelers (via CAR) — Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
* TRADE * With their sights on Evans, the Steelers feel a sense of urgency to trade up to ensure they don’t lose him to Tennessee.

25 | Tennessee Titans — Lorenzo Carter, RSH, Georgia
Wiped out at inside linebacker here, the Titans could turn their attention the edge, possibly banking on the upside of the athletic Carter.

26 | Atlanta Falcons — Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
The Falcons need help on their defensive front and seem to like what they see—or what could be—in the flashy, disruptive Bryan.

27 | New Orleans Saints — Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
The Saints could look at taking the first tight end off the board, but adding Payne to upgrade their interior defense would be very tempting.

28 | Carolina Panthers (via PIT) — D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
* TRADE * Offensive line and cornerback are areas of need, but to trade back and still land the explosive Moore would be a win for Carolina.

29 | Jacksonville Jaguars — Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
Hernandez would be a natural fit for the Jaguars’ punishing run game and an excellent value pick late in the first round.

30 | Minnesota Vikings — Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
Also playable at guard, Ragnow’s draft stock has skyrocketed recently—could he crash the first round en route to his home state of Minnesota?

31 | New England Patriots — Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
It’s a popular comparison and connection, but if Miller is to be Nate Solder 2.0 for the Patriots, they’ll almost certainly have to take him in the first.

32 | Philadelphia Eagles — Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Eagles have taken a couple of hits to their secondary in the offseason, so they would probably welcome the opportunity to steal Alexander to close the round.

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX

2018 NFL Draft Super Mock

Posted on by Jason Pruett in 2018 NFL Draft

With draft week finally upon us, I am pleased to present my 2018 NFL Draft Super Mock. For this exercise, I went on the clock for all 32 teams across all seven rounds to make all 256 selections. These projections are based on the official draft order and my impression of team needs heading into the draft, and do not reflect any potential trade scenarios.

2018 NFL Draft Super Mock

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX

Drafting Dallas 2018: 7-Round Mock Draft 3.0

Posted on by Jason Pruett in Drafting Dallas 2018

Welcome to my 3.0 installment of Drafting Dallas 2018, where I’m assuming front office duties to mock draft the full seven rounds for the Cowboys using the current edition of my DRAFTPLEX Board.

Since my 2.0 installment was published, the open of the new league year and the subsequent frenzy of free agency signings, along with continued activity in the trade market, has seen teams across the league address areas of need and give us a more focused picture of their potential positions of interest heading into the NFL Draft. College pro days are also completely in the books, with representatives from all 32 franchises crossing the nation and descending upon university campuses to work out top prospects, as well as late-round sleepers and potential rookie free agents.

Up until a few days ago, this stretch in the offseason schedule went about as expected for the Cowboys. They placed the franchise tag on DeMarcus Lawrence and a second-round tender on restricted free agent David Irving. They parted ways with a pair of marquee defenders, with free agent Anthony Hitchens signing with the Kansas City Chiefs and Orlando Scandrick requesting his release to ultimately sign with the Washington Redskins. Also moving on, Keith Smith and Kyle Wilber, who signed with the Oakland Raiders, and Jonathan Cooper, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Then after a few days where their only activity was signing a pair of role players in linebacker Joe Thomas and wide receiver Deonte Thompson, and swapping late-round picks with the Raiders for fullback Jamize Olawale, the Cowboys finally made their proverbial splash, signing former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns and former New England Patriots offensive tackle Cameron Fleming, as well as a former third-round draft choice in offensive lineman Marcus Martin, most recently of the Cleveland Browns.

Then this past Friday, the Cowboys made the long-rumored, but still relatively shocking decision to release star wide receiver Dez Bryant, attaining some much-needed salary cap relief, but leaving the offense without a defined WR1 and setting the expectation that the position will be addressed early in the draft. Which, of course, brings us to this exercise.

For context, this isn’t a prediction or projection of what the actual front office will do, nor is it a fantasy draft where the best players just happen to conveniently fall to the Cowboys. I will be making my selections as realistically as I can based on my own evaluations and who Dallas has reportedly shown interest in this draft season. I will also not be repeating any previous selections, ensuring both a unique draft scenario and an original read.

That all being said, let’s go on the clock for the final time for the Cowboys this draft season with Drafting Dallas 2018 3.0.

Round 1 | Pick 19
Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
It might prove to be an upset, at least as far as the media is concerned, if the Cowboys do not select a wide receiver with their first-round pick. But, even with the release of Dez Bryant, there’s enough evidence to suggest the Cowboys will maintain the approach of selecting the best player available at a position of need—and the argument can be made that the position in most need of an upgrade at this point is linebacker. With Anthony Hitchens moving on in free agency and the front office acknowledging publicly that Jaylon Smith will see snaps at SAM linebacker, there would appear to be an opening at middle linebacker. Vander Esch is a rising prospect the Cowboys have clearly taken interest in and is definitely in consideration at 19.

Round 2 | Pick 50
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
With an offense powered by the running game, there’s a case to be made that the Cowboys no longer necessarily need a lead receiver who commands—or expects—the lion’s share of the targets, but a platoon of receivers who can catch and create as the defense gives. Kirk is an explosive playmaker, but having lined up almost exclusively in the slot, he’s also a projection on the outside at the NFL level. That said, provided the Cowboys can scheme to his strengths, the former Aggie could be a tremendous weapon both near the line of scrimmage and down the field.

Round 3 | Pick 81
Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
Despite their offseason additions to the offensive line, Dallas still doesn’t have a definitive starter at left guard. Expecting Marcus Martin to win the job after not seeing the field for the Cleveland Browns in 2017 would be a major gamble, so they would be wise to capitalize on the opportunity to add a plug-and-play starter. While the Cowboys have continually been linked to names like Will Hernandez and Isaiah Wynn in the first round, Corbett presents a near-comparable alternative who could be available as late as the third round.

Round 4 | Pick 116
Tarvarius Moore, S, Southern Miss
With the standing expectation that Byron Jones will be transitioning to full-time cornerback, Dallas will be down a safety on the depth chart. While the team may look to Xavier Woods and Kavon Frazier to fill the void, adding a safety with starter potential in the early or middle rounds should be in play. After flying under the radar for most of the draft cycle, Moore is gaining steam after an outstanding pro day and was among the Cowboys’ official 30 pre-draft visitors.

Round 4 | Pick 137 (compensatory selection)
Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami
While Dallas continues to be linked to the top one-technique defensive tackles in the draft, it doesn’t seem as likely anymore that they will be seeking the fill that role early. Indeed, if they do address the interior front, it will probably not happen until the middle rounds, where a grabbing space eater like Norton to reset the line and absorb blocks would present a better value for a lower-priority position in their defensive scheme.

Round 5 | Pick 171 (compensatory selection)
Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss
Dallas is short a running back and, based on their pre-draft visits, it would appear that they are targeting a gadget player in the mold of former Cowboy Lance Dunbar. Smith is one of those smaller, shiftier, change-of-pace backs they have visited with, and would provide an element of speed and elusiveness to the offense as both a runner and receiver.

Round 6 | Pick 192 (via trade with Oakland Raiders)
Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
The Cowboys have shown a willingness to gamble on talented players with extensive off-field concerns, and Callaway represents perhaps the most physically gifted, but troubled prospect in this draft class. While he didn’t play a down in 2017, Dallas did bring him in as one of their pre-draft visitors, and it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see them roll the dice late in the draft if he happens to remain on the board.

Round 6 | Pick 193
Kentavius Street, DL, North Carolina State
Along with character risks, the Cowboys aren’t shy about players whose draft stock is compromised due to injury. Street was rising up boards early in the draft process, but suffering a torn ACL in a pre-draft workout has sent his stock tumbling. If Dallas retains all of their picks, drafting a player who will require a redshirt year isn’t out of the question, especially one with the power and position flex of Street.

Round 6 | Pick 208 (compensatory selection)
Zach Sieler, DE, Ferris State
You can never have enough quality pass rushers. With the size, tools, and production to project as a potential impact defender, Sieler is one of the rare small-school prospects whose decision to declare early should pay off with a draft selection.

Round 7 | Pick 236
Chris Jones, CB, Nebraska
In the interest of competition, the Cowboys will likely add at least one cornerback to the roster through the draft, and even more from the rookie free agent pool. They reportedly thought enough of Jones to have him participate in a private workout, making him the only cornerback thus far to do so.

Jason Pruett
DRAFTPLEX