2010 Cowboys-Only Mock Draft: Version 4.0, Post-Adams and Hamlin
http://dallascowboystimes.com
In our analysis of the ramifications of releasing Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin, we noted that Hamlin’s departure indirectly affects the Cowboys’ cornerback depth. FS/CB Alan Ball will likely move to free safety full-time, leaving Dallas with just three viable options at cornerback.
So what happens if one of the Cowboys’ top-rated cornerbacks slides to their selection? Would they have the bravado to pick him despite recently losing two starters at key positions?
In this Mock Draft Version 4.0, we will take a look at the path Dallas may take should they pull the trigger on a sliding cornerback.
Round 1
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Wilson would represent great value with the 27th pick, but he doesn’t fit an immediate need for Dallas. Yes, the cornerback position is extremely thin, but the top three guys (particularly Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman) are exceptional.
Wilson could compete for nickel duties in 2010 and aid the Cowboys significantly in the return game. Will that be enough to justify his selection?
Round 2
Vladimir Ducasse, OG/OT, UMass
We have a slight man-crush on Ducasse. Big, athletic, and versatile, Ducasse has enormous upside–even more so than a lot of first-rounders.
The problem with Ducasse is that he is so raw that it may take some time for him to develop. Could he have an impact in 2010? Probably not as large of one as you might expect from a second-rounder.
Round 3
Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas
The main issue with selecting Wilson in the first round surfaces itself here. Stuckey is a project and not someone who can be counted on for immediate help in the secondary. By drafting a lineman in the second round, the Cowboys would ultimately be forced to start either ball or (Michael) Hamlin at FS.
Round 4
Sam Young, OT, Notre Dame
We really believe Dallas could select a multitude of linemen this year. With Ducasse able to play either tackle or guard (we think he is a tackle), the Cowboys are free to select an offensive lineman who plays basically any position in the later rounds. Young or Miami’s Jason Fox could be options here.
Round 6
Clifton Geathers, DT/DE, South Carolina
We have been pushing the need for a versatile DT/DE of late, even projecting the Cowboys to select Penn State’s Jared Odrick in recent mock drafts. However, selecting Wilson in the first round pigeon-holes Dallas into drafting an offensive lineman and safety in rounds two and three, so the DT/DE hybrid spot cannot be addressed until the later rounds.
Round 7
John Conner, FB, Kentucky
Conner may not last this long, but he is perhaps the top fullback prospect in this class. With Deon Anderson’s future up in the air and John Phillips unable to convert to fullback full-time, Conner makes a lot of sense for Dallas.
Analysis
Overall, this mock draft seems a bit weaker than our previous ones. Sure, the Cowboys obtain a player of great value in Boise State CB Kyle Wilson, but at what cost? Can this team really afford to go into the 2010 season with Alan Ball, Michael Hamlin, and Darrell Stuckey as the choices at free safety?
Ultimately, if Dallas does not make a move for a free safety or left tackle prior to the Draft, we fear their options could become quite narrow.
In our analysis of the ramifications of releasing Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin, we noted that Hamlin’s departure indirectly affects the Cowboys’ cornerback depth. FS/CB Alan Ball will likely move to free safety full-time, leaving Dallas with just three viable options at cornerback.
So what happens if one of the Cowboys’ top-rated cornerbacks slides to their selection? Would they have the bravado to pick him despite recently losing two starters at key positions?
In this Mock Draft Version 4.0, we will take a look at the path Dallas may take should they pull the trigger on a sliding cornerback.
Round 1
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Wilson would represent great value with the 27th pick, but he doesn’t fit an immediate need for Dallas. Yes, the cornerback position is extremely thin, but the top three guys (particularly Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman) are exceptional.
Wilson could compete for nickel duties in 2010 and aid the Cowboys significantly in the return game. Will that be enough to justify his selection?
Round 2
Vladimir Ducasse, OG/OT, UMass
We have a slight man-crush on Ducasse. Big, athletic, and versatile, Ducasse has enormous upside–even more so than a lot of first-rounders.
The problem with Ducasse is that he is so raw that it may take some time for him to develop. Could he have an impact in 2010? Probably not as large of one as you might expect from a second-rounder.
Round 3
Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas
The main issue with selecting Wilson in the first round surfaces itself here. Stuckey is a project and not someone who can be counted on for immediate help in the secondary. By drafting a lineman in the second round, the Cowboys would ultimately be forced to start either ball or (Michael) Hamlin at FS.
Round 4
Sam Young, OT, Notre Dame
We really believe Dallas could select a multitude of linemen this year. With Ducasse able to play either tackle or guard (we think he is a tackle), the Cowboys are free to select an offensive lineman who plays basically any position in the later rounds. Young or Miami’s Jason Fox could be options here.
Round 6
Clifton Geathers, DT/DE, South Carolina
We have been pushing the need for a versatile DT/DE of late, even projecting the Cowboys to select Penn State’s Jared Odrick in recent mock drafts. However, selecting Wilson in the first round pigeon-holes Dallas into drafting an offensive lineman and safety in rounds two and three, so the DT/DE hybrid spot cannot be addressed until the later rounds.
Round 7
John Conner, FB, Kentucky
Conner may not last this long, but he is perhaps the top fullback prospect in this class. With Deon Anderson’s future up in the air and John Phillips unable to convert to fullback full-time, Conner makes a lot of sense for Dallas.
Analysis
Overall, this mock draft seems a bit weaker than our previous ones. Sure, the Cowboys obtain a player of great value in Boise State CB Kyle Wilson, but at what cost? Can this team really afford to go into the 2010 season with Alan Ball, Michael Hamlin, and Darrell Stuckey as the choices at free safety?
Ultimately, if Dallas does not make a move for a free safety or left tackle prior to the Draft, we fear their options could become quite narrow.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:27 PM
<< Home