2016 NFL Draft Thread...

[dbair1967]

Note the bolded stuff. Love his attitude. One of the things I read about him since we started studying the draft hard is that his coaches at OSU said he was possibly the hardest working guy on their team.


In Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys can see future in their past

Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

IRVING, Texas -- In 1977, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XII with their first version of the Triplets, although nobody called Roger Staubach, Drew Pearson and Tony Dorsett that.

That nickname came about in the 1990s when the Cowboys won Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII and XXX with Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith.

By picking Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick Thursday, the Cowboys are hoping their newest version of the Triplets -- Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and Elliott -- can deliver them back to a Super Bowl for the first time in 21 years.

"I think we can be a three-headed monster," Elliott said. "So I'm excited to get to Dallas, excited to get my head in the playbooks so I'll be ready to play as soon as possible."

By drafting Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys are hoping to tap into the glory days of Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith.

The Cowboys did not draft Elliott this high for him to sit. They drafted Elliott this high to recapture the magic they had in 2014 when DeMarco Murray ran for 1,845 yards. The Cowboys came within an overturned catch by Bryant at the goal line of possibly making the NFC Championship Game that year.

They cratered to 4-12 in 2015 because of Romo's twice-broken left collarbone, Bryant's once-broken right foot and a defense that could not make plays at critical moments.

"It's convenient and pleasant to make that analogy," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said of the Triplets comparisons. "But we all know that that was then and this is now. We've got the emphasis of a lot of the rules. The NFL is oriented to the passing game. But it wasn't hard, fresh off the great year we had two years ago. It wasn't hard to really see and touch and feel what it means to have a dominant running game and one that can really create that balance.

"I do think of balance when I think of those 90s with Troy, Emmitt and Michael and I can't forget that we had an offensive line that we inherited most of it when we got here with [Mark] Tuinei, [Nate] Newton and [Kevin] Gogan and those guys there.

"The point I'm saying is different rules, different game to some degree, but if balance still compromises defenses then this would be an analogy of what we might expect from him. Another thing he has for a big man, he has a real burst, a gear when he sees the holes and he's got lateral skills. Those combinations of things, plus he punishes at the end."

The Cowboys chose not to make a big-time investment in Murray, who left via free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles for $21 million guaranteed, in 2015. The four-year deal Elliott will sign with the Cowboys will contain more guaranteed money than what Murray received from Philadelphia but his age is a factor. Elliott turns 21 in July. Murray is 27.

"It was tough to let Murray leave," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "We have an opinion that at the end of the day, especially after a running back has had some wear and tear on him that it may not be the right investment as we go forward. … We've done work and believe some of the best years are in the first five so maybe you are getting the best part of a running back in the first five versus the second contract."

Said Elliott, "I think that means they have a lot of trust in me. But there are a lot of battle-tested running backs in that room, and I do not think at summer's end I will start, and that's a job I'm going to have to earn."

Darren McFadden ran for 1,089 yards last season to lead the Cowboys. They signed Alfred Morris to a two-year deal in free agency. They also retained Lance Dunbar; however, his knee injury could leave him off the active roster at the start of the season.

The Cowboys could have been fine with McFadden and Morris splitting the job in 2015. After all, they ran for 1,888 yards last season and had a healthy Romo for just two full games.

But the Cowboys think they could be special with Elliott, the way they were with Dorsett, Smith and for a year with Murray.

"I think I can be a bell-cow running back," Elliott said. "I think late in the fourth quarter or on third down you know no one's going to have anything to worry about when you run that clock out."

 

[dbair1967]

So there's a story that Eli Apple is a die hard life long Eagles fan and hates the Giants, and apparently had a bunch of negative Giants stuff he put up on social media. I also read he sounded less than enthused that he got drafted by NYG.

The other story is the Giants top 3 wish list was for Elliott, Conklin or Leonard Floyd. They got shut out.

Giants fans screaming for their GM to be fired after picking Apple, who some thought was a borderline first rd pick at best apparently.

 

[dbair1967]

Dane Brugler- Best available day two

1. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA (6-1, 245, 4.56, Jr.)
Jack is an athletic specimen with above average pursuit speed, contact balance and mental processor to know everything going on around him. He has the athletic skill-set to be a difference-maker, but several teams have red-flagged his knee, which is obviously worrisome.

2. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson (5-10, 195, 4.43, RSo.)
Alexander didn't record an interception in college, but he wasn't consistently targeted, not allowing a touchdown the final 24 games of his career. While his route anticipation and technique need work, he is able to smother receivers with his lower body fluidity and quick reflexes.

3. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama (6-3, 313, 5.14, Sr.)
Although not a rangy player, Reed is a smooth athlete for his size, scraping down the line of scrimmage and pushing the pocket (led all Alabama defensive linemen in tackles each of the last two seasons). He is the draft's top nose tackle due to his stout anchor and balance.

4. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky (6-3, 261, 4.68, RJr.)
An Ohio State transfer, Spence is one of the top wildcards in the 2016 class due to his immense talent, but heavy baggage off the field. He is a slippery rusher with the initial burst, lateral quicks and natural leverage to threaten the pocket on a regular basis.

5. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama (6-2, 252, 4.72, Sr.)
An excellent point of attack defender, Ragland has terrific play speed and it's no coincidence that he's always around the ball with his diagnose skills. He can be overaggressive at times, but he's a punishing tackler and flashes violence in his hands to detach himself from blocks.

6. Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State (6-4, 309, 5.08, RSr.)
Whitehair left an indelible mark at KSU with his leadership, work ethic and high-level of play the last four years at both tackle and guard. He doesn't have the length to hold up consistently on the edges in the NFL, but Whitehair has the base strength and instincts to start at guard right now.

7. Jonathan Bullard, DL, Florida (6-3, 283, 4.86, Sr.)
A player who benefited by returning for his senior season, Bullard is a wrecking ball at the line of scrimmage due to his anticipation off the snap and quick reflexes to find the ball. He is limited as a pass rusher, but scheme diverse due to his play recognition at the point of attack.

8. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (6-3, 312, 5.18, Jr.)
Nicknamed the “man child” growing up, Robinson has the look and power of a full grown man. His flashes are very good, but they don't happen consistently, mostly because he was asked to two-gap, clog things up and occupy blockers, which doesn't show up in the box score.

9. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor (6-1, 310, 5.04, Jr.)
Billings, who was a record-setting weight-lifter in high school, flashes dominant qualities when he keeps his pad level low, rolls his hips and pushes his momentum into the pocket. As the technique and discipline catch up, Billings should continue to get better.

10. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 210, 4.54, RJr.)
Although not the fastest or most explosive, Thomas is a good-sized athlete and detailed route runner with little wasted movements to create spacing at the stem. He will need time to adapt to a NFL playbook, but his savvy footwork, body control and ballskills are starter quality.

11. Su'a Cravens, DS/LB, USC (6-1, 225, 4.58, Jr.)
Cravens was asked to do a little bit of everything for the Trojans in a hybrid safety/linebacker role. His take-on strength and physical nature as a tackler are both below average, but he's a fluid athlete with excellent reaction skills and instincts to cover on an island.

12. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson (6-4, 275, 4.84, RJr.)
Although he didn't start until this past season, Dodd made it count with 23.5 tackles for loss and a dozen sacks, numbers that fell just shy of Lawson's for the team lead. Dodd is still raw in areas, but with his size and quickness off the ball, he has been steadily rising.

13. Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor (6-0, 201, 4.58, RJr.)
Howard won't be featured as the prototype for fundamentals in coverage, but his ability to find the ball in flight and use his ballskills to disrupt the catch point is above average. Although his long-speed isn't ideal, he mixes things up and does a lot of receiver-like things in coverage.

14. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas (6-3, 303, 5.02, RJr.)
Ridgeway displays an impressive skill-set with his power, athleticism and instincts, detaching himself from blocks and quickly finding the ball. He needs technique and conditioning work, but if he stays healthy, Ridgeway is a starting two-down one-technique in a 4-3 base.

15. Kamalei Correa, DE/LB, Boise State (6-3, 243, 4.69, Jr.)
Correa lacks much variety with his pass rush at this point in his development and his production is based more on effort and raw athleticism than technique and discipline. But he has the movement skills and competitive toughness worth grooming in a 3-4 scheme.

16. Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 194, 4.48, Sr.)
Although his lack of size and strength will limit him in some areas, Shepard has above average body control and route savvy, using tempo and multiple gears to get open. Despite his limitations, Shepard is a very natural pass-catcher with the skills to be a YAC monster.

17. Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State (6-2, 284, 5.15, RSr.)
Although his Combine numbers don't accurately reflect his impressive tape, Blair belongs in the second round discussion. He plays with violent hands and aggressive pass rush moves to rip through blockers, showing the effort to finish in the pocket.

18. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama (6-2, 242, 4.54, Jr.)
Since 2011, Alabama has had four running backs drafted in the first two rounds (with mixed results) and Henry should be the fifth. He is a powerful, yet graceful north-south athlete who can fit through tight spaces, using patience and instincts to gash defenses.

19. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina (5-11, 208, 4.52, Jr.)
A playmaker with the ball in his hands, Cooper displays the play speed, elusive cuts and start/stop movements to create on his own, before and after the catch. Similar to Randall Cobb when he came out of Kentucky, Cooper is a jack-of-all-trades weapon on offense.

20. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana (6-6, 301, 4.94, Sr.)
A high school tight end, Spriggs was a four-year starter for the Hoosiers and doesn't have many negative snaps on his film. Although he needs to strengthen his core for the NFL, he has the frame, athleticism and body control to start at the next level.

21. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (6-0, 197, 4.48, Jr.)
Fuller looked like a future high round pick his first two years in Blacksburg, but 2015 was a lost season for him due to a torn meniscus. Nonetheless, he has the short-area quickness, controlled footwork and natural feel in coverage to be a reliable NFL starter.

22. Vonn Bell, DS, Ohio State (5-11, 205, 4.52, Jr.)
Although his tackling mechanics need some refinement, Bell plays with the requisite mental and physical toughness and can hold his own in man coverage. His athleticism, timing and savvy at the position translate well to the next level, along with his decisive reactor.

23. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State (6-3, 275, 4.76, RJr.)
A native of Nigeria, Ogbah is a “coach's dream” according to Mike Gundy due to his strong work ethic, intelligence and discipline. He is still learning the complexities of the position and lacks elite burst, but he's a balanced athlete with a coachable mentality that can be molded.

24. Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State (6-3, 325, 5.27, RJr.)
A prospect whose production matches his tape, Johnson is built well to take on multiple blockers and clog the middle of the field. His motor is always revving and he moves well in small areas, showing the strong hands to stack and create movement in even and odd fronts.

25. Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State (6-1, 196, 4.64, Jr.)
Higgins put his name on the NFL radar with his sophomore season (96/1,750/17) and despite losing Garrett Grayson at quarterback in 2015, he put together a strong junior year as well (66/933/8). Higgins might be the best receiver in this class at exploiting defensive holes and getting uncovered.

26. Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State (6-4, 254, 4.68, Sr.)
A prospect with experience at every linebacker spot, Perry has the size of a defensive end, but moves more like a safety with his straight-line speed to stick with backs out of the backfield. He is wired right for the NFL with the well-rounded and scheme-diverse skill-set that will be attractive to every team.

27. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas (6-5, 250, 4.68, Jr.)
The top tight end in the 2016 class, Henry has excellent route acceleration with vacuum hands to catch everything thrown in his direction. He won't offer much as an inline blocker, but as a pass-catcher, Henry is ready to help a NFL offense from day one.

28. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh (6-2, 197, 4.52, Jr.)
The most prolific wide receiver to come out of Pitt, Boyd is a graceful athlete and trusts his hands, showing quick eyes to pluck and immediately analyze his surroundings. He has average measureables, but pays attention to the details and would be excellent out of the slot.

29. Kyler Fackrell, LB, Utah State (6-5, 245, 4.72, RSr.)
A jack-of-all-trades type of linebacker in college, Fackrell was asked to drop in coverage, rush the passer and use his range to defend the run. He isn't a twitchy or explosive athlete, but flows with outstanding effort, offering functional versatility to be an every down player.

30. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame (6-1, 293, 5.07, Sr.)
While not on the same level as Aaron Donald, Day is built in a similar mold due to his lack of size, but the athleticism and bod control jump off the film. Although he won't be a fit for every scheme, Day is ideal as an under tackle in a 4-3 scheme that focuses on one-gap principles.

31. Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State (6-1, 309, 4.93, Sr.)
One of the top-three “small school” prospects in the 2016 class, Hargrave moves very well for his size to fire off the snap and break down in pursuit. He also has the powerful hands to control blocks and gain proper gap leverage in the run game.

32. Deion Jones, LB, LSU (6-1, 222, 4.39, Sr.)
An undersized, but speedy linebacker, Jones flies all over the field with the cover skills that will make him an attractive prospect. He has below average length and will miss some tackles, but Jones has the speed and make-up that NFL coaches want to work with.

 

[dbair1967]

Todd McShay best available:


1. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA (Grade: 92)
What he brings: Arguably one of the most athletic prospects in this class, Jack is a perfect fit for today's NFL. He has sideline-to-sideline range and flashes explosive power. In addition, he is the top coverage linebacker in the class. Jack comes with some durability concerns after a season-ending torn meniscus this past fall, and it seems concerns over his knee caused his tumble. He is a top-10 prospect in this class who will add playmaking ability to a front seven when healthy.

2. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama (90)
What he brings: The top run-stopping linebacker in this class, Ragland brings size, excellent point-of-attack skills and a strong understanding of geometry with pursuit angles to provide him with sideline-to-sideline range. He also brings a physical element to his game and is an impactful knock-back tackler. While he has some athletic limitations, he has better third-down value than people think, including an underrated pass-rushing presence. He also brings outstanding football character and is one of the more NFL-ready prospects who could step in as a starter immediately.

3. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama (90)
What he brings: Reed is the best run-stopping defensive tackle in this class. He plays with excellent leverage and has the anchor, along with the upper-body power, to eat up space as a two-gapper at the next level. He shows heavy and active hands discarding blocks when tied up in a phone booth. He doesn't have great production as a pass-rusher, but he wasn't asked to rush the passer within his defensive scheme at Alabama. Reed has shown the ability to push the pocket from the interior. He will instantly upgrade the interior of the defensive line.

4. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas (89)
What he brings: The top tight end on our board, Henry is an above-average route runner who knows how to get open, catches the ball well and produces after the catch. He's also fast enough to get down the seam and make defenses pay for biting on play-action. While he's not a powerful blocker, he is an effective positional blocker with the frame to get better.

5. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State (89)
What he brings: An outstanding run-stopper, Jones has the long arms to press blockers off his frame and the quick hands to shed blocks with relative ease. He's also a powerful and sure tackle for the position. There aren't many defensive linemen who move as well as he does either, and there's a lot to like about his upside. His effort is good for the most part, but there are times when he appears to tire, his pads rise and he's not as effective.

6. Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State (88)
What he brings: Bell has elite cover skills for a safety as he has the fluidity to shadow slot receivers, the speed to run with tight ends and the range to play center field. In fact, he covers so well that he could line up at corner. He also has the instincts and ball skills to be a playmaker in the NFL. Bell is not big enough to line up in the box and he's not a big hitter, but he is an adequate run-stopper who closes well in pursuit.

7. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson (87)
What he brings: Dodd is coming off a breakout season in which he had 62 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. He's at his best rushing the passer, showing good bend around the edge. He flashes an effective change of pace inside move. Though he's not as effective defending the run, he has the frame and size to set the edge. On the downside, Dodd didn't test as well as expected at the combine, and his lack of production heading into his senior season raises a red flag. He has also had problems staying healthy.


8. Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State (87)
What he brings: A dynamic linebacker, Correa's greatest strength might be his ability to get after the quarterback as he has the burst, bend and closing speed to regularly threaten off the edge. He's also a sideline-to-sideline run defender, capable of matching up with tight ends in man coverage and rangy in zone coverage. The two areas he needs the most work include improving his diagnostic skills against the run and getting off blocks quicker.

9. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama (86)
What he brings: Robinson is a powerful run-stopper with the potential to develop into a disruptive pass-rusher. There's also a lot to like about his versatility as he's strong, long and athletic enough to play defensive tackle in a base four-man front and defensive end in three-man fronts. Robinson's downside is he doesn't play every snap with the same kind of urgency, and he's an unpolished pass-rusher who isn't an effective hand fighter at this point.

10. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (86)
What he brings: The nephew of Keyshawn Johnson, Thomas didn't run particularly well at the combine (4.57 in the 40-yard dash). He ran a slightly quicker time at his pro day (4.53), however, and that time is a more accurate reflection of his playing speed. In addition, the 40 time overshadowed an otherwise impressive combine performance as he tested well in other key areas. The bottom line is that Thomas has the frame, athletic ability and ball skills to develop into an effective No. 2 wide receiver, but he still needs to improve his route running.

 

[dbair1967]

Mel Kiper Best Available

1. Myles Jack, ILB, UCLA
Questions about whether Jack's knee is a major concern have been answered. Yes, it is. But he's a top-10 talent and, if healthy, he's a fit on any roster.

2. A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama
Robinson fell based on questions of whether he can be a disruptive presence as opposed to more of a steady run-stopping type. He can go as soon as Cleveland with the first pick in Round 2.


3. Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama
Arguably the best run-stuffer in the class, he loses a little luster because he won't get sacks, but he makes any D-line better. Cleveland or Tennessee are fits right away in Round 2.

4. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
He's already a steal as the No. 24 player on my Big Board. A great value if he gets to the Giants.

5. *Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
Remember that Bell is seen as a potential corner, even though he was a safety for Urban Meyer. Baltimore could be a fit.

6. Jihad Ward, DL, Illinois
An athletic defensive lineman with a ton of upside, I expect him to go with one of the first 10 picks in Round 2.

7. *Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
Dallas has its running back, and Ogbah could be the pass-rusher the Cowboys need early in Round 2.

8. *Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Dodd was extremely productive in terms of raw totals, but he is still raw in a number of areas. Anyone who needs a pass-rusher is happy to see him available early in Round 2, however.

9. *Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
He is explosive off the edge but more of a situational pass-rusher at this point. He has a number of fits, because he's a sub-package threat as a rookie.

10. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
I had Cook rated higher than Paxton Lynch, who the Broncos moved up to draft at No. 26. Would love the fit in Dallas.

11. *Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Watch Billings' highlights

12. Su'a Cravens, OLB, USC
Watch Cravens' highlights

13. Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
Watch Martin's highlights

14. *Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Watch Spence's highlights

15. Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
Watch Shepard's highlights

16. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Watch Spriggs' highlights

17. *Tyler Boyd, WR, Pitt

18. *Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
Watch Adams' highlights

19. *Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Watch Clark's highlights

20. *Deion Jones, OLB, LSU
Watch Jones' highlights

21. *Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Watch Jones' highlights

22. *Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Watch Henry's highlights

23. *Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Watch Fuller's highlights

24. *Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Watch Henry's highlights

25. *Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
Watch Howard's highlights

 

[dbair1967]

CMD loves #6 on Kiper's list

 

[SixisBetter]

So there's a story that Eli Apple is a die hard life long Eagles fan and hates the Giants, and apparently had a bunch of negative Giants stuff he put up on social media.

​

 

[dbair1967]

They are using stuff from 2012? Is that all they have to go on?

 

[dbair1967]

What we learned Thursday about Cowboys draft board; Who was No. 1 and 2?; Trades considered


By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon George on Twitter: @DMN_George

IRVING - One of the most interesting nuggets that usually emerge after the first round of the NFL draft at Valley Ranch is how the Dallas Cowboys' draft board lined up at some spots.

That was no different Thursday night after the Cowboys selected Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4 overall.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that Elliott had the highest grade of any player on their draft board. And, not surprisingly, Jones said that Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey was ranked No. 2 on the board.

Both players remained available when the Cowboys were on the clock Thursday because San Diego selected Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa at No. 3. The Cowboys bypassed Ramsey, who went No. 5 to Jacksonville.

The Cowboys made a hard push Thursday night to try and trade back into the middle to late first round in an effort to select Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, who went No. 26 to Denver.

At one point, the Cowboys considered trading their second- and third-round picks to a team to draft Lynch.

Can you imagine if the Cowboys would have made that trade and used their first two picks on a running back and quarterback with no pick to make on Day 2 of the draft Friday? That means they couldn't have addressed their defensive needs until Saturday - in the fourth round.

In the end, the trade was too rich for the Cowboys and they couldn't make it work.

And, according to Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, Lynch wasn't the highest-rated quarterback on the Cowboys' draft board. That was either California's Jared Goff, who went No. 1 to the Los Angeles Rams, or North Dakota State's Carson Wentz, who was selected No. 2 by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys had several conversations with teams about pulling off trades in the first round, including with Baltimore and Seattle.

The Cowboys talked to Baltimore about trading down a few spots from No. 4 overall early on Thursday evening, but eventually learned that the Ravens were also targeting Elliott. So the Cowboys knew they couldn't trade down with Baltimore and still get their man.

 

[dbair1967]

Needless to say, I'd hate picking guys like Spence or Prescott today. In fact I don't even want either of them tomorrow.

10 targets in second and third rounds for Dallas Cowboys on Day 2 of NFL draft

By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon George on Twitter: @DMN_George

IRVING -- The Dallas Cowboys used their fourth overall pick Thursday night on Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott and made a strong push to trade back into the first round to select Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, but to no avail.

So, now what?

The Cowboys plan to turn their attention to upgrading their defense on Day 2 of the draft Friday. The Cowboys will likely use their third pick of the second round -- at 34th overall -- on a defensive player.

The Cowboys also have another pick Friday, 67th overall and the fourth pick of the third round. Look for the Cowboys to go defense with that pick as well or, perhaps, close the deal on finally drafting a quarterback.

The Cowboys showed Thursday night that despite what they say, they have placed a high priority on drafting a quarterback this year to backup Tony Romo. They wouldn't have considered trading their second- and third-round picks Thursday night for a chance to move back into the first round to draft Lynch if they weren't serious about adding a quarterback.

But more than anything else at this point, the Cowboys biggest need area is at defensive end. That's likely to be one of their picks Friday.

Here's a look at 10 players the Cowboys could target on Day 2 of the draft Friday night:


Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

He was one of the 29 players the Cowboys brought in for pre-draft visits to Valley Ranch. He should go off the board quickly in the second round.

Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky

His talent is undeniable, but he has off-the-field concerns. But that's never stopped the Cowboys before. He probably won't last past the second round.

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

One of the most athletic players still left. He has long arms (35½ inches) and great speed (4.63 seconds in the 40). He likely won't be around after the second round.

Jalen Mills, CB, LSU

DeSoto product was a Dallas Day participant for the Cowboys' local prospect workout. He could be a target in the third round.

A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

Fort Worth Arlington Heights product was a Dallas Day participant for the Cowboys' local prospect workout. Coach Jason Garrett loves Alabama players. He should be gone by the third round.

Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

Many had him projected to be a first-round pick but he's still on the board. Don't expect him to be a third-round option, though.

Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh

He's the top receiver left on the board so he could go quickly in the second round. He was a pre-draft visitor to Valley Ranch for the Cowboys.

Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

Hey, why not? The Cowboys have never shied away from players with injury concerns. Jack is one of the draft's top players, but he has a degenerative knee issue.

Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

The Cowboys spent a lot of time visiting with Prescott. Cowboys QBs coach Wade Wilson met face-to-face with him three times in three months in three different states, including a private workout. He was also the last player the Cowboys brought in for a pre-draft visit. He could be a target for the Cowboys early in the third round.

Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

The Cowboys also used a pre-draft visit on Cook, who is the top remaining quarterback available after Jared Goff, Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch were drafted in the first round. If a team wants Cook, it will likely have to take him in the second round.

Twitter: @DMN_George

 

[ZeroClub]

Many years ago, before Midswat was eating solid food, Tony Dorsett was a rookie and it was Landry's responsibility to phase Dorsett into the offense. Landry was patient and conservative. ... and during that first season it seemed to take forever before Dorsett got much playing time. I don't remember the specifics, but I'm sure the story will be detailed by sportswriters soon.

Getting Elliott mentally prepared to play .. we'll hear a great deal about this in the media over the next several months.

 

[peplaw06]

Ed Werder
‏@Edwerderespn
Asked #Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones about Myles Jack and whether he's consideration at 34. He said only feels terrible for player.

Rumors have him heading down the road to microfracture.

 

[ThoughtExperiment]

Check out the post-Zeke press conference on dc.com. Garrett (and Jerry) were saying all of the right things about the importance of a dominating running game. We'll see what happens, but they sounded like believers last night.

But think what an incredible 180 they've done since less than a year ago. Then they were so arrogantly confident that they could let Murray go and anyone, even a known dummy like Randle, could run behind this line. Now eight months later they can't even wait until the second round to get a RB; they have to get the best one in the draft to recreate their one good year.

Just shows me how all over the map they are and how there's not really some overriding multi-year plan in place.

 

[bbgun]

The other story is the Giants top 3 wish list was for Elliott, Conklin or Leonard Floyd. They got shut out.

Tunsil dropping really fucked them up. Had he been "clean" and taken in the first six picks, either Conklin or Floyd would have been there at 10.

 

[yimyammer]

I'm sure we will be on the phone to Miles Jacks doctors to get a more thorough and up to date report first thing in the morning

But from the sounds of things his problem is worse that expected

I guess he even said something to the media about possibly needing a surgery to correct the issue in the future


Even if that is true of don't say that shit to anyone on draft day

Not even your own fucking mother you stupid idiot! Maybe he's just too stupid for us to pick regardless of his actual injury


Sent from my two thumbs using Tapatalk

Norm Hitchkis on The Ticket just claimed the Cowboys contacted Myles and said they would not be taking him at #34

 

[bbgun]

Many years ago, before Midswat was eating solid food, Tony Dorsett was a rookie and it was Landry's responsibility to phase Dorsett into the offense. Landry was patient and conservative. ... and during that first season it seemed to take forever before Dorsett got much playing time. I don't remember the specifics, but I'm sure the story will be detailed by sportswriters soon.

Preston Pearson started the season because Tony had trouble absorbing the playbook.

 

[ThoughtExperiment]

Tunsil dropping really fucked them up. Had he been "clean" and taken in the first six picks, either Conklin or Floyd would have been there at 10.

Wonder why they didn't just take Tunsil themselves? That had to be other flags on him other than just a vid of him smoking some pot and taking money from a coach, right? I didn't watch or hear that portion from about picks 6-12 last night.

 

[bbgun]

Wonder why they didn't just take Tunsil themselves? That had to be other flags on him other than just a vid of him smoking some pot and taking money from a coach, right? I didn't watch or hear that portion from about picks 6-12 last night.

a lot of teams immediately took him off their boards; I guess the Giants were one of them. besides weed, he accepted $ from someone at his school, and then there's the whole stepfather legal fiasco.

 

[yimyammer]

Todd McShay
ESPN Senior Writer

A lot of really good prospects came off the board on Thursday during the first round of the 2016 NFL draft, and I was impressed with the work of several teams in terms of their ability to draft for need while still getting good value. But there were also a few high-risk picks made -- ones that could pay off big but also represent significant gambles for those teams.

Let's take a look at the best and riskiest picks of Round 1:

Best picks

1. Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (No. 4 pick)

Of the 31 players drafted on Thursday, Elliott has a chance to make the biggest impact as a rookie. A Day 1 starter and a true three-down back, Elliott is the best blocking RB I've ever studied. That should help keep QB Tony Romo upright after he broke his collarbone twice last season. Remember: The Cowboys went 12-4 in 2014 relying on a dominant run game and an elite offensive line to take pressure off Romo. Elliott has the skill set to help Dallas return to that form.

That's encouraging, sure hope he's right. IIRC, McShay has a pretty good track record with his draft prognostications

 

[Iamtdg]

Posted this at the DCC, but thought you guys might enjoy watching this, too. It's a damn good watch.

[video=youtube;NVNMRLAs-U0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVNMRLAs-U0[/video]