(This can be moved to the draft section eventually, but figured it'd get more looks on the main forum and it's a glaring need for the Cowboys)
1. Michael Brockers: Louisiana State (6-6, 306)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he's an NFL talent with "plus" upside and can come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots, and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.
2. Devon Still: Penn State (6-5, 310)
He really started putting it all together as a senior. If you can keep him motivated, Still has the talent to mature into a very good starting caliber lineman at a number of positions in the NFL. He can play off blocks; find the football and anchor consistently on contact.
3. Fletcher Cox: Mississippi State (6-4, 295)
I think his best spot might be as a 34 five technique who is able to penetrate and make plays off the ball. He's raw and needs to learn to play with his pad level lower. However, as a potential five technique he's a guy who has the skill set to earn a starting role and create negative plays in both the run and pass game.
4. Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)
What couldn’t this guy do in a 34 front? He has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he's still learning the nuances of the position. If he's willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences at either DE or NT. Nevertheless, because he's still raw his floor isn't overly high either.
5. Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
He’s not your typical five-technique from a height/length standpoint. However, he can anchor on contact and for 3-4 teams looking for more of an up field guy at that spot, (Cowboys, Packers) Thompson could be an attractive option at the end of round one.
6. Kendall Reyes: Connecticut (6-4, 295)
Displays some natural talent and did a better job at Senior Bowl playing with a lower pad level and keeping himself clean. If he can continue to keep his base down, he should be able to fight for a starting role in a 34 front as a five-technique, as he has the size, length and range to anchor and make plays off his frame.
7. Jared Crick: Nebraska (6-6, 285)
Isn't a guy who can hold up vs. the run inside in the NFL and isn't a dynamic pass rusher either. However, as a five-technique I can see him finding a home with some versatility on 3rd down and the length to play off blocks vs. the run.
8. Dominique Hamilton: Missouri (6-5, 305)
Plays the run much stronger than his frame would indicate. He's got a burst off the snap, plays with at times leverage and extends his long arms. Has the frame to add 15 to 20 pounds and looks like a 3-4 five-technique at the next level who eventually could start in the league.
9. Trevor Guyton: California (6-3, 280)
A guy who can fill a number of roles on a defense, but he's a naturally powerful kid who can anchor and overwhelm vs. the run game. Needs to improve hands and awareness, but has the upside to make a roster.
10. Billy Winn: Boise State (6-4, 295)
Winn is a bit of a tweener who will get looks as a 34 DE and a 43 one gapping DT. I think he's best suited to play the five-technique however in a 34 front because he has the natural power/length to anchor on the edge and offers some pass rush ability off the snap as well.
1. Michael Brockers: Louisiana State (6-6, 306)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he's an NFL talent with "plus" upside and can come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots, and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.
2. Devon Still: Penn State (6-5, 310)
He really started putting it all together as a senior. If you can keep him motivated, Still has the talent to mature into a very good starting caliber lineman at a number of positions in the NFL. He can play off blocks; find the football and anchor consistently on contact.
3. Fletcher Cox: Mississippi State (6-4, 295)
I think his best spot might be as a 34 five technique who is able to penetrate and make plays off the ball. He's raw and needs to learn to play with his pad level lower. However, as a potential five technique he's a guy who has the skill set to earn a starting role and create negative plays in both the run and pass game.
4. Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)
What couldn’t this guy do in a 34 front? He has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he's still learning the nuances of the position. If he's willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences at either DE or NT. Nevertheless, because he's still raw his floor isn't overly high either.
5. Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
He’s not your typical five-technique from a height/length standpoint. However, he can anchor on contact and for 3-4 teams looking for more of an up field guy at that spot, (Cowboys, Packers) Thompson could be an attractive option at the end of round one.
6. Kendall Reyes: Connecticut (6-4, 295)
Displays some natural talent and did a better job at Senior Bowl playing with a lower pad level and keeping himself clean. If he can continue to keep his base down, he should be able to fight for a starting role in a 34 front as a five-technique, as he has the size, length and range to anchor and make plays off his frame.
7. Jared Crick: Nebraska (6-6, 285)
Isn't a guy who can hold up vs. the run inside in the NFL and isn't a dynamic pass rusher either. However, as a five-technique I can see him finding a home with some versatility on 3rd down and the length to play off blocks vs. the run.
8. Dominique Hamilton: Missouri (6-5, 305)
Plays the run much stronger than his frame would indicate. He's got a burst off the snap, plays with at times leverage and extends his long arms. Has the frame to add 15 to 20 pounds and looks like a 3-4 five-technique at the next level who eventually could start in the league.
9. Trevor Guyton: California (6-3, 280)
A guy who can fill a number of roles on a defense, but he's a naturally powerful kid who can anchor and overwhelm vs. the run game. Needs to improve hands and awareness, but has the upside to make a roster.
10. Billy Winn: Boise State (6-4, 295)
Winn is a bit of a tweener who will get looks as a 34 DE and a 43 one gapping DT. I think he's best suited to play the five-technique however in a 34 front because he has the natural power/length to anchor on the edge and offers some pass rush ability off the snap as well.
