1st Round Mock Draft (1 Viewer)

[Pat Patriot]

Just to clarify, the discussion surrounding Demarcus Ware was more to establish the value of the #1 pick rather than speculating that Dallas would trade Ware.

I just think that Jerry Jones will want to make a big move after the way they finished. Maybe his football guys will talk him out of it or maybe Jerry Jones is a lot more rational than I give him credit.

Are the rumors that Jones has fallen in love with McFadden unfounded? I dont look at McFadden as just adding to a RBBC, I look at McFadden being used out wide as well helping their passing game. Basically drafting a RB and WR in one like Reggie Bush.

 

[Marc Levin]

Are the rumors that Jones has fallen in love with McFadden unfounded?

I think they are - I think folks have drawn this relationship b/c both are from Arkansas and that Jones knows he needs more than RB help in this draft. Trading into the #1 for McFadden is not intelligent when they have a shot at a great RB to replace JJ with one of their two 1st round picks.I think OT and WR are greater priorities. And they would be better served drafting some more defensive help in the middle than trying to cause problems in the middle for opposing defenses.

 

[FUBAR]

Are the rumors that Jones has fallen in love with McFadden unfounded?

I think they are - I think folks have drawn this relationship b/c both are from Arkansas and that Jones knows he needs more than RB help in this draft. Trading into the #1 for McFadden is not intelligent when they have a shot at a great RB to replace JJ with one of their two 1st round picks.I think OT and WR are greater priorities. And they would be better served drafting some more defensive help in the middle than trying to cause problems in the middle for opposing defenses.

so take the other Arkansas back with their 1st instead of trading up. From what I saw, Felix may work better in their system anyway.

 

[Ridgelake]

Are the rumors that Jones has fallen in love with McFadden unfounded?

I think they are - I think folks have drawn this relationship b/c both are from Arkansas and that Jones knows he needs more than RB help in this draft. Trading into the #1 for McFadden is not intelligent when they have a shot at a great RB to replace JJ with one of their two 1st round picks.I think OT and WR are greater priorities. And they would be better served drafting some more defensive help in the middle than trying to cause problems in the middle for opposing defenses.

Pat,I think earlier in the year Jones DID have McFadden love. At the time, Cleveland was tracking towards a top 10 pick. It was a very real possibility that Dallas could reaonably acquire McFadden. But after Cleveland kept winning, and their pick kept dropping, the McFadden love-fest cooled off substantially. And Dallas also has systems in place to keep Jones from steamrolling the process, something they put in place during Tuna's reign.Marc, Dallas has drafted 3 OTs the last 2 years. The reports are very positive about 2 of the 3 in McQuistan and Free. The 3rd, Marten, was the earliest draft choice (3rd round last year). I really don't see Dallas drafting another tackle. As for WR, both Jones and Wade have expressed serious reservations about drafting WRs in the first. They have a very high bust rate and usually take a couple of years to develop. The decision makers are biased against it. Plus, they already have 3 young developmental WRs in Hurd, Austin, and last year's 4th rounder Stanback. Now replacing Glenn is a definite need. But all that I'm hearing is that this need will get filled through FA or trade. The names that keep coming up are Benard Berrian (FA), Donte Stallworth (FA after NE refuses his big roster bonus), and Roy Williams (trade). Yes, Dallas needs another receiver. Yes, it gets addressed. But its probably not through the draft.EDIT: Pat, I think the big splash that Jones is looking for may take the form of trading for Roy Williams. He is the needed deep threat. He is young enough (still on rookie deal) that he could be around for awhile. He has the talent to be a #1 WR after TO retires. And just think of the fun defenses would have trying to stop a lineup of TO, Witten, Williams, and Barber. Detroit reportedly wants a 2nd rounder for him. It sure seems to me that using the #29 pick for a trade would be a nice use of assets.

 

[Marc Levin]

T/Y Ridgelake. Good insight.

So who do you think they take with their picks?

Would they trade one of them for Roy?

If they do. then who do they take with the other pick? I implied they should go defense - front seven - specifically, an inside player to help stop the running games in the NFC-E. How would you rate their LB corps?

 

[Texasmouth]

No way in hell anyone trades a #1 pick for Roy Williams. Isnt going to happen. He is solid WR but the market for him is a second, no way they waste a first round pick on him if Detroit will take a second. Isnt going to happen. I dont think he is a good fit anyway. We need a speed guy. I see them signing Berrian or Stallworth long before trading for Roy Williams. Not that I would be sad if they did, especially from a fan standpoint since I am a Longhorn fan as well.

Will someone please post a link of said "lovefets" Jerry Jones had with McFadden. It isnt there. It was speculation that since he was an Arkansas guy, he would be a Jones favorite. It hasnt been written anywhere that I have seen. It hasnt been said anywhere I have heard except on message boards. I am a pretty big Cowboys homer, border line obsessive compulsive....I have seen or heard nothing.... How many players from Arkansas have the Cowboys really drafted? Very few.

They need to go defense with both first round picks. SS and CB would be my two requests. Two CB wouldn't bother me in the least. Reeves is garbage. Nate Jones isnt any better.

 

[Ridgelake]

T/Y Ridgelake. Good insight. So who do you think they take with their picks? Would they trade one of them for Roy?If they do. then who do they take with the other pick? I implied they should go defense - front seven - specifically, an inside player to help stop the running games in the NFC-E. How would you rate their LB corps?

Marc,I think Dallas will almost certainly take a CB with 1 first. Their biggest deficiency this year was at nickel corner. Newman and Henry are both 30+. The backups are scrubs at best. This position cost them games this year. The biggest hole on the team.As Texasmouth also indicated, Roy Williams apparently can be had for a second. If Dallas can get him for #60 or whatever, great. I suspect it would take #28 to get it done. Who knows for sure. But he can draw double teams and get deep. He can be a #1 receiver after TO hangs them up. I'd be in favor of this trade. But who knows what will actually happen?If they keep both firsts, I'd like to see another DB. Either a second CB or a safety. I've defended Roy Williams the safety for years. But I can't keep doing it. He's always been a liability in coverage, but made up for it with dynamic plays. He created a lot of turnovers, major hits, things that really influence the game. But I didnt see that this past year. Maybe he can get it back. But I doubt it. If a solid replacement is available, good time to take it.Dallas' front seven is pretty decent, imo. Especially the OLBs. Could it use improvement? Sure. But did it cost them games this year? Not really. People rail on the ILBs. But James is above average, a touch below pro bowl level. Ayodele is a solid vet, not special, but does his job. Behind them are former 2nd and 1st round picks, Burnett and Carpenter. So further major investment doesnt seem likely to me. Their run defense was top 10 if not top 5 this past year. Again, not the thing costing them games like pass defense.

 

[Pat Patriot]

T/Y Ridgelake. Good insight. So who do you think they take with their picks? Would they trade one of them for Roy?If they do. then who do they take with the other pick? I implied they should go defense - front seven - specifically, an inside player to help stop the running games in the NFC-E. How would you rate their LB corps?

Marc,I think Dallas will almost certainly take a CB with 1 first. Their biggest deficiency this year was at nickel corner. Newman and Henry are both 30+. The backups are scrubs at best. This position cost them games this year. The biggest hole on the team.As Texasmouth also indicated, Roy Williams apparently can be had for a second. If Dallas can get him for #60 or whatever, great. I suspect it would take #28 to get it done. Who knows for sure. But he can draw double teams and get deep. He can be a #1 receiver after TO hangs them up. I'd be in favor of this trade. But who knows what will actually happen?If they keep both firsts, I'd like to see another DB. Either a second CB or a safety. I've defended Roy Williams the safety for years. But I can't keep doing it. He's always been a liability in coverage, but made up for it with dynamic plays. He created a lot of turnovers, major hits, things that really influence the game. But I didnt see that this past year. Maybe he can get it back. But I doubt it. If a solid replacement is available, good time to take it.Dallas' front seven is pretty decent, imo. Especially the OLBs. Could it use improvement? Sure. But did it cost them games this year? Not really. People rail on the ILBs. But James is above average, a touch below pro bowl level. Ayodele is a solid vet, not special, but does his job. Behind them are former 2nd and 1st round picks, Burnett and Carpenter. So further major investment doesnt seem likely to me. Their run defense was top 10 if not top 5 this past year. Again, not the thing costing them games like pass defense.

Was Carpenter moved inside? Did he see the field much?

 

[RustyFA]

Why would Denver take a DE when they traded up took Jarvis Moss last year in the 1st round and Elvis Dumervil had 12+ sacks. The Broncos NEED a DT and really could use a S or OL. They desperately need a DT.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Why would Denver take a DE when they traded up took Jarvis Moss last year in the 1st round and Elvis Dumervil had 12+ sacks. The Broncos NEED a DT and really could use a S or OL. They desperately need a DT.

Good point and you are not the first to make it but I didnt see a DT that was value at 12. Maybe Kenny Phillips at S.

 

[Marc Levin]

T/Y Ridgelake. Good insight. So who do you think they take with their picks? Would they trade one of them for Roy?If they do. then who do they take with the other pick? I implied they should go defense - front seven - specifically, an inside player to help stop the running games in the NFC-E. How would you rate their LB corps?

Marc,I think Dallas will almost certainly take a CB with 1 first. Their biggest deficiency this year was at nickel corner. Newman and Henry are both 30+. The backups are scrubs at best. This position cost them games this year. The biggest hole on the team.As Texasmouth also indicated, Roy Williams apparently can be had for a second. If Dallas can get him for #60 or whatever, great. I suspect it would take #28 to get it done. Who knows for sure. But he can draw double teams and get deep. He can be a #1 receiver after TO hangs them up. I'd be in favor of this trade. But who knows what will actually happen?If they keep both firsts, I'd like to see another DB. Either a second CB or a safety. I've defended Roy Williams the safety for years. But I can't keep doing it. He's always been a liability in coverage, but made up for it with dynamic plays. He created a lot of turnovers, major hits, things that really influence the game. But I didnt see that this past year. Maybe he can get it back. But I doubt it. If a solid replacement is available, good time to take it.Dallas' front seven is pretty decent, imo. Especially the OLBs. Could it use improvement? Sure. But did it cost them games this year? Not really. People rail on the ILBs. But James is above average, a touch below pro bowl level. Ayodele is a solid vet, not special, but does his job. Behind them are former 2nd and 1st round picks, Burnett and Carpenter. So further major investment doesnt seem likely to me. Their run defense was top 10 if not top 5 this past year. Again, not the thing costing them games like pass defense.

Excellent response. Thank you . It appears to be a relatively deep CB class and they can always draft a smallish LB to convert to safety (that has worked very well in the NFL). What about packaging picks an moving up for a specific CB - someone like Cason, or Chevis Jackson?

 

[Ridgelake]

Pat, Carpenter has been moved around between OLB and ILB in both years in the league and under both administrations. He definitely fell out of favor in Wade's eyes. He apparently was given an opportunity in the last preseason game but played poorly. That got him relegated to the bench for the majority of the season. Late in the year, Wade commented that he and his staff may have made a mistake in benching him and not giving him a chance in the defense. He's played well on special teams. He was also playing injured for much of this season. People are calling him a bust. Maybe he is. But I'm not ready to do that yet. I think it was Tom Landry who said that you have to give guys 3 years to show themselves. And given how he's been moved around so much and the fact that he was playing injured much of this past season, well, lets just say I'm not willing to give up on him yet. There's too much pedigree, too much ability, to write him off yet. The guy was a captain of the defense at Ohio State. He knew where everyone was supposed to be. His dad played in the NFL. He just knows football. I can still see him morphing into a Vrabel clone. Just a linebacker. A do-it-all, jack-of-all-trades guy who just plays the game. Nothing special at any feature, but solid in everything and really helps the team with his understanding of the game. Time will tell on this one.

Marc, I could see Dallas packaging and moving up. Jerry does like to dance around. If they really fall for a guy. I don't know if there's truly an elite CB prospect this season that would warrant a major move up. IIRC, from a points perspective the 22 and 28 are enough to get to about #7. My understanding is that there aren't really any CBs that warrant that spot. I could potentially see Dallas moving up maybe 5 spots to grab a guy though. But I havent studied the draft enough to know if the teams ahead of them are likely to take a CB or if there's a tier in the talent pool.

As for converted LBs, that seems like a good candidate for a second round pick. I think Darren Woodson, Dallas' best safety in history, was a #2. He worked out real well at safety converting from LB.

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Another mock with Carolina taking a QB. Not only taking a QB, but trading up to select a QB. Again, I ask why? The only reason I can think of is that people just don't trust Delhomme to be a legitimate QB. If Delhomme did not get hurt this past year - does Carolina still miss the playoffs? The average fan doesn't realize just how effective Jake Delhomme is. He reached the Super Bowl in the first year as a starter in Carolina. He is one of 10 QBs in the last four years to have 29 or more TD passes in a season. He has a 5-2 playoff record with his only two playoff losses from a last second FG by New England in the Super Bowl and a road loss at Seattle, where nobody seems to win. Carolina will rely on Delhomme and use Matt Moore as the backup next year. They may not even draft a QB. They also have Brett Basanez who would be the 3rd QB on the roster.

What do they truly need?

A hard hitting safety that can also stop the run
A Defensive End that might have to take Julius Pepper's spot if he signs elsewhere, which probably will happen. Not to mention the likely FA departure of Mike Rucker
OL, particularly a big left tackle that can protect Delhomme's blind spot. Travelle Wharton is good, but not great and they will likely lose him to FA and keep Jordan Gross, who will play RTI would be shocked if Carolina took someone other than: OT Ryan Clady, OT Jeff Otah, OT Sam Baker, DE Calais Campbell or S Kenny Phillips

 

[VaCatFan]

Another mock with Carolina taking a QB. Not only taking a QB, but trading up to select a QB. Again, I ask why? The only reason I can think of is that people just don't trust Delhomme to be a legitimate QB. If Delhomme did not get hurt this past year - does Carolina still miss the playoffs? The average fan doesn't realize just how effective Jake Delhomme is. He reached the Super Bowl in the first year as a starter in Carolina. He is one of 10 QBs in the last four years to have 29 or more TD passes in a season. He has a 5-2 playoff record with his only two playoff losses from a last second FG by New England in the Super Bowl and a road loss at Seattle, where nobody seems to win. Carolina will rely on Delhomme and use Matt Moore as the backup next year. They may not even draft a QB. They also have Brett Basanez who would be the 3rd QB on the roster.

What do they truly need?

A hard hitting safety that can also stop the run

A Defensive End that might have to take Julius Pepper's spot if he signs elsewhere, which probably will happen. Not to mention the likely FA departure of Mike Rucker
OL, particularly a big left tackle that can protect Delhomme's blind spot. Travelle Wharton is good, but not great and they will likely lose him to FA and keep Jordan Gross, who will play RTI would be shocked if Carolina took someone other than: OT Ryan Clady, OT Jeff Otah, OT Sam Baker, DE Calais Campbell or S Kenny Phillips

You hit the nail on the head. Fox can't afford to take a player in the first round who's going to sit on the bench his first year and learn. He needs an impact player. I can see them trading down like last year with all of the holes needed to be filled and pick up an extra pick.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

27. Jacksonville - CB Leodis McKelvinRashean Mathis' play dipped this past year and the other CB is nothing to write home about.

Funny that you say that because this 'other CB' outperformed Mathis this year. But I agree with the pick only because it gives us the flexibility to maintain or swtich up our secondary in the case that someone (Sensabaugh) leaves during FA or if we want to swtich Williams (the other guy) to a SS spot where he is most comfortable.McKelvin would be just amazing at this pick.

 

[Wu-banger]

27. Jacksonville - CB Leodis McKelvinRashean Mathis' play dipped this past year and the other CB is nothing to write home about.

Funny that you say that because this 'other CB' outperformed Mathis this year. But I agree with the pick only because it gives us the flexibility to maintain or swtich up our secondary in the case that someone (Sensabaugh) leaves during FA or if we want to swtich Williams (the other guy) to a SS spot where he is most comfortable.McKelvin would be just amazing at this pick.

after seeing McKelvin get interviewed on the NFL network yesterday as Mayock's #1 CB in the draft ... he better be good in the NFL because he comes off as dumb as a rock and destroyed the english language. ... I can not see him doing anything but play football...hope it was just some serious tv jitters

 

[Marc Levin]

Just jumping in to say that whenever I see the name McKelvin I dyslexia it to "McLovin"

 

[Texasmouth]

Dallas has Flozell Adams, Terrance Newman, TO, Demarcus Ware, Marion Barber, and Jason Witten to sign this offseason and next offseason. The # 1 pick will take north of $60M to sign. IMO Dallas either keeps their picks or trades down not up.

All of those guys will be resigned in my opinion,

Texasmouth, do you see any chance that Parcells lures a few of these guys to Miami? We know he aint pursuing T.O., and he probably is not willing to send a 1 and 3 to sign any of the RFAs, but what about the UFAs from this group?

I would say Flozell/Barber is the best bet (if any). Newman/Witten/Ware....all Cowboys for life.

Barber is going no where. First off, Parcells has plenty of back there already, including a top 10 pick with top ten money wrapped up in Brown. Barber will be resigned or tendered really soon. I love Barber but if someone gives up a 1st and 3rd to get him, what can you do. I doubt anyone does though, this draft is way too deep with RB. I would agree that I Ferguson is probably done, especially since they just gave Ratliff all that money. Ware goes no where. That guy is the heart and soul of this defense and one of the best young defensive players in the NFL. I have mixed emotions about Flozell the hotel. He is really solid but I just dont see that guy making it through another contract healthy, maybe one more year at best. He can hardly bend over. He gets tired if they run the ball too much. He gets abused by fast-off the corner- rushers. He is still one of the best in the business though, no lineman is perfect. They have depth at the position but the guys are young.Jerry Jones has deep pockets, he will give these guy huge signing bonuses and cap friendly contracts. The only thing hurting the cowboys is the giant contract they gave to Romo.

 

[delusional]

I am trying to think the last WR taken with the Eagles 1st.

2001 Freddie Mitchel

1984 Kenny Jackson

1982 Mike Quick

Yea. Don't see them taking a WR. They are content with using 2nd day WRs that suck and pushing them off as quality players

My money is on a OL or DB

 

[humphrp]

Just speculation but I don't see SF taking Bowman at #30. A few years back they drafted another highly thought of WR out of Oklahoma State named Rashaun Woods with the 31st pick and he was a flop. Being a Ok State fan I do think that Bowman is a much better reciever and has the work ethic to go with it. He will be better, but I don't think he will be with SF.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Another mock with Carolina taking a QB. Not only taking a QB, but trading up to select a QB. Again, I ask why? The only reason I can think of is that people just don't trust Delhomme to be a legitimate QB. If Delhomme did not get hurt this past year - does Carolina still miss the playoffs? The average fan doesn't realize just how effective Jake Delhomme is. He reached the Super Bowl in the first year as a starter in Carolina. He is one of 10 QBs in the last four years to have 29 or more TD passes in a season. He has a 5-2 playoff record with his only two playoff losses from a last second FG by New England in the Super Bowl and a road loss at Seattle, where nobody seems to win. Carolina will rely on Delhomme and use Matt Moore as the backup next year. They may not even draft a QB. They also have Brett Basanez who would be the 3rd QB on the roster.

What do they truly need?

A hard hitting safety that can also stop the run
A Defensive End that might have to take Julius Pepper's spot if he signs elsewhere, which probably will happen. Not to mention the likely FA departure of Mike Rucker
OL, particularly a big left tackle that can protect Delhomme's blind spot. Travelle Wharton is good, but not great and they will likely lose him to FA and keep Jordan Gross, who will play RTI would be shocked if Carolina took someone other than: OT Ryan Clady, OT Jeff Otah, OT Sam Baker, DE Calais Campbell or S Kenny Phillips

Agree 100%. I think - with reports saying Delhomme is rehabbing well - that the players you listed are representative of their biggest needs. While I do think Qb is potentially A need (depends on what you think of Moore -Carr was a pretty big bust by any measure) it's not worth their 1st round. IMO.I liek this mock as I like the trade aspects - but the very nature of it is why I don't do mocks with trades - it's just too hard to make it work. I can't see either trade happening and if I'm not on board, it hurts my overall take on it.

Ballsy mock, don't get me wrong. Makes you start thinking.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

19. Philadelphia - WR Desean Jackson

Not happening. Reid doesn't consider the WR position all that important and is delusional about the ones he has anyway. However, the need for a return guy is great, as is the need at DB. McKelvin makes much more sense here.

 

[Pat Patriot]

19. Philadelphia - WR Desean Jackson

Not happening. Reid doesn't consider the WR position all that important and is delusional about the ones he has anyway. However, the need for a return guy is great, as is the need at DB. McKelvin makes much more sense here.

They desparately need a return guy and Jackson is the best out there. The WR part of the deal is secondary.As I said initially, this is not a prediction of who the Eagles will take as much as who I think they SHOULD take.