Cowboys will get better fast with No
For the Dallas Cowboys and their fans the reward for suffering through the debacle that was last season’s 4 12 record is just nine days away and comes in the form of the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
While we know when that reward will come, we won’t know what the reward will actually be until the Cowboys turn in their draft card and Commissioner Roger Goodell makes the announcement.
While everyone in the Cowboys’ war room may be unified when the No. 4 selection is made, it is guaranteed that some Dallas fans will not be happy with the pick. There are some fans who are in the “Select a QB” camp, while others are in the “Don’t Select a QB” camp, and some are in the “Trade the Pick” camp.
I’m splitting my time between the “Don’t Select a QB” and “Trade the Pick” camps. Yes, the Cowboys need to address finding Tony Romo’s long term successor, but using the No. 4 pick on a player you’re hoping doesn’t see the field for a year or two just doesn’t make any sense to me. Especially if you believe the team (barring injuries) is just a couple of players away from having a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl, which I believe.
When looking at the Cowboys needs, the players who may be available at No. 4, and the depth of some of the positions in the draft, I wouldn’t mind trading the selection if they could stay within the top 12.
If the Cowboys keep the No. 4 pick there are only two players I would consider selecting cornerback Jalen Ramsey and running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Ramsey is considered not only the top defender, but also the best overall prospect in this year’s draft class. He could be the shutdown corner the Cowboys are still searching for, or Ramsey could be moved to safety and team up with last year’s first round pick Byron Jones to give Dallas one of the best young safety duos in the NFL.
Elliott would give the Cowboys the best running back they’ve had since Emmitt Smith. He is a three down back with outstanding vision, speed and balance,
http://www.cowboysfanproshop.com/Cowboys-Sean-Lee-Jersey who is also an exceptional blocker and has great hands coming out of the backfield. Selecting Elliott would solidify the running back position for the next six to eight seasons. He could easily average 1,200 yards rushing and 12 TDs a season. Yes, he’s that good.
With
http://www.cowboysfanproshop.com/Cowboys-Dak-Prescott-Jersey Darren McFadden and free agent Alfred Morris already on the roster, does Dallas need to spend its top pick on another running back? Yes. Consider that last season was McFadden’s first injury free season in the NFL, and that Morris lost his starting job last season to a rookie who was selected in the third round. Plus, neither running back is signed past the 2017 season. Opponents working on defensive game plans don’t have to really worry about McFadden or Morris. They would have to worry about Elliott.
The NFL may not consider running back to be the premium position it once was, but a look at the history of the Cowboys’ offense shows it is most effective when it is based on a strong ground game.
Elliott will definitely be on the board at No. 4 and it sure looks like Ramsey will still be there as well. The Cowboys should hit a home run with either player.
With the first round out of the way, which players could end up in Dallas? Let’s take a look at the possibilities in the second, third and fourth rounds.
Second Round: No. 34 Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson; Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson; Artie Burns, CB, Miami (Fla.). Regardless of who the Cowboys select with the No. 4 pick, I think they use this pick on defense. If they take Ramsey at No. 4, look for Dallas to take Dodd. The Cowboys still need a pass rushing defensive end and Dodd fits the bill. If the Cowboys select Elliott at No. 4, they will need to address the secondary with this pick. That’s
Tyron Smith Jersey where Alexander or Burns come in. Both have the potential to be top corners.
Third Round: No. 67 Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi St. The Cowboys address their backup QB issue right here.
http://www.cowboysfanproshop.com/Cowboys-Tyron-Smith-Jersey I’ll be honest I’ve been a Prescott fan for three
http://www.cowboysfanproshop.com/Cowboys-Greg-Hardy-Jersey years and I will be thrilled if Dallas is able to draft him. I think he has great leadership qualities and plenty of talent. Another QB choice right here could be Connor Cook, Michigan St.
Fourth Round: No. 101 Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio St. Dallas will actually be lucky if Miller slips to the fourth round, but if he does, they should grab him. He impressed the coaching staff at the Senior Bowl and could be the No. 2 receiver the team needs.
Fourth Round: No. 135 Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame. A knee injury will keep Smith off the field for the entire 2016 season, so selecting him is definitely a gamble but if it pays off he could be the steal of the draft.
