Projecting The Cowboys Day One

With the draft less than two weeks away, the draft boards are nearly completed, but the Cowboys are not hinting where they plan on taking this draft. One thing is for sure, the Cowboys need to hit on their first day picks. I believe our first 4 picks of this draft will play pivotal roles on both sides of the ball this year. We have all seen the latest mock drafts out there, and in all seriousness none are ever near accurate. I’m going to throw my hat into it now with my prediction on our first day picks.

#22: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

This year has a good crop of defensive backs, and the Cowboys weakness on defense remains in the secondary. Talib has the physical tools, confidence, and swagger we haven’t had in the secondary since Deion Sanders was back there. I don’t see DRC or McKelvin lasting to #22. Talib would probably be phased in at nickel corner at first, and that’s already a huge upgrade from Reeves in 2007. Eventually, Henry will get injured as in years past, at which point, Talib will take stranglehold opposite Newman and won’t look back.

Alternate: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

#28: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

Ask me a few weeks ago, about this scenario, and I would probably not have thought much of it, but looking at how the draft could shape up, taking Balmer in the first round would make a lot more sense to me than I thought before. Balmer can be a stout force in the 3-4, he has all the measurables, and he may not even make it to #28, but if he’s there, we take him. We recently re-signed Jay Ratliff, and he’s been solid at NT while Ferguson was gone. Ratliff came out of college as a DE, but had that versatility in his resume and we’ve capitalized on it. Spears will not be back next year, so we’d have Hatcher and would need another DE. Ratliff can be in rotation with Hatcher and Balmer. This being said, I see the Cowboys taking another DE in this draft for just this very scenario. We’re going to need more depth at DE.

Alternate: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

#61: Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas

I’d like to have Chris Johnson in the 2nd round, but he probably won’t last until late into the 2nd round. I believe Charles will be there, and he’ll make a great change-up back to MB3. He has the speed and game breaking runs we can use to keep defense unbalanced between play calls.

Alternate: Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana

#92: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech

Adding Royal would be a solid pick, and he could easily be gone in the 2nd round, and may not make it late into the 3rd round, but if you’re going to wait to add a receiver, 3rd round is the latest you can wait, and if Royal is there the Cowboys take him. He has game breaking ability, he’s elusive, speed, and solid in the return game. We know Owens, and Crayton are starting WRs. We’re not sure what the status of Glenn will be, I think he’s future will be determined after the draft. Sam Hurd probably makes the team, Austin is out. Stanback is another question mark, potential doesn’t answer squat for me, I want to see him get extensive play in the preseason, otherwise add another receiver with Royal – a solid WR.

Alternate: Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia

So, that’s where I’m on for day one of the draft:

#22: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
#28: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
#61: Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas
#92: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech

Alternate Picks:

#22: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
#28: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
#61: Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
#92: Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia

If the draft went with all the alternate picks, I’d be very happy with the first day of the draft. Sweed would be a good addition to the draft. I still believe Garrett wants that taller Alvin Harper type receiver to play opposite T.O. and Sweed would fit the bill. Kenny Phillips would be the insurance pick for the future at safety. We have to see what plays out with Hamlin’s contract and whether or not Roy Williams remains with us past 2008. Phillips is a playmaker and would be a solid fit in our system. Tracy Porter is a cornerback the Cowboys like and he already visited Valley Ranch, so you know he’s on the radar. Owen Schmitt is your Moose Johnston FB in this year’s draft, and if Garrett wants to get his Moose it starts and ends with Schmitt somewhere in this draft. Last year the Cowboys were looking at Brian Leonard, but he got scooped up by the lowly Rams. Schmitt would be the guy this year in my opinion.

Trading out of the First Round:

Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys trade that #28 pick to a team that wants to move back into the first round. I see more value in the 2nd and 3rd round this year, so trading out and grabbing some more picks would be great with me.

Trading for Veteran Receiver Scenario:

I think if the Cowboys are going to trade for a Veteran receiver we’ll hear about it a few days before the draft, a contract would need to be negotiated, and the draft pick relinquished to whatever team we trade with. The trade would be hefty though, I’m guessing a 1st rounder and 2nd rounder or 1st rounder this year and 1st rounder next year. Like I said in a previous article, Jerry almost set a precedent in trading picks for a receiver when he gave up alot for Galloway, albeit he was restricted, it still gives GMs some leverage in wanting more picks from Jerry knowing he would do it. Would Jerry give up two first round picks for Anquan Boldin or Roy Williams, you cannot say no, because he very well could, and what teams would pass on two first round picks for a WR, especially average teams like the Cardinals and Lions. How many players are we away from getting over the top? If Jerry thinks we are 1 or two players away, we’ll see this crazy trade come true for sure. For me though, we’re still a few players away from a championship roster. The secondary was never fixed by Parcells and remains the Achilles heel of the defense. How sold are you on the front 3? See, we still have some shortcomings. You can have a dominating offense, but if your defense is not just as good, then it won’t matter. The defense still has some catching up to do.