I’ve got a great treat for you guys: NFL Draft analysis from Dane Brugler, Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout and CBS Sports. I wanted to pick his mind when it comes to the draft and Dane is one of the best when it comes to complete and comprehensive draft coverage. You’ll definitely want to be following him on Twitter as well: @dpbrugler
Obviously we are still a ways out from the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean coverage is not ongoing. Scouts and analysts are busy looking at game tape on a regular basis and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of every prospect out there. With that being said, I got together with Dane and he was able to cut out a bit of his schedule to do an Q & A with us.
Let’s dig right into it:
Dane Brugler: The top senior cornerback prospect in the 2015 class is Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. His instincts and feel for the position are worthy of top-10 consideration, but because he’s 5-9 and lacks elite speed, he’ll likely fall to the bottom half of round one. Washington’s Marcus Peters is a top-10 cornerback, but after his dismissal from the program due to a run-in with the coaches, his future is up in the air. Could be worth the gamble. At safety, it’s not a strong group, but Ole Miss’ Cody Prewitt could be an option on day two.
2. How deep is the offensive tackle class potentially next year? Who are some guys the Cowboys could look at for a right tackle and come in right away and pick up the zone blocking scheme?
DB: It’s shaping up to be a solid group. We lack that no-brainer top-five pick this year, but there are several options in the top-50. One guy to keep an eye on is Pitt’s RT T.J. Clemmings. A former DE, he has moved to the OL and has been fantastic.. Moldable traits with mobility and stone hands.
3. Everyone is holding their breath with every hit Romo takes and with that being said, can you give me some names that may be available in the early rounds of the draft? Any guys that are flying under the radar that could be the next steal?
DB: This might be the weakest crop of senior quarterbacks we’ve seen in 20 years. There isn’t a senior passer guaranteed to be a top-50 pick. Or even a top-100 pick. The class will need help from the underclassmen. Baylor’s Bryce Petty is the favorite to be the first senior quarterback drafted and he could be a good value in the 3rd-4th round range.
4. The Cowboys haven’t had many sacks this year, and it’s an area the Cowboys will likely need to address again in the draft. Who in your opinion could come in and be a nice fit under the watchful eye of Rod Marinelli?
DB: With Demarcus Lawrence developing well, the Cowboys pass rush should continue to improve and adding another young edge threat would help. Michigan State’s Shilique Calhoun is a junior who checks a lot of boxes and is still figuring out how good he can be. He will likely be around in the late first round and a possible option for Dallas there.
5. Last year the Cowboys wanted to draft Ryan Shazier, and this leaves me to believe the Cowboys would still want to take a linebacker early. They seem to have hit on Anthony Hitchens, but with questions on Durant, Carter and McClain being here in 2015, who could be a playmaking linebacker that could help Dallas?
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