Ehsan Azad
Cold Draft
Wow was
I wrong about the NFL draft, as was every other person covering the event.
Going back, I don’t remember a draft so unpredictable and confusing than this
one. The Dallas Cowboys especially confused the hell out of me with their crazy
strategies and confounding draft picks. None the less, they were made and I
have to say I was pleasantly ok with it. I mean after I was screaming for
Jerry’s head, I calmed down and was open to the strategy he had put in an
effect.
The
night started out with three players on the board for the Boys. At 18, it was
hard to get Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack. These guys are too good to drop,
especially in a draft with no elite quarterbacks. The only option was the
safety out of Texas, Kenny Vaccaro. But, the Saints ruined that plan. At that
moment, Jerry admitted that they began to try to trade down to get out of the
first round. That would have been fine if the number 5 overall prospect on the
board, Shariff Floyd, DT out of Florida, wasn’t falling down the charts. This
guy was good and would have been a great steal for the team. But, strangely
they passed on him and traded with San Francisco to get the 31st
pick and just an additional 3rd round pick. That’s another problem I
had with this draft. According to the draft trade chart, that was made famous
by the Cowboys, it wasn’t a fair deal to get just a 3rd round pick
to go down from the 18th to the 31st selection. The more appropriate trade would have been at
least an extra second round pick. But, the front office continues to stand by
their trade. Now for the selections and my grade for each pick.
1st round- Travis Frederick, C/G from Wisconsin.-
I love this pick for the need, but not necessarily for the best overall player
at the time. You could have got this guy in the third round and focused on
better players. But, still it’s a solid addition to a raggedy offensive line.
He’s strong, big, and will be a great cornerstone to an offensive line that
lacks strength. His athleticism is my
concern as he slow as hell. Ran a 40 in the high 5s and lacks the necessary
skills to play versus fast pass rushers. But, at the center position there is
none better. Instant upgrade over Phil Costa and makes your guards look
better. Grade B+
2nd round- Gavin Escobar, TE from San Diego State
University- Talk about a reach people.
This was a guy nobody was talking about and it wasn’t really a need for
the team. They needed a blocking tight
end, and this guy can’t do it. But, he is one of the best pass catchers in this
draft. Great hands, pretty good size and speed and will be a dangerous addition
to the passing game for Romo who already has Witten and Hanna. This is more of
a luxury pick than a need, but still adds weapons to a dangerous offense. Don’t
like the pick at all, but maybe it will pay off. Grade C-
3rd Round- Terrance Williams, WR out of Baylor-
Wow, Talk about a hit. This guy has my giddy about the Cowboys offense. Now
that they got a center and most likely a tackle in free agency, they add this
speedy wide out to an already dangerous Receiving core. This guy has great
hands, runs good routes, and has been described as a burner. Miles Austin be scared, we might have found
your replacement. It is too early to tell, but this guy could eventually be the
number 2 receiver on the team. Grade A+
3rd Round- J.J. Wilcox, S out of Georgia Southern-Now
I really don’t know much about this guy but he is being described as one of the
best safeties in the draft. Only has
played the position for a year, the converted receiver has great ball skills
and loves to hit. Makes a perfect addition to the Tampa 2, and will compete
with Matt Johnson for the starting spot.
Grade- B
4th Round- B.W. Webb, DB out of William and Mary-
I was really shocked that they would go for a corner in this pick, but I
understand why now. Orlando Scandrick’s play is getting worse and it’s time to
upgrade on that end. Plus, you can never have too many corners. This guy was
average, but built a good reputation at the senior bowl. He is pretty quick and
can make plays on the ball. I like it, don’t love it but he is a good wait and
see project. Grade C.
5th Round- Joseph Randall, RB out of Oklahoma
State- Now here is a player that fit the need and best player available need.
This guy can flat out play. Some say he could be the second coming of Barry
Sanders, no I am kidding but they have similar backgrounds. He is just a good
running back, nothing too flashy. The best part is that he is durable. This kid
did not miss a game in his college career and you will need that as Demarco
Murray has not shown to be a reliable healthy player. Watch for this kid to
compete for the starting job very soon. Grade A+
6th Round- DeVontee Holloman, OLB from South
Carolina- This convert from safety to linebacker is one intriguing prospect. He gained weight to his frame to play OLB,
and has 19% body fat now. According to his agent he has been working on his fat
issues. This kid is one hell of a run defender
has pretty good speed and can shed blocks well.
He lacks coverage skills, but won’t need it as much because he will compete
for the strong side linebacker job which deals with the run and not the pass.
Expect him to add depth to the linebackers and on special teams. With how
fragile Lee and Carter are, this is a great pick up.
This
draft was confusing and nauseating. It’s not sexy and it’s unconventional. But,
it’s what they need and it helps secure the depth on a team that sorely needed
it last year. Now the task is to sign a free agent tackle to replace Free and
we might have things settled for the season.
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