Free agency is dominating NFL conversation at the moment, but the draft isn’t that far away, either. Here are the latest news and notes surrounding collegiate prospects and their impending entry to the league:
- In a piece previewing several developmental options that could make sense for Dallas, Gil Brandt of NFL.com reveals that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently told Brandt “unequivocally” that his club will not select a QB with the fourth overall pick. Dallas has been linked to Cal’s Jared Goff and North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, as the thinking goes that the team would like to draft an heir apparent to Tony Romo — in fact, Jones said this morning that he’d like to find Romo’s successor. But the Cowboys have enough holes, especially on defense, that it probably makes more sense to use their first pick at a different position, especially if the front office is confident Romo can steer the ship for a few more years.
- UCLA linebacker Myles Jack is drawing rave reviews from NFL coaches, and they believe Jack can play five positions, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The 6’1”, 225-pounder was certainly a jack-of-all-trades (excuse the pun) for the Bruins, as he saw time at both inside and outside linebacker, safety, nickel corner, and running back, and even returned the occasional kick. Jack is the No. 1 overall player of Josh Norris of Rotoworld‘s big board.
- Another collegiate linebacker — Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith — was thought to be competing with Jack to become the first defensive player selected, but that changed when Smith suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his final college game. A report last week indicated that NFL clubs are also concerned about possible nerve damage in Smith’s ankle, but it sounds as if at least one team isn’t worried. According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, via Christopher Dabe of NOLA.com (Twitter link), Smith is still the No. 1 overall player on one club’s draft board. On the other hand, “a couple” other teams have removed the linebacker from their boards altogether.
Will Myles jack go before the 7th pick? Because the more I read about him, the more I want him paired with bowman.
I also wonder who still has smith #1 on their board.
Probably patriots,
Even though they don’t have a 1st rounder,
They like guys like him allot
Jalen Ramsey is the real need for the Cowboys
He is one of MANY on the defense, unfortunately. The defense is more than just (1) 4th round pick away. Ramsey is gonna be great I’m sure, but even he, can’t fix the pass rush.
They can’t spend 13m on a corner in FA so they need to draft one, but a good DE can be had in FA this year at a reasonable price
Trade down to 8-10, select Ezikiel Elliott, fix the defense with additional picks from trading down. Elliott is a true 3 down back, will fill the role of Demarco Murray in 2014 when Dallas won 12 games, beat Seattle at home, and went to the playoffs. They will be able to control the clock with the run, and keep the defense off the field
The Cowboys biggest hole is the owner trying to play GM. Give it up Jones. You suck at it.
Ha ha sad but true .
On the subject of Myles Jack. What is his actual weight? I have seen 245 but I have seen recently that his weight is 225. Well if he is 225 he will not be able to play in a 3-4 or be a middle backer in a 4-3