Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 22
I know this draft is a hit when I get two emails telling me to hurry up and post the Dallas pick. So here goes, courtesy of Marv M.
Dallas should use this pick to select a running back.
They arguably have bigger needs in the secondary, but all of the cornerbacks worth taking this high have already been selected, and a safety can be acquired later.
Wide receiver is also a need, but that's a position that usually takes a few years to develop. Dallas is in win-now mode. Ideally, they'll trade the #28 pick for a veteran receiver like Anquan Boldin or Roy Williams (or possibly Ocho Cinco if he manages to force the Bengals' hand), but if not, there should be several good receiver prospects available with that pick or in the second round (I think that Limas Sweed is the best receiver in this draft, and he appears to be sliding).
Conversely, running backs are the most capable of contributing in their first year, and there are two running backs still available that I consider special: Jonathan Stewart and Felix Jones.
Stewart is probably the better all-around back. His size, strength, and blocking and receiving skills are those of an every-down NFL running back. But the Cowboys are not necessarily looking for an every-down back. Rather, they're looking for a back to complement Marion Barber, and Jones, with his superior quickness, might be the more logical "lightning" to Barber's "thunder."
That said, Dallas does not have Barber under a long-term contract yet and acquiring a potential feature back like Stewart would give Dallas some leverage in that regard (and insurance in case Barber does bolt).
In the end, I think you need to go with the best player available, and I believe that player is Jonathan Stewart. His toe injury is somewhat worrisome. But it doesn't appear as though it will limit him beyond training camp, and Barber should be able to shoulder the heavier load in his absence.
With the 22nd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys should select Jonathan Stewart from the University of Oregon.
2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis
8. Baltimore Ravens (Ryan F.) - Leodis McKelvin
9. Cincinnati Bengals (Jacob C.) - Ryan Clady
10. New Orleans Saints (Scott K.) - Keith Rivers
11. Buffalo Bills (James N.) - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
12. Denver Broncos (Taylor C.) - Chris Williams
13. Carolina Panthers (Matthew W.) - Derrick Harvey
14. Chicago Bears (Zone) - Branden Albert
15. Detroit Lions (Adam P.) - Rashard Mendenhall
16. Arizona Cardinals (Scott C.) - Aquib Talib
17. Minnesota Vikings (Tim L.) - Jeff Otah
18. Houston Texans (Jimmy) - Mike Jenkins
19. Philadelphia Eagles (Andy G.) - Devin Thomas
20. Tampa Bay Bucs (Robert O.) - Antoine Cason
21. Washington Redskins (James M.) - Philip Merling
22. Dallas Cowboys (Marv) - Jonathan Stewart
Comments
Barber and Stewart are hardly the "same kind" of RB. Do you people even watch college football??
Posted by: pac10fan | April 17, 2008 06:40 PM
There's no WR worth taking at this pick, or really in the entire first round. And there's certainly no WR who's going to make an impact next year.
Dallas is a player or 2 away from a Super Bowl. Why would they reach for a mediocre WR who's 2-3 years away from helping the team win?
Posted by: ToRo to TO | April 17, 2008 06:43 PM
Jonathan Stewart and Marion Barber are the "exact same type" of running back?? ROFLMAO.
Posted by: huh????/ | April 17, 2008 06:46 PM
Jon Stewart is better than Felix Jones. You take the better player. If all you want is a part-time speed back (because that's the opposite of what Barber is), better to wait until the second round for Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson.
But if you're going to do that, who do you use this pick on? Brandon Flowers is too slow, Kenny Phillips is a major reach at this spot, none of the WR's are all that great and none will add anything to that team next year.
I don't get the criticism. Marv took the guy who is probably the best player available at any position at this point.
Posted by: boys4life | April 17, 2008 06:51 PM
Best player available. By far.
Posted by: polian | April 17, 2008 06:57 PM
I completely agree with all the supporters on this post and with Marv's reasoning. Detractors obviously aren't Cowboys fans that know their situation. I have a mancrush for Barber but he needs help plus could easily be gone in free agency next year. It does suck for FF because a RBBC with Barber and Stewart hurts their value but in real world football this is an absolute no-brainer pick for the 'Pokes.
Posted by: b roo | April 17, 2008 07:13 PM
This is the right pick. Best player available.
I could see Kenny Phillips going here, but if they pick Phillips the press will have a field day ripping Roy Williams, which would either A) motivate Williams to prove why he's a pro-bowler, B) be such a blow to Williams' ego that he falters, or C) depress Williams' trade value by signaling that Dallas agrees that Roy is overrated. Thus, I don't think they go with Phillips.
The other reason I think they might pass on Stewart even if he's available is that they did the same thing a couple of years ago under Parcells. In 04 (?) I couldn't believe Steven Jackson fell to them when they desperately needed a running back, but they wound up trading down and grabbing Julius Jones in round 2 (who turned into a solid 2nd rounder, albeit not a major steal). In other words, I'm not sure Jerry Jones believes he needs to grab a franchise back in the first round.
In fact, wouldn't even be surprised if Dallas traded out of this pick (for, as mentioned, Roy Williams or Anquan Boldin).
Posted by: JG | April 17, 2008 07:30 PM