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
So this guy wanted to pick Stewart for the Steelers? And his criticism to Dallas taking him boils down to: "why didn't they just sign Michael Turner"?
Um, newsflash, retard: Pittsburgh had no interest in Turner either.
Gregg: As a Steelers fan, I respectfully request that you revoke this simpleton's right to pick for us and give it to me. He's no doubt going to blow it.
Posted by: Steelers Fan | April 18, 2008 12:26 AM
Which is it? Is Stewart "exactly like" Barber? Or is he "exactly like" Turner? You can't have it both ways, dood.
Posted by: RXY | April 18, 2008 12:36 AM
JR you make a good point. I guess the Steeler/Cowboy interest in Stewart isnt so different. It makes sense for either depending on how you look at it.
I just think that Felix Jones makes alot more sense for the Cowboys and he can be taken later in the draft. Meaning the big money can be given to Barber and not the complement back.
Posted by: Matt | April 18, 2008 12:37 AM
Wow. If this doesn't confirm that the Dallas Cowboys are the most popular (and, therefore, most important) franchise in the NFL, I don't know what would.
Posted by: Guy Smiley | April 18, 2008 12:44 AM
To be fair, the Turner argument wasnt the best. He was just the only similar build back that I could think of that could of been had as a FA if the Cowboys were so concerned about Barber bolting. Im sure some of the feedback came from that.
Posted by: Matt | April 18, 2008 02:40 AM
Well! Back to the draft. This tandem backfield will wreak havoc and something to fear no doubt!! Solid choice.
Posted by: abruzzi | April 18, 2008 08:14 AM
To be fair, I don't think the Turner/Stewart comparison was that far off. Turner is bigger, stronger and faster than LT truth be told. By the way Tampa Bay is my second favorite team after the Chargers so I've seen alot of both. Turner is not as elusive and does not have as good a vision as LT. These are the things that make LT great.
So if Stewart is supposed to be big and fast then the comparison is not bad.
I agree with most everyone here though, Stewart is by far the best player available at this point and was the right choice. There's no way you take Felix Jones over Jonathan Stewart, he's just not as good a player.
Posted by: Robert O. | April 18, 2008 09:08 AM