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
Everyone always wants thunder to go with lighting. They also have an apparent desire to describe running backs with one-word colloquialisms.
Buying into this colloquialism, why can't you pair thunder with thunder? It's not like Stewart is the least bit slow, but who cares if both of your RB's can truck a DE. That's a good thing.
Posted by: Jimmy | April 18, 2008 09:11 AM
I agree with you Jimmy. LT and Turner were more like Lightning and a Bullet Train. LT running all over the field like lighting and Turner just flat running people over if he did not just run too fast for anyone to catch in the first place.
Posted by: Robert O. | April 18, 2008 09:18 AM
I LOVE this pick for the boys!
JJ has just offered MBIII $30M and his agent wants silly money. Let's get Stewart as you mentioned in case MBIII bolts for the big bucks. He's a warrior and we'd hate to lose him but that's a lot of cash for his style of running which usually doesn't last long before injury.
Your thoughts on Dallas trading out of #28 with ATL or MIA who need a QB and are looking to trade up. I think we could get a 2nd and 3rd for dropping down to the early 2nd round and still getting the player we would have taken at #28.
Imagine if we got a 1st & 3rd for Barber and another 3rd for trading down. Wow we'd be stocked to make a trade for a WR and still have plenty of picks left over. just my .02
Posted by: david | April 18, 2008 09:43 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iCHi5O1KvQ
At least someone else agrees that Stewart fits better in Pitt and Felix Jones fits better in DAL
Posted by: Matt | April 19, 2008 12:42 AM
Mocks everywhere have the Cowboys grabbing a RB at 22 or 28 . . . but why?
If they are looking for change-of-pace or a 3rd down back why not grab one (e.g. Mike hart) a couple of rounds later?
Posted by: JEH | April 23, 2008 12:27 PM