Showing posts with label Drew Sanders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drew Sanders. Show all posts

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Dallas Cowboys 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Dallas Cowboys from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Cowboys:

CBS Sports - Stackpole (1/13)

26. Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

Boutte is an interesting prospect. He dominated in 2020, was limited to six games in 2021 due to injuries and then endured a slow start this past season. He ended up finishing relatively strong but decided to return to LSU for another season ... that is until he changed his mind and declared for the draft weeks later. Regardless of his roller coaster of a college career, Boutte flashed his potential as an after-the-catch playmaker with a penchant for finding the end zone (14 touchdowns in first 16 career games). Without a clear No. 2 wide receiver, Dallas could certainly use someone like him.

San Diego Union Tribune - Brown (1/12)

25. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Cowboys have a choice to make at running back in the offseason with Tony Pollard facing free agency. Pollard is due a significant raise and they're already paying Ezekiel Elliot handsomely. Something has to give. Few things are certain at this point, but I'm fairly positive the Doak Walker Award-winning Robinson will be the first running back selected in late April (he's currently No. 7 on my overall Big Board). He's an all-around threat who is light on his feet considering his size (6-foot, 215 pounds) and features home-run ability.

NBC Sports Chicago - Morgan (1/12)

26. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

The transfer portal in college football provides immediate opportunities for players to proactively change their situations for the better. Sanders, who began his career at Alabama and for two years (15 games) tallied just 33 tackles and one sack, is proof of that. After transferring to Arkansas for the 2022 season, Sanders became wildly productive, registering 103 tackles including 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 5 passes defended and 3 forced fumbles in only one season.

Yahoo! Sports - McDonald (1/11)

25. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Cowboys need to find someone to play with Trevon Diggs, and Gonzalez has the height and length that Dan Quinn likes in his cornerback prospects — assuming he's still coaching in Dallas next season.

Walter Football (1/11)

25. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

Mediocre-at-best draft writers criticized Charlie Campbell's breaking news story about one team removing Leighton Vander Esch from their draft board because of concerns regarding his neck. As always, Charlie was proven correct, as Vander Esch has missed plenty of time with his neck problems. The Cowboys need linebacker help as a result.

Jack Campbell has the size and athleticism to be a three-down player in the NFL.

CBS Sports - Trapasso (1/11)

26. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

Sanders is a long and physical, off-ball/edge-rusher hybrid. He can help replace Anthony Barr and/or Leighton Vander Esch if the latter isn't re-signed.

USA Today - MMS (1/10)

25. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Despite unearthing a late-round gem in rookie nickel DaRon Bland, the Cowboys should still be on the hunt for more steadiness in the secondary. Combining sticky coverage skills with a flair for making plays on the ball when tested, Witherspoon would be an intriguing running mate for Travon Diggs.

Bleacher Report (1/9)

25. Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys defense is built upon a ferocious front and an opportunistic secondary.

Because of all the big plays, Dallas' penchant to give up yards tends to be overlooked. As a whole, the unit finished outside of the top-10 defenses in each of the last two seasons under Dan Quinn's supervision. No guarantee exists that Quinn will even been back for a third year, since he's one of the league's top candidates to become a head coach.

Instead, the Cowboys should concentrate on fortifying a talented group with more consistency, particularly in the secondary. Eli Ricks present premium potential in the late first round.

"After transferring from LSU, Ricks struggled with some injuries and getting a feel for the Alabama Crimson Tide defense at the beginning of the season," Giddings mentioned. "After overcoming both issues, Ricks returned to his previously elite form. He is a top-shelf cover corner, who displays fantastic ball skills.

"With a premier ball hawk in Trevon Diggs already on the roster, Ricks' addition is a no-brainer for the Cowboys organization."

As Micah Parsons and Co. create havoc up front for opposing quarterbacks, the combination of Diggs and Ricks will be salivating at the opportunity to steal a possession or two. All the while, the rookie upgrades one cornerback spot since Anthony Brown is an upcoming free agent.

The 33rd Team (1/9)

26. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Dallas might struggle to keep Tony Pollard in free agency, and they are lucky to have Robinson fall in their lap. He is a tremendous all-around back capable of a full-time load. He accounted for 35 rushing and receiving TDs and 3,300 yards from scrimmage during the past two seasons.

PFF - Renner (1/9)

26. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

If the Cowboys want to make their third-down packages unstoppable, Sanders is the guy who can bring that wish to life. At 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, Sanders has off-ball range with edge rusher-esque pass-rushing moves. He collected 11 sacks in 2022 just as a blitzer. Pairing that with the likes of Micah Parsons, Sam Williams and Demarcus Lawrence would be scary.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous iterations of our mock draft roundup:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Philadelphia Eagles 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Philadelphia Eagles from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Eagles:

CBS Sports - Stackpole (1/13)

10. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

With James Bradberry set to become a free agent, the Eagles will likely be looking for a younger, cheaper alternative. They find it with Joey Porter Jr., a long cornerback with NFL pedigree.

32. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

This would be a slam dunk for the Eagles. Let Miles Sanders walk in free agency and replace him with the do-it-all running back that is Jahmyr Gibbs.

San Diego Union Tribune - Brown (1/12)

10. Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

GM Howie Roseman added former All-Pros Quinn (via trade) and Ndamukong Suh as stop gaps on the defensive line. Wilson was one of nine players in the FBS to produce 60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks before suffering a season-ending broken foot against Kansas. He's a physically gifted, ascending pass rusher who is explosive off the ball and powerful enough to make an immediate impact at the next level.

31. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Miles Sanders is set to test free agency and could command a significant investment after his breakthrough 2022 season. There's bell-cow, dual-threat potential with Gibbs. He features electric speed with pass-catching ability and an advanced route tree.

NBC Sports Chicago - Morgan (1/12)

10. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Among the more experienced defensive back prospects in this draft class (1,704 college snaps played), Porter is extremely nuanced in various techniques for covering receivers. He's excellent in diagnosing routes and utilizing measured anticipatory skills that successfully mirror pass catchers. Throughout his career, Porter has amassed 20 passes defended and over 100 total tackles while at Penn State.

32. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

Foskey wins with a ceaseless motor and a physicality that overwhelms opponents. His suddenness off the edge makes him a special talent that commands respect from offensive tackles. Foskey's ability to chase down ball carriers for backside stops, plus his improved awareness in thwarting trap runs and screen passes makes him extremely difficult to scheme against.

Yahoo! Sports - McDonald (1/11)

10. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

The Eagles have this pick thanks to the Saints and they can bolster their defense even further. James Bradberry and Darius Slay were incredible in 2022, but they're both older cornerbacks and it can never hurt to have young talent at that position. Enter Cam Smith.

31. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

A linebacker to fill out the Eagles' defense even more. Linebacker is the only unit on Philly's defense that isn't strong, so here's an immediate impact starter.

Walter Football (1/11)

10. Tuli Tuipulotu, IDL, USC

Brandon Graham won't be around much longer, so the Eagles will need an edge rusher for the future.

Tuli Tuipulotu used his explosion and twist to enjoy an incredible '22 season.

31. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been an amazing duo, but both will be 30-plus heading into 2023. The Eagles will need to replace one of them soon. Devon Witherspoon is not quite six feet, but he has incredible speed.

CBS Sports - Trapasso (1/11)

10. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

A big, long edge-setting specialist with pass-rushing upside. That's who Murphy is, and it's the prototype the Eagles like at the defensive end spot.

32. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Robinson running behind the league's best offensive line? Sounds like a blast for Philadelphia. Not so much for Eagles opponents.

USA Today - MMS (1/10)

10. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Deferred gratification paid off for Philadelphia, which parlayed last year's multi-pick swap with the Saints into a top-10 pick this April. Quite a reward might be waiting for them in Ringo, a 6-2, 205-pound coverage ace with the unique physical profile to handle modern receivers. Taking him could help ease the blow if another team swoops in on James Bradberry in free agency.

31. B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

What do you get the team that boasted the NFL's best record and topped the league with 70 sacks? If you're Howie Roseman, maybe still more speed off the edge. Ojulari brings plenty of that with a blistering first step, which should become even more imposing if he can develop a better plan for his rush.

Bleacher Report (1/9)

10. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

The Philadelphia Eagles own the NFL's best record and deepest overall roster. Yet, the organization finds itself among the top half of the first round thanks to a shrewd draft-day trade this past spring by general manager Howie Roseman.

With the New Orleans Saints providing a quality selection after an underachieving season, the Eagles can address a premium position with one of the class' best in coverage.

"South Carolina's Cam Smith is another long cornerback who does his best work in man coverage," Giddings said. "He is a bit raw in his technique but presents great upside.

"The Eagles have aging cornerbacks and a strong front seven. The addition of a top cornerback prospect in this draft would only help solidify an already very good defense. Smith could earn a starting spot on the outside or over the slot. Maybe he just adds quality depth in his first year."

Darius Slay turned 32 at the start of the new year, and his salary-cap figure balloons to $26.1 million for the 2023 campaign, according to Spotrac. Opposite Slay, James Bradberry isn't under contract after this season. Furthermore, both Avonte Maddox and C.J. Gardner-Johnson both experienced stints on injured reserve.

A team can never have too many good corners, and Philadelphia should abide by the cliché.

31. Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

Governmental oversight worked in Andre Carter II's favor. Last month, Congress reversed a ruling where the Army cadet would immediately honor his service commitment upon his graduation from West Point.

Now, Carter can play in the NFL before he returns for active duty. The 6'7", 260-pound edge-defender provides plenty of length and athleticism to a pass rush. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, definitely need an injection of youth into their defensive front.

"The pairing for Carter and the Eagles is perfect because Philadelphia loves drafting pass-rushers and it gives the defensive lineman some time to bulk up and get better against the run," Holder said. "Carter is an excellent pass rusher who can win with speed around the edge and has a nice inside stick move to keep offensive tackles off-balance.

"But Carter's run defense is ugly. He has plenty of room for growth on his frame and getting into an NFL training program should help correct that issue."

Philadelphia is staring down the possibility of losing Brandon Graham, Robert Quinn, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh this offseason. Jordan Davis, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams will remain. Maybe the best outcome is the Eagles bringing back one or two of those long-time veterans while Carter gets a chance to learn as part of the defensive line rotation.

The 33rd Team (1/9)

10. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Knowing the Eagles, they are going to prioritize corner and edge rusher in this draft. Ringo is going to get downgraded for his hip stiffness, but he is a big (6-foot-2), fast, disciplined player who can upgrade their defense. The junior totaled 41 tackles and two interceptions this season.

32. B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

The Eagles continue to prioritize and build a stable of edge rushers and corners. Ojulari, who has 25.5 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks in three seasons, is the next best edge rusher on our board.

PFF - Renner (1/9)

10. Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Branch is the kind of defensive back that is gaining value around the NFL. He can play the slot position at an elite level against both run and pass. He earned a 90.7 run-defense grade and an 86.4 coverage grade for Alabama this past fall. That would fit in perfectly in Jonathan Gannon's defense — especially if C.J. Gardner-Johnson departs in free agency.

32. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Smith-Njigba is a plug-and-play slot wide receiver. His reliability from that alignment would give the Eagles three sure-fire route winners. Smith-Njigba went for 1,595 and nine scores as a sophomore in 2021 before hamstring issues derailed his 2022 season.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous iterations of our mock draft roundup:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.