IRVING, Texas –The full staff of DallasCowboys.com will have their mock selections for the Cowboys ready by Thursday afternoon – just in time for the actual draft to begin.
While we wait, though, analyst Bryan Broaddus wanted to take one extra crack at it, complete with full reasoning for each pick. The results are a bit surprising, starting as early as the No. 16 overall pick, because it seems likely this year's draft is going to be a hard one to predict.
Read below as Bryan tries to project what the Cowboys will have to work with when the dust settles on their 11 draft selections:
1-16 -Odell Beckham - WR - LSU
If Anthony Barr is on the board, I believe he would be the pick, but I don't think he will be there. Aaron Donald will most likely be gone as well. Now the selection comes down to Beckham, Zack Martin and Ryan Shazier – all of whom would be great fits. I really do like Kyle Fuller as a dark horse because of his ability to play on the outside. Beckham's ability to play all the receiver positions makes him too valuable to pass on here.
2-47 - Demarcus Lawrence - DE - Boise State
This is a no-brainer for me because of his fit as that right defensive end. If Barr is taken first, then all bets are off and Cody Latimer would be in the mix here for me. Scott Crichton would be a consideration here as well if Lawrence was off the board. Keep an eye on Xavier Su'-A-Filo as well. Great value at this spot.
3-78- Trai Turner - OG - LSU
This selection is just a pure gut feeling. If somehow Dominique Easley slides to this spot because teams don't like his medical report, then Easley would be my pick. If Easley is gone, Turner is a big, nasty inside player that can keep the front of the pocket clean for years to come.
4-119 - Cassius Marsh - DE - UCLA
This player has played every position on the defensive line during his college career. He is super productive and plays with that relentless motor. He'll most likely line up on the left side and play that strong side. This is also the point in the draft where there might be a guy on their board that has a third round grade and the value there. This round starts the final day.
5-158 - Kevin Pierre-Louis - LB - Boston College
It is a dream of mine to land this player some way, somehow. I don't know if this front office share my views and thoughts about him, but I will put it out there. You might have to grab him in the fourth but if in the fifth I am on the table. Next to Ryan Shazier, this guy has the best speed at linebacker in the draft. This front office wants players that are young and can run -- this guy is both.
NO 6th ROUND SELECTION
7-229 (FROM CHI) - Logan Thomas - QB - Virginia Tech
I might be asking a great deal for Thomas to be here in the seventh, but with no sixth I am forced to sit here and wait. These selections are about traits, projections and with Thomas they are clearly here. If a quarterback is not selected earlier, this spot appears one where they might target one here.
7-231 - Spencer Long - OG - Nebraska
If he had not injured his knee in October, we would be talking about him much higher than this and that could still happen. Long has made plenty of pre-draft visits to clubs and scouts have come to Lincoln to work him out.
7-238 (FROM KC) - Demetri Goodson - CB - Baylor
Showed the ability to play in both off coverage and man. He's a much better player when he can get his hands on the receiver -- this is his strength. Was able to make a high point interception against Oklahoma where he put himself in perfect position on the route. Can flash this kind of ability.
7-248 (COMPENSATORY) Not allowed to trade these picks
Khryi Thornton - DT - Southern Mississippi [embedded_ad]
As a one-technique, this kid gets it. He plays with quickness, power and non-stop effort. He has lined up as a three-technique as well so makes him even better. Thornton is one of those guys that plays in the opponent's backfield several times during a game.
7-251 (COMPENSATORY) Not allowed to trade these picks
Howard Jones - OLB - Shepherd College
Played as a defensive end at Shepherd but would project as an outside linebacker. He can really run but has no clue of really how to play. You are looking for traits at this point to work with. Was not bad when he stepped up in weight class in the NFLPA All Star Game this year -- not totally out of place.
7-254 (COMPENSATORY) Not allowed to trade these picks
Kirby Van Der Kamp - P - Iowa State
Take the opportunity to draft one of the best punters in the country to compete with Chris Jones for his roster spot. Better than just grabbing a camp leg that you release after three days.
