Other 'local' kids for Dallas day include several not elgible for this draft:


Matt Davis
QB
SMU
--
6-0
212
190

Dane Evans
QB
Tulsa
--
6-1
210
190

Jerod Evans
QB
Virginia Tech
--
6-3
238
190

Skyler Howard
QB
West Virginia
--
6-0
207
190

Seth Russell
QB
Baylor
--
6-3
220
190

Other teams have to make a move on David Irving by April 20th with an offer sheet or he gets the 1 year tender gig if I'm reading correctly. Assuming we retain him, we add Ealy into the mix - and maybe Gregory shows up in shape for camp, we could have one heck of a well rested rotational bunch going after the other QB.

Assassin said:

---

Other teams have to make a move on David Irving by April 20th with an offer sheet or he gets the 1 year tender gig if I'm reading correctly. Assuming we retain him, we add Ealy into the mix - and maybe Gregory shows up in shape for camp, we could have one heck of a well rested rotational bunch going after the other QB.

---

Love competition and depth

Broadus mentions that the Jets tried to play Ealy at LB last year when him playing DE in 3-4 wasnt working. Looking back at his time with Carolina, very different. He'll have some reports later

Still no mention of the contract.

Scouting Report: DE Kony Ealy Offers Versatility As A Pass Rusher
Friday, April 06, 2018 11:20 AM CDT

By Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout

Name: Kony Ealy
Position: Defensive End
College: Missouri
Height: 6-4
Weight: 273
Draft: Second-round pick (No. 60) by Carolina in 2014
Games Studied: 2016 vs. San Francisco, Minnesota, New Orleans

• Has made stops in New England and New York Jets before landing with the Cowboys.
• Has versatility to play a couple of different spots. Lined up as an end on both the left and right sides for Panthers. Used as a linebacker with Patriots and Jets.
• Shows some strike/explosiveness with his hands. Did a nice job of battling San Francisco's Joe Staley at the line of scrimmage.
• Was able to anchor down at the point of attack to hold his ground. When he extends his arms, he can be hard to move.
• His first step explosiveness can come and go. His best chance of winning is when he hits that first step and he is able to use his hands.
• Wasn't as effective on the move when used in the twist game. Had trouble getting momentum in order to attack the pocket. Balance wasn't as good.
• Has an understanding of how to rush to the level of the quarterback. Some of his best pass rushes were when he went on the inside charge.
• Was able to key the ball. Had no trouble finding it. Was aware when opponents attempted a screen to his side. Tried to get back to help but wasn't quick enough.
• Strength helps him as a run defender. Understands he has to get rid of the blocker quickly. Missed on a couple of opportunities where he should have finished the play but his balance was poor.
• Didn't show many pass rush moves despite being good with his hands. Wasn't his strength in college, either. It was a struggle for him to counter once the blocker took away his initial move.
• Effort to chase the ball was up and down. When he made a play, it carried him for a few plays. After that it took him some time to get going again.
• Primarily played as a right defensive end for the Panthers. Was surprised he didn't have more explosive plays, but he wasn't a liability either. Rotational guy with left and right availability.

this is good news!

GREG PAYNE
KILLEEN, TX
I haven't heard much about Tyron Smith and his injury situation in this offseason. Since he plays such a critical position on the offensive line and his play, when healthy, is Pro Bowl caliber, what's his status? Has his injury situation gotten better or will it be a problem again this year?

Rob: Jerry Jones told us last week that Smith's injury issues last year shouldn't affect him in 2018. "Nothing indicates that what last year is, is what this year is going to be," he said. Of course, that hasn't stopped the Cowboys from trying to upgrade their depth behind Smith. The back has bothered him at times in recent years, and he missed the better part of four games last year due to knee and groin injuries.

Bryan: I was told from a reliable source that Smith was in California working on his back. He was making such progress that surgery was no longer an option and it was the best he'd felt in years. Hopefully this season he can play pain free.

The Cowboys announced that they released wide receiver Brian Brown. Brown signed as an undrafted free agent out of Richmond last spring, and he immediately made a strong impression during training camp. The rookie made several spectacular catches during the Cowboys' 2018 training camp, and he finished the preseason with 10 catches for 84 yards.

The Cowboys signed kicker/punter Brett Maher, who spent time with the club back in 2013. He spent time with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2017. Given that the team has a 90-man roster limit during the offseason, the Cowboys did not ned to release Brown to make room for Maher, though they still opted to make the roster move as they get set to welcome their 2018 draft picks and their most recent undrafted free agents into the fold later this month.

Our current picks using the draft value chart https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp?RequestTeam=DAL

Assassin said:

---

Scouting Report: DE Kony Ealy Offers Versatility As A Pass Rusher
Friday, April 06, 2018 11:20 AM CDT

By Bryan Broaddus

Shows some strike/explosiveness with his hands. Did a nice job of battling San Francisco's Joe Staley at the line of scrimmage.

Was able to anchor down at the point of attack to hold his ground. When he extends his arms, he can be hard to move.

His first step explosiveness can come and go. His best chance of winning is when he hits that first step and he is able to use his hands.

Wasn't as effective on the move when used in the twist game. Had trouble getting momentum in order to attack the pocket. Balance wasn't as good.

Has an understanding of how to rush to the level of the quarterback. Some of his best pass rushes were when he went on the inside charge.

Was able to key the ball. Had no trouble finding it. Was aware when opponents attempted a screen to his side. Tried to get back to help but wasn't quick enough.

Strength helps him as a run defender. Understands he has to get rid of the blocker quickly. Missed on a couple of opportunities where he should have finished the play but his balance was poor.

Didn't show many pass rush moves despite being good with his hands. Wasn't his strength in college, either. It was a struggle for him to counter once the blocker took away his initial move.

Effort to chase the ball was up and down. When he made a play, it carried him for a few plays. After that it took him some time to get going again.

Primarily played as a right defensive end for the Panthers. Was surprised he didn't have more explosive plays, but he wasn't a liability either. Rotational guy with left and right availability.

---

Just thinking - lots of this stuff translates to a 3 tech also. If he can translate to an inside pass rusher...

According to MMQB's Albert Breer, some Cowboys coaches believe Dez Bryant isn't doing enough to adjust his game to counteract his declining physical skills.
Some coaches started seeing Bryant's game slipping back in 2015, and it has continued down that road ever since. No longer able to run by people or jump as high, some think Bryant needs to retool his game like Larry Fitzgerald. There's no questioning Bryant is still one of the toughest, most physical receivers, but there's growing chatter Bryant may not be long for Dallas on his $12.5 million salary. However, his biggest supporters are Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett.


Source: MMQB
Apr 6 - 11:18 AM

We have a lot of extra picks late. This might be someone to take for 2019:

Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson suffered a torn meniscus in his knee in a recent private workout with an NFL team and will be sidelined 3-4 months. This comes on the heels of DE Kentavius Street tearing his ACL in a workout with a team, and it's unfortunate these things happen. Nelson should be ready for the season but is going to miss the bulk of the offseason program. He was expected to be a mid-round pick in this month's upcoming draft.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
Apr 6 - 10:11 AM

Here's who the 'experts' think will fall to Dallas at 19:

Here are the mocks:
Read
NFL.com's Chad Reuter
Date of Mock: April 5
Pick: UCLA OT Kolton Miller
Comment: "La'el Collins could be a good right tackle, but he'd be a dominant guard with Miller sliding in at RT."
Read
ESPN.com's Mel Kiper
Date of Mock: April 4
Pick: Alabama LB Rashaan Evans
Comment: Evans could replace Anthony Hitchens at middle linebacker and help rush the passer on third downs.
Read
ESPN.com's Todd McShay
Date of Mock: April 4
Pick: Florida DT Taven Bryan
Comment: An interior pass-rusher with his best football ahead of him, Bryan has elite first-step quickness. He'd fit well in a D-line rotation in Dallas.Read
NFL.com's Charley Casserly
Date of Mock: April 3
Pick: Alabama DL Da'ron Payne
Comment: "Payne is an excellent run defender who has potential as a pass rusher, too."Read
CBS.com's Chris Trapasso
Date of Mock: April 2
Pick: Iowa CB Josh Jackson
Comment: The Cowboys could go Rashaan Evans, however, they can't pass on the ball-hawking Jackson who'd be an immediate impact player on the outside of their defense.Read
SBNation.com's Dan Kadar
Date of Mock: April 2
Pick: Georgia OL Isaiah Wynn
Comment: "As Dallas looks to return to the playoffs, they might consider wanting to go back to a dominant offensive line. That could happen with the addition of Wynn, a Pro Bowl-caliber interior lineman who can move outside in case of emergency."
Read
NJ.com's Matt Lombardo
Date of Mock: March 31
Pick: Payne
Comment: "The Cowboys need to bolster their defensive front to keep pace in the NFC East arms race with the Super Bowl champion Eagles who win a Vince Lombardi Trophy with the most dominant defensive line in football. Alabama's Da'Ron Payne is an elite run-stopper with tremendous upper body strength to help fight off interior linemen at the next level."
Read
The Houston Chronicle's John McClain
Date of Mock: March 30
Pick: Washington DT Vita Vea
Comment: N/A
Read
Rotoworld.com's Josh Norris
Date of Mock: March 30
Pick: Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch
Comment: "LVE is kind of a lesser version of Tremaine Edmunds. He is uber-athletic and presents uncommon size at the position. If the Cowboys aren't fond of the defensive tackles or receivers here, linebacker makes sense."
Read
CBS.com's R.J. White
Date of Mock: March 29
Pick: Vander Esch
Comment: "The Cowboys addressed their receiver need by signing Allen Hurns, so even though Calvin Ridley is on the board, I have them passing on the position. Dallas has shown plenty of interest in Vander Esch in the run up to the draft, and he'd be an excellent replacement for Anthony Hitchens, who could slot in as the long-term heir to Sean Lee as a three-down tackling machine.
Read
CBS.com's Will Brinson
Date of Mock: March 27
Pick: Vea
Comment: The Cowboys have secured some pass rush this offseason, so they need to get a big body in the middle of the defensive line.
Read
SI.com's Albert Breer
Date of Mock: March 21
Pick: SMU WR Courtland Sutton
Comment: "With concern over Dez Bryant's ability to run, Dallas suddenly has a need for an outside target. Sutton's potential is tantalizingthose who've scouted him live have a pretty high opinion of him."

19: R1P19
G WILL HERNANDEZ
UTEP

50: R2P18
S RONNIE HARRISON
ALABAMA

81: R3P17
DL DERRICK NNADI
FLORIDA STATE

116: R4P16
LB DARIUS LEONARD
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE

137: R4P37
WR DAESEAN HAMILTON
PENN STATE

171: R5P34
EDGE DORANCE ARMSTRONG JR.
KANSAS

192: R6P18
CB HOLTON HILL
TEXAS

193: R6P19
DL POONA FORD
TEXAS

208: R6P34
TE DURHAM SMYTHE
NOTRE DAME

236: R7P18
QB RILEY FERGUSON
MEMPHIS

Jerry Jones and younger sister Jacquelyn lived atop their parents' store, Pat's Super Market with their pups.

Cowboys LT Tyron Smith said he's "feeling great" following an injury-plagued year in 2017.
Smith sat out thee games and was limited in two others due to back and knee injuries last season. However, neither injury was serious enough to require offseason surgery and Smith seems to be doing much better. "Actually, I feel like I'm in the best shape I've been in a while," said the five-time Pro Bowler. "I've taken this offseason to get back into it a little early and try to take care of my body a little more." Having Smith healthy again is great news for Dak Prescott, who struggled in his absence last year.


Source: NFL.com
Apr 8 - 9:29 AM

EVAN SILVA
DRAFT ANALYSIS

NFL Draft Needs: Cowboys
Monday, April 9, 2018

Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld's NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld's college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they're breaking down every team's biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

Cowboys Team Need No. 1: Defensive Line

Silva's Analysis

Retaining LE DeMarcus Lawrence (franchise tag) and DT David Irving (second-round tender) were necessary moves. Dallas' defense still has a depth problem up front, especially on the interior. Lawrence and Irving are both in contract years, and there isn't a true weak-side edge rusher on the roster.

Cowboys Team Need No. 2: Defensive Back

Silva's Analysis

The Cowboys are brimming with youthful potential in the secondary but no locked-in building blocks beyond sophomore RCB Jourdan Lewis, who looks like a hit from last year's third round. Up-and-down 2016 first-round pick Byron Jones is expected to move to corner, creating a void at safety.

Cowboys Team Need No. 3: Pass Catcher

Silva's Analysis

Linebacker is arguably just as big a need as any position on Dallas' to-do list. The Cowboys are believed to be interested in a new middle linebacker, moving Jaylon Smith to Sam. I went with pass catcher here because Cole Beasley's future with the team seems bleak, and neither Allen Hurns nor Deonte Thompson offers a reliable deep threat. The Cowboys' 2017 pass catchers couldn't beat man coverage, a flaw exposed especially glaringly during Ezekiel Elliott and LT Tyron Smith's multi-game absences. A pass-catching upgrade could also come at tight end, where Jason Witten is on his last legs.

Norris' Mock Draft

Round 1 (19): LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State - I know it wasn't a top three need that Evan highlighted, but linebacker is a major void. The team just lost their most consistent player (from a health standpoint) at the position. Vander Esch offers uncommon size at the position and tested like the most athletic linebacker at the NFL Combine. There's still plenty to work on, but the skills are there to be turned into consistent talent.

Round 2 (50): DT Harrison Phillips, Stanford - I know Rod Marinelli wants to feature upfield interior linemen. From a production standpoint Phillips fits (27 tackles for loss over the last two years). While I don't think that is the foundation of his game, I'm not naive enough to believe others will feel the same. The true upfield disruptors likely will be drafted in the first round.

Round 3 (81): EDGE Arden Key, LSU - The Cowboys have been known to take risks at the edge position. I think Key is destined for a round three selection, if not later. Thus far he has not answered questions or slowed concerns that sidetracked his 2017 season. It is difficult to find third-round plus pass rushers with perceived upside, so Key is likely worthy of this pick.

Round 4 (116): S Tarvarius Moore, Southern Miss - I'm a big fan of Xavier Woods and think he'll sustain starting caliber play. Moreover, Moore is one of the more talented players at the position I've seen in this class. I have a feeling we are catching up on him on the outside, but he has fans inside the NFL.

Round 4 (137): WR Antonio Callaway, Florida - I reported the other day that Callaway would be visiting the Cowboys. It makes too much sense. Callaway is widely viewed as a very good talent, but he needs one team to give him a chance after multiple speed bumps in college.

Round 5 (171): DL Deadrin Senat, USF - Players like Senat are difficult to gauge. I think he is a top 100 talent, but he also presents an undersized frame. Some teams care, some teams won't. Either way, he offers upfield disruption from multiple interior alignments.

Round 6 (192): OL Cole Madison, Washington State - An offensive lineman who can fill a utility role at tackle and guard.

Round 6 (193): RB Ito Smith, Southern Miss - The Cowboys don't have an "air" back on their roster, and didn't in 2017 either. They've shown interest in Ito and Nyheim Hines.

Round 6 (208): TE Marcus Baugh, Ohio State - I'm a big believer in Rico Gathers, but a concussion kept him out of 2017. Baugh possibly could add depth to the position. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Cowboys attack the position earlier in the draft.

Round 7 (236): WR Robert Foster, Alabama - Foster might be this year's Noah brown. Big school, athletic and limited production.

I would be pretty dang happy with that Rotoworld mock draft right now

I really like Harrison Phillips

Cowboys OL La'el Collins said he wants to stay at right tackle. The Cowboys raised the possibility of moving Collins back to left guard, where he played the first two years of his career, after they signed Cameron Fleming in free agency. Collins says he liked playing tackle last year, however, and wants to stay outside. "Right now I'm focused on playing tackle," Collins said. "That is where my mindset is." If Collins does stay at tackle, the Cowboys have a big hole to fill at left guard.


Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Apr 9 - 9:38 AM

Assassin said:

---

We have a lot of extra picks late. This might be someone to take for 2019:

Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson suffered a torn meniscus in his knee in a recent private workout with an NFL team and will be sidelined 3-4 months. This comes on the heels of DE Kentavius Street tearing his ACL in a workout with a team, and it's unfortunate these things happen. Nelson should be ready for the season but is going to miss the bulk of the offseason program. He was expected to be a mid-round pick in this month's upcoming draft.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
Apr 6 - 10:11 AM

---

If he's injured...I can assure you he's high on our board. I'd be giddy if I were this kid.

BearForce said:

---

I really like Harrison Phillips

---

Really like to hear about him being a good off the field guy too

01/22/18 - 2018 Senior Bowl: 7 Potential Breakout Players: Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford, #66, North...On field and off, Phillips was a difference-maker for the Cardinal, remarkably leading the team in stops from his defensive tackle position with 103 takedowns, including 17 tackles for loss. To top it off, he was one of 11 players in the FBS named to the AFCA Good Works Team, one of the most coveted off-field awards in college football. Phillips is not as flashy an athlete as some of this year's other freakish defensive linemen, but no one incorporates strength, quickness, technique and instincts better. He enters Senior Bowl week as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 23 prospect. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

01/19/18 - DT Harrison Phillips is an impressive individual. Off the field, he earned Academic All-America honors and graduated early with a double-degree from one of this country's top universities. On the field, Phillips recorded 103 tackles, including 17 for loss, which are remarkable numbers for any position, but especially impressive considering he lined up as a nose tackle in the Cardinal's 3-4 scheme. Phillips doesn't play with much flash and won't produce off-the-chart numbers at the Combine, so the Senior Bowl is the perfect place to showcase his skill-set. He is a bully at the point of attack with his hammer hands and wrestling background, making him a nuisance to block. Phillips is highly intelligent and relies on various techniques to consistently be in the right place at the right time. -- Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

01/04/18 - Stanford defensive lineman Harrison Phillips will bypass his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Phillips announced his decision on Thursday. Phillips was a third-team All-American this season when he had 14 1/2 tackles for loss and 7 1/2 sacks for the Cardinal. Phillips had one year of eligibility remaining because he had a season-ending knee injury in the 2015 opener and was eligible for a medical redshirt. Stanford tight end Dalton Schultz declared for the draft earlier this week. The Cardinal are still waiting for a decision from star running back and Heisman runner-up Bryce Love. - AP College Football

12/11/17 - 2017 ALL-PAC-12 FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM (COACHES): DL Harrison Phillips, Sr., Stanford,...First-team recipients Bryce Love (running back), Dalton Schultz (tight end), Nate Herbig (offensive guard), Harrison Phillips (defensive tackle) and Justin Reid (defensive back) were among 16 Cardinal to earn All-Pac-12 football honors, as announced by the conference on Tuesday. - Stanford Football

The one-year deal signed by Kony Ealy with the Cowboys can be worth up to $2 million. He received a $200,000 signing bonus and $800,000 base salary and has up to $250,000 available in 46-man roster bonuses. For him to earn the max amount, he will have to record at least 12 sacks and play in 75 percent of the snaps in 2018.

19: R1P19
DL VITA VEA
WASHINGTON

50: R2P18
WR CHRISTIAN KIRK
TEXAS AM

81: R3P17
TE HAYDEN HURST
SOUTH CAROLINA

116: R4P16
S JESSIE BATES III
WAKE FOREST

137: R4P37
LB KEMOKO TURAY
RUTGERS

171: R5P34
CB HOLTON HILL
TEXAS

192: R6P18
CB DARIUS PHILLIPS
WESTERN MICHIGAN

193: R6P19
DL POONA FORD
TEXAS

208: R6P34
RB ITO SMITH
SOUTHERN MISS

236: R7P18
OT DESMOND HARRISON
WEST GEORGIA

19: R1P19
G WILL HERNANDEZ
UTEP

50: R2P18
WR CALVIN RIDLEY
ALABAMA

81: R3P17
DL DA'SHAWN HAND
ALABAMA

116: R4P16
LB DARIUS LEONARD
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE

137: R4P37
EDGE HERCULES MATA'AFA
WASHINGTON STATE

171: R5P34
LB JACK CICHY
WISCONSIN

192: R6P18
CB HOLTON HILL
TEXAS

193: R6P19
DL POONA FORD
TEXAS

208: R6P34
RB ITO SMITH
SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

236: R7P18
OT COLE MADISON
WASHINGTON STATE

There's no way Ridley drops to us at 50. None

trey3216 said:

---

There's no way Ridley drops to us at 50. None

---

I don't think he drops to us at 19. 50 is ridiculous.

Franko said:

---

trey3216 said:

---

There's no way Ridley drops to us at 50. None

---

I don't think he drops to us at 19. 50 is ridiculous.

---

No joke.

Franko said:

---

trey3216 said:

---

There's no way Ridley drops to us at 50. None

---

I don't think he drops to us at 19. 50 is ridiculous.

---

Probably not at 19, but you never know.

Kipers 3 round mock:

Dallas Cowboys
Round 1 (19): Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Round 2 (50): Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Round 3 (81): Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State

Anthony Hitchens got a big free-agent deal from the Chiefs, and we still don't know if Jaylon Smith is going to get back to his pre-injury form. That's why if I'm the Dallas GM, I'm taking a hard-hitting, versatile linebacker in Evans. He's a three-down player with a high ceiling.

Gesicki won't be Jason Witten's replacement on Day 1 -- he was a glorified slot receiver for the Nittany Lions. He needs time (and coaching) to figure out how to be an inline blocker. As a receiver, though, the 6-5, 247-pound Gesicki is a nightmare matchup for linebackers and safeties. I really like Shepherd, who broke a hand in practice at the Senior Bowl. I don't know if he'll be a penetrating 3-technique, but his tape is impressive.

Depending on what happens with Dez Bryant over the next few weeks, wide receiver could be another position to address with these picks.