A day later, I still like this draft. Will McClay's fingerprints all over it. And his "let the draft come to you" philosophy. Really glad Jerry was able to keep him from leaving for that GM job interview.

To top this draft off with Bo Scarborough in the 7th was great. Very much short yardage bruiser.

Scarbrough is coming off a season in which he rushed for 596 yards on 124 carries with eight touchdowns for the Crimson Tide. In his three years at Alabama, he rushed for 1,512 yards on 267 carries with 20 TDs. Scarbrough is a big back at 6-foot-1, 228 pounds, and ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash. He could be used in short-yardage situations for the Cowboys. Asked to describe his running style, Scarbrough said: "Physical, downhill, one cut, try to run a guy over. I'm a bruiser."

Ward was 2016's 2nd round pick for the Raiders. Pedigree doesnt mean anything but still, you would think he might get some more time.

So he gets it with us:

Ward, meanwhile, was the 44th overall selection of the 2016 NFL Draft. The Illinois Fighting Illini product has played in 21 games over his first two seasons, making 32 tackles and one sack. Here was his scouting report coming out of college, courtesy of NFL.com:

Quote:

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STRENGTHS
Can play both end spots and has bumped down inside to tackle as well. Has room for even more muscle on his frame. Great effort throughout the play and will continue his chase until whistle blows. Length and down-the-line quickness give him expanded playmaking range. Urgent closing burst to the ball. Full force tackler with thump behind his pads. Keeps feet moving and active throughout his pass rush. Can become a quality edge-setter with a little lower pad level. Has some pass rush reps showing ankle flexion to turn corner at 45-degree angle. Wont let tight ends punk him. Better pick man than twister in tackle/end and end/tackle twists. Traits are there and teams likely to be patient with his development.

WEAKNESSES
Has tools to set a harder edge but isn't there yet. Inconsistent contact balance. Lays on blocks longer than he should. Needs to keep working on controlling the rep with better hand work. Long legs get caught up in trash around the line of scrimmage. Below average at protecting against cut blocks. Instincts very much a work in progress. Could use nasty glass-eater mentality at point of attack. Doesnt flash the mean to impose his will. Not a natural counter puncher as pass rusher once initial try is stuffed. Won't always accelerate into contact as pass rusher limiting his power potential.

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One of Daks favorite targets at Miss State was Jameon Lewis, a 5'8, 178lb WR/Slot. Sound familiar? Big difference, only a 4.64 forty.

In their two years together, 96 catches for 1,120 yds. Dak likes his dumpoff/quick hit guys.

they're starting to tailor the offense away from Tony and toward Dak

BF - Holton Hill to the Vikings

Jets grabbed the FB we brought in for a visit Okie Dimitri Flowers

More UFA info:

Cowboys signed Tennessee C Jashon Robertson.

Robertson (6'3/292) was a four-year starter on the Vols' interior line, manning both guard spots before moving to center as a senior and allowing just one QB pressure all year. Snubbed for a Combine invite, Robertson helped himself with 66th-percentile SPARQ results at Tennessee's Pro Day. Robertson is a smallish zone-blocking center who will have to win with movement and technique rather than size and strength to last.

Cowboys signed Northwestern CB Kyle Queiro.

Queiro (6'2/215) was a two-year starter in the Wildcats' secondary, logging nine career tackles for loss and eight interceptions and earning third-team All-Big Ten as a senior. In 2017, PFF College credited Queiro with a 45.5 passer rating allowed on slot targets, fifth lowest among all draft-eligible defensive backs. Queiro ran 4.75 at Northwestern's Pro Day but did show his short-area quicks with a 6.94 three-cone time. Queiro's best shot at an NFL career will likely be in a Daniel Sorensen-like role as a special teamer/No. 3 safety.

Cowboys signed San Diego State TE David Wells.

Wells (6'6/256) was primarily a blocker for SDSU's run-heavy offense, managing a career 38/449/11.8/6 receiving line but earning second-team All-Mountain West in each of his final two seasons based almost strictly on Wells' ability to open holes for Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny. Wells showed potential to become something more by running 4.75 at the Combine with a 33-inch vertical and 20 reps on the bench. Wells profiles as a trusty role player with some developmental room for growth.

Cowboys signed San Diego State S Kameron Kelly.

Kelly (6'2/204) played safety his first three seasons before moving to corner as a senior, where he earned first-team All-Mountain West with three interceptions. Kelly posted ten INTs for his career but tested poorly in the pre-draft phase with 4.66/4.68 speed and a 33-inch vertical. A work in progress whenever he lands, Kelly will probably end up as a jack of multiple trades but master of none.

Bills GM Brandon Beane said the team won't pursue free agent Dez Bryant.
Beane said the Bills watched Bryant "on tape" but won't pursue the free agent any further. "If we thought that was the right fit for us, we definitely would potentially pursue it," Beane continued. Bryant reportedly turned down a multi-year contract from the Ravens recently and continues to seek out a one-year, prove-it deal. The Cardinals and Packers have been linked to Bryant, though nothing concrete has materialized to this point.
Source: Mike Rodak on Twitter
Apr 28 - 7:52 PM

Cowboys signed Oregon CB Arrion Springs.
Springs (5'11/208) was a three-year starter in the Ducks' secondary, tallying 44 career pass breakups with two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Springs earned PFF College's No. 7 cornerback grade in all of Division I last year and allowed a stingy 40.6% completion rate when targeted. Although he showed plus long speed (4.46) at Oregon's Pro Day, Springs struggled in other athletic testing. Not flashy but a consistent executor, Springs offers some dart-throw appeal with an underrated resume.

Source: Jim Leavitt on Twitter
Apr 29 - 12:56 PM

Assassin said:

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The Austin trade was a good one in terms of what we gave up. The Switzer trade was a bad one in terms of what we got bacvk

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How do either of you know that? What do you know about Jihad Ward?

Gust Avrakotos said:

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Assassin said:

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Assassin said:

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Dallas trades Ryan Switzer to Raider for Jihad Ward

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I dont get that. Surely Switzer has more upside. Towards the end of the year he was looking much better

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He was a complete zero last year and the muffd punt against the rams was unforgivable. Really happy to see Dallas try to salvage some value from the guy.

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The TD return against Washington made up for it in my mind...would you rather Tavon returning punts for you with his fumble history?

Would you rather a declining Beasley who can only fair catch a punt?

Oh by the way both Beas and Tavon only have a year left in their contract. We just gave up on a rookie for a zero.

Gust Avrakotos said:

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Assassin said:

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The Austin trade was a good one in terms of what we gave up. The Switzer trade was a bad one in terms of what we got bacvk

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How do either of you know that? What do you know about Jihad Ward?

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You just answered your own question...the Raiders just took a guy with a bad ticker (Hurst) to replace Jihad....

Assassin said:

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BF - Holton Hill to the Vikings

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Mike Zimmer is going to make him a player.

Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Overall a very solid draft. We addressed several problem areas

The Austin trade was a good one in terms of what we gave up. The Switzer trade was a bad one in terms of what we got bacvk

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Truth...I'd be ok if it were Beasley instead

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Given the despairing contracts, absolutely. Rookie deal vs millions.

Switz didnt offer a lot in the receiving game but he led the team in kickoff and punt returns. Once he got over the rookie jitters, he was pretty darn dynamic. That 83 yd TD was just the tip of the iceberg.

Guessing they were clearing out some of the overload of WRs. Austin and/or Beaz for punt an KO.

Still wouldnt be surprised to see Beaz traded. Earl?

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Did we ever give Switzer a chance? This team is psycho about staying with Vets until a gun is to their head...remember this team would have rolled out KLess instead of Dak two years ago if they had the choice.

The same team that wouldn't promote Cooper Rush until the fan base nearly revolted.

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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BF - Holton Hill to the Vikings

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Mike Zimmer is going to make him a player.

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if he can keep him off the wacky tabacky

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Overall a very solid draft. We addressed several problem areas

The Austin trade was a good one in terms of what we gave up. The Switzer trade was a bad one in terms of what we got bacvk

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Truth...I'd be ok if it were Beasley instead

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Given the despairing contracts, absolutely. Rookie deal vs millions.

Switz didnt offer a lot in the receiving game but he led the team in kickoff and punt returns. Once he got over the rookie jitters, he was pretty darn dynamic. That 83 yd TD was just the tip of the iceberg.

Guessing they were clearing out some of the overload of WRs. Austin and/or Beaz for punt an KO.

Still wouldnt be surprised to see Beaz traded. Earl?

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Did we ever give Switzer a chance? This team is psycho about staying with Vets until a gun is to their head...remember this team would have rolled out KLess instead of Dak two years ago if they had the choice.

The same team that wouldn't promote Cooper Rush until the fan base nearly revolted.

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We've given plenty of vets more than enough chances. I'm happy to see those days gone. The Isaiah stanbsck, awonsu awash or whatever the hell that guy's name was, Chaz Green, Gavin Escobar and the list goes on and on. Maybe, jut maybe Will McClay is forcing Jerry to stop the repeated ridiculousness about overvaluing our own talent and actually be objective going forward. This would be a huge step for us. The patriot way of thinking.

I'm hoping that Switzer is just the beginning. If taco is truly a bust I hope we don't wait 5 yrs to kick him to the curb.

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Overall a very solid draft. We addressed several problem areas

The Austin trade was a good one in terms of what we gave up. The Switzer trade was a bad one in terms of what we got bacvk

---

Truth...I'd be ok if it were Beasley instead

---

Given the despairing contracts, absolutely. Rookie deal vs millions.

Switz didnt offer a lot in the receiving game but he led the team in kickoff and punt returns. Once he got over the rookie jitters, he was pretty darn dynamic. That 83 yd TD was just the tip of the iceberg.

Guessing they were clearing out some of the overload of WRs. Austin and/or Beaz for punt an KO.

Still wouldnt be surprised to see Beaz traded. Earl?

---

Did we ever give Switzer a chance? This team is psycho about staying with Vets until a gun is to their head...remember this team would have rolled out KLess instead of Dak two years ago if they had the choice.

The same team that wouldn't promote Cooper Rush until the fan base nearly revolted.

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gotta think that there was something else going on with Switzer we dont know about. He led the team in KO and Punt returns. He did have some fumble issues but got much better by the end of the year. And then there was this:

Swapping Switzer for Ward

Ward has two years remaining on his rookie deal. As a second-round pick, all of his guaranteed money is expired. The Cowboys have no financial reason to keep him beyond any usefulness. Per Over The Cap, he will cost $953,618 in 2018 and $1.2 million in 2019.

All of his prorated signing bonus allocation stays with Oakland. In exchange, the Cowboys will eat the rest of Switzer's prorated bonus, $426,738 in dead money.

One-third of that was already on the books for 2018. Jettisoning Switzer saves the Cowboys $270,508.
In total, the swap for Ward adds $683,000 to the Cowboys 2018 cap.

Despite having a lackluster start to his career, Austin had signed a four-year, $42 million extension with the Rams in August of 2016. The new regime in L.A. got one year worth of looks at him and decided not to move forward with that plan any longer. In March, his deal was trimmed down to one year, $7 million for 2018.

That's not what the Cowboys absorb, however. $4 million was given to Austin as a roster bonus by the Rams. There is $1 million in guaranteed base salary, plus per-game roster bonuses of $125,000 each.

As he appeared in all 16 regular season games in 2017, those game bonuses are considered likely to be earned, and all $2 million counts against the salary cap up front.

That brings Austin's total cap hit for Dallas to $3 million.

Gust Avrakotos said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

---

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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Overall a very solid draft. We addressed several problem areas

The Austin trade was a good one in terms of what we gave up. The Switzer trade was a bad one in terms of what we got bacvk

---

Truth...I'd be ok if it were Beasley instead

---

Given the despairing contracts, absolutely. Rookie deal vs millions.

Switz didnt offer a lot in the receiving game but he led the team in kickoff and punt returns. Once he got over the rookie jitters, he was pretty darn dynamic. That 83 yd TD was just the tip of the iceberg.

Guessing they were clearing out some of the overload of WRs. Austin and/or Beaz for punt an KO.

Still wouldnt be surprised to see Beaz traded. Earl?

---

Did we ever give Switzer a chance? This team is psycho about staying with Vets until a gun is to their head...remember this team would have rolled out KLess instead of Dak two years ago if they had the choice.

The same team that wouldn't promote Cooper Rush until the fan base nearly revolted.

---

We've given plenty of vets more than enough chances. I'm happy to see those days gone. The Isaiah stanbsck, awonsu awash or whatever the hell that guy's name was, Chaz Green, Gavin Escobar and the list goes on and on. Maybe, jut maybe Will McClay is forcing Jerry to stop the repeated ridiculousness about overvaluing our own talent and actually be objective going forward. This would be a huge step for us. The patriot way of thinking.

I'm hoping that Switzer is just the beginning. If taco is truly a bust I hope we don't wait 5 yrs to kick him to the curb.

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Reread what I said and a rookie is a vet?

Mel Kiper - Kiper identified the need at linebacker for Dallas, and praised Leighton Vander Esch's high-ceiling, but did have Alabama LB Rashaan Evans ranked higher on his board (Evans went three picks after Vander Esch to Tennessee at No. 22). Kiper praised the value of the Cowboys' later round picks however, and gave their overall draft a B-.

"I see Connor Williams as more likely to move inside to guard, so that means [La'el] Collins should stick at tackle. And that's good value at No. 50 Williams looked like a top-15 pick in 2016 but dipped a bit on play and measureables his arms are a little short. I said on Friday night that Dallas grabbing wide receiver Michael Gallup was one of my favorite picks of the third round. He's an underrated player but don't expect him to replace [Dez] Bryant. Dorance Armstrong Jr. (116) had an injury plagued 2017 season but had 10 sacks in 2016. You trust defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to get the best out of him. Dalton Schultz (137) isn't going to replace [Jason] Witten, but at least Schultz isn't allergic to blocking. I thought Mike White (171) could have gone late in the second round, so that's a good pick. If Bo Scarbrough can play special teams, that's a good pick late in the seventh round."

Well at least we will have HUUGE cap room next year: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/29/17299258/cap-heaven-dallas-cowboys-currently-projected-huge-space-2019-jason-witten-dez-bryant

BearForce said:

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Well at least we will have HUUGE cap room next year: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/29/17299258/cap-heaven-dallas-cowboys-currently-projected-huge-space-2019-jason-witten-dez-bryant

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That is before long term deals for Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence - lock those two up, which they want to do, and that shrinks a great deal

Keyser Soze said:

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BearForce said:

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Well at least we will have HUUGE cap room next year: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/29/17299258/cap-heaven-dallas-cowboys-currently-projected-huge-space-2019-jason-witten-dez-bryant

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That is before long term deals for Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence - lock those two up, which they want to do, and that shrinks a great deal

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The article factors those deals in.

Thanks for posting - no idea they were in that good of shape.

Good to read Philly is not in good shape.

BearForce said:

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Well at least we will have HUUGE cap room next year: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/29/17299258/cap-heaven-dallas-cowboys-currently-projected-huge-space-2019-jason-witten-dez-bryant

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Eagles need to cut Fletcher Cox...

BearForce said:

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Well at least we will have HUUGE cap room next year: https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/29/17299258/cap-heaven-dallas-cowboys-currently-projected-huge-space-2019-jason-witten-dez-bryant

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KD Drummond did a good writeup on this plus the folks affected. The best news is that the under-the-cap number includes 42 players. Thats a big number a year out when only 51 affect the cap

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/16/cowboys-72m-in-2019-cap-space-will-be-needed-with-a-twist/

SportsDay DFW's David Moore reports the Cowboys are not done pursuing Seahawks FS Earl Thomas.
Moore continues Dallas' attraction to Thomas is "real" and the team's inability to trade for him mid-draft "doesn't diminish their desire going forward". The Cowboys were reportedly one of two teams who made an offer for Thomas last week but Seattle's asking price was said to still be "too high". It's possible a deal materializes in the coming weeks if Thomas decidedly holds out during negotiations. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll remains steadfast that the team has "been counting on Earl being [in Seattle] the whole time".
Related: Cowboys

Source: SportsDay DFW
Apr 29 - 7:03 PM

Earl Thomas remains a Seahawk after the draft. That doesn't mean the Cowboys are done pursuing him.
By David Moore , Staff Writer Contact David Mooreon Twitter:@DavidMooreDMN

FRISCO -- Now that the draft is done and Earl Thomas remains in Seattle, there's an assumption this dance between the Seahawks and Cowboys will end.

Seems to me it's about to get really interesting.

The Cowboys' attraction to Thomas is real. An inability to swing a deal tied to the draft doesn't diminish their desire going forward.

Is this an obsession for the organization? Are the Cowboys on a quest that will end in crushing defeat if Thomas isn't their starting free safety when the season kicks off?

No.

But the club is willing to play the long game here with an approach similar to what it did for the draft, one that requires patience and resolve.

When Florida State's Derwin James slid within two spots in the first round, the club didn't make a call about trading up. The Cowboys stood firm at No. 19 and took linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.

A smattering of safeties came off the board in the top half of the third round. Louisiana-Lafayette's Tracy Walker, Alabama's Ronnie Harrison and Southern Mississippi's Tarvarius Moore were still available at No. 81.

The Cowboys took receiver Michael Gallup.

When two small, quick playmaking backs went in the first 12 picks of the fourth round, the Cowboys didn't reach for a position they were determined to address. They traded a sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for Tavon Austin.

"It's obvious we didn't pick a safety," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "It just didn't work out.

"When we were looking at them and thinking about them, sometimes they fell off the board in front of us. At other times we just decided to pick a player we thought was a better football player over picking a safety.

"I don't know that we need numbers," Jones continued. "I don't think that's the issue. I think the bigger question is can we find a guy who can really compete with Xavier (Woods)?

"At the end of the day, that was the goal in the draft and it didn't work out that way."

It's arguably the only goal the Cowboys didn't accomplish. If the team had traded for Thomas during the draft, it would have been short somewhere else.

Give up a second-round pick and the Cowboys don't come away with Connor Williams, who has a good chance to start at left guard.


Give up a third-round pick and Gallup is the casualty. The Cowboys' assessment is that after Gallup, the talent at receiver drops off noticeably.

The club has signed three safeties in the rookie free agent market since the draft ended late Saturday afternoon. The most attractive veterans on the market are Eric Reid, Kenny Vaccaro and Tre Boston. They are more strong safeties, a position the Cowboys aren't looking to fill.

They aren't Thomas.

"We'll continue to look at options as we move forward and continue to see what happens within our roster," Jones said. "We do have corners who can play that position. They've done so before and certainly, depending on how the competition works out over these OTAs and mini-camp and training camp, we'll see how that works out.

"But we certainly haven't ruled out continuing to look for somebody that might could step up back there and compete with Xavier for that free safety spot."

Even better: trading for someone to anchor a young secondary, someone who can start at free safety and allow Woods to continue to develop.

The Cowboys will argue the leverage has now shifted to their side in trying to acquire Thomas. Why? No team was willing to pay Seattle's price in this draft. That lowers expectations on what the Seahawks can get in return.

Seattle can counter that the Cowboys still need a safety and refuse to budge.

The wild card is Thomas. He can force the issue by his participation -- or lack of it -- in the Seahawks' offseason program. If he and the club can't agree on an extension, if Seattle becomes convinced it will lose the veteran in free agency next season and get nothing in return, the dynamics change.

The Cowboys can respond with a conditional pick in next year's draft that escalates based on how many snaps Thomas takes and games he starts.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll maintains publicly that there's nothing to discuss.

"There's been a lot of speculation on your guys' ends of things," Carroll told reporters Friday night. "We've been counting on Earl being here the whole time.

"It's not even a topic. He's our guy."

Is that truth or posturing? No one can say for sure. And remember, what is true now can change by the start of training camp or the regular season.

This dance will go on for a while.

Twitter: @DavidMooreDMN

Cowboys TE Jason Witten reportedly received an 'interesting' last-minute proposal from another network.
Witten's decision is likely to come Wednesday. He was well on his way to joining ESPN's Monday Night Football booth before another network reportedly swooped in. It seems very unlikely he returns to the Cowboys if there are two concrete offers waiting for the 15-year veteran outside of football. Even so, head coach Jason Garrett is actively trying to persuade Witten to return for one more season. If the Cowboys are expecting him to move on, they certainly did little to address that position over the weekend, waiting until the final day to draft Stanford TE Dalton Schultz. We fully expect Witten to officially hang up his cleats this week.
Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter
Apr 29 - 7:14 PM

Brugler: Favorite 5 teams in 2018 draft
By Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

With all 256 picks in the books, the instant reactions begin. Only time will tell which teams "won" or "lost" the 2018 NFL Draft with the picks they made, but there were several teams who stood out with the haul of players they added to the roster.

Below are five of my favorite draft classes from the 2018 NFL Draft.

5 -- Atlanta Falcons

1 (26) - Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
2 (58) - Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
3 (90) - Deadrin Senat, DT, South Florida
4 (126) - Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss
6 (194) - Russell Gage, WR, LSU
6 (200) - Foye Oluokun, LB/S, Yale

The Falcons have one of the league's most productive passing offenses and that air attack will only be stronger in 2018 with the addition of Ridley, joining Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Oliver was a steal outside the top-50 picks and strengthens an already talented cornerback depth chart. One of my favorite players in the draft, Senat will be a valuable part of the defensive tackle rotation with his ability to play the run and penetrate the pocket. Smith looks like the future replacement for Tevin Coleman and Oluokun is a traits prospect worth the late-round gamble.

4 -- Dallas Cowboys

1 (19) - Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
2 (50) - Connor Williams, T/G, Texas
3 (81) - Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
4 (116) - Dorance Armstrong, DE, Kansas
4 (137) - Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
5 (171) - Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
6 (193) - Chris Covington, LB, Indiana
6 (208) - Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State
7 (236) - Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama

The new MIKE linebacker for the Cowboys, Vander Esch is an ascending player who is an ideal fit for the Cowboys' defense and should start from Day 1. Williams had a streaky 2017 season, but he was tremendous value at No. 50 and is the exact medicine needed for the Cowboys' offensive line with his tackle/guard versatility. He is probably the starting left guard in the season opener, but can also kick out to tackle if needed. Gallup is part of the new-look Dallas receiving depth chart and could emerge as the team's best wideout at some point during the 2018 season. At only 21 years old, Schultz could take over the starting tight end duties as a rookie if Jason Witten retires. White, who was my No. 6 rated quarterback ahead of Mason Rudolph and Kyle Lauletta, could easily beat out Cooper Rush for the backup role and strengthens the most important position on the depth chart.

3 -- Carolina Panthers

1 (24) - D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
2 (55) - Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
3 (85) - Rashaan Gaulden, CB/S, Tennessee
4 (101) - Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
4 (136) - Marquis Haynes, DE, Ole Miss
5 (161) - Jermaine Carter, LB, Maryland
7 (234) - Andre Smith, LB, North Carolina
7 (242) - Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami

Moore, who gives off Steve Smith vibes, was my No. 14 rated player and will do immediate damage for the Carolina offense. It is tough for receivers to win rookie of the year honors, but the Maryland product has a chance. While undisciplined in areas, Jackson has elite speed and the athleticism to build upon. Gaulden was one of my favorite players in the draft, projecting best as a nickel defender with his play speed and toughness. Although he likely requires a redshirt season, Thomas goes to an ideal situation where he can learn and develop behind Greg Olsen. He will be viewed as a steal when we look back at this draft in three years. Haynes might only see the field in sub-packages, but his pass-rush skills will impact the game. Smith is a physical thumper and a good player to groom behind the scenes.

2 -- New York Jets

1 (3) - Sam Darnold, QB, USC
3 (72) - Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
4 (107) - Chris Herndon, TE, Miami
6 (179) - Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
6 (180) - Foley Fatukasi, DT, Connecticut
6 (204) - Trenton Cannon, RB, Virginia State

The Jets traded away their second-round picks, but it landed them the best quarterback in the draft. Darnold goes to a situation where he won't be forced onto the field from Day 1 and will learn from veteran Josh McCown. Shepherd is older and comes from the Division-II level, but he wins with power and quickness and will push for starting reps during his rookie season. If not for a late season knee injury, Herndon would have been a top-100 draft pick. Nickerson is undersized, but he has ball production and speed, projecting best in the nickel. Fatukasi earned a spot on my top-100 draft board and the Jets got him at No. 180 overall. Between him and Shepherd, New York landed two of my favorite interior defensive line prospects this year. Cannon was a joy to watch on film with his shifty athleticism that made defenses look silly.

1 -- Chicago Bears

1 (8) - Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
2 (39) - James Daniels, G/C, Iowa
2 (51) - Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
4 (115) - Joel Iyiegbuniwe, LB, Western Kentucky
5 (145) - Bilal Nichols, DT, Delaware
6 (181) - Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah
7 (224) - Javon Wims, WR, Georgia

The Bears earn the top spot this year, mostly for what they did in the first two rounds. Smith is the new face of the Bears' defense and his impact will be substantial. Daniels fell out of the first round and into Chicago's laps. He is still very young and needs to grow up quickly (both physically and mentally) once in training camp, but the talent, technique and athleticism are there to push for a starting role at guard or center. Without a third-round pick (trade up for Mitchell Trubisky in 2017), the Bears had to use a 2019 second-round pick to get back into the round, but it was well worth it for Miller. With Kevin White's inability to stay on the field, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Miller emerge as the No. 2 receiving option at some point during the 2018 season. Iyiegbuniwe is an athletic linebacker who flows and fills. Wims had a breakthrough senior year for the SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs and still has upside, making him the perfect back end of the roster wideout.

Jerry Jones said the Cowboys had a high third-round grade on fourth rounder Dorance Armstrong and their remaining picks in Rounds 5-7 had a fifth-round grade on their board. The Cowboys nearly traded back into the third round Friday to take Armstrong.

Stephen Jones said the Rams approached the a Cowboys on Thursday about acquiring Tavon Austin with a third-day pick in mind. He said, "We had a real vision for what he could do for us," and said it brings some "juice" to the offense.

BearForce said:

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BearForce said:

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BearForce said:

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UDFAs so far
7:19 PM ET - Marchie Murdock, WR, Iowa State
7:19 PM ET - Dalton Sturm, QB, UTSA
7:21 PM ET - Malik Earl, WR, Missouri State
7:21 PM ET - David Wells, TE, San Diego State
7:23 PM ET - Jake Campos, OL, Iowa State
7:36 PM ET - Jordan Chunn, RB, Troy
7:50 PM ET - Bryce Johnson, OL, SCSU
7:50 PM ET - Donovan Olumba, CB, Portland State
7:57 PM ET - Kameron Kelly, S, SDSU
7:57 PM ET - Joel Lanning, LB, Iowa State
8:10 PM ET - Kyle Queiro, S/LB, Northwestern
8:11 PM ET - Jashon Robertson, OL, Tennessee
8:11 PM ET - Charvarius Ward, CB, Middle Tennessee State
8:16 PM ET - DeQuinton Osborne, DT, Oklahoma State
9:21 PM ET - Ed Shockley, LB, Villanova

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This looks to be the final list...surprised their is only one DL on here and I think we all know Joel Lanning.

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