2014 Draft 7th Rd, #231 Ben Gardner DL Stanford

[dbair1967]

Considering that he was an integral component of Stanford's success defensively the past three seasons, Gardner may have been the most shocking of the Combine snubs and he posted the most eye-popping numbers in retaliation, wowing scouts from all 32 NFL teams on March 20 with a 39.5" vertical and 10-2" broad jump after measuring 6-foot-4, 262 pounds. Those numbers would have ranked second and fifth, respectively, among all defensive linemen tested in Indianapolis in 2014. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Todd Archer ‏@toddarcher 1m
Ben Gardner is the third team captain the Cowboys have picked in four selections.

Cowboys selected Stanford DE Ben Gardner with the No. 231 overall pick in the NFL draft.
Gardner (6-foot-3 3/4, 277) was somehow not invited to the Combine despite earning All-Pac 12 recognition in each of his final three college seasons, including a first-team selection as a senior. A defensive end at Stanford, Gardner has drawn Jarret Johnson comparisons for his edge-setting ability in the run game. He projects as a run-stopping left end who won't threaten for many sacks.

Apparently he will bulk up and play 3 technique.
This was reported by David Moore on the Ticket during the 7th round.

 

[dbair1967]

[video]http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/videos/Secret-Audio-Ben-Gardner-Selection-Call/75b13997-13a6-4573-a8bb-de13bfa92de4[/video]

 

[dbair1967]

Cowboys pick Ben Gardner in 7th round

May, 10, 2014
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas – The pick: Ben Gardner, defensive end, Stanford in the seventh round.

My take: A versatile player who can mainly play the left defensive end spot. Gardner played several positions along the defensive line at Stanford. The Cowboys, who like to rotate their linemen, might use him at defensive tackle. The Cowboys like his height, 6-3 7/8, and were impressed with his Pro Day speed, 4.8 in the 40, which according to Scouts Inc., is the five-year combine average for a defensive end. The Cowboys have beefed up the depth along the defensive line this draft with a second-round pick in Demarcus Lawrence, Gardner and in free agency with three signings highlighted by Henry Melton, who will play the 3-technique spot. Gardner will be fighting for a roster spot and will have to make his mark on special teams, something that's vital for late-round picks.

Notable: One of the things coach Jason Garrett likes is team captains, and that's what Gardner was in 2013. ... The only issue is health. He suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle injury in 2013. Before that he was a durable player. He missed the combine because of the injury but was able to get healthy in time for his Pro Day.

 

[Midswat]

Wait.... They want him to gain weight and play the 3 tech dt?