DMN Mosley: Ramsey at 4, hoping for Rankins at 34

dbair1967

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Mosley: Why Jalen Ramsey will be No. 4 pick to Dallas, and the player who Cowboys are praying slips to Round 2


By Matt Mosley , Special Contributor Contact Matt Mosley on Twitter: @mattmosley

The most fascinating Cowboys draft in 20 years lost some juice when the Rams and Eagles lost their minds over two quarterbacks. But some drama remains as the Cowboys prepare to make a pick at No. 4 overall.

As I explained last week, it's becoming less likely they will select Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa. I think he will be a productive player for several years, but the Cowboys need and want a game-changer. That's why it will come down to Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. I am not convinced Elliott is worthy of a pick this high. You can't forget how his position has been devalued simply because he put up great numbers in the Big 10. Is he as good as last year's No. 10 pick Todd Gurley? I don't believe so. The Cowboys got a 1,000-yard season out of Darren McFadden despite horrible play at quarterback.

Ramsey is the pick Thursday. He's the most dynamic player in this draft. He can blitz the passer and support the run. And I think teams will always have to be aware of him. He can also start at safety or cornerback. I like the flexibility. You can't let the Mo Claiborne mistake impact your decision-making. Ramsey is a more versatile player. He also comes without any character issues. That's important for a team that has really struggled in that area. I asked five different scouts from other teams Thursday who the Cowboys would take. All five said Ramsey.

And I'll let you in on another secret. The Cowboys are praying that Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is available in the second round. He's a three-technique player who could excel under Rod Marinelli. With a run on quarterbacks and offensive line in the first round, some talented defensive linemen such as Rankins could get shoved into the second round.

For more on this situation, tune into my alter ego Dr. Draft weekdays 3-6 pm on 103.3 FM ESPN. Happy draft day.
 
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A dominant run game should never be devalued.

If this idiot team leadership honestly thinks we're closer to 12-4, then Elliott has to be the pick.
 

bvhawkeye

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Don't want Ramsey at all. Would be very happy with Rankins, don't believe he'll be available, but then again never thought Randy Gregory would be available to Dallas in the 2nd last year, so who knows?
 

bvhawkeye

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Hoping to move down and get Elliot in the first or stay put and take Bosa or Buckner at #4
 

ThoughtExperiment

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I finally saw a little (very little) of Ramsey and I wasn't that impressed, at least for #4 overall and at least if you're putting him at corner. I know he's big and explosive but does he have the quickness to be a great corner?

I watched very little, so I'm not carving that in stone. But if I take a corner that high I want one of those great-great athletes with cat-like quickness and change of direction. He almost looked more like a big cover-2 corner, like a Peanut Tillman. But Ramsey doesn't take the ball away like that, at least not so far.

At safety, I have no idea. I think so much of being a great safety is instincts, and I didn't watch enough to know that.
 

dbair1967

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I think he ends up at safety. If they do pick him I bet they move him around quite a bit this yr.
 

MrB

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I think he ends up at safety. If they do pick him I bet they move him around quite a bit this yr.

That's pretty much what I think is going to happen too. Just like Jones last year they will bounce him back and forth his first year. Eventually though they figure out that he's a much better safety than he is a CB.
 

MrB

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I've wanted a QB in this draft ever since Romo broke his collar bone the first time this year. Now that QB is not likely to happen (one of the top 3 QB's) I prefer Zeke. With Ramsey the likely pick though I'm trying to get myself hype for the pick. I'm looking at what Ramsey can do instead of focusing on what he can't do.

If drafted he'll probably be the best athlete on the team. I know they'll play him at CB at first and I expect him to be ok but once he's eventually moved to safety him and Jones are going to make an amazing tandem. I really hope they do all they can to put a pass rush in front of them though.
 

Doomsday

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A dominant run game should never be devalued.

If this idiot team leadership honestly thinks we're closer to 12-4, then Elliott has to be the pick.
If they're still in "win now" mode, Zeke is the pick. Easily the top immediate impact player for us at 4.
 
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