Day 2 draft review

[theoneandonly]

50. Dallas Cowboys: Connor Williams, Offensive Tackle, Texas

This year’s tackle class is…unspectacular. To help you get a sense of what you are in for, Bleacher Report proudly presents a Good, Bad and Terrifying breakdown of this year’s tackles.

Good: Connor Williams is a strong run-blocker with a nasty finish. He has good footwork, a smooth kick slide and other impressive pass-protection fundamentals.

Bad: Williams is a little short-armed and thick for an NFL left tackle. He lacks elite quickness, though his footwork makes up for it. He’s coming off a knee injury that erased much of his 2017 season.

Terrifying: Williams isn’t your typical Big 12 left tackle who lines up in a two-point stance, strikes his defender once and watches the ball sail over his head 0.2 seconds after the snap. But he did usually line up in a two-point stance in a conference where defense is almost optional, and some experts believe Williams fits best as a guard.

Bottom Line: Williams was all over the map among evaluators. Some saw a top-20 tackle; others a second- or third-round guard. The Cowboys may move him inside on their star-studded offensive line.

The Cowboys are clearly in deep denial about the status of their wide receiver and tight end corps. This is a poor selection for a team with critical needs just about everywhere else but the offensive line.

Grade: D

81. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver, Colorado State

The current Cowboys receiver depth chart:

Allen Hurns: The second-best receiver in the NFL to be named Allen and have a great year in 2015 for the Jaguars followed by two seasons of injuries and disappointment.

Terrance Williams: Has started 66 games for one of the highest-profile sports teams on the planet. Try to remember one signature moment in his career. OK, the game-winning playoff touchdown against the Lions. Name any from the last three years. Thought so.

Deonte Thompson: Wherever there’s a gutted receiving corps (2012-13 Ravens, 2015-16 Bears, last year’s Bills), Thompson is there. He’s like the Tom Joad of incomplete passes.

Cole Beasley: Just turned 29. Fan-favorite slot receivers age like teen pop stars.

Ryan Switzer: Cole Beasley’s stunt double in the action sequences.

Noah Brown: Specials McTeamy.

Michael Gallup went 76-1,272-14 for Colorado State in 2016, though a lot of the production just came from being the best athlete on the field. He followed it up with 100-1,418-7 last year. Again, there was a lot of get-the-ball-to-Gallup-no-matter-what fluff in the data (motion screens, short dump-offs on 3rd-and-long), but 100 catches is never anything to sneeze at, and Gallup displayed development as a craftsman. His release and body positioning are excellent on slants and other 5-10-yard routes, making him a potential weapon as a possession receiver.

If Gallup is still just figuring out the details, he could shine after a season of NFL coaching.

The Cowboys need players, not projects, at wide receiver. But having procrastinated this long, Gallup may be as good as it gets for them.

Grade: C-plus

NFL Draft 2018: Day 2 Grades for Every Pick | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights

 

[dbair1967]

, ok

 

[theoneandonly]

 

[theoneandonly]

Best Player Available After Day 2 | Draft Analyst

 

[dbair1967]

Kiper on day two winners:

Dallas Cowboys
One of my favorite picks in the third round was the Cowboys filling a need -- and not reaching -- for Colorado State wide receiver Michael Gallup. He has good hands and is strong after the catch, and he had 100 catches in 2017. This is a Dallas team in dire need of pass-catchers after the release of Dez Bryant and the potential retirement of Jason Witten. Gallup has a lot of potential, though he shouldn't be expected to fill Bryant's shoes immediately. Give him some time, and Gallup could be a solid No. 2 wideout.

 

[theoneandonly]

I dont have a problem with either pick. I said I wouldnt complain about early picks used in the trenches. Williams is better than the guys they brought in FA. I think he was hurt this year. I actually think he ends up at RT and Collins moves to LG.

Gallup looks like he has the ability to get open and go up and get the ball. Came from a run heavy team. Eric Galco had him listed as the 37th best player in the draft. Lets face it every pick is a crap shoot, so.....

 

[dbair1967]

nfl.com top 5 value picks for day two:

5) Connor Williams, G, Dallas Cowboys

Drafted in Round 2, No. 50 overall.
I'm not going to lie: Taking two-time All-Pro tight end Jason Witten (who, it was reported Friday, is expected to retire) out of the Cowboys' roster in my model made things for Dallas' offense less predictable. But Williams does help, especially when he's projected as their left guard. And when you factor in that this addition came at pick 50, the value gets even better.



Williams is an immediate starter, but you have to look to his college tape from two seasons ago (he was injured last year). Do you know how many pressures he allowed as a tackle at Texas in 2016? The answer is FOUR. That's ridiculous. Moving him to the interior of the O-line accentuates his strengths (he was eighth-best at blocking on rushing downs over the past two seasons and 24th on passing downs). Adding him to a unit that already includes the elite Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin makes this line an even better place for Dak Prescott to throw behind and an even more potent facilitator to help Ezekiel Elliott create first downs.

 

[theoneandonly]

50 Connor Williams OT, Texas
Height: 6-5 Weight: 320
I don't think he's a as good as many others do. Where does he play? Is Collins going back to guard?

C






81. NFL Draft 2018 - Latest Draft News and Predictions - CBSSports.com Gallup, WR, Colorado St.
Grade: A

This kid is a playmaker with good size and has great ball skills. He will push for a starting job right away.

NFL Draft 2018 - Latest Draft News and Predictions - CBSSports.com

 

[theoneandonly]

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys
Draft picks: Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch (No. 19 overall), Texas OG Connor Williams (No. 50 overall), Colorado State WR Michael Gallup (No. 81 overall).
Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: A
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: Vander Esch is a talented off-the-ball linebacker who can move on the outside and slip tackles inside to find the ball. The Cowboys needed to bolster the position, but should they have found a pass-catcher here instead given their dire need at the position and having their pick of the best? It's a good pick -- if his neck truly is not a problem. Williams will likely play guard for the Cowboys. He'll join a nasty group up front and has the talent to make Pro Bowls. They found a future starter at receiver with Gallup. His progress as a rookie will have a large effect on how the passing offense performs in 2018.

 

[theoneandonly]

http://rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/79557/60/day-3-best-available-players

Day 3: Best Available Players
Saturday, April 28, 2018


Five of my Top 50 prospects remain. For Hurst, I'm starting to wonder if he goes undrafted. Perhaps a team takes a "chance" on the potential top 10 talent. His ability to consistently create from the interior is unmatched in this class.

As you can see, the skill position talent and offensive line talent has been wiped out in this range. Plenty of defensive prospects remain.

1. DL Maurice Hurst, Michigan | 6’1, 292 | Athleticism: N/A | Age: 23

Where He Wins: Burst off the snap to shoot gaps or attack edges of interior offensive linemen. Hurst is so quick that he takes advantage of any error on the inside. Late on a reach block? Hurst is in the backfield. Hesitate to fill for a pulling lineman? Hurst will make a play. Likely fits as a 3-technique in a one gap defense, but has plenty of snaps at 1-technique in a NASCAR package. Plays low, which helps carry the momentum he created. Plays with timing and vision to separate and make plays on the ball.

Forecast: Interior disruption is king, and Hurst offers it most consistently in this class. Hurst was held out of the Combine with a heart concern, but he has since been cleared.


2. LB/EDGE Genard Avery, Memphis | 6’1, 248 | Athleticism: 87th percentile | Age: ?

Where He Wins: Exciting prospects because he combines athleticism, bend and closing quickness. With that said, he isn’t strictly a pass rusher. He often works as a true off ball linebacker and is asked to cover receivers in the slot. A front seven weapon who is equally as talented to chase and defend the run or rush the passer, especially with his natural leverage advantage and flexibility.

Comparison: LB Haason Reddick, Cardinals

Forecast: Does have trouble knifing through blockers in his path. Luckily I don’t have to decide where he is being used, but he can win in multiple roles.

3. T Tyrell Crosby, Oregon | 6’5, 309 | Athleticism: 23rd percentile | Age: 23

Where He Wins: Left tackle. Squares shoulders towards his opponent and delivers a strong punch. If that punch puts the opposition off balance, Crosby finishes him with a nasty demeanor. Functional strength is there, so when footwork or punch is off, he can still complete his block. His goal in the running game is to create movement.

Comparison: T Donald Penn, Raiders

Forecast: Not the testing athlete of some of his peers, but he plays within himself and can help a team early on. Coaches will love his on-field mentality.

4. EDGE Josh Sweat, FSU | 6’5, 251 | Athleticism: 95th percentile | Age: 21

Where He Wins: Insane athlete. Sweat can fire up the field in a hurry, instantly putting an offensive tackle in panic mode to get a deep drop set. If Sweat has space, he will win and disrupt the backfield. Held up in run defense well.

Comparison: EDGE Danielle Hunter, LSU

Forecast: FSU often used sweat as a tight edge instead of a true edge, where he would be afforded more space. In fact, often it seemed he was reactive rather than asked to be disruptive. Hopefully that changes. He gets a bit lost when his initial momentum is stopped, lacking a counter. I hope he lands with a coach who can coach.

5. WR Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame | 6’5, 214 | 62nd percentile | Age: 21

Where He Wins: A very smooth player for his size. Will run crossing routes underneath and can win after the catch thanks for long strides. Has body control to adjust and win along the sideline. Naturally wins big because of his height and length.

Comparison: WR Devin Funchess, Panthers

Forecast: His combination of fluidity and size is difficult to find. He doesn’t consistently win big despite being big. A second day pick.

6. WR DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State - Inside and outside receiver who is “good” in many areas
7. EDGE Obo Okoronkwo, Oklahoma - Shorter edge with good bend and flexibility
8. S Marcus Allen, Penn State - Big downhill safety who wants to hit like a linebacker
9. RB John Kelly, Tennessee - Big back who wins on contact and is comfortable in the passing game
10. T Jamarco Jones, Ohio State - Best in pass protection. True tackle size
11. CB DJ Reed, Kansas State - Outstanding slot corner prospects
12. CB Avonte Maddox, Pitt - Smaller slot corner with fantastic athleticism
13. EDGE Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest - Labrum surgery but a pass rusher with outside to inside ability
14. S Armani Watts, Texas A&M - Quick closing and aggressive safety in the back end
15. TE Ian Thomas, Indiana - Lacked production, but is one of the real athletes in this class at the position
16. DL Foley Fatukasi, UConn - Interior disruptor with very good athleticism
17. EDGE Kylie Fitts, Utah - Great bend to turn the corner on the outside, dealt with injuries
18. LB Shaquem Griffin, UCF - Likely a run and chase linebacker/safety with an endless motor
19. QB Kyle Lauletta, Richmond - Mobile passer who could operate as a No. 2
20. LB Josey Jewell, Iowa - Sound football player who identifies and attacks upfield
21. T Desmond Harrison, West Georgia - Extremely athletic left tackle with a finisher’s mentality
22. EDGE Kentavius Street, NC State - Tore his ACL in a private workout. Great athleticism
23. WR Cedrick Wilson, Boise State - Used on shallow crosses and vertical routes where he could track the football
24. CB Parry Nickerson, Tulane - Shorter corner who plays big at the catch point
25. CB Holton Hill, Texas - Talent is there, but ran into issues off the field
26. S Natrell Jamerson, Wisconsin - Very athletic safety who also played slot corner. Great length
27. S Kyzir White, WVU - Flies into the box to attack ball carriers and finishes violently
28. CB Nick Nelson, Wisconsin - Injured during draft process
29. DL Jullian Taylor, Temple - Extreme athleticism to disrupt from the interior, if he learns to play
30. CB Christian Campbell, Penn State - Long corner and one of the most athletic players at his position

 

[dbair1967]

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#Dallas NFL Draft Draft Day 1-2 Recap

Leighton Vander Esch - LB, Pick 19
PFF Rank 26

Connor Williams - G, Pick 50
PFF Rank 18

Michael Gallup - WR, Pick 81
PFF Rank 41

 

[Doomsday]

I mean, don'tcha already sorta gotta love a receiver named Gallup?