Watkins: Michael Brockers could be Cowboys sleeper pick

[Cr122]

By Calvin Watkins
ESPNDallas.com


SI's Peter King looks at the NFL Draft in his weekly Monday Morning Quarterback and mentions how LSU defensive tackle/end Michael Brockers has visited numerous teams.

Brockers visited the Cowboys earlier this month. He's projected as a player who might get drafted in the teens. With the Cowboys drafting at No. 14, there's a chance they could take him. The Cowboys also got a visit from Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox, but it's believed he won't get out of the Top 10.

Most mock drafts have Dallas taking either Stanford guard David DeCastro or safety Mark Barron from Alabama. But what about Brockers?

And while the Cowboys could use some improvement along the offensive line by selecting DeCastro and moving him in at right guard or finding a playmaking safety in Barron, there's nothing wrong with improving the pass rush.

Brockers can be inserted at defensive end and on passing situations can move inside and be a good pairing with Jay Ratliff.

Drafting Brockers would mean either Marcus Spears or Kenyon Coleman would be sent packing.

Brockers, 21, could join a younger group in Sean Lissemore (24), Clifton Geathers (24) and Josh Brent (24). That would be four defensive linemen under 25 to match up with Ratliff, who turns 31 in August, and Jason Hatcher, who reaches 30 in July.

Youth is always important and the Cowboys picking Brockers might be the best thing for them.

Here's what Scouts Inc. had to say about Brockers' quickness: "Very good first-step quickness for size. Consistently gains initial penetration and is very disruptive. Can improve his hand usage but has the quick, violent hands to do so."

 

[dbair1967]

I suspect he'd be the fall back option if DeCastro, Barron and Cox are all gone, which is becoming a possibility.

 

[VA Cowboy]

I suspect he'd be the fall back option if DeCastro, Barron and Cox are all gone, which is becoming a possibility.

Same here, except I think Brockers would probably get the nod over DeCastro. I think Cox and Barron are the top two targets. DeCastro would likely be the fall back if the other three are gone. Poe though is probably in the mix too.

For me, I like:

1. Cox
2. DeCastro
3. Barron
4. Brockers
5. Poe

 

[Cr122]

Same here, except I think Brockers would probably get the nod over DeCastro. I think Cox and Barron are the top two targets. DeCastro would likely be the fall back if the other three are gone. Poe though is probably in the mix too.

For me, I like:

1. Cox
2. DeCastro
3. Barron
4. Brockers
5. Poe

I agree, except for Brockers. Probably because I believe he is Spears 2.0

 

[VA Cowboy]

I agree, except for Brockers. Probably because I believe he is Spears 2.0

Yeah, but after the top 3 are gone he's about as good as any we'd be left choosing from. My preference would be to trade down but if not I'd take the safer pick than the boom/bust guy.

 

[Cr122]

Yeah, but after the top 3 are gone he's about as good as any we'd be left choosing from. My preference would be to trade down but if not I'd take the safer pick than the boom/bust guy.

That's true, I'm with you there.

I won't be pissed if we take Brockers. A few months ago, yes.


I'm starting to realize he's a better option than Poe. I gotta get that Marcus Spears comparison out of my head.

 

[Midswat]

Same here, except I think Brockers would probably get the nod over DeCastro. I think Cox and Barron are the top two targets. DeCastro would likely be the fall back if the other three are gone. Poe though is probably in the mix too.

For me, I like:

1. Cox
2. DeCastro
3. Barron
4. Brockers
5. Poe

I agree, except for Brockers. Probably because I believe he is Spears 2.0

I think Cox is Willie Blade 2.0

Barron is Tony Dixon 2.0

DeCastro is last guard to get drafted from Stanford 2.0

Poe is last DT to get drafted from Memphis 2.0


None of them appeal to me.

 

[Cr122]

Wonderful, now what the fuck do we do?

 

[Theebs]

norm just said this is who we want. brockers

 

[dbair1967]

Same here, except I think Brockers would probably get the nod over DeCastro. I think Cox and Barron are the top two targets. DeCastro would likely be the fall back if the other three are gone. Poe though is probably in the mix too.

For me, I like:

1. Cox
2. DeCastro
3. Barron
4. Brockers
5. Poe

You and I are in agreement sir, although I think its very very close for me between DeCastro and Barron. I think both will outstanding pros

 

[dbair1967]

I agree, except for Brockers. Probably because I believe he is Spears 2.0

Brockers is physically more powerful than Spears was coming out. Spears was a true 4-3 LDE and IMO he would have had a better career had he played in that scheme. Brockers is a 3-4 DE.

 

[Sheik]

As long as we don't draft Barron, I don't care.

 

[cmd34]

As long as we don't draft Barron, I don't care.

I will glady take Barron at 14 over Brockers at 14. Both belong in the 20's.

 

[Sheik]

I say we just draft Tyron smith again.

 

[cmd34]

I say we just draft Tyron smith again.

Yes!

or we can trade up, let's say 2 #1's (Joey Galloway trade), and get Matt Kalil. That would rock too.

 

[Sheik]

Now you're just being silly. Let's keep this thing realistic.

 

[cmd34]

Now you're just being silly. Let's keep this thing realistic.

Okay then.

I still say hold our ground at 14 and hope Cox or DeCastro falls to us and if not trade down a few spots. I think the guys that will go 14 (assuming Cox & DeCastro are gone) are all very similar value. Teams fall in love with players (we could be 1 of those teams) and would be willing to give up a 3rd to move up a few spots and get their guy. Still get Barron, Brockers, Poe, etc. at pick 18 for example. Then use that extra 3rd and maybe our 4th to move up from 45 to lower first round and get another impact starter ( Chandler Jones, Nick Perry, Pete Konz, someone will slide).

That would be my plan. I like the value in the mid to late first round round ...would love to have two picks in the 18 to 32 range.

 

[Sheik]

Okay then.

I still say hold our ground at 14 and hope Cox or DeCastro falls to us and if not trade down a few spots. I think the guys that will go 14 (assuming Cox & DeCastro are gone) are all very similar value. Teams fall in love with players (we could be 1 of those teams) and would be willing to give up a 3rd to move up a few spots and get their guy. Still get Barron, Brockers, Poe, etc. at pick 18 for example. Then use that extra 3rd and maybe our 4th to move up from 45 to lower first round and get another impact starter ( Chandler Jones, Nick Perry, Pete Konz, someone will slide).

That would be my plan. I like the value in the mid to late first round round ...would love to have two picks in the 18 to 32 range.

I trust you more than any of these other chuckle heads, so I'm going to wait for your reaction after every pick, then I'll react.

 

[Hoofbite]

Don't care for the pick at all.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Okay then.

I still say hold our ground at 14 and hope Cox or DeCastro falls to us and if not trade down a few spots. I think the guys that will go 14 (assuming Cox & DeCastro are gone) are all very similar value. Teams fall in love with players (we could be 1 of those teams) and would be willing to give up a 3rd to move up a few spots and get their guy. Still get Barron, Brockers, Poe, etc. at pick 18 for example. Then use that extra 3rd and maybe our 4th to move up from 45 to lower first round and get another impact starter ( Chandler Jones, Nick Perry, Pete Konz, someone will slide).

That would be my plan. I like the value in the mid to late first round round ...would love to have two picks in the 18 to 32 range.

He'll be there, and we'll pass on him. Like me, the Cowboys hate cock suckers.