Lou Pickney's 2025 NFL Mock Draft

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From: Mike Torbert
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Dec 6, 2006 10:10 AM
Subject: DALLAS DALLAS DALLAS!

Hey Lou!

Just wanted to know what needs do you think the boys have after this season. Ellis is getting older, do we keep him next year? We didn’t get much production from Bobby Carpenter and Pat Watkins, what overall team needs stand out to you?

Lou: The Cowboys are looking good on offense, but bringing a young WR into the fold would be wise. Terrell Owens turns 33 tomorrow and Terry Glenn turns 33 this off-season. Patrick Crayton has quietly had a good season as the #3 receiver, but it will take more than Crayton for Dallas to be secure at WR on down the line. Plus, Crayton's contract expires at the end of this year, and while he'll be a restricted free agent this off-season, a one-year RFA tender would only secure Crayton remaining in Dallas through 2007.

While Calvin Johnson and Dwayne Jarrett will likely be off the board by the time Dallas picks in the first round, the team may have a shot at the likes of Jeff Samardzija or Ted Ginn, Jr. Also, there can be value found at the WR position in the second round, should Dallas opt to look elsewhere with their first pick.

The Dallas offensive line has had the same five guys start all 12 games this season, which is one of those very important but often underpublicized facts that can make a huge difference for a team. Ask St. Louis fans how much losing starting center Andy McCollum (who had started every game for them since 1999) wrecked the team's offense this season, or Matt Birk's injury caused huge problems for Minnesota last year.

But by the same token, adding depth can allow a team to build long-term and avoid running into serious problems; consider how Seattle was able to move Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack from backup tackle to guard when Steve Hutchinson left via free agency. Cowboys LG Marco Rivera turns 35 this off-season, and while offensive lineman can sometimes have very long careers, age can cause problems. That's why, at the moment, I have Texas OG/OT Justin Blalock penciled in for Dallas. He can play multiple positions, learn the system, and be ready to move into the starting lineup when the time comes for that.

Akin Ayodele and Bradie James have been successful at ILB in Dallas' 3-4, but give Bobby Carpenter some time and I anticipate that he will do some good things for the team. At OLB, DeMarcus Ware is living up to his first round status. Bill Parcells has expressed displeasure with what he perceives as a lack of pressure put on the QB by second year DEs Chris Canty and Marcus Spears, though to be fair to Spears, it was known coming into the league that he was a run-stopper more than a pass rusher. I have my doubts that Dallas would look for a defensive end, but you never know.

Aaron Glenn and Terrence Newman have proven to be good at CB, though no corner on the team has more than 1 INT through 12 games. Roy Williams has five from his SS position, and I don't anticipate that Dallas would spend a first round pick on its secondary. Free safety is a need spot, but I would think that Dallas would fill that via free agency instead of taking a FS in round one.

Tony Romo has solidified the QB position, and the Cowboys have two good RBs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber, III. My anticipation is that Dallas will consider WR and O-line prospects toward the top of this draft, while adding depth at positions like CB, DE, FS, and the OL positions not addressed at the top of the draft.

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