The 2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft rolls on, with each SB Nation blogger making selections for their respective teams. Dave Halprin, lead blogger at SB Nation's Dallas Cowboys blog, Blogging the Boys, checks in to make the No. 27 overall selection in this year's mock. Take it away, sir!
2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick 27
With the No. 27 overall pick in the 2010 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft, the Dallas Cowboys have selected Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida.
Dave Halprin says: With the way this draft unfolded for the Cowboys, the scenario screams “trade down”. All the positions of need have been depleted; the top offensive linemen, safeties, corners and receivers are gone.
The one player who has really slid, DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul, ranks in the top ten in many major draft services. The Cowboys love DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer, but the drafter's job is to stockpile as many assets as possible. The OLB position in the 3-4 defense is of utmost importance. The Cowboys have spent quite a few picks on this position over the last few years, but they can’t afford to pass up on the value of Pierre-Paul. Injuries can happen, and Wade Phillips has the knowledge to create packages to utilize all three players simultaneously – Ware, Spencer and Pierre-Paul.
There are players who are better fits for Dallas, but they don’t have Pierre-Paul’s rating and potential. Pass rushers are always in demand, and 3-4 OLB’s are of particular interest to certain teams, the Cowboys included. It’s not a position of “need” for the Cowboys, but Pierre-Paul’s “value” at this pick is too great to pass up.
Mocking Dan reacts: In theory, this should be a great pick. JPP is an athletic marvel. However, he’s no 3-4 outside linebacker. He showed as much during South Florida’s recent pro day. He really struggles moving backward and doesn’t have the kind of lateral agility required.
A cornerback like Devin McCourty of Rutgers would be a perfect fit for Dallas. He’s a scheme fit and would possibly be able to start immediately for Dallas.
Mocking the Draft's Top 5 remaining prospects: 1 - Everson Griffen/DE/USC, 2 - Ryan Mathews/RB/Fresno State, 3 - Charles Brown/OT/USC, 4 - Golden Tate/WR/Notre Dame, 5 - Bruce Campbell/OT/Maryland
Sound off, SB Nation! What say you of Dallas’ selection of DE Jason Pierre-Paul? Please be sure to check out Blogging the Boys for all of your Cowboys needs.
See More:
