Nov 24, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (8) in the fourth quarter on Thanksgiving day at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Dolphins 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

In my previous mock I had suggested a fullback because I had concerns about Fiammettas’ health. I was happy to see the position addressed in free agency. Now that the major free agency moves have been made I can do my final mock draft. I was also happy to see that The Cowboys have brought in Fleming for a visit. He is one of my top CB prospects. It would be much easier if I knew for sure if they were sticking with the 3-4 or switching to a 4-3. As I previously stated, I think the personnel on this team is better suited for a 4-3 defense.

1st Round: 14th overall

Sept. 17, 2011; Tucson, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard David DeCastro (52) during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. The Cardinal beat the Wildcats 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

David DeCastro, OG Stanford

6-5 312 Grade: 92.5

Decastro is a technician on the field and is beautiful to watch for those who respect offensive line play. He is very quick off the ball to get into his block. Decastro is able to shuffle nicely to avoid trash when pulling or down blocking and, once engaged, is very strong to his ground. He demonstrates a good snap upon contact with defenders and is usually the one providing the drive-back pressure on his man. Once locked on his man, he can drive and maneuver them at will using his very strong upper body. Decastro is extremely controlled in his movements, and he has body control and overall balance that is rare for a man his size. Decastro is very athletic on the move and can key in and adjust on his moving target well. It’s nearly impossible to find many weak points in Decastro’s play throughout college, and he could easily be the best lineman on his team as a rookie. (NFL.com)

If I have said it once, I have said it 1,000 times. “IT ALL STARTS UP FRONT!” The one thing the Cowboys championship teams had in common, weather it was under Landry or Johnson, was a solid offensive line. I was not happy with the FA choice at the position. If you look at the winning teams in the NFL, like NE, GB, N.O etc, they “PROTECT THEIR QB”. If Decastro is there at 14 he is by far the best player on the board. As I previously stated, there are only 4 players in the draft with a higher grade. With Brees, and Colston both being in a contract year, my OG of choice (Carl Nicks) became a cap casualty. But I have to say, N.O is smart, they lost Nicks, but in turn signed the #2 OG in FA Grubbs.

The Cowboys theory of late, has been spending big on skill positions like WR and skimping on the OL. This will not do, the running game has been on a steady decline. In 2011 they set a franchise record low of only 3 rushing TD’s by RB’s and 1 by Tony Romo. This simply will not do. Especially when you consider Tony Romo was sacked a career high 36 times and took 82 hits. It is pointless to spend big on a #1 WR like Miles Austin when your QB has no time to use him properly.

In looking at the possible players available, if Decastro isn’t there, and taking in to consideration the addition of Pool,Carr and Connor, I think it would be a reach to address the defense at 14. If that is the case, I like the idea of trading down for additional picks.

See the Cowboy’s next pick, on the next page…

If you have questions for the Landry Hat writers, please submit them to cjlandryhat@hotmail.com

Ben, San Antonio: Who should the cowboys front office and staff keep an eye on and study about with less than a month left before the scouting combine on Feb. 22, in Indy?

Click on the link to read the answers from the Landry Hat’s writers. (more…)