Coming into the draft we have already elaborated on the desire to have Fletcher Cox or Melvin Ingram fall to the Dallas Cowboys at the number fourteenth spot but also understand that this scenario isn’t very likely to happen. Jerry Jones trading up in order to acquire one of the premium position players will likely be the only way the team is able to address the interior need with a player of either defensive lineman’s caliber.

January 28, 2012; Mobile, AL, USA; South Squad defensive lineman Courtney Upshaw (41) takes a bow after making a quarterback sack during the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

Our keen draftnik powers of perception didn’t seem to let us down. With both Cox and Ingram off the board by the time the Cowboys selection timer began to tick away trading down with this group of draftniks isn’t as easy as we would have liked. We have a feeling many more NFL teams will be more inclined to trade up into the fourteenth spot once draft day rolls around, thus allowing Dallas to choose a player at a more valued slot within the 2012 NFL draft.

Nonetheless at the fourteenth overall spot we indeed did go with one of three debated Alabama Crimson tide defenders to shore up the defensive side of the ball and thus making defensive coordinator Rob Ryan a happy man on draft day.

14th overall Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama – At 6’2″ and 272 pounds the mammoth of a man is easily a borderline top 10 talent and a good value at fourteen although we would have like to have had a trading partner that would have allowed us to move back a few spots. Upshaw has incredible lower body strength, experience in pro style offense and if Anthony Spencer is gone after this franchised year then Upshaw also provides a viable replacement along with adding depth in the mean time.

2.13 45th overall Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana – another 6’2″ player but weighing much less than the Cowboys round one selection, Johnson weighs in at 202 pounds but has demonstrated shutdown corner capabilities along with the versatility to play the safety position if coach Ryan deems necessary. Mike Jenkins will be a free agent after the 2012 season and once again Johnson can be looked at as an insurance policy while coming in and learning the system. The Cowboys didn’t bring Johnson in for a visit to Valley Ranch but could still be an apple in their eye assuming he is available whenDallas’ time is up on day two.

3.09 72nd overall Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut – With Kendall Reyes still on the board at this point the crew behind the curtain of the Cowboys mock draft decided to trade-up in order to select the defensive tackle from UConn. Essentially giving up only a fifth round and swapping places with the Miami Dolphins in the third round Reyes was there for the picking. 

Kendall Reyes played both defensive end and defensive tackle at UConn. Ecstatic that Reyes fell this far and considering the defensive tackle was one of the options we liked earlier in the second round we felt like it was a no brainer to trade up ten slots in order to get Reyes after he fell. Reyes is a perfect fit for Rob Ryan’s traditional 2-gap 3-4 defense. Reyes would have been a steal for the Cowboys in the 2nd yet we felt the secondary was more of a priority. Value is huge here with this guy in the 3rd and Reyes wouldn’t have stayed on the board much longer. Ryan gets the big man in the middle thatDallasdefensive coordinator craves by drafting Reyes. We absolutely love this selection.

4.40, 135th overall Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri – Trading back out of the 4.18 to the 5.10 spot later on with the  Miami Dolphins gave us a 2013 3rd round pick and allowed us to seek better value at the center and tight end position that we had planned to do all along. Needing to address the Marty B departure in Big D. Jason Witten isn’t getting any younger and who better to learn from than one of the best in the business. In 2010 Egnew led the nation’s tight ends with 90 receptions for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns. The 2011 All-Big XII Football First Teamer will likely be third string at start of season behindWitten and John Phillips but that just allows him time to grow while contributing on special teams.

5.10, 145th Quentin Saulsberry, C, Mississippi State – Overall we would of loved to have grabbed Phillip Blake here but are just as excited about Saulsberry. If not for trading back from 4.18 into the fifth round we would have been able to grab, Phillip Blake, the Baylor Bears center but we gambled and it obviously didn’t pay-off. Nonetheless the young offensive lineman from Mississippi State is a steal if not for the knock on him due to his height. Standing only 6’2″ Saulsberry is the only player in Mississippi State history to play and start in every one of his games as a Bulldog.

Saulsberry seems to be the type of player Jason Garret and Dallas likes late. He played right tackle, moved inside to guard, and then played games at Center also while atMississippiState. The versatility & durability is huge here along with his tenacious playing style and feisty, competitive attitude, and also takes pride in finishing blocks. Best suited as an NFL center and that’s the position at which he’ll compete for with the Dallas Cowboys.

As a reminder to fans, only two centers are currently on the Dallas Cowboys roster. Phil Costa and Kevin Kowalski will definitely see some competition from a rookie draft choice during training camp. What remains to be seen is exactly when the Dallas Cowboys will draft a center. Don’t be surprised to see the team trade back up into the end of the first round to select Peter Konz fromWisconsin.

6.16, 186th overall Kelcie McCray, SS, Arkansas St – Kelcie McCray has the ideal size, speed, and athleticism that NFL teams covet. Solid coverage skills and is an excellent aggressive tackler. McCray started all 36 games over the last 3 years and was a 2011 First Team All-Sun Belt selection after logging 70 tackles, 4 interceptions and 4 pass break-ups. McCray could turn out to be a bit of a project but should be able to contribute on special teams and who knows if he could eventually be the Dallas Cowboys Strong Safety of the future once the Cowboys feel comfortable that the young safety can handle the responsibilities that come with playing the position in the NFL.

7.08, 215th overall, Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois – This pick was acquired from the Miami Dolphins in our round three trade which actually moved us up from 222 overall. We were hoping Jordan White would fall to us here but he didn’t. Obviously losing Laurent presents a need, sometime later in the draft, at wide receiver.

We could of went several different routes and one would of been to draft Dom Hamilton from Missouri to add depth going into training camp at the interior line but instead decided to go QB which is what the Cowboys will do late either in the 7th or invite one as an UDFA. Another option isArizona’s wide receiver David Douglas. Douglas quietly made an impression on scouts atArizona’s pro-day and out performed expected second day draft prospect and teammate Juron Criner.Douglasis 6’0″, weighs 206 pounds, runs 4.46 and has excellent route running ability.

We feel like with the recent addition of Rudy Carpenter off of waivers that the Dallas Cowboys could be cutting ties with third string back-up QB Stephen McGee and could wait to bring in an undrafted free agent like C.J. Kinne here instead of drafting a QB like Harnish. Earlier we would have probably selected DIII standout, cornerback, Chris Greenwood in round six instead of Kelcie McCray but he was not an available prospect in mock three draft pool. IfGreenwoodwould have been available then that’s most certainly what would have happened and then McCray would have been our seventh round selection dependant upon his availability of course.

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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…

Sept 1, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Kory Sheets (23) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive back Andrew Sendejo (36) during the fourth quarter at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

There have been questions about the safety position for quite some time now. I can’t help but wonder what would have transpired there if JJ would have at least let Andrew Sendejo compete for a job. This reminds me of former players JJ cut that went on to be solid NFL starters. Guys like Brian Waters 6 time Pro Bowl OG, and Danny Amendola who became the Rams most targeted Rec in the red zone. Then there are guys like Steven Bowen who went to the Redskins last year and logged more sacks than most of our DL players combined. Or even Canty, who now has a Super Bowl ring with the NYG. It seems they keep players around who never amount to much and let guys who obviously have all the intangibles to be solid NFL starters walk. Patrick Crayton ended up winning a starting job over Laurent Robinson in SD, yet we were thankful to have him. I think it’s all a matter of other teams being better at developing players and using them effectively, but that is another story.

I am one of those people who likes “The Guys No One Is Talking About”. Those hard working Smash-Mouth football types. Guys who may not be quite as athletic, but have the instincts, football IQ and work ethic that drives them to be the best they can be. Guys like Andrew Sendejo. (Cliff Harris).

Andrew Sendejo fulfilled a childhood dream on that  Wednesday back in November of 2010 when he signed a contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He was in Houston  when he received a call from his agent informing him that the Dallas Cowboys wanted to see him about a contract offer. He had to drive back to San Antonio and catch a plane to Dallas that Tuesday night.  He said he grew up a Dallas fan and  it was surreal to be there. He  also said that he was going to make the most of the opportunity and take advantage of it. He went on to say that he was going to try to enjoy it and do what he can to help the team. Unfortunately it was during a lockout.

Sendejo graduated from Smithson Valley just outside of San Antonio in 2006. He said,

“I have a lot of pride in Smithson Valley,”  “That’s where I established my football mentality. Coach Hill and the old-school, hard-nosed work ethic he preaches had a lot to do with that”  “I’m thankful I was in a program like that. I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I hadn’t gone through it. The coaches were like my other dads.” Sendejo earned 2005 Express-News All-Area Class 5A honors after notching a team-high four interceptions as a senior corner back. He also excelled as a kick off specialist and a return man.

“No matter what we asked him to do, he made plays,” Smithsons coach  Hill said. “His athletic ability wasn’t off the charts, but he excelled at whatever he was doing.”“Whatever ‘it’ is, he has it in volumes.”  Hill was confident he would stay in Dallas. He went on to say “He never seems to be first on anybody’s list, but when it’s time for him to step up, people find out quickly this guy is unbelievably productive, He is a play maker and a quality kid.” “Put that together, and you’ve got an NFL player.”

After leaving Smithson he went on to play for Rice from 2006-2009 where he amassed 318 tackles (17 for a loss) 14 pass break ups, 9 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks. Sendejo finsished 2nd for most tackles in Owls history. Earning an honorable mention for All-Conference USA honors. A High ankle sprain that required surgery shortened his senior year and  was a major factor in his not getting drafted.

Rice coach David Bailiff said,

“Andrew really is the hardest-working young man I’ve been around,” “He has a lot of fun until it’s time to work, and then he’s the first in and the last to leave. He’s no-nonsense and driven from the start of practice until it’s finished, and that’s how he plays.” He was also impressive with what Bailiff called “bone jarring hits.”

Sendejo was quoted as saying,

“When you think about safety, you think about a guy who comes downhill and hits you in the mouth,”  “I like to hit, fly around and have fun. Anytime I get a chance, I’m going to try to tee off on somebody.” When asked about his ankle injury he said ” that’s life you’ve got to play the hand your dealt I knew I had to prove in the UFL I was the same player I was before the injury”.

Sendejo spent the 2010 season playing for Coach Dennis Green and the UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions where he had a season high of 48 tackles, 7 pass deflections and 2 interceptions in an 8 game season. Sendejo started the season as a free safety but was moved to strong safety because of injuries and roster changes in the secondary. He succeeded former Texas and Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Bill Bradley who is now the secondary coach for the UFL’S Florida Huskers. When asked about Sendejo he said,

“You can’t measure football instincts,” “He’s got those, and they’ll serve him well. He’ll be in the NFL a long time.”

“Sendejo is a tremendous player,” Mountain Lions coach Dennis Green said. “He really gets around; he’s very active. “He’s a ball hawk, which means that when the ball’s out there, he always seems to be one of those guys who comes up with it – either an interception or a fumble recovery or some timely tackles. When the Mountain Lions’ defense makes a play – whether it’s a hard hit, a forced fumble or an interception – Andrew Sendejo probably is in the middle of it.

My story is continued on the next page……

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