10 players For Cowboys Fans to Watch in the 2013 Senior Bowl
By Dietz
5) Quinton Patton – WR – Louisiana Tech
One of the stars of the Senior Bowl practices this week has been Patton. He has run circles around the South corners. he has made every catch look easy and is flying up draft boards as we read this. The Cowboys are in need of a third wide receiver and maybe even a second wide receiver if they decide to get rid of Miles Austin in the offseason. Patton would fit the mold and may be a second or third round pick in April.
4) John Jenkins – DT – Georgia
The Josh Brent situation and now the recent news of Jay Ratliff getting arrested for a DUI means the Cowboys will need to address the defensive line in both free agency and the Draft. Jenkins was a first round talent, but has had off the field issues. This might scare teams away and especially the Cowboys with their recent troubles. However, if Jenkins puts on a big display on Saturday it could go a long way in securing a spot in the Draft.
3) David Quessenberry – G – San Jose State
Another small school player, that has shined at the Senior Bowl practices. He is definitely a guard at the NFL level, and as we already discussed the Cowboys need as many offensive lineman as they can get. He will not go in round 1 and probably not in round 2 so he could be a great value pick in round 3 if he has a good game on Saturday.
2) Khaseem Greene – OLB – Rutgers
Greene is an interesting case. he had a great season this year, but his Senior Bowl practices have been less than stellar. He will need a big game on Saturday to prove he is worthy of even a second round grade. The Cowboys need linebackers especially with the switch to the 4-3, they need someone to allow DeMarcus Ware to move to rush end. Greene is a guy that can turn heads and will have to shine to make Cowboys fans comfortable with taking him in April.
1) DJ Fluker – OT – Alabama / Lane Johnson – OT – Oklahoma
These two players are the big decision for the Cowboys in the first round of April’s draft. Everyone knows Doug Free cannot be brought back and can’t handle the NFL pass rushers. Both Fluker and Johnson are the best Right tackles available in the upcoming Draft. Fluker is a part of that Alabama offensive line that dominated the national championship game, but it will be interesting to see if he can hold his own without the help of his running mates that are supposed to be 1st round picks as well beside him. Johnson has dominated the one-on-one drills with the South lineman. he may have helped himself the most out of anyone in the entire Senior Bowl. he may be available for the Cowboys at 18, but if he dominates like he has in practice, he may not be around long enough to make it to them.
Others to watch for:
Eric Fisher – OT – Central Michigan
Markus Wheaton – WR – Oregon State
Terrence Williams – WR – Baylor
Baccari Rambo – S – Georgia
Jordan Hill – DT – Penn State
Justin Pugh – OL – Syracuse
Hugh Thornton – OL – Illinois
Ricky Wagner – OL – Wisconsin
I know its a week without a meaningful outcome to a football game, but if you need your fix the individual efforts on Saturday will have a meaningful outcome to where these players end up being selected in the NFL Draft next April. Enjoy the game and let’s get ready for New Orleans for the Super Bowl.