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Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: A defensive lineman in each round

By Lauren Draper-Wood

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

ROUND 4

Just twenty players from Appalachian State have been drafted in NFL History, one of which was picked by the Cowboys (linebacker Dexter Coakley, third round pick 1997). Ronald Blair is on course to be selected in the mid rounds of this years draft pool, and should be a consideration for the Cowboys.

In the last two full seasons, he played on the defensive line, with 66 tackles (32 for loss- the most in his division) and 12.5 sacks. The fine form in his final year saw him be voted the 2015 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year.

Blair’s tape is fun to watch. He plays hard and fast with very clean technique. Supreme against the run but also has a nice variety of pass rushing skills. A captain for the team, he’s a reliable and positive influence on and off the field.

"“Blair’s one of the best I’ve ever been around. He’s going to help you in the locker room and give you great leadership; he’s going to give you that dog-tough and he’s going to give you everything he’s got. All around that’s the total-package guy you’re looking for in the NFL.” – Mike Sirigano, Appalachian State coach"

He’s not the most athletic, and that was obvious at the combine where he put up mediocre numbers in the majority of drills. He looks a little heavy around the middle and doesn’t have the speed to be that leading edge rusher on a team.

The fact he played his football in the Sun Belt Division could raise questions, however when facing the bigger and better teams (such as Clemson) Blair arguably played his best football.

Next: Dallas Defensive Line Depth in Round 5

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