2011 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #9: Dallas Cowboys

by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 6:00 PM EST

With the 9th pick in the 2011 BGN Mock Draft JimmyK selects...

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

First, let's start with the Cowboys' many holes:

Glaring needs:

- OL - Anything along the OL will do, but the most immediate fixes need to be made at RG and RT, where Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo respectively are both aging, and were downright awful in 2010.

- CB - Mike Jenkins was one of the worst corners in the NFL last season. This could be a make or break year for him, but for now, he's not going anywhere. Terence Newman, meanwhile, turns 33 in September, and is set to make $8 million this season. The Cowboys would love to find someone that could start at CB opposite Jenkins so they can dump Newman's contract.

- S - The Alan Ball project at FS is mercifully over for Cowboys fans, and it's unlikely that SS Gerald Sensabaugh will be returning in 2011. That leaves them with precisely zero starting-quality NFL starters at safety.

Significant needs:

- DE - The disappointing Marcus Spears is on his way out of Dallas, and if the season began today, their starting DE's would be Igor Olshansky (watch Jason Peters repeatedly manhandle Olshansky here), and the serviceable Stephen Bowen. That's not good enough.

- ILB - Keith Brooking was bad in 2010 and will turn 36 this season. Bradie James is just OK. Sean Lee was drafted in the second round last year and the hope is that he can fill in as a starter in 2011. They can use another player here for depth and to groom for 2012 and beyond.

Other lesser needs - RB, FB

This pick here is fairly simple - How Da'Quan Bowers slipped to 9 is beyond my comprehension, and although it doesn't fit any of the Cowboys' 3 glaring needs, it does fit a significant one, and Bowers is by far and away the best player remaining on the board (apologies to Robert Quinn). If Prince Amukamara were still on the board, I might give him some consideration, but even then I'm taking Bowers. There are no offensive linemen or safeties in this draft that are worth considering with a talent like Bowers still available.

Ideally for Bowers, he'll end up in a 4-3 system where he can pin his ears back, attack the QB, and rack up sacks. Unfortunately for Bowers in this mock draft exercise, he lands in a 3-4 system, in which he may have some more 5-technique responsibility than he had hoped for. Still, it's not about where the player wants to go or what team may be the best fit for him in the NFL Draft. It's about who the best player is for the team that is picking, and for the Cowboys in this case, this pick is a coup.

Bowers is staunch enough to hold up against the run, and unlike the man he'll be replacing (Spears), Bowers will stay in the game on obvious passing situations, when the Cowboys often run four-man fronts, which will play into Bowers' strengths nicely. Opposing teams should find it extremely difficult trying to block DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Da'Quan Bowers, and to a lesser degree, Anthony Spencer. You can't double everyone.

Bowers is listed at 6'4, 280, which some consider to be too small to play DE in a 3-4 scheme. I'm not so sure I agree. Darnell Dockett is listed at 6'4, 290. Justin Smith is listed at 6'4, 285. Shaun Ellis lists at 6'5, 290. Those are 3 of the best 3-4 ends in the game, all with similar body types. If I'm a GM, I'm not going to get bogged down with over-thinking this decision. Bowers is an elite talent, and I sprint to the podium to hand in the card.

Poll

Do you agree with the pick?

Yes

285 votes

No

277 votes

562 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I vote yes…mainly because the Cowboys are getting tremendous value with this pick. Lucky you, Jimmy.

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by kingmcnabb5 on Mar 9, 2011 6:01 PM EST reply actions

…although, maybe I should reconsider. Bowers isn’t exactly the best fit for a 3-4.

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by kingmcnabb5 on Mar 9, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions

That's what I thought.

Cameron Jordan would be dynamic for those snake f**king cretins. ( Just thought I’d editorialize a little bit ).

"What a gorgeous dog. What do you feed him?"

by waterfield on Mar 9, 2011 8:02 PM EST up reply actions

How Da’Quan Bowers slipped to 9 is beyond my comprehension

Agreed… I had to look back to make sure he wasn’t already taken.

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by groot on Mar 9, 2011 6:05 PM EST reply actions

its the right pick

As much as I hate to see the ‘cowboys’ picking up Bowers, good pick Jimmy.

On a different note, there’s no way AJ Green and Daq’uan Bowers last untill 8 & 9 come april… or is there?

by mr_england on Mar 9, 2011 6:07 PM EST reply actions

Nah, because I find it hard to believe that both QBs and both CBs are gone at this pick.

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by DeSean10 on Mar 9, 2011 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

With Bowers available at #9

I would think the Cowboys would trade down this pick to someone who really wants Bowers. But this is the Cowboys so they would either draft Mark Ingram or Julio Jones.

by MidwesternEaglesfan on Mar 9, 2011 6:14 PM EST reply actions

"This pick is a coup"

Well done Jimmy. Very well done. If this pick does pan out I will personally come to Philly and buy you a beer.

by One.Cool.Customer on Mar 9, 2011 6:18 PM EST reply actions

I was actually just looking into various European destinations for a vacation with the wifey, but holy shitballs… airfare is effing ridiculous. That’ll be an expensive beer.

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by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 6:24 PM EST up reply actions

nah, I’ll be in New York on business in May, so keeping that promise would actually be easier than it sounds.

by One.Cool.Customer on Mar 9, 2011 6:44 PM EST up reply actions

Ha, no kidding. Give me shout when you’re in.

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by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

best player on board good pick

expensive but worth it!

Take the name off the back of the jersey's and reinvent football as a team sport.

"The way I figure it, if my heads gonna pop off it's gonna pop off anyways" - Ellis Hobbs on the possibility of his neck breaking.

by MightyJoeBanner on Mar 10, 2011 7:12 AM EST up reply actions

Love Bowers

and agree its shocking that he falls to 9. However, and you touched on this, he is a 4-3 DE and its a completely different game at the 3-4 while I think he will still be effective Im not sure the gap between him and Cameron Hayward or Muhammad Wilkerson (guys who could be on the board for their next) is that big. However, i cant see anyone worth taking over him (no CB worth it) so while I dont like this actual pick I think its the best they can do in a not-so perfect situation.

Sending pics of your junk > dog killing > generally being a douche > sexual assault allegations > being on the Cowboys.

by Mr.electric10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:19 PM EST reply actions

Nah, i don’t like this pick. He’s a great value here (unbelievably, insanely great), but a terrible fit. He’s undersized for a 3-4 end, and the Cowboys have such glaring needs on the o-line that it would make more sense to reach for a tackle than to make this pick, IMO.

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by DeSean10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:20 PM EST reply actions

I could see them trading down

with either Detroit Jags or Pats (teams that need DEs)

Sending pics of your junk > dog killing > generally being a douche > sexual assault allegations > being on the Cowboys.

by Mr.electric10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:25 PM EST up reply actions

I agree. I mean, I don’t think this is a bad pick. When you’re getting Bowers this late it’s a good pick, but it really seems like a bid fit for the ’Boys.

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by DeSean10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:26 PM EST up reply actions

cobb’d: bad

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by DeSean10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:26 PM EST up reply actions

He’s 6’4, 280.

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by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

I’ve seen 6’3" listed other places. He’s not small, there’s no way in hell I could say that since I’m 5’11" and 170 lbs. I just think he’s smallish for a 3-4 end.

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by DeSean10 on Mar 9, 2011 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

Its not just about size

Julious Peppers is 6’6 290 but I bet he wouldnt be that good as a 3-4 DE…Just doesnt fit his skills. Yeah, Bowers is big, but are you getting max value out of him by putting him at DE?? I understand the pick and if you could do trades, i’m sure Cowboys would love to get out of this pick…

by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Mar 11, 2011 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

Bowers is way way overrated. He isn’t an explosive pass rusher, he has a bad knee injury, he hasn’t done any workouts for scouts, he is a one year wonder and he has no schematic versatility. He will fall further than this IMO.

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by d-jackfan10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:34 PM EST reply actions

He will fall further than this IMO.

Care to make it interesting?

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by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 6:37 PM EST up reply actions

Depends… haha

by d-jackfan10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:39 PM EST up reply actions

Haha, he gets past 9, you win. He gets drafted in the top 9, I win. You name the stakes.

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by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions

Don’t make bets with Jimmy, he doesn’t pay up.

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by DickMuffin on Mar 9, 2011 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Really

I agree that he is overrated but I would be shocked if Tennessee passes on him at 8.

Sending pics of your junk > dog killing > generally being a douche > sexual assault allegations > being on the Cowboys.

by Mr.electric10 on Mar 9, 2011 6:59 PM EST up reply actions

His knee is reportedly worse than we have been led to believe. Plus he isn’t an explosive pass rusher, he is powerful but he lacks the quickness and suddenness that you look for in a great pass rushing end. And he has only produced one year and Clemson doesn’t have a great history with defensive line prospects making the transition to the NFL.

by d-jackfan10 on Mar 9, 2011 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

I see with what your saying

however he still is a top DE and after losing Babin I dont think they (tennessee) can afford to pass on him. Great point on clemson not producing great DEs I think the late Gaines Adams went there which will cause him to fall outside the top 5-7. However, I disagree on your point about Bowers’ stock falling because he is a one year wonder because the same can be said of a lot of players (nick Fairley, Cam newton) also a lot of players have their best year as a junior. But again I agree he is overrated and I’m not saying if tennessee gets him it will be a great pick Im saying that I would find it hard to believe that they would pass up a guy like that at a position of need.

Sending pics of your junk > dog killing > generally being a douche > sexual assault allegations > being on the Cowboys.

by Mr.electric10 on Mar 9, 2011 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

I voted NO

But thats just cause I dont want to have to face this guy 2wice a year

FLY #7 FLY !!!

by BWestFactor on Mar 9, 2011 6:51 PM EST reply actions

As an eagles fan

I have to like any pick with a history of knee injury. Now if Andy Reid thinks that dallas Is going to draft him, he may trade kolb to the titans just to grab the injured player first.

by Saidrick on Mar 9, 2011 6:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Wow people are really beating this joke to death.

by Clint Eastwood on Mar 9, 2011 8:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I voted yes to, I think people will vote no just because its the Cowboys. Great pick Jimmy and I agree there is no way Bowers will fall this far

by The Legend on Mar 9, 2011 7:05 PM EST reply actions

56% No :(

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by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 7:22 PM EST up reply actions

Some people who are sayin no...

Are just sayin it cause its a great value pick for the cowboys.

by Kanade_Tachibana on Mar 9, 2011 8:21 PM EST up reply actions

This is a No Brainer if He's at 9

Could see the Cowboys trading this with the players on the board though.

by Lip-Out on Mar 9, 2011 7:13 PM EST reply actions

voted no

just because the cowboys get good value here

Me Gusta Los Eagles

by RanjeethR on Mar 9, 2011 7:31 PM EST reply actions

Frankly, the Cowboys didn’t have an NFL quality safety when they had Alan Ball.

Until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, no free agents can be signed and no players can be traded.:3™

by yomjoseki on Mar 9, 2011 7:47 PM EST reply actions

Haha, they still have him, so he’s included in that statement.

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/

by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

oh yeah?

well… well…

hangs head in shame

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by KD Drummond on Mar 10, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

From an Eagles standpoint I hate this pick.

From their eyes, it’s a god send.

Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...

Wild_Eagle!

Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.

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by wild_eagle on Mar 9, 2011 7:49 PM EST reply actions

He won't be there...

I honestly think Bowers goes top 5, specifically, I think #4 to Cincy.

by apgj on Mar 9, 2011 8:27 PM EST reply actions

This is the only problem with the Cowboys having a fail season...

is that they can’t screw up their draft with high picks. In all fairness to the Cowboys FO though, Dez Bryant.

Oof.

Twitter @benjabad

by benjapal on Mar 9, 2011 9:01 PM EST reply actions

If this was anyone else with the 9th pick...

I would say Bowers is an awesome pick to get. A real steal at #9. however, first in a 3-4, Bowers is not the way to go. he will flourish in a 4-3 and i don’t see him at the hybrid DE/OLB of a 3-4. more importantly, if they want to make sure they don’t lose Tony Homo again for the season, Jerry would be smart to go OL no matter what.

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-Michael Vick #7

by anuj on Mar 9, 2011 9:05 PM EST reply actions

In a make believe draft this is a fine pick, but in reality theres no way Cowboys go anywhere besides O-Line.

by Kevin M. on Mar 9, 2011 9:47 PM EST reply actions

To be fair to Jimmy, in a make believe draft i doubt Bowers falls to 9.

by Kevin M. on Mar 9, 2011 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Is there an offensive lineman in the draft that’s anywhere near the talent that Bowers is?

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by JimmyK on Mar 9, 2011 9:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

no

I think if Bowers falls someone will trade up. I just cant see the cowboys drafting anyone except Prince or Peterson or an OL.

Sending pics of your junk > dog killing > generally being a douche > sexual assault allegations > being on the Cowboys.

by Mr.electric10 on Mar 9, 2011 10:28 PM EST up reply actions

Probably not, but it doesnt mean that you take a player that doesnt fit the scheme you run. Maybe if hes a once in decade type guy, but Bowers isnt that.

Bowers is a stud, but theyll be a Bowers type DE just about every draft.

by Kevin M. on Mar 9, 2011 11:35 PM EST up reply actions

How does he not fit their scheme?

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by JimmyK on Mar 10, 2011 4:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Hes a 43 DE that would be playing in the 34.

Like you said hes good at pinning his sears back and just attacking the QB, no hell have to back-pedal and drop into coverages… It doesnt seem like a good fit.

by Kevin M. on Mar 10, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

But he has the skill set to play either 4-3 or 3-4 DE. I guess what I mean is… What specifically can he not that he would need to be able to do in a 3-4 scheme?

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by JimmyK on Mar 10, 2011 1:13 PM EST up reply actions

I think Bowers is too small to play 3-4 DE

if he’s really only 275lbs. I can’t see how he’d be able to play the 5-technique on a regular basis, he’ll get manhandled anytime he has to try to plug that hole.

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by KD Drummond on Mar 10, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions

Not true at all-

Our needs are plentiful and despite the rise of USC’s Tyron Smith, many of us are doubtful there is a O-Line prospect worth taking here If a trade down opportunity doesn’t present itself. The Cowboys will probably target OL in the second round and take BPA at a position of need.

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by KD Drummond on Mar 10, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

I feel bad for whoever is number 11 on Wake Forest

by flyeaglesfly1020 on Mar 9, 2011 10:23 PM EST reply actions

i don't think he'll be there....

but on the other hand; if he is, i dont think the cowboys would take him. I just don’t see it making that much sense. He’s a great talent, but he’s not THAT great of a talent and their defense so bad…that they couldn’t let him go..

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by greenbean#twoOH on Mar 10, 2011 1:30 AM EST reply actions

I would love

the Eagles to get him.

Peterson, Bowers, Quinn, Jimmy Smith, Prince and Wilkerson. Are my favorite players in that order.

I know they need an OG and a RT to protect Vicks blindside. They’re just not as exciting picks.

Take the name off the back of the jersey's and reinvent football as a team sport.

"The way I figure it, if my heads gonna pop off it's gonna pop off anyways" - Ellis Hobbs on the possibility of his neck breaking.

by MightyJoeBanner on Mar 10, 2011 7:07 AM EST reply actions

This is the problem with a mock draft done in this style (NOT complaining, just pointing it out)

Since this is an unrealistic situation (no way he falls this far), that makes it tough as is.

What makes it harder is that there is no trading of picks. Even if he fell this far, I agree with a lot of people that the Cowgirls might not take Bowers since he (apparently) doesn’t fit the D scheme of Dallas. If trades were a possibility, I would say that would be the hands-down answer. However, since they are not, I have to agree with this pick since he is the best available (arguably by a significant margin).

by AmateurHour on Mar 10, 2011 11:30 AM EST reply actions