Cowboys: What to take away from Dane Brugler's draft guide
With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, it is smart to dive into Dane Brugler's annual draft guide. The draft guru presents information as well as anyone in the industry, and he also often does work with those that cover the Dallas Cowboys. There are several things to take away from Brugler's draft guide, which you […]
With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, it is smart to dive into Dane Brugler's annual draft guide. The draft guru presents information as well as anyone in the industry, and he also often does work with those that cover the Dallas Cowboys.
There are several things to take away from Brugler's draft guide, which you can read here. First and foremost, his rankings paint a picture on how the Cowboys can go about drafting this offseason.
From wide receiver talent to offensive line depth to pass rushing studs, this class seems to have it all. Below are a few takeaways from the draft guide, better known as The Beast.
WIDE RECEIVERS GALORE
As many as 18 (!) wide receivers land inside Dane Brugler's top-100 rankings. Brugler ranks Ohio State's Garrett Wilson as the top receiver in the class, with David Bell coming in just inside the top-100.
What this means is that there will be plenty of receivers on the table for the Cowboys at No. 24 overall in the first-round or No. 56 overall in the second-round. Perhaps that plays a factor in what Dallas decides to do with its first selection.
Dallas is scheduled to meet with three of Brugler's top-five pass catchers: Drake London, Chris Olave, and Treylon Burks. Eight wideouts in total make the top-50.
SEC STUDS FALLING
The SEC produces elite talent year-after-year. It is regarded as the best and most talented conference in all of college football for a reason.
However, two stars from the conference are falling, at least in Brugler's rankings: wideout Treylon Burks of Arkansas and linebacker Nakobe Dean of Georgia. Burks slides down to No. 21 overall, while Dean (No. 28) slips just inside the top-30.
Perhaps that is relevant to where the NFL views the two intriguing prospects — both of which have been linked to the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason. Burks, in particular, appears to be a realistic option for the Cowboys in the first-round.
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE TALENT
The Dallas Cowboys need to address the offensive line. To be more specific, the interior of the offensive line. Fortunately, this draft class features some quality prospects that can filld that role.
Iowa center Tyler Linerbaum, Boston College guard Zion Johnson, and Texas A&M lineman Kenyon Green are all regarded as top-30 caliber prospects. All three have been linked to Dallas at different points in the pre-draft process.
Additionally, there is some talent beyond that trio. Nebraska center Cam Jurgens is a top-50 prospect. The Cowboys brought Jurgens in for a pre-draft visit. Kentucky lineman Darian Kirkland, Georgia guard Jamaree Salyer, and Chattanooga center Cole Strange are other notables.
In all, 12 interior linemen — seven guards and five centers — cracked the top-100 for Brugler.
OTHER INTERESTING NOTES…
Some other quick notes that stick out:
- 10 defensive backs — 5 cornerbacks, five safeties — make the top-50.
- Just one QB is ranked inside the top-30 prospects.
- 18 EDGE prospects make the top-100. That is a position that the Cowboys could look to address early. Minnesota's Boye Mafe (No. 48) and Sam Williams (No. 93) are a couple prospects to watch outside the first-round.
- Nine offensive tackles make the top-100. Three crack the top-7: Ikem Ekwonu, Evan Neal, and Charles Cross.
Overall, this appears to be a good draft to need a wide receiver, pass rusher, or offensive lineman. Those are all needs that fit what the Dallas Cowboys are looking to address.
Featured image via Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK
