The Official 2010 NFL Draft Thread

[Tarlam!]

24th I thought.

Boy, are you gonna get it! You made zero apologetic prelude to contradicting her. You're fucked!

[Rastak]

Cowboys take Dez Bryant


Analysis
Release: Inconsistent getting out of stance quickly, especially if not the first option on the play, but has enough strength and wiggle at the line to beat press coverage. Not likely to run past NFL corners, but can lull defenders to sleep at times and then use his size to gain separation. Lacks elite top-end speed or a breakaway gear, but finds a burst when needed.

Hands: Makes exceptional catches in traffic, extending his arms and snatching the ball from the air with his large hands. Adjusts to wide, high or low throws well. Superior vertical and hand strength to win the jump ball. Double-catches and allows the ball into his chest too often, which may be an issue playing with NFL quarterbacks with strong arms.

Route running: Capable of sinking his hips and running crisp crossing and out-routes. Head fake gains him some room down the seam, where he is a regular threat. Uses his hands and long arms to separate on comebacks as well as down the sideline. Gets lazy and rounds off out-routes when defenders give cushion. Gets a lot of opportunities to run after the catch on quick step-back throws. Works to come back for his quarterback at times, but needs to improve his consistency there.

After the catch: Better elusiveness, vision and balance than expected given his size. Has a burst after tucking away the ball and will lower his shoulder and carry defenders for a few yards. Uses his well-defined upper body to shield defenders on slants and stiff-arm to keep corners at bay. Not always as physical a player as you'd expect for his size. Hears footsteps over the middle and dances instead of running over smaller defenders in space. Good elusiveness and vision as a college punt returner, but lacks the quickness to avoid NFL special teams coverage units. Must secure the ball when running in space as he holds it out away from his frame.

Blocking: Can be dominant when the effort is there, using his strength to latch onto smaller defenders. Often out-quicked on the edge, missing blocks by not moving his feet. Needs to move his feet after initial contact to sustain. Inconsistent finding a block downfield if the back breaks into the open. Doesn't search out blocks when the play is run away from him.

Intangibles: No major character concerns, but questions abound about his consistency, maturity and work ethic. Suspension for lying to NCAA should not hurt his stock if he takes responsibility for his actions.

NFL Comparison: Roy Williams, Cowboys

[imscott72]

Cowboys trade up for Mays or Bryant?

Bryant I bet..

[Green Bud Packer]

good pick agree w/ red starting lg

[Tony Oday]

Another WR to get in trouble in Dallas! booya

[gbgary]

dez bryant...from right here in desoto.

[channtheman]

I'm happy for Bryant. Probably his dream to play for the Cowboys and now he gets to.

[Fred's Slacks]

Well... why did he drop???

Iowa lineman rep. Ferentz gets as much out of them as there is to get. Game tap vs. Graham, looked bad but coming off injury. Previous Iowa lineman have underperformed, sort of a Tedford QB vibe for another Rodgers parallel.

Also talk that he's not athletic enough and not long enough arms to be a LT. I disagree.

[Rastak]

Looks like Clausen might be there at 30.

[Green Bud Packer]

Romo's smiling

[Brando19]

Green Bay LOVES them some white offensive linemen!

[swede]

Let's trade up!

[Tony Oday]

USA! USA! USA!

[Green Bud Packer]

T.T. will regroup and come out firing tommorrow

[Maxie the Taxi]

Well... why did he drop???

Iowa lineman rep. Ferentz gets as much out of them as there is to get. Game tap vs. Graham, looked bad but coming off injury. Previous Iowa lineman have underperformed, sort of a Tedford QB vibe for another Rodgers parallel.

I agree. I hate to say it, but we may live to regret this pick. I'm thinking Ross Verba. Hope I'm wrong.