The most interesting news of the day comes from Mike Pouncey himself who apparently is convinced that the Dallas Cowboys will be taking him with the No. 9 overall pick. Pouncey tweets “headed back to pittsburgh…. would be shocked if i wasnt in a dallas uniform nxt year! The draft is april 28th so we will see….”
Pouncey’s draft stock is definitely on the rise but no would have expected him to enter the top-ten picks of this years draft. Keep in mind that this is just his impression of how things went during the interview but his comment was pretty direct. Pouncey is seen as a solid player but his stock is no doubt influenced by the strong play of his brother Marquis. Taking him at No. 9 would be a reach by the Cowboys but trading back a few picks and ensuring that they’re ahead of teams like the New York Giants should give them a good shot at landing him and adding an additional draft pick.
This years NFL Draft seems like it’s going to be more interesting than usual and that’s really saying something. Maybe the draft should be moved ahead of free agency every year. Teams could head into the draft looking to fill roster holes and whatever they’re not able to solidify can be addressed in the free agent market. This could limit the amount of bad contracts that are given out to players to some degree. What do you think about the idea?
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If the Cowboys do trade down a few spots to pick Pouncey and grab a few additional picks, they would need a trade partner. If Gabbert, Newton and Peterson are off of the board, what are some other players that would intrigue teams enough to pay the hefty tab needed to move up in the 1st round? And what are some possible teams that would be so in love with a player to give up those picks?
I could see three players that would tempt some teams to consider trading up for. Robert Quinn, Julio Jones and Prince Amukamara. The only reason that a team would consider moving up for a player is because they fit a specific need along with the fact that they’re an questioned talent and all of these players fall into this category.
Both the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions need help at cornerback and Amukamara is a much better prospect that the next tier of players like Jimmy Smith, Brandon Harris and Aaron Williams.
Julio Jones is very high on a number of teams draft boards and some are rumored to have him ahead of A.J. Green. The Rams are the most obvious team that’s in need of a big play receiver. Adding a solid young WR to go along with Sam Bradford could give them a tough combination for years to come.
Robert Quinn is a guy who has seen his stock fall because of his suspension, not an injury like Da”Quan Bowers. Mel Kiper keeps mentioning that this guy would be a top-three pick had he played this last season which makes him a great value at No. 9. The Minnesota Vikings will need to get some help for their offensive line no that it appears that Ray Edwards will be leaving via free agency.
Here’s a look at what those teams would have to give up to trade up to the No. 9 overall pick.
Houston Texans – Need to make up 100 points = 3rd round pick (73) and would get Dallas’s 4th round pick (110)
Detroit Lions – Needs to make up 200 points = 3rd (75)
St Louis Rams – Needs to make up 250 points = 3rd (78) & 5th round picks (145)
Minnesota Vikings – Needs to make up 150 points = 4th (106) & 5th (139) round picks
I’ll admit that the Vikings trade is a longshot but it gives you an idea of some of the possible scenarios that could play out.