Dallas Cowboys 2001 NFL Mock Draft

Last Updated: Saturday, April 21, 2001 10:42 AM

We're just getting started with this Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft-- and your input is valued! This is not only our predictions on who the Cowboys will draft, but with your input, it's also a collective work reflecting who the fans think the Cowboys should draft. Keep in mind that they need help now in many areas. Do you disagree with our selections? Have some insight on a hot prospect we should include? Sound off in the message area! Over the next three and a half months this mock draft will be expanded and revised until Jerry Jones himself adds it to the War Room, so stay tuned! Have your own mock draft? Post it via our new Cowboys Mock Draft Database. Thanks to everyone who participated in the draft coverage here on CowboysGuide.com this year. We had over eighty mock drafts entered in our database, and the quality was excellent! We are well on our way to becoming the #1 Dallas Cowboys Fans Site thanks to you!

That said-- let's move on to the CowboysGuide.com 2001 Mock Draft.

First Round: Wide Reciever - Joey Galloway - Obtained from Seattle Seahawks

First Round: Pick 7. Needing speed, the Dallas Cowboys traded for Galloway the instant free agency period began in 2000. Quickly, they worked out a seven-year $42 million deal allowing not only for the Cowboys to acquire the premiere free agent wide receiver, but it kept him off the Washington Redskins roster. With Michael Westbrook going down, Galloway could have been the difference in little Danny Snyder's team. Still, for a team with needs at multiple positions, two first-round selections was a high price to pay. The Seattle Seahawks received the #19 pick in the 2000 draft (Shaun Alexander - RB - Alabama) and the Cowboys first round pick in 2001, too. This year, that will be the #7 overall selection. Unfortunately for the Cowboys and Galloway, he injured his ACL in his first game. It's yet to be determined when he will recover fully from his injury, but there is no doubt Galloway is a star receiver when healthy and focused. He is desperately needed to ignite an anemic offense!

Second Round: Defensive Tackle - Casey Hampton - University of Texas

Second Round Pick 6. Overall Pick #37. For three seasons I have screamed that the Dallas Cowboys badly need a 300+ pound run-stuffing monster that won't take any crap! If there is such a player in this draft-- it's Casey Hampton. Texas Defensive Coordinator Carl Reese praised Hampton when saying, "Casey is as good a nose tackle - an on the center-type guy against the run - as I've ever been around. He's a tough, relentless, hardworking player who you know is going to step up and make that big play when you need it." That's quite an endorsement, and something that is so desperately needed in Dallas.

Hampton is a two-time first-team All-American and was the 2000 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He is the first University of Texas defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons, and he finished his career ranks second on the Texas all-time TFL (tackles for loss) with fifty-four. The two-time first-team All-Big 12 choice posted a team-high 18 tackles of loss this year, in addition to twenty-two quarterback pressures and four forced fumbles during his senior season.

One of Hampton's best attributes is his hustle. For example, in the first quarter of a Texas 42-7 blowout win against Oklahoma State, OSU running back Reggie White ran 69-yards to the Longhorn eleven yard-line. Hampton didn't make the tackle, but he chased the play, and was right behind White. Said Hampton: "That's how I play. I go full-speed all the time. You go hard until the whistle blows. I don't like people scoring on my defense. I try to give that effort all the time." Now, my fellow Dallas Cowboys fans-- this is the type of attitude that is much needed in Valley Ranch!

Other Players Of Interest: Hungry for strength along the defensive line, a player like Willie Howard from Stanford could be an option if he's still available early in the second round. He's right at 300 pounds, but there have been some scouts that think he's better suited to play defensive end. Still, against a big Texas offensive line he played extremely well. And one final benefit is the fact he played at Stanford-- a school known for academics. For sure, Willie Howard can absorb a playbook and carry out his assignments. Injuries to Hampton's teammate, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, has some injury concerns that could drop him into the second round, too, but I can't imagine the St. Louis Rams passing on him late in the first round. To be honest, a player that seems to be screaming "Jerry Jones wants me" is USC defensive tackle Ennis Davis. He is an underachieving player with a high grade entering last season. Last year, he had first-round written all over him, but had a rather poor season with many calling him soft. With third-round (at best) written all over him entering the draft, he's the type of player Jerry Jones likes to target, obsess upon, and then reach for a round early. He's worth a risk in the late third-round of the draft, but don't be surprised if Jones gets impatient and pulls the trigger on Davis with this draft selection. How can this pick be packaged? I'm a bit amazed that in the CowboysGuide.com Draft Contest that there have not been more players selected that are predicted to go in the first round. Jones may try to package this and the high third-round selection and move up. Frankly, I don't advise this because the needs are so great at multiple positions, but it's an option. Players that could be a target include Drew Brees, who could be the Dallas Cowboys quarterback of the future. Remember, Aikman was selected after a 1-15 season and it's never a bad idea to start the rebuilding process by selecting a quarterback. Another defensive tackle that has come to my attention is Kris Jenkins from Maryland. He has the overall package of size and power, and had a very strong showing in the Blue-Gray All-Star game and at at the Senior Bowl. Pay close attention to people that shine in these post season practices and games-- Jerry Jones and his scouting department do to the extreme!

Third Round: Inside Linebacker - Carlos Polk - University of Nebraska

Third Round Pick 8. Overall Pick #70. For several weeks I thought Southern Cal linebacker Markus Steele would be a great fit in the Cowboys linebackers corps-- and with Dexter Coakley obviously leaving in free agency, he would step right in on the weakside. Then, Jerry Jones blew me away by signing Coakley to a long-term contract. Yes, he actually paid a linebacker market value! You can bet that decision, no doubt, was influenced by the terrible defense played last season. You just can't afford to keep losing quality player at one of the few position where success in the draft was realized. However, Markus Steele is an outside linebacker, and the need now returns to the middle of the defense where Dat Nguyen is a question mark given his injuries and lack of domination last season. Carlos Polk is an inside linebacker with the ability to shed tacklers, but he can also put on a big pass rush when the opportunity presents itself. Some question his timed speed, pointing out the Cowboys' history of speedy linebackers. However, the simple fact is that the run right up the gut has been a huge problem for the Dallas defense. The time has come for some toughness and muscle in the heart of the defense because if you can't stop the run at the point of attack, fancy schemes involving speedy linebacker are useless. As is the tradition with linebackers in Big D, Polk can chase plays sideline to sideline-- and then deliver the big hit and make the tackle. He's also polished as a blitzer, and that's an element that has been missing in recent years. When Dallas has blitzed-- it's almost always an ineffective one up the middle. Again, Polk is a guy that can turn that around. He knows how the find open space and use the correct angle to chase the quarterback. A quite popular pick in the mock drafts of visitors to this site is Torrance Marshall, the Oklahoma linebacker who I think is a bit reckless, but nontheless fits into the scheme fast linebackers that the Cowboys love. He could develop into a special player if he develops more dicipline.

Other players of interest: I'm really starting to lean heavily towards defensive tackles with the top two-- even top three, selections since the Cowboys recently re-signed linebackers Dexter Coakley and Joe Bowden. What has prompted this change of heart? This just in-- Division IV power Sister Mary's School for Blind Girls runs for 200 yards against the Dallas defense! Yes, if Polk is unavailable, or if one of a number of defensive tackles are available including Kenny Smith, Ennis Davis, Derrick Chanbers, or Ryan Pickett, the Cowboys must think serious about addressing the terrible run defense! Let's face it, there are twenty-five defensive tackles in this draft that could make the Cowboys roster in 2001-- easily! I'm also kicking and screaming at the thought of it, but with the departure of Ryan McNeil, some in the Cowboys draft room may think this is a spot for a cornerback. My great difficulties with a cornerback in the third round is the fact that I want a player that can make a difference, and more importantly-- get the chance to make an impact. Last season, the 'Boys drafted three rookie cornerbacks and then used valuable salary cap room for veterans McNeil and Phillippi Sparks. It reflects very badly on the Cowboys scouting when three rookie cornerbacks are drafted and they ride the bench for the vast majority of the season. Only Kareem Larrimore was given a real opportunity to play and he didn't show the ability to make a difference. That too reflects poorly on a scouting staff headed by Larry Lacewell when only one year after drafting three rookie it appears cornberback is a position of need. That said, a cornerbacks that should be available is Memphis corner Michael Stone. He has size and the speed to play the close coverage the Cowboys like to play. Would he play much in 2001? That's doubful, which is why I don't want a corner drafted until the sixth round. Georgia quarterback Quincy Carter could also be an option if they decide to go the development route.

Third Round: Wide Receiver - Robert Ferguson - Texas A&M (Compensatory Pick)

Third Round Pick 31. Overall Pick #93. Only played one year at Texas A&M, but made quite an impact. He established himself as one of the most feared wide receiver in the Big 12 while earning first-team All-Big 12 conference honors and Newcomer of the Year honors. With Galloway and Ismail both coming off ACL injuries, these are questions concerning whether either will be at full strength when the season starts. At 6' 2", Ferguson is the big receiver that is missing in the 'Boys group of receivers. Recognizing this lack of size, the Cowboys have signed Carl Pickens to a one-year contract, but his career is in flux because of injuries and an overall lack of production in recent years. Due to injuries, Pickens only had ten catches a year ago. It's also obvious that the reserve receivers on the Dallas roster (can you name three quickly?) will never be more than training camp bodies. It would be beneficial to have the talented Ferguson as young insurance. Ferguson led the Big 12 in catches and was second in receiving yards. He possess a rare blend of size and speed. At the scouting combine, he ran a 4.49 forty-yard dash which at his size is remarkable. The Cowboys really like big receivers, and Ferguson has the upside potential that Jerry Jones likes to gamble with. He also is from a major Texas college and that can only work to his advantage. It's also important to note the Ferguson was a junior last year in college. Had he stayed in school, it's likely he would have been a much higher selection in the 2002 draft. That said, if he's available in the third round, it's would be solid value a year early.

Other players of interest: Again, defensive tackles! This could be a spot for DT Mario Monds. A bit high in my opinion, but I could live with his potential and his size. Without a selection in round four, I can see the Cowboys selecting him, and avoiding the risk of waiting until round five.

Fifth Round: Defensive Tackle - Mario Monds - Cincinnati

Fifth Round Pick 6. Overall Pick #137. Cincinnati Defensive tackle Mario Monds is the run-stopper that would fit into the defensive line rotation, and help give the line the much needed "girth" it so desperately needs. The knock on Monds is that he wears down because of his size. However, with the Dallas system he wouldn't need to play every down. In on obvious running plays, he would be able to stay fresh. The perfect situational player that will hold his ground in the middle and allow the defensive ends to pass rush, while the linebackers chase plays using their speed. Last season, the Dallas linebackers were ineffective because the defensive tackles couldn't stop the run. Too often, linebacker-- and safeties, where making the tackle over five yards downfield on plays right up the gut of the defense. As the draft nears, however, his stock has risen, and I really wouldn't be surprised to see him go a round or two higher because his size will be very hard to pass-up on day one of the draft. Don't be surprised if he goes late third round. Without a selection in round four, however, the 'Boys will grab him if he's still here. Three defensive tackles drafted would not surprise me at all. He is a man that could help solve the poor run defense for the Cowboys, which was absolutely terrible last season.

Other players of interest: Safety Adrian Wilson is a player that the Cowboys should jump-on if he's available in the fifth round. At 6' 2", he's 215 pounds and can run. He's a strong safety prospect who could turn out to be something special. He supports the run well-- the theme of the draft for Dallas, and he would help on special teams right away. With Darren Woodson's salary, age, and recent injury history, it would be wise the have someone available to step in within a year or so.

Sixth Round: Quarterback - Sage Rosenfels - Iowa St.

Sixth Round Pick 6. Overall Pick #171. Has good size and throws well on the run. He played in a run-oriented offense, and has his warts. Still, he will work hard and he frankly is a guy worth a risk at this point in the draft.

Other players of interest:

Seventh Round: Wide Receiver - TJ Houshmandzadeh - Oregon St.

Seventh Round Pick 7. Overall Pick #207. T. J. isn't a burner, but that's not necessary when you have Galloway and Ismail. He catches the ball over the middle well, and can find the open spot in the middle of the defense. Visitors to this site have had very good opinions of him and that's good enough for me!

Other players of interest: Depending on whether the Cowboys devoted much needed attention to the defensive tackle position earlier, there may be a run-stuffer that would be worth a look here.

Seventh Round: Cornerback - Alex Ardley - Clemson (Compensatory Pick)

Seventh Round Pick 40. Overall Pick #240. Good player who was kicked off the team for rules violations. Character questions should, but won't scare off the Cowboys. That's what they pay Calvin Hill gets paid for-- but he has his hands full with Dimitirus Underwood. Ardley would be a good cover-guy for a slot receiver because of a lack of size. At this point in the draft it's all about risk and reward, and Ardley is the "Poster Child" for that phrase!

Other players of interest: Southern Mississippi defensive tackle Daleroy Stewart is another 300 pound+ guy that is worth a look at this point in the draft. He also has a bit of pass rush ability.

Seventh Round: Inside Linebacker - Trey Merkens - UTEP (Compensatory Pick)

Seventh Round Pick 42. Overall Pick #242. Special teams warrior-- and that's what the Cowboys should look for at this point. He's in the Barron Wortham mold, and is a product of the same school Wortham and former Cowboys defensive end Tony Tolbert attended (Texas - El Paso). Is the type of player that will sacrifice his body and make the big hit. He is a shorter, lighter, slower Carlos Polk. He just seems to always be around the ball. He's the perfect wedge smasher.

Other players of interest: Alabama A&M offensive tackle Kendrick Rogers is a pretty good pass blocker who needs to work on his run blocking. He has the size, but that doesn't seem to make him dominant.

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