Dallas Cowboys 2013 Draft Analysis - Part 1

photo: nydailynews.com

The Dallas Cowboys have not wowed Cowboy nation with their first 2 draft picks, but the organization must feel confident.  So far the Cowboys are approaching the 2013 NFL draft as methodical as possible.  The picks are interesting, but only time will tell.  Here is my positive opinion on their first four picks of rounds 1, 2, and 3:

Round (overall)	Name	School	Position	Height	Weight
1 (31)	Travis Frederick	Wisconsin	Center	6’4”	312 pounds
2 (47)	Gavin Escobar	San Diego St	Tight End	6’6”	254 pounds
3 (74)	Terrance Williams	Baylor	Wide Receiver	6’2”	208 pounds
3 (80)	J.J. Wilcox	Georgia Southern	Free Safety	6’0”	213 pounds

Round 1 – pick 31 (31^st overall)

Travis Frederick

Center is a need the Cowboys obviously wanted to sure up.  The offensive line for the Boys has been pretty bad for several years now.  QB, Tony Romo has received numerous injuries, but he has survived.  One thing about Wisconsin players…they are smart and tough.  Does anyone remember J.J. Watt and Russell Wilson?  DE, J.J. Watt was drafted in 2011 and Russell Wilson was drafted in 2012. 

Frederick may be durable and ready to play instantly.  He could also be the main signal caller for the O-line picking up key blitzes and a driver in the run game.  If so, this will help the coaches and Romo to balance the offensive scheme (run/pass) tremendously.

Round 2 – pick 15 (47^th overall)

Gavin Escobar

Tight End does not seem to be an upfront necessity for the Boys like safety, defensive end, or running back.  The good thing about Gavin Escobar is his ability to use his hands.  The guy is a little slow, but can catch anything coming his way, according to NFL.com.  Also, Escobar’s attitude may be his best attribute.  Already he has stated he wants to be like Jason Witten, according to ESPN.com.  This is a very good thing. 

Hopefully, Escobar can be the blocker, the route runner, the hands guy, and the overall go-to guy in the middle of the field for years to come.  Witten cannot hang around forever, so someone must takeover.   Maybe Escobar’s the one?

Round 3 – pick 12 (74^th overall)

Terrance Williams

Terrance Williams may be the slot receiver the Cowboys have been looking for since Laurent Robinson.  He may not be the fastest receiver running a 4.52 in the 40, but he could conceivably be the most valuable on third downs.  Laurent Robinson did not have blazing speed either, but he won so many one-on-one match ups due to double coverage on other guys. 

This is an opportunity for the Cowboys to spread the offense again with three and four wide receivers.  Let’s not forget about #17 Dwayne Harris.  He could play as a fourth receiver and help the offense move the chains along with Terrance Williams.  Williams provides another offensive option.

Round 3 – pick 18 (80^th overall)

J.J. Wilcox

J.J. Wilcox is just what the Dr. ordered.  A needed position was addressed here.  According to NFL.com, Wilcox previously played wide receiver and running back at Georgia Southern.  Wilcox was then converted to the defensive side of the ball to play safety.  The kid is a pure athlete. 

This prediction may be a very premature one, but I am placing pressure on Wilcox to be a mini-Ed Reed?  Huh?  Yes, a mini-Ed Reed.  Playing receiver in college shows he already has the hands.  Playing running back shows he has the running skills and agility to elude people.  He could be a ball hawk if his skill set is good.  With his hands, once he makes an interception, he could return some interceptions for TDs.  This could be the playmaker the Cowboys have been waiting for.

Again, we all have to wait and see….

Part 2: Rounds 4-7 will be on April 27, 2013.