DC.Com Writers Give Final Cowboys Mock (Selections 1-6)

IRVING, Texas – The mocks are about to get real.

Websites from all over weigh in with various opinions on where these prospects are going to end up. For the last month, the DallasCowboys.com staff selected their own mock draft, projecting what the Cowboys will do from rounds 1-6, along with some quick analysis for their decision.

For the third straight week, all five analysts picked a different player with the No. 18 overall pick. In fact, of the 30 mock draft selections, 28 of them are different. Syracuse OT/OG Justin Pugh made it on three different boards.

The draft is finally here, so the guys will take a final stab at it:

Bryan Broaddus' Mock Analysis: When the 2012 season ended, the record was 8-8 which put the organization right in the middle of the draft order at #18. Not a great spot because that is usually right where the cutoff for your first round grades are. At #18, you are really at the mercy of the board and what players could be within your grasp. This year is no different in that this draft could go in a couple of different directions. I am

going to be watching what happens at #3 in Oakland and #8 in Buffalo. There are many that believe that depending on which way the Raiders go, it could allow a player like Utah's defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to slide down the board or if the Bills take a quarterback, that Alabama's guard Chance Warmack could slide. Could either one of these players make it to Dallas? For the staff it would be a welcomed surprise because both players are very highly thought of. In this final mock, I have once again taken the approach that they will draft the best player with their first selection. If the board holds true, defensive end Bjoern Werner will be the best player on their board with his grade. This selection will now allow the front office to not have to make any long term commitments to Anthony Spencer. They can let him play the season and if they have to move on, they can. I think it will be very close on Justin Pugh but a nice piece to have for the offensive line. Bennie Logan will be your day one starter at one. Stepfan Taylor is a physical, punishing back can finish games. Dion Sims is the blocker that helps the running game and Don Jones has really good ball skills not only for interceptions but playing with off-hand plus he is not afraid to hit you.    

Nick Eatman's Mock Analysis: At No. 18, I think that's a little rich to take Reid. I really don't think the Cowboys will draft at 18. History tells me they will trade back a little if possible and that's where Reid could be a good fit. I think the Cowboys would love to get Jonathan Cooper and Kenny Vaccaro but don't see them trading up to get them. As for Williams in the second round, he's a polished, safe receiver with a lot of production. I'm going to stick with Jones and Randle in the middle rounds and Hughes is a big body who could be a space-eater. When healthy, Gragg is a 'wow' player and would be a good late-round steal.

Ed Cahill's Mock Analysis: With all of the talk this week about the Cowboys willingness to trade down, I think they'll pull a draft day surprise and trade up four spots to grab Star Lotulelei. It'll cost them a third round pick, but for a one technique that can play all three downs and likely has a top 10 grade on the Cowboys board -- it's a bargain. In the second, if he's available, I don't think the Cowboys pass on the second best running back in this class. While studying tape of Jonathan Cooper, Giovanni Bernard was a player that caught your eye again and again. He's the complete package, and could fill in as an every down back if needed. Gavin Escobar gives the Cowboys an additional threat in the passing game that will be able to

stretch the field down the seam. If the Cowboys dare wait on a safety, they could be rewarded if Jakar Hamilton falls into their lap in the fifth. He's got the talent level to be a top half of the draft player, but some off-the-field issues could drop his stock into the later rounds. Finally, Chris Harper is a receiver that really impressed me in the Senior Bowl this year. He was a late addition, but came on strong and showed some speed (4.55 at the combine) and strong hands.

Rowan Kavner's Mock Analysis:The premier offensive line help will likely be gone by the time the Cowboys get on the clock with the No. 18 pick. It's no guarantee, but it's more likely that one of the talented defensive line prospects will still be available, and Richardson certainly falls in that category. Getting quick help on the offensive line would still be a priority, and the Cowboys could still be able to do that in the second with Pugh. Bell fills the need for an all-around and massive threat as a backup running back to DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys should be able to pick from a few

safety prospects in the middle rounds, and J.J. Wilcox may fall to them in the fourth, and they'd likely pounce on that opportunity. Boyce fills a need as a speed threat unlike other receivers currently on the roster, and the blocking tight end can be found in late rounds. Jefferson would fill that need.

David Helman's Mock Analysis:If either of the two big guards -- Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack -- is there at No. 18, forget everything I'm saying. I just can't convince myself that will be the case. So instead, I'm opting opt for an instant upgrade at a position of need. The offensive line still needs to be addressed, though, and Warford is a mauler who should be there in the second round. Whether it's Thomas or someone else, this

safety class is deep and multiple quality guys will be there when Dallas takes its third pick. I chose Thomas because he's a ballhawk. Ball falling all the way to the 114th pick seems too good to be true, but he'd bring a nice combination of power and durability. Chase Thomas was one of the Pac-12's most productive defenders, and I'm always going to favor a career's worth of work over workout numbers. Even with Warford, the offensive line could use some more help. Why not take a stab at one of the guys who paved the way for Ball's Wisconsin success?