Really excited to see all the elite pass rushing prospects in Mobile, Quintin Coples, Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw. All 3 are different type of players, the talent is Coples, Ingram is the technican who lacks the speed measurables while Upshaw is consistent and strong.
Coples appears to be an ideal fit for a 4-3 defensive end, he's got top 10 talent but his production took a dip his senior year. I'm not sure he can play nor has the attitude to play 5-technique 3-4 defensive end. He has shown experience playing in coverage which suggest he could play OLB in a 3-4 scheme.
Ingram is going to fall in the draft but he's a excellent player, the combine and measurements are going to kill him. Super small arms and height and weight are going to make him a 3-4 olb unless a 4-3 team comfortable with undersized ends (Colts & Eagles) expresses interest. Look for him on film more, get more attention from Oline and if he's got the burst to close as he's got the best technique and multiple moves.
Upshaw is the ideal safe pick for a 3-4 tteam in need of a rush linebacker. hes got good technique, lots of strength and power to hold vs run and penetrate. His burst is average and just may have the speed to get the sack but can cause havoc. A solid player but not sure I see an elite player here. His production is going to be high but doubt he's going to have the explosion number to suggest a high first round player.
Alameda Ta'amu from Washington, a very solid ideal 3-4 nose tackle who has a high motor, tough and high character. He is not on level with Phil Taylor, last years Cleveland's top rookie first round pick. Ta'amu is not as athletically gifted as Taylor but can be a solid day 1 starter for a 3-4 team in need of a nose tackle. His strength is elite and has some quickness to get penetration inside with a good bull rush. He checked in at the senior bowl, 6-2 1/2 and 341 pounds but surprisingly carries the weight well. Ideally I want him a few inches taller so he can locate the ball easier but he generates leverage and can push the pocket. A solid 2nd round grade, hard to see him falling to the 3rd especially to the cowboys pick. Brandon Boykin, cornerback from Georgia, the 2nd best corner in Mobile behind Janoris Jenkins but Boykin was very close. He's very physical and stuck on his receivers all over the field, played the press well and stay low to the ground. Dallas has so many needs but must rebuild the defense. You start from the line and work your way out to the premium positions. Using this logic, here is my cowboy dream mock draft. 1st. Courtney Upshaw, OLB from Alabama. 2nd. Brandon Boykin, cornerback from Georgia. 3rd. Alameda Ta'amu, nose tackle from Washington. Upshaw vs Anthony Spencer -> Upshaw as pass rusher and capable of plus run defender with his strength. Boykin vs Any 2011 Cowboy Cornerback -> Boykin the obvious winner, a improved pass rush will help. He fits Rob Ryan's scheme better than Newman. Ta'amu vs Jay Ratliff -> This is double bonus, Ratliff has a end will be an even better player especially against the pass. Ta'amu will help improve run D and make it harder for QBs to step up in pocket helping the edge rushers.
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