Draft Notes Vol. VI: Block Party On The O-Line

By Cory Mageors | @inthemageors

105.3 THE FAN -- Whether it's first round or third, I'd like to add another offensive linemen for two purposes.

A) We don't completely know what the Cowboys are going to do at tackle with Doug Free, and B) we don't know if Jeremy Parnell is going to be the answer and is worthy of a sizable contract at that position.

So, the solution -- go young again.

Now, the Cowboys have always had the option of moving Zack Martin to right tackle, but man you have a potential HoF player at guard there who owned the world in his rookie season and dominated when he pulled and blocked down field.

I wouldn't attempt to move him outside, but if you are always thinking like Jason Garrett, then maybe you want a guy who can play multiple positions at a high level, or a guy that can absolutely maul at one position. Either way, there are potential picks available and I'm going to bounce around the ranks right now to give you a few names to keep an eye on.

Ereck Flowers OT–Miami– Height: 6-6 Weight: 329

Monster who uses his size to invade the path of a defensive lineman. Worry a little about his hands because he is very handsy, but uses them with a ton of force. Gets to the second level quickly, but would like to see him seal off the running lane when dealing with a smaller defender at the second level. Has the type of feet, flexibility and athleticism to fit in with Cowboys in their blocking scheme. Would like to see him dominate 1-on-1 a little more simply because of his size. I love how he redirects a lineman and uses their leverage to push them out of a play, but sometimes he's careless with his feet and doesn't have the best mechanics. Wonder if he can make the move to the right side, or even play a little guard if need be.

Jake Fisher OT–Oregon– Height: 6-6 Weight: 306

I like this guys flexibility at position. Played all over the field at Oregon, loves to pull, get around the edge and get up field to block downfield. Athletic enough to plow block DB's at the second level. One of the things I never like about Oregon is I feel like they are soft because of their speed, at combine had one of the faster 40 times, good bench work and a solid 10-yard split. Great flexibility and feet. He is a converted tight end who doesn't have the natural hands to push and control defenders and lacks the size and power to dominate on the outside edge.

I love this dude's athleticism, and you might be able to pick him up in the third round as a backup where he can grow under into a position, but I don't completely trust throwing him out on the edge and protecting Romo just yet. However, I feel like he can be a solid zone blocker within the Cowboys offensive scheme because of speed and athleticism, just needs some beef.

MORE 105.3 THE FAN DRAFT ANALYSIS

TJ Clemmings OT –Pittsburgh– Height: 6-5 Weight: 309
Love this guy's strike when he connects with defensive lineman and linebackers. Have little concern about his pass-blocking skills -- looks pretty dominant in that respect. Would like to see a little more athleticism in the run game, but at tackle, looks as athletic if not more than Free. Pretty smooth hips and movement in the pass game, gets up field to linebackers with fierceness. The thing I like about him so much is his explosiveness on contact, one of the things you work on in camp is that pop and he already has that in his arsenal. Down field blocking is good but would like to see him keep his feet and head up rather than barreling face mask down. Overall this dude is a beast with a lot of untapped talent. He moved to tackle late in college so he still has a lot to learn at the position.

Rob Havenstein OT- Wisconsin – Height: 6-7 Weight: 326

Monstrous size and blocked for one of the top running backs in the draft in Melvin Gordon. You know how much credit I give Monte Ball's college career to Travis Frederick. Havenstein is not getting the credit Frederick did. A ton of Gordon's big plays were to the left side; Havenstein played right tackle. Now, one of the things I will give him credit for is being an almost impossible dude to get around or through, and has really good angles when blocking. With his ability to take decent angles and his size, makes a pretty big difference in run game. Didn't have a lot of strength or speed in the combine benching 16 reps and a 5.48-40, but again he is a mountain who will wear on you after about 30 carries deep into the third and fourth quarter. If you get blocked by him at the second level, you are pretty much swallowed up. Lots of length and lots of size.

La'el Collins –OT– LSU – Height: 6-4 Weight: 305

Good upper body strength and has the size, body frame and quick feet to learn how to play well at the next level. Has instincts of a pounder, will sometimes lower shoulder to block instead of holding the block and sealing off and forcing away a defender. Looks like he has choppy feet sometimes, where I would prefer him to be a little more fluid in pass protection and would prefer to see him continue into a block where sometimes he just reaches. He competes really well and looks consistent in his mental approach and aggressiveness. Would like to see how he responds to moving to the right side.

I'm not a scout or personnel by any means, I leave that to the greatness of guys like Will McClay and Bryan Broaddus.

I do, however, want to exercise my scouting brain. I'll watch as many players as I can and use my basic understanding of football to tell you who I like after seeing the players with my own eyes.

I feel like when I watch something, then I can truly give an opinion on a guy based on otherwise I'm going off speculation and what I read. I'd rather not just give you somebody else's opinion though.

Also, reserve the right to readjust based on combine structure where you find out if a guy is actually as strong or fast as he looks on film.

Cory Mageors is Co-Host of the K&C Masterpiece 7-11 weeknights on 105.3 The Fan follow him @inthemageors on Twitter.