Here are five defensive prospects on the Cowboys radar in this year’s draft who compare most closely to Cowboys players.
After analyzing certain offensive talents in this year’s draft, here are five defensive prospects who most closely resemble Dallas Cowboys players.
LB Payton Wilson (N.C. State) is best compared to Sean Lee.
Size Comparison:
Wilson’s height is 6’3″ 7/8.
Weight: 234 pounds Arm Length: 30 1/2″ Hands: 9″
Lee’s height is 6’2″.
Weight: 236 pounds Arm length: 32″
Hand size: 8 3/4″.
Wilson’s athletic statistics include a 40-yard time of 4.43 seconds, a vertical leap of 34 1/2″, and a broad jump of 119″.
Lee’s 40-yard time was 4.71 seconds, with a vertical of 37 1/2″ and a width of 120″.
The size comparisons between both players are quite comparable, however this comparison is based on football IQ, position, and injury history rather than size and athletic similarities. Payton Wilson, like Sean Lee, has a high football IQ, which allows him to anticipate several moves ahead and read the offensive alignment like a book. Both players work on the basis of their ability to adjust rapidly and be in the right location at the right moment. Both are well suited to playing the Will linebacker position, rushing to the ball carrier and pursuing them down with good tackling technique.
Unfortunately, the two players’ durability is similar. Wilson has an extensive litany of injuries, as we discussed in his scouting report not long ago. Wilson has every alarming injury box ticked, including shoulder, ACL, and hamstring issues, and his selection is questionable given his unpredictable position. Fans will be holding their breath on every brutal tackle if he is drafted, as Sean Lee was.
DE Chop Robinson (Penn State) has the best comparison to Sam Williams.
Size Comparison:
Robinson stands 6’2″ 7/8″ and weighs 254 pounds.
Arm Length: 32 1/2″
Wingspan: 76 1/4″.
Williams’ height is 6’3″ 1/2 Weight: 261 lbs Arm length: 33″ Wing span: 80″
Athletic comparison: Robinson has a 10 yard split of 1.54s and a 40 yard time of 4.48s.
Broad: 128″
Williams’ split times are 1.60 seconds for 10 yards, 4.46 seconds for 40 yards, and 123 inches for broad.
This pair exhibits the same exceptional explosiveness and quickness at the snap. They can both shoot via B-gaps or around the edge at comparable velocities. Their pursuit speed and hustle are identical, and their ability to dip around the edge on pass rushers is a perfect mirror image of one another.
In terms of vulnerabilities, both have trouble anchoring on the edge during run plays. The other issue is a lack of lower body technique, which results in both players slipping when taking on blocks.
CB Cooper DeJean (Iowa) received the best complement from Jeff Heath.
Size Comparison:
DeJean’s height is 6’0″ 1/2.
Weight: 203 lbs. Arm length: 31 3/8″.
Heath’s height is 6’1″.
Weight: 209 pounds Arm length: 30″
Both have broad shoulders and a broader upper half; they also have similar problems flipping their hips. But one thing is certain: the pair are excellent tacklers who can contribute significantly against the run. DeJean is one player in this year’s draft that screams for a position change once he enters the NFL.
He excelled as an outside corner in college, but his size and lack of flexibility may limit his success in the NFL. But where he may shine is in safety. Given his excellent ability to stop the run and then use his cornerback skills to cover deep as a safety, he might see significant increases in production at the next level. He hasn’t had many interceptions, but he has gotten a few, just like Heath. But, like Heath, he can deliver massive hits and make touchdown-saving tackles. I’m not sure how excellent DeJean is at kicking though.
CB: Ennis Rakestraw (Missouri)
Best Comp: Mo Claiborne
Size Comparison:
Rakestraw-
Height: 5’11” 3/8.
Weight- 183 pounds
Arm Length: 32″.
Claiborne-
Height: 5’11”.
Weight- 188 pounds
Arm Length: 33″.
Athletic comparison:
Rakestraw-
40-yard time: 4.51s.
Broad: 120″
Claiborne-
40-yard time: 4.50s
Broad: 118″
Claiborne had a lot more hype entering the draft than Rakestraw, but some argue the Missouri defensive back is being underestimated in a variety of ways. These two are comparable in terms of toughness and competitiveness at the position. Rakestraw, like Claiborne, excels at jamming at the line, being physical with receivers, and moving them out to the boundary while using the line as an extra defender. Both are also eager to come down and assist defend the run.
The locations of the concerns are identical. Both get handsy leading to flags and both have significant questions owing to ACL problems. At the cornerback position where athleticism matters for a significant piece of what players can do, ACL injuries are a huge issue. Medicals count for a lot at this stage, something we donโt get to witness, but judging on prior experience taking an ACL-ridden defensive back can lead to problems down the line.
LB Trevin Wallace (Kentucky) Best Comp: Damone Clark.
Size Comparison:
Wallace’s height is 6’1″ 1/8.
Weight: 237 lbs. Arm length: 32 5/8″.
Wingspan: 79 1/8″.
Clark’s height is 6’2″.
Weight: 239 pounds Arm Length: 33″
Wingspan: 78 1/8″.
Athletic comparison: Wallace has a 10 yard split of 1.62 seconds and a 40 yard time of 4.51 seconds.
Vert- 37 1/2โ Broad- 127โ
Clark’s split times are 1.58 seconds for 10 yards and 4.57 seconds for 40 yards.
Vert: 37″ Broad: 127″
This is one of the most similar comparisons in terms of defensive prospects. Both are tiny yet explosive, with excellent chase-down abilities. Both players have similar lateral speed and decent change-of-direction ability.
Issues include freelancing and a lack of instincts for running plays. Both are susceptible to fakes and play-action, and neither is particularly effective as a pass rusher.
