Michael Brockers could be Cowboys sleeper pick

April, 23, 2012
4/23/12
11:57
AM CT
SI's Peter King looks at the NFL Draft in his weekly Monday Morning Quarterback and mentions how LSU defensive tackle/end Michael Brockers has visited numerous teams.

Brockers visited the Cowboys earlier this month. He's projected as a player who might get drafted in the teens. With the Cowboys drafting at No. 14, there's a chance they could take him. The Cowboys also got a visit from Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox, but it's believed he won't get out of the Top 10.

Most mock drafts have Dallas taking either Stanford guard David DeCastro or safety Mark Barron from Alabama. But what about Brockers?

And while the Cowboys could use some improvement along the offensive line by selecting DeCastro and moving him in at right guard or finding a playmaking safety in Barron, there's nothing wrong with improving the pass rush.

Brockers can be inserted at defensive end and on passing situations can move inside and be a good pairing with Jay Ratliff.

Drafting Brockers would mean either Marcus Spears or Kenyon Coleman would be sent packing.

Brockers, 21, could join a younger group in Sean Lissemore (24), Clifton Geathers (24) and Josh Brent (24). That would be four defensive linemen under 25 to match up with Ratliff, who turns 31 in August, and Jason Hatcher, who reaches 30 in July.

Youth is always important and the Cowboys picking Brockers might be the best thing for them.

Here's what Scouts Inc. had to say about Brockers' quickness: "Very good first-step quickness for size. Consistently gains initial penetration and is very disruptive. Can improve his hand usage but has the quick, violent hands to do so."
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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