eyes wide open at the 2017 senior bowl

By Logan Carter

The Dallas Cowboys have had huge success when watching and analyzing the Senior Bowl, with both Zach Martin, an all-pro right guard and pro bowl rookie Dak Prescott being the latest Senior Bowl eye catchers. Through this past weeks Senior Bowl, the Cowboys were able to meet with six-offensive players, as well as six defensive players, that they were interested in.

On the offensive side, starting at RB, Dallas was able to meet with Wisconsin running back Corey Clement. Ezekiel Elliott may need a little more help in the back field and Clement could play a vital role as his backup. The Cowboys may not focus on this position as much but could be a possibility after meeting with the Badger RB. Clement follows block with patience, very similar to Elliott’s technique, but has a similar body type as the LA Charger’s RB, Melvin Gordon. The second standout player the Cowboys met with was the Michigan Wolverine wide out, Amara Darboh, who is ranked 11th on the CBS WR rankings. As Terrance Williams hits free agency this upcoming offseason and help is needed alongside Dez Bryant, Dallas can look to this 6’2 215lbs star. Darboh led the Wolverines in the 2016 season with 57 receptions for 862 yards, while adding 7 touchdowns. The 4 year Michigan wide out was fairly successful during his junior and sophomore season, but could add his route-running and quality hands to the Cowboys mix of WR’s.  

Although offense is just as important, The Cowboys focused mainly on speaking to players from the defensive side at the Senior Bowl. Outside Linebacker Carroll Phillips was one of the first approached by the Cowboys, a 6’3 237 lbs Illinois beast for the past few seasons of College football. Phillips displays that he is a natural pass-rusher and has a lot of speed to get into the opposing teams back field. Many other teams are not high on the Illinois OLB, but the Cowboys understand his athleticism and could use another pass rusher. The second key player approached was Jourdan Lewis, a 5’10 188lbs Cornerback from Michigan. Lewis is ranked 8th overall in many mock drafts, due to his balance and patience in man coverage. The Michigan CB stays right with his receiver and has an eye for snatching the ball right out of the air. The issue with Lewis is that he stands at 5’10 but his ability to shut down the space between him and receivers puts him as a sleeper for the Cowboys to steal. ​