FRISCO, Texas –If you're hoping for clarity, look elsewhere.
The theme for this 2018 NFL Draft seems to be uncertainty, and that applies to all levels of the board. As we head into the final 24 hours before the party finally starts, we're bracing for an unprecedented number of trades, a huge amount of quarterback picks and everything in between.
As well as we've managed to sort through the noise to determine the Cowboys' intentions, it's still anyone's guess what they're going to do.
Of course, it's possible to make an educated guess. Just like any other NFL team, the Cowboys have laid down some hints about what to expect. We know what they need, and we know who they've been linked to.
But as much as we all might agree on linebacker or receiver as a top priority, good look getting anyone to agree on the actual game plan. With just one day until the draft finally starts, opinions seem to be just as divided as they were a month ago.
Here's a last look at what league experts are projecting for the Cowboys at pick No. 19:
Date of Mock:April 23
Pick:Maryland WR D.J. Moore
Comment: "What, no Calvin Ridley? The Alabama wideout seemed so natural here, as did Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans, at a position (sideline-to-sideline linebacker) of major need for Dallas. But Moore, a fast riser with return ability, could solve two issues for Dallas, and the Cowboys want to find a long-term receiver to be what Dez Bryant failed to be since signing a huge deal in 2015. It's a risky venture, though, based on the recent performance of so many failed number one picks."
Date of Mock: April 23
Pick: Florida DT Taven Bryan
Comment: "Tough call here. The Cowboys have strong interest in Leighton Vander Esch as well, but there are more solid options in later rounds at linebacker than defensive tackle."
Date of Mock:April 24
Pick: Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch
Comment: "The Cowboys would appear to need a playmaking wide receiver since cutting Dez Bryant and have Calvin Ridley and D.J. Moore staring them in the face. Linebacker, however, must be addressed. Sean Lee hasn't been able to stay healthy. Anthony Hitchens left via free agency. Jaylon Smith is a mystery, despite the confidence the Cowboys profess. In Vander Esch defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has a middle linebacker with the athleticism of Brian Urlacher, whom he coached in Chicago. The Cowboys can get a receiver in the second round."
Date of Mock: April 24
Pick: Alabama WR Calvin Ridley
Comment: "It's too easy to give them a wide receiver if one falls, but they do have a need there when you look at the depth chart."
Date of Mock:April 24
Pick:Moore
Comment: "I took a long, hard look at Mike McGlinchey here, and he likely would be a Day 1 starter at right tackle. It would make sense, as the Cowboys haven't taken an offensive lineman in the past two drafts. A defensive player very much could be in play, too. But I'm going to take a stab in the dark here and go with Moore. They historically haven't taken receivers in the first two rounds (only Dez Bryant since 2002) but see a speedy and tough playmaker they can't hope to get at No. 50. I believe Moore is their highest-rated receiver, but I don't know that with utter certainty.
Date of Mock: April 23
Pick:Moore
Comment: "With Dez Bryant gone, the Cowboys get a receiver to try to take his place."
Date of Mock: April 23
Pick: Ridley
Comment: "A downfield weapon for Dak who can create separation in the short and intermediate ranges ... Ridley is precisely the type of pass-catcher Dallas wants."
Date of Mock: April 24
Pick:Alabama LB Rashaan Evans
Comment: "Coin flip between Evans and Vander Esch … Garrett's affinity for Alabama players versus Cowboys' previous luck in drafting Boise State players."
Date of Mock: April 21
Pick: Alabama DT Da'Ron Payne
Comment:N/A
Date of Mock: April 23
Pick: Vander Esch
Comment: "I buy Jane Slater's (and others) mention that the Cowboys gave LVE a Brian Urlacher comparison. It's not like the Cowboys are a leak-proof organization. If LVE isn't on the board, Taven Bryan makes sense. As does a possible receiver."
