The NFL Draft is right around the corner. But it's never too early to provide some mock draft projections.
As always, the Cowboys writers go much further than the first round, revealing their seven-round pick with all seven picks.
This article was initially written in late March for The Star Magazine: Draft Issue.
This group of four writers will also update the mock draft next Wednesday, leading up to Thursday's first round of the draft.
DAVID HELMAN
- 1st (17): Grant Delpit S LSU
- 2nd (51): Noah Igbinoghene CB Auburn
- 3rd (82): Saahdiq Charles OT LSU
- 4th (123): Michael Pittman Jr. WR USC
- 5th (164): Dane Jackson CB Pitt
- 5th (179): James Lynch DL Baylor
- 7th (231): Shaun Bradley LB Temple
DAVID'S BREAKDOWN: For the purposes of this mock, I'm going to assume the Cowboys have taken care of their defensive line needs in free agency. Having done so would allow them to fix the secondary efficiently in the draft. Grant Delpit is an explosive athlete with the ball skills this defense has lacked for years, while Noah Igbinoghene is one of the best pure cover cornerbacks in the class. Offensive tackle is not a drastic need, but Saahdiq Charles at pick No. 82 is simply too good of a value to pass on. I also love the value of finding a seasoned route-runner all the way at pick No. 123, while I think Dane Jackson has really impressive coverage ability for a Day 3 guy. Bottom line: The Cowboys' goal is to boost their defense, and this draft gets that done while finding some intriguing offensive talents to boot.
NICK EATMAN
- 1st (17): Xavier McKinney S Alabama
- 2nd (51): Cameron Dantzler CB Mississippi State
- 3rd (82): Devin Duvernay WR Texas
- 4th (123): Albert Okwuegbunam TE Missouri
- 5th (164): Evan Weaver LB California
- 5th (179): McTelvin Agim DT Arkansas
- 7th (231): Reggie Robinson CB Tulsa
NICK'S BREAKDOWN: Although the team picked up Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in free agency, safety is still be a need, so let's see if Mike McCarthy can get the Cowboys to change their ways in drafting that position much higher than they have in the past. Cornerback is needed as well, though, which is why I picked two of them. Devin Duvernay is a big-time speedster who can play in the slot and has great hands. The "Missouri Tight End" is what I would call him if the Cowboys drafted him, so I'll just start doing it now. But he's a pass-catcher who could help down the field. Evan Weaver is a very intriguing player who I've seen a couple of times. He's all over the field, but might be gone before that fifth-round pick. Agim, a late add to the Senior Bowl and scouting combine, is making the most of his chances.
ROB PHILLIPS
- 1st (17): C.J. Henderson CB Florida
- 2nd (51): Antoine Winfield Jr S Minnesota
- 3rd (82): Davon Hamilton DT Ohio State
- 4th (123): Logan Wilson LB Wyoming
- 5th (164): K.J. Hill WR Ohio State
- 5th (179): Colby Parkinson TE Stanford
- 7th (231): Cordel Iwuagwu OL TCU
ROB'S BREAKDOWN: This year's draft could be the most defensive-oriented in Dallas since 2005, when then-coach Bill Parcells loaded up for a 3-4 scheme switch with DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Chris Canty and Jay Ratliff. This year, the front office will do its best to cover all bases in free agency before draft weekend, but right now the defense has far more question marks. That's why it makes sense to shore up the secondary early. C.J. Henderson has good size at cornerback and was an NFL Scouting Combine winner, showing off terrific range. Antoine Winfield is versatile enough to play free or strong safety, and Davon Hamilton would add some size to the interior defensive line. K.J. Hill, a solid route-runner at Ohio State, could present good value as a slot receiver prospect on Day 3.
KYLE YOUMANS
- 1st (17): C.J. Henderson CB Florida
- 2nd (51): Denzel Mims WR Baylor
- 3rd 82): Terrell Burgess S Utah
- 4th (123): Jordan Elliott DT Missouri
- 5th (164): Albert Okwuegbunam TE Missouri
- 5th (179): Shaquille Quarterman LB Miami
- 7th (231): Colton McKivitz OT West Virginia
KYLE'S BREAKDOWN: The Cowboys defense exhibited more than a few holes in 2019 and have a couple of more to fill thanks to the 2020 offseason. There are always going to be the pipedreams of having a Javon Kinlaw or K'Lavon Chaisson fall to pick 17 and make an immediate impact. While that isn't out of the question, it is much more likely that there will be an impact corner available for Dallas, like Henderson. This strategy would open up the front office to address positions of need later in the draft such as wide receiver and defensive line that have more depth. If Mims, who has had an impressive draft process, is available at pick 51, I'd be hard pressed to see Dallas pass. Also, it's a great draft class to shore up some areas of question on Day 3 like linebacker, tight end and even offensive tackle.
