NFL
By: Greg Rector
Here goes my 2.0 Cowboys Mock Draft effort. After free agency the Cowboys have addressed many concerns, however, most of them are on short term deals so I am going with players that can hopefully help the team for years to come. I am still going with defense as the priority. This draft could be all for naught if the Jones’; decide to trade down, which I feel is a strong possibility at this point. With a draft this deep you may strike gold more than once, so if the opportunity is there to get more picks, I feel the Cowboys may take that option. I am sticking with the known picks here though. I have done nine different draft simulators, and these are the consensus picks.
1st Round- Pick 17
With both McCoy and Poe on short term contracts, I am taking Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina, if he falls into the laps of the Cowboys. In six of the simulators, he does fall to the Cowboys at 17. Of course, many other mocks have us taking a Corner here, namely C.J. Henderson, from Florida. This is where the Cowboys might feel the need for a Corner can be addressed later on in the draft, and I agree with that thinking. My reason for Kinlaw is because of the wasted choice of Hill in last year’s draft. Drafting Kinlaw could address a weak spot for several years to come.
2nd Round- Pick 51
Remember I said a Corner would be available later on? Well at 51 I have from Mississippi State (I think we’ve done well with Bulldogs} I am taking Cameron Dantzler, Leaving after his junior makes him a riskier pick without a doubt, but here’s something to keep in mind, Dantzler has the second-lowest career passer rating against in this class. He’s good and could become very good with more coaching at the next level. Excellent in coverage, both man and zone, the work would be on his tackling. Optionally of Dantzler is gone, they could address Safety for the future in Antoine Winfield Jr from Minnesota at 51.
3rd Round- 82nd Pick
The middle level of the defense is also still an area of concern. Remember Vander Esche, may not return to his 2018 form, and Joe Thomas is only back on a one year deal. So I am going to take a combo player here in Brad Lee Anae, DE/OLB From Utah. I am sold on him simply from his ability to make impact plays. The Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Nolan likes versatility and Anae, gives you the flexibility that he values. If they want more of just the traditional LB here, then another option a bit of a reach in the 3rd round would be Logan Wilson LB, from Wyoming (4TH round projected)
4th Round- 123rd Pick
I am not ignoring the offense totally. Here’s where the slot receiver need gets addressed. Yes, the Big 12 is known for soft players and especially those who come from the Texas Longhorns ( Earl Thomas notwithstanding) I think Devin Duvernay WR, will be an exception to that rule. 106 catches for 1,386 yards. As sure- handed as any other receiver in this year draft, the knock on him seems to be route running? For a guy to get open for that many catches, this knock seems pretty silly to me. 5′ 10″ and a solid 200lbs, his other strength is his speed, 4.39 40 at the combine. You could also take a TE here, and if so my choice would be Hunter Bryant from Washington.
5th Round- Pick 164
Every year there are players whose stock seems to drop, especially if you don’t fit a certain prototype. Here’s another DE/OLB aka EDGE player who seems to fit that bill. From Alabama Anfernee Jennings. 6’2′ 252 lbs. All I saw him do was shed blockers consistently, and make stops. He doesn’t have explosive quickness, but I think with better coaching at this level his raw attributes can be a big asset, while his weaknesses get developed. He would be a special teams contributor and a backup EDGE at this point. If he falls to this round, I believe he’s a steal.
5th Round- Pick 179 (Compensatory Pick)
Here’s where you could see a Quarterback of the future go in James Morgan from FIU. Scouts seem to be high on his potential to develop and obviously that would be something McCarthy and company could do with Morgan, who at 6′ 4″ 229lbs this guy has a cannon of an arm, but lacks polish. The Green Bay native has the Favre/Rodgers arm going for him, but needs to learn touch, and improve his footwork. Hey at this point you take a flyer and hope it pans out. That said there are also several defensive backfield options who could be here on day three, Taylor Mews Safety South Carolina, Dane Jackson a Corner from Pitt, or Lamar Jackson a Corner from Nebraska.
So there you have it as of now, if and I believe it’s becoming a bigger IF, the Cowboys don’t trade down and add picks on April 23rd.
Continue staying safe folks. Listen to the experts, and we’ll get through this difficult time.
You can find me on Twitter @CowboysFanGreg1
