New Dallas Cowboys’ 7 Round Mock Draft: Surprise Risers and Fallers

Oct 26, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (8) tackles North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matt Dayes (21) during the second half at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

2^nd Round

DT Timmy Jernigan

Florida State

6’2” 299 lbs

Before you call me cheater hear me out. Jernigan really did slip to the Cowboys in the second round. It sounds crazy but things like this happen every draft and it did here. Jernigan was ranked #26 too but the simulator predicted a run on pass-rushers and that left Jernigan.

Tuitt, Crichton, Easley, Murphy, Smith, Attaochu, Ford, and Lawrence were all gone and Timmy fell through the cracks. This is something I had not predicted but was willing to deal with. In addition, a run on offensive linemen (something I’ve been predicting for a while) happened, leaving no top ranked tackles or guards. Luckily the Cowboys addressed their O-line with Martin in the first round.

Jernigan, ranked a mid-first rounder by most, has the ability to start from day one at the 1-technique DT spot next to Henry Melton. After watching film, I’m of the opinion that Jernigan can also play a 3-technique if needed at any point. He has athleticism, speed, and quickness, uncommon for a man his size.

Drafting a pure 1-technique early is supposedly not something the Cowboys are trying to do (unless the Cowboys are trying to mislead us prior to the draft – gasp!). But a player like Jernigan falling into their laps, and lack of options left on the board, this pick is no-brainer.

Round 3 brings the Cowboys their new pass-rusher…