With a month left the Dallas Cowboys are in the final stretch to the NFL Draft, time for a mock draft.
First, as usual, the rules for the draft. Fanspeak’s draft simulator was used. Ten mock drafts were done and a combination of most repeated picks and most likely picks are what ended up in this mock draft. There were trades this year, not all of the trades offered were accepted, however, if it made sense it absolutely was accepted. So how exactly did the draft go? Well, first let’s look at some of the trade scenarios that made sense.
Two teams actually requested trades fairly often with the Cowboys in the first round. The first was the New York Giants and the other was the Chicago Bears. Both made sense, and neither was too far down for the trade to not make sense. While some other teams did make offers, not all were as complete as these two teams. There were a few trades in later rounds, however the first round was usually the best haul.
For this mock there are 14 picks. Some of this was due to the tendency of trades and the average of what the Cowboys ended up with. Not only were holes filled, but there was a lot of best player available picks. So without further delay, here is the mock draft.
Next: Round One
Round 1 – Vernon Hargreaves – Defensive Back – Florida
The reason this was the pick was more often than not Jalen Ramsey, Carson Wentz, and Laremy Tunsil went in the top three. Ezekiel Elliott or Myles Jack could have been the pick, but when the trades kept popping up and the average pick was still around number 10, Vernon Hargreaves was still there.
Hargreaves isn’t the biggest guy, and might not be the best against the bigger receivers, but simply put he makes plays. He has a nose for the ball, and it is doubtful anyone has the fight this young man has. He is fluid and can change directions well. He doesn’t have the best flat out speed, but is really quick in space and plays the ball better than any corner in this draft. He has some value on kick returns, and with a year or two in the slot or a possible transition to safety he could become a top flight defensive back.
There is little doubt Hargreaves has all the tools to be one of the best defensive backs. While many want Ramsey, Hargreaves would be a wonderful second option if Ramsey is gone by the time the Cowboys pick. This not only fits a need, but is a best player available pick.
Next: Round Two - First Pick
Round 2 – Paxton Lynch – Quarterback – Memphis
With the early second round pick Lynch makes sense. The only other name that kept popping up was defensive end Kevin Dodd. Paxton Lynch has been on the radar for a little while and posses a lot of the tools that the Cowboys should be able to develop easily as he learns behind starting quarterback Tony Romo.
Lynch will need a year or two to develop some of his skills, and this is where the Cowboys would be the perfect fit for him. He can move in the pocket well and makes really smart decisions with the football. His issues come from throwing on the move, but this looks correctable. He needs a little better touch throwing over taller inside linebackers, but again, this appears to be fixable. He can chew up yardage in a hurry, and if he needs to run, he is a load to bring down.
Lynch in the second is not only a smart money play for the Cowboys, but also allows Lynch to settle into improving without feeling like he has to be the guy from day one. While it would have been nice to add to the pass rush here, Lynch just kept sitting there as one of the best rated players on the boards. It is hard to pass him up at this point.
Next: Round Two - Second Pick
Round 2 – Shilique Calhoun – Defensive End – Michigan St.
Shilique Calhoun kept popping up as a potential pick. While there was a few drafts that had running back Kenneth Dixon being selected here, Calhoun made more sense in the long run. This was a best player available in some senses, but between running back or pass rush, the pass rush made a lot more sense.
Calhoun can be an absolute beast as a pass rusher. He had 10.5 sacks last season and another 14.5 tackles for a loss. Simply put, Calhoun gets pressure on quarterbacks and gets into the backfield. He does lack some aggressiveness, however with some coaching, he should be just fine. He has lateral speed and good burst. Where he will struggle is when the tight end helps out to block him, but he has all the tools to improve this.
His ability as a pass rusher and athletic ability should warrant a second look on draft day. If there is any team in the league that could use someone like Calhoun it is the Dallas Cowboys. If he is there with about the tenth pick in the second round, he should be scooped up.
Next: Round Three - First Pick
Round 3 – Braxton Miller – Wide Receiver – Ohio St.
Braxton Miller kept being there at the top of the third round. While there was a few times he was gone by the time the Cowboys were on the clock, if he was available it was just the right pick to take Miller. If anyone saw what he did against Virginia Tech, this pick should excite you.
Miller was a quarterback at Ohio St before an injury sidelined him, and he decided to play wide receiver so he could get back on the field faster. When the ball is in his hands, Miller is one of the most exciting players to watch. He has plenty of speed and just about all of the open field moves a team could want. He ran a 4.41 on his pro day and can take the top off of a defense. His issues are that his routes aren’t very polished and he will need to learn his craft as a receiver before he can be an outside receiver.
What should interest teams is his ability to do amazing things with the ball in his hands and ability to play quarterback if needed. He has lots of athletic ability and would help any team in the receiving game, but possibly in the return game as well. While he might need work, the pick is too good to pass up.
Next: Round Three - Second Pick
Round 3 – Willie Henry – Defensive Tackle – Michigan
Willie Henry was a name that was available a few times and watching his tape just made this pick make sense. While there was a few options at running back here, it is believed that the Cowboys won’t add a running back early at all, so Henry made sense. It bolsters the defensive line and was a best player available type pick.
Henry has a surprising burst on a pass rush from both inside and outside. He senses and sheds blocks well and moves laterally well as he is the master of the twist move. His power and initial punch are devastating and can push linemen back if they are not expecting his power. His downsides come from not keeping his head up at snap all of the time and he turns his shoulders in the run game which sometimes will cause him to get caught up in the wash. Both of these things are correctable.
If Henry can fix some of the smaller things in his game, he should be a huge addition to the defensive line. He can play anywhere across the line which should make him attractive in the early to middle of the third round. He has the power and with a few new moves and a few tweaks he could be a steal in the third when looking back on the draft.
Next: Round Four - First Pick
Round 4 – Kentrell Brothers – Linebacker – Missouri
Kentrell Brothers was a best available pick in a lot of ways. His name would go anywhere from the bottom of the third to the top of the fourth in almost every draft, and would fall to the Cowboys three times. However, going back and watching him, he has interesting traits.
Brothers should never be underestimated for his size. He plays with all of the smarts you would want from an inside linebacker and he reads plays quite well. In coverage he knows his position and role on almost every play. He will need to work on his footwork a little bit and taking better angles, but with his brain this should be easy to fix. He is a really good tackler, however, will get lost at the line of scrimmage sometimes, so he has to be perfect.
While Brothers may not excite a lot of people, he has the tools to be a regular starting inside linebacker as long as he works on his speed. This pick makes sense and with his intelligence and leadership, he fits the classic “Jason Garrett kind of guy.” He could find the field sooner rather than later.
Next: Round Four - Second Pick
Round 4 – Connor McGovern – Guard – Missouri
Two Missouri players back to back, but Connor McGovern is an interesting prospect here in the fourth round. First, he has the ability to play guard, but he also has experience at both tackle positions. This could help as he is a backup guard or even the swing tackle as an eventual replacement to right tackle Doug Free.
McGovern is a smart player who has some correctable flaws to his game. He is strong at the point of attack and might be one of the strongest players in the draft. He can manhandle a lot of pass rushers as long as he can get his hands on them. He will have to work on blocking twists as a guard, but a little coaching should fix this issue quickly. He will need some work on his pass sets, but can run block with the best of them.
McGovern would fill a huge hole for the Cowboys this year and potentially in the next few as well. He has the tools and if he isn’t asked to start day one it should allow him to develop into a high quality offensive lineman for years to come. He won’t do well if he was asked to take over tackle from day one, but a year as a backup would do him well.
Next: Round Four - Third Pick
Round 4 – Tyvis Powell – Safety – Ohio St.
Tyvis Powell should be around in the latter part of the fourth round. He isn’t the thumping type of safety, nor is he going to wow you with his play around the box. What Powell will do is make smart and consistent plays on the ball. He is the classic ball hawking safety. He is the type of safety who can be asked to play single high and even cover receivers one on one.
Powell is the type of playmaker on the ball that the Cowboys have needed roaming in the secondary. His football IQ is high and he has the ability to read plays well. He has some issues in helping in the run, and won’t lay the wood like many would want, but he can flat out run. He plays special teams as well, and should benefit from his raw talents and versatility.
This is a smart pick and at the end of the fourth should be available in a best pick type situation. Don’t let his late pick fool you, Powell can play football. Playing next to Byron Jones would make a pretty formidable secondary roaming around. This is a smart football move in the fourth.
Next: Round Five
Round 5 – Shawn Oakman – Defensive End – Baylor
Everyone remembers Shawn Oakman as the famous internet meme. Oakman is a really strong young man and plays with a ton of power. He isn’t going to wow anyone with his pass rush or his run stuffing, but in the fifth round, he is a good project to have.
Oakman is powerful and has tools to be a quality defensive end. He doesn’t have a ton of moves to be a pass rusher, but when he sets the edge rarely does he get pushed back. He will be a beast against the run game if someone dares run at him, and if he sticks with learning how to do anything but bull rush, he could be a great find in the fifth round. In Dallas he would be a rotational guy who could be used in obvious running situations.
While the pick isn’t going to be the best of the draft, Oakman has some interesting ability as a situational type player. If he can hang around on special teams, get in the game on obvious running plays or short passing plays, he could be scary for any team to oppose him. He needs work and to add some size to his legs, but he could be a quality player to have around.
Next: Round Six - First Pick
Round 6 – Kenyan Drake – Running Back – Alabama
Kenyan Drake is the forgotten Alabama running back, and it is a shame that he is. However, he could be found in the sixth round in a lot of the drafts. If he does fall in the real draft to the sixth round, Drake would make a lot of sense here and be a best player available type pick.
Drake has speed to burn. His 4.44 40 yard time means when he gets behind the defense there is little they can do to stop him. He can make people miss, and will break more tackles than expected for his size. He will play special teams well and allows his blocks to be set up for a one cut style of running. Now, Drake won’t be a three down running back, and would thrive as part of a rotation. But he is a guy who can catch out of the backfield and will make plays if given the chance. He needs to slow his feet down a little, and work on not always trying to take the ball to the sideline every play.
If Drake sticks around to the sixth this pick makes sense in a lot of ways. He could be a replacement if the Cowboys decide to split from Lance Dunbar after this season, and he would be the perfect change of pace back. His ability to play special teams, slot receiver, and running back would at least land him a spot on the scout team for a season.
Next: Round Six - Second Pick
Round 6 – Jerell Adams – Tight End – South Carolina
Jerell Adams didn’t have a very good year in 2015. Some of that is due to the South Carolina Gamecocks having a really bad year. Adams was one of the few players who was actually consistent during the whole season. Adams is a strong player and a very good leader. He apparently was well liked in the locker room.
Adams is quite good in pass protection and as a receiver has good speed for a tight end. His routes need some work and he will fight the ball from time to time on a catch, but he is hard to bring down, and will fight for yards well. He will need some time to develop, but if he develops like some scouts think he will, he has starter all over him. Sitting behind Jason Witten would help his game, and could be the next guy up when his number is called.
At this point in the draft some holes need to be filled, but some of it will be with backups and special teams players. Adams is slightly a project, but has some interesting traits that could warrant some serious consideration. The Cowboys need another tight end, and Adams would be the perfect fit as a backup.
Next: Round Six - Third Pick
Round 6 – B.J. Goodson – Outside Linebacker – Clemson
B.J. Goodson should be around for a round six pickup. He has talent, but has flaws as well. He isn’t really one of those typical outside linebackers and some have even thought of him as a box safety. He wouldn’t do well in a 3-4 defense, but in a 4-3 could use his talents better.
Goodson has a lot of power to his game. If someone runs at him, he will make sure they think twice about doing it again. He is a sure tackler who can take it to a lineman like a defensive end. He has the ability to cover in space decently. The biggest knock to his game his he will over-pursue and allow cutbacks often. He needs to learn to take better angles and trust his ability to use his power.\
In the sixth round Goodson could be a boom or bust type guy. He has the basic tools to be a leader and starter in the league one day. However, if he doesn’t pick up some of the skills needed to be an outside linebacker in the run game, he could be just another guy. He has a lot of upside which is why he will get drafted, but he shouldn’t be a starter day one.
Next: Round Six - Fourth Pick
Round 6 – Austin Blythe – Center – Iowa
At this point in the draft you are looking for depth. Austin Blythe fills that role and more. He plays with consistency and power which is needed as a center. He is a smart player who understands technically how to play the game and what his role is. As a backup on the offensive line he will need to play several positions if possible and Blythe has played center and both guard positions.
Blythe is a little short, and a little short armed. His physical traits are going to cause him to drop in the draft. All of that being said, if he can learn to work with those limitations he could be a high quality backup in the league. He is smart, well balanced, and can be an amazing pull blocker on runs. He has the experience at Iowa to be a draft pick and the brains to match.
Blythe isn’t going to take over as the starting center for the Cowboys, but they could use a savvy backup who can be better than expected if he has to play. A year or two on technique and strength he could be a very valuable offensive lineman for years to come. In the sixth round this could be a sensible pick and fill a need all at the same time.
Next: Round Six - Fifth Pick
Round 6 – LeShaun Sims – Cornerback – Southern Utah
With the last pick in the draft the Cowboys usually take a flier on a small school guy. LeShaun Sims is that type of guy. While he didn’t play against a lot of quality receivers, he has the physical makeup of being an NFL cornerback. At the end of the sixth round Sims could be had as a project and as a special teams player. Just because he went to a small school doesn’t mean he doesn’t have 4.41 speed, because he does.
Sims is actually pretty good at jamming receivers off the line and is usually a headache for them. Granted, it wasn’t the top flight receivers in college, but none the less he looks like he understands how to play the position. He will need work on going up against better players, and will need to improve his game against the run as it seems he doesn’t like to get wrapped up in a play coming downhill. All that being said he could be a really good cover corner with time.
At this point in the draft it doesn’t make a lot of sense to not go with a small school player who has been able to stand out a little in the draft process. Sims is a guy who could find himself sticking around for all the right reasons, and could even raise a few eyebrows in preseason. Not exactly who a team would want starting day one, but could be a quality cornerback with some work.
Next: Wrap Up
So there it is, the first mock draft of the offseason. It may not be exactly what everyone wants or likes, but it fills a lot of needs and makes a lot of sense in the long run. There are a ton of ways the Cowboys could go in the draft, but trading down is a very likely scenario if there is another team willing to do business.
With a month left until the draft there will be another updated mock draft as more players are signed or pro days are completed. Much of the draft is guess work as no one can see how a team sets up their big board. We all can guess on how it is set up, but to be honest, only the team staff knows.
Next: Cowboys: Enough About Replacing Terrance Williams
So, let me know below what you think of this mock draft. I know there will be some people who will want a quarterback in the first round. Others will want Ramsey in the first, and some will even ask if Elliott is available. While it would make sense for some of these picks, the idea of trading down for more picks seemed more like the Jerry Jones move, and helps the Cowboys a little more.