The Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft v2.0 is ready for release, some changes, and some familiar names.
First the usual ground rules for the Cowboys mock draft. First, trades were allowed and the picks that follow are based on average number of picks over ten drafts, and using Fanspeak’s draft simulator with a mix of CBS and Matt Miller’s rankings.
Not all trades were accepted, and were based on value of return, who was on the board, and needs left to fill. There were some trades that came up several times and are talked about below.
First there were only two drafts where a trade wasn’t offered in the first round. The three teams that regularly came up in trades were the Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Giants. All three offered quite a nice return for the picks and made sense as the draft went on. There were some other trades in the earlier rounds, however, if they didn’t make sense or there was a good player sitting there, the trade wasn’t accepted.
So how did the draft shake out this time? Well let’s find out.
Next: Round One
Round 1 – Vernon Hargreaves – Defensive Back – Florida
Much like the first draft Hargreaves name just kept popping up over and over. With the top three being Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, and Jalen Ramsey, trading down for more picks made sense at that point. Again, Hargreaves was the name that kept popping up the most. Like before, he makes the most sense around 10 which is about the normal for trading down.
Hargreaves has a nose for the ball and plays really well in space. He can cover well and will challenge the ball at its highest point. He might be the best defensive back in this draft when it comes to playing the ball and can match up all over the field. He has value on kick returns as well, which is something Jason Garrett loves. He is fluid in his turning and is more than willing to support the run.
He will need a little work, however, could be an absolute beast for the Cowboys in the secondary. This was not only a best pick available, but it was also filling a huge need the Cowboys have. Hargreaves is a top flight talent and would be a huge upgrade to a secondary that needs some support.
Next: Round Two Pick One
Round 2 – Paxton Lynch – Quarterback – Memphis
Much like last draft the Cowboys stayed put at the top of the second round and grab their quarterback to groom. Lynch’s name just kept being there in the second round and only two times was he picked in the first, once by the Broncos and once by the Cardinals. While it is possible, Lynch has been seen as a second round quarterback.
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. He has the tools to sit for a year or two and become a good quarterback in the league.
This pick just continues to make sense every time the draft comes up. If he is there, I would expect the Cowboys to seriously consider him. The only other name that seemed to pop up as available and making sense was Maliek Collins, however Collins is strictly a three gap who is a little soft against the run. Lynch made more sense.
Next: Round Two Second Pick
Round 2 – Braxton Miller – Wide Receiver – Ohio St.
Well, unlike the last draft Miller’s stock has been rising and is now rated as a mid second round pick. As the Cowboys picked up a second round pick by trading down in the first round, Miller is too intriguing to pass up on. While many people will remember him as a quarterback, Miller’s most insane play may have come against Virginia Tech (if you missed it, you can watch it here).
Miller will need some work on his routes, but his speed and moves are undeniable. He has all the talent to be a force on the field and can easily become a weapon down the field. He will take the top off a defense with his speed and has the ability to take it to the house on any given play. He is still a little raw, but would fit right into what the Cowboys do.
His name was always there in the middle of the second round and was more of a best pick available than trying to reach for a defensive end or safety at this point in the draft. Miller makes a lot of sense and with the extra pick in the second round this would be a luxury pick. Not only does it fill the need for a speedy wide receiver, but he can be an emergency quarterback if needed.
Next: Round Three Pick One
Round 3 – Chris Jones – Defensive Tackle – Mississippi St.
Jones is a monster on the defensive line and should be around at the top of the third round. He is a best player available pick and fills a huge need for the Cowboys. He has the strength and burst to get some pressure on the quarterback and can get into the backfield quickly.
His issues are that he plays very upright at times and if his initial burst doesn’t work he will lay off on the pass rush and hold his lane. Some coaching, and he could be part of the rotation that will get thrown at quarterbacks. He is really good against the run and plays with very good speed and agility for a man his size.
If Jones is around in the third he will make a good pick up for a good value. His name popped up quite a few times and watching some tape on him, he has some skills that can be used right away. At the top of the third round there were a lot of wide receivers and tight ends. While the Cowboys could look for a tight end here, pass rush was a bigger need.
Next: Round Three Second Pick
Round 3 – Su’a Cravens – Outside Linebacker – USC
Cravens was a name that popped up in the middle of the third a few times. While there were some other players available, Cravens was another best pick available type guy who also filled a hole for the Cowboys. While the Cowboys could still use more help at defensive end, Cravens is a talent and no defensive end was available at this point without a huge reach.
Cravens is a little small for a linebacker, however, watching him he is always around the play and will make a play for the ball when there is a chance. He needs to become a better tackler, but has the athleticism to make up for a lot in his coverage flaws. It looks like all of his flaws are correctable and as a backup could become a starter in a year or two, and won’t be a huge weakness if asked to play early.
Cravens was a need, but watching his tape, was an impressive need. He fills the hole of linebacker on the Cowboys roster for depth and can provide some playmaking ability for a defense that has lacked playmaking. He isn’t afraid to get involved in a play and doesn’t let his size limit his playmaking ability. This was a move that just kept popping up.
Next: Round Four Pick One
Round 4 – Ronald Blair – Defensive End – Appalachian State
Blair is a fourth round pick mostly due to his lack of playing in Division I. Blair was a name hanging around in the top of the fourth and with the Cowboys needing a pass rusher, Blair was the best available and within reach. Grabbing a defensive end in the fourth may not be optimal, but if the Cowboys make a move to keep Hardy, this could easily make sense.
Blair is a little on the raw side, however flashes some serious talent. He has the power to bull rush almost anyone and will never let a tight end be the guy to take him out of a play. He uses his hands well and gets his pad level down. He will need some work on winning more one on one battles against better talent, but his work ethic is there and he never gives up.
Blair was a pick that almost had to happen a few times. The draft at this point was stocked with wide receivers and guards. While the Cowboys could use a swing guard, it almost didn’t make sense to grab a guard when the pass rush is so lacking. Blair was almost always available as one of the best left on the board.
Next: Round Four Second Pick
Round 4 – C.J. Prosise – Running Back – Notre Dame
Prosise isn’t a name many have heard of, however, it is a name people should pay attention to. While he should be available in the fourth round, he is raw and could intrigue a few teams earlier. He was there more than once to be taken in the fourth and so he was grabbed more than any other player in the late fourth round.
Prosise is actually a converted safety, to wide receiver, to running back. He only has one season as a starting running back under his belt, but ran for over 1,000 yards. He has about 4.4 speed and can make people miss and take a carry to the house. He will need to read and attack holes better, but with only one season, it makes sense he would need some help in that area. He can open up the pass game and would be a great addition to the committee the Cowboys have.
With a later fourth round pick the Cowboys should go with best player available. With many of the needs filled at this point a running back makes some sense. Without all of the trades the Cowboys should still look at Prosise if he makes it to the top of the 5th round, if not and they are picking late in the fourth again, Prosise might be on the radar.
Next: Round Five
Round 5 – Scooby Wright – Inside Linebacker – Arizona
First, let’s just say having the first name of Scooby is simply awesome. Wright went anywhere from the bottom of the fourth to the top of the sixth round. He popped up a few times and after watching him play, the Cowboys grabbed him as soon as he was available. I hate to call a comparison to Zack Thomas, but this guy could be Zach Thomas.
Wright seems to be able to do a little bit of everything. He can rush the passer, cover tight ends, and has surprising lateral speed. He needs to learn to take his energy and use it for good. He will overshoot at times and needs to play a little more controlled. He has the heart and skills to become elite, but until he learns to harness it all, he will be a high quality prospect who can fill in when needed.
This pick excites me if he is around in the fifth round. Wright could be one of those huge steals of a draft if he can focus on getting a little better every day. He is most certainly fairly compared to Zach Thomas and watching him I can see the comparisons.
Next: Round Six First Pick
Round 6 – Jerell Adams – Tight End – South Carolina
Another player making an appearance from the first mock draft is Adams.
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.
This is more of a need than most Cowboy fans admit, but grabbing someone like Adams in the sixth is a smart move for the Cowboys. He can develop into a very quality tight end, and if not, can be a solid backup.
Next: Round Six Second Pick
Round 6 – Justin Simmons – Safety – Boston College
Simmons isn’t a name on a lot of radars, however watching him makes one wonder why. He is always around the ball and seems to read passes really well. While he will be slated for a sixth round, his special teams play will make him more than attractive at this point in the draft with all the skills to develop.
Simmons is the truest form of a ball hawk. He isn’t the strongest tackler, and won’t wow anyone with his single high coverage skills, but as a robber style safety will always seem to be around the ball. He will need to work on his man to man coverage skills and his angles, however it looks to all be fixable with some time put in. He has decent speed and can play gunner on special teams which could keep him around.
At this point in the draft it is about role players. Simmons is the typical type role player with upside that many teams grab in the last few rounds. While no one is saying Simmons will be the best safety on the team, he could be used for certain situations, which is better than nothing.
Next: Round Six Third Pick
Round Six – Austin Blythe – Center – Iowa
Another name from the first mock draft is Blythe. His name just keeps hanging around and as long as it does he will be a sixth round pickup if available. He could go anywhere from the fifth to the seventh round, but as a depth player is worth the pick.
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 Fourth Pick
Round Six – Lawrence Thomas – Defensive End – Michigan St.
Thomas is listed as a defensive end, but has also played as a defensive tackle, and actually started out as a fullback. At this point of the draft, depth is the number one thing teams looks for and with an ability to play three positions Thomas could hear his name called.
He doesn’t have the best pass rush moves, but he did only play one season as a defensive end. He could be a great rotational player who can jump all over the line and play anywhere. He has a decent spin move, however needs to learn how to use it better. He has a great motor and is always looking to get into the play. He will need work, but his talent is there.
With one pick left for the Cowboys, a developmental pass rusher who has the ability to play a few positions makes some sense. Thomas is one type of those guys in the draft, and his name was always sitting around in the late sixth. While this really could be any player at this point, Thomas might be a name to watch come the third day.
Next: Round Six Fifth Pick
Round 6 – LeShaun Sims – Cornerback – Southern Utah
Again another pick from the first mock draft. The more video I see of him the more he intrigues me as a late round pick. He has good hands and could be a good depth player and develop into a really high quality cornerback. While Sims hasn’t played the best in talent, something about him jumps out when you watch him. Besides his insane 4.41 speed.
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.
Sims can stick around for a while and become one of those amazing steals teams are envious of. While Sims isn’t exactly on a lot of radars, he should be as a late round prospect. Depth makes sense and his blazing speed on special teams could help his stock quite a bit. It would not surprise me to hear his name called.
Next: Wrap Up
So with the second mock draft, it assured some people will love it and others will hate it. With only a few weeks left it should be interesting to see all of the smoke screens and moves teams make to set up for the draft. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Cowboys do in fact trade down in the first round.
Let me know below what you like, dislike, or whatever. This was a hard draft with some of the moves that have already been made and trying to guess moves that will still be made, didn’t allow for a perfect draft strategy. It would probably look different if it fell the way I had hoped.
Next: Cowboys: The Best RB No One Is Talking About
While many people will want certain players in the first round, there is little consensus at this point of who it should be and why. As long as the Cowboys stay around the top 10 or 12 they should find a quality player who will contribute right away. With a few weeks left, we can only guess.