Dallas Cowboys Complete 7-Round Mock Draft V2.2: Building for the Present and Future
By FS Staff
With the 81st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select: Malik Jefferson, Linebacker, Texas
Malik Jefferson was the pride of the University of Texas in his 3 years there. He was a terrific linebacker during his time there even though he dealt with multiple injuries. Jefferson could be selected earlier in the draft, however, NFL.com projects him to be picked in the 3rd round. If the Cowboys are able to select him, he could be quite the steal.
In 13 games in 2017, Jefferson had 110 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks and was first-team All-Big 12. At 6’3” and 236 lbs, he has the size to play in the NFL. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.52 40 yard dash and a vertical jump of 36 inches. His athleticism, recovery speed, and his ability to blitz the quarterback makes up for lack of coverage skills.
The Cowboys had a noticeable hole at linebacker this past season. When Sean Lee was out with injuries, the Cowboys defense struggled to stop everyone. Jaylon Smith is not quite his old self after his devastating knee injury. To make matters worse, Anthony Hitchens, who was a bright spot in 2017, could leave in free agency. Malik Jefferson could come into a starting role and make an impact right away.