Dallas Cowboys: Complete 7-Round Mock Draft V2.3
By Carl Daley
3rd Round – 81st overall: Josey Jewell (Iowa): This linebacker is basically a Sean Lee clone which is good considering the Cowboys could use another four players like him. Jewell has fantastic play recognition skills. He takes his film study seriously and can tackle with the best of them. Has above average coverage skills that make him a unique player at this stage in the draft.
While he is strong in zone coverage he needs to work on his man to man game, he also could do better at shedding blocks. But realistically he would be perfect for stopping screen plays and shutting down the run. While his athleticism leaves something to be desired, he would immediately fill the hole that the Cowboys have at linebacker.
Alternate Pick: Jessie Bates III (Wake Forest): Much like Jewell Bates would fill an immediate need and could do so fairly well. Bates is one of the highest graded safeties in the draft and while he may not be on Derwin James level he would be an incredible get for the Cowboys in the third round.
The scary thing about Bates is how much growth he still has ahead of him. He is already an incredibly effective tackler and would immediately look to make plays for the Dallas Cowboys secondary. I could see him being an immediate starter in that group.