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Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft 2.0: Free Agency Edition

By Daniel Ruppert

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MARCH 16: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (L) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence before (R) Errol Spence Jr takes on Mikey Garcia in an IBF World Welterweight Championship bout at AT&T Stadium on March 16, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MARCH 16: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (L) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence before (R) Errol Spence Jr takes on Mikey Garcia in an IBF World Welterweight Championship bout at AT&T Stadium on March 16, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – OCTOBER 20: Juan Thornhill #21 of the Virginia Cavaliers in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – OCTOBER 20: Juan Thornhill #21 of the Virginia Cavaliers in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Round 2 – Juan Thornhill – Safety- Virginia

I wasn’t sure how the draft would shake out, but looking at who the Dallas Cowboys have brought in already, Thornhill has been one of their visits, and defensive line looks like more like a third or fourth round talent based on visits so far. They apparently low-balled Earl Thomas, are interested in the aging and oft injured Eric Berry, and as of writing this, they are interested in the strong safety Clayton Geathers. This all points in the direction safety is something they are interested in.

Thornhill brings the one thing the Dallas Cowboys are missing, ball skills. Thornhill simply put, has a nose for the ball and 13 interceptions in his last 3 seasons. Looking at his 4.42, 40 time, then watching his game tape, his play speed matches his combine times. He is quick and fast, and can cover well. He can cover sideline to sideline as well as he can get up and down field. He is a free safety who can cover, play the ball, and isn’t afraid to hit a ball carrier.

The knock on Thornhill is he will get blocked out of plays and doesn’t disengage all that well. He will bite on play action, but it looks like he can make some of the mistake up with his speed and jumping ability. Not sure at the next level that will work for him and he will need to work on this. He will need to work on tackling technique and taking better angles against the run. In the pass he will be fine right off the bat, but might need to come out against obvious run situations for now.

Other names taken: Taylor Rapp (although usually taken before I picked), Parris Campbell, and Charles Omenihu

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