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Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Dan Final 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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ATHENS, GA – NOVEMBER 19: Isaac Nauta #18 of the Georgia Bulldogs makes a catch for a touchdown against the Lousiana-Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns at Sanford Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – NOVEMBER 19: Isaac Nauta #18 of the Georgia Bulldogs makes a catch for a touchdown against the Lousiana-Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns at Sanford Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Round 5 – Isaac Nauta – Tight End – Georgia

I keep thinking a linebacker would be a great pickup at some point, then I think offensive line help. Then Isaac Nauta kept being near the top of the board every single time. I feigned away from linebacker as the Cowboys didn’t bring in a single player who is expected to go before the seventh round. I passed by the offensive line because outside of Greg Little, the Cowboys brought in exactly zero linemen.

Nauta is an odd tight end to evaluate. He isn’t very fast, he doesn’t create a ton of separation, and isn’t the best route runner. However, he catches everything, breaks tackles, is a strong blocker, and has a lot of football smarts. I can’t tell if he should be in the fifth round, third round, seventh round, or is a steal no matter where he goes. He will be a huge addition in pass and run blocking, a good addition in the short to mid passing game, and on the bench if the Cowboys want to spread the field.

I like Nauta, and I think the Cowboys do too, but I am not sure what to make of him. His play speed seems fine when watching him, but his tested times were slow. If he can improve his route running he could be a strong starter. He has some work, but could be part of the rotation early, especially on the goal-line.

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