Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Breaking from the norm
By Reid Hanson
Round 4, Pick 128
(DT) Daniel Wise
Kansas
6’3″ 290lbs
Link to Dallas: coaching connections, Dallas Day, private workout
Projecting Daniel Wise to Dallas is a little old hat for me. His connections with the Dallas franchise are well-documented and the Dallas Cowboys’ willingness to pull from the Kansas well has been recently proven (Dallas selected Dornace Armstrong last season).
Wise also happens to play the defensive line position the Dallas Cowboys need to address the most: 3-technique under tackle.
Related Story. The DL position Dallas must upgrade the most. light
With Maliek Collins in his last season, the Dallas Cowboys are unsettled long-term at under tackle. Even Tyrone Crawford’s future is in doubt after this season. Developing a player now, will position the Cowboys to survive next year.
The reason Daniel Wise is so darn attractive is his natural skill set and motor. The team captain recently collected 34 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks on a team devoid of talent. Those are impressive numbers for a guy opposing offenses keyed on each and every play.
So why is he available in the fourth round? The school plays a part but his overall rawness certainly isn’t doing him any favors. Scouts everywhere seem to agree his technique needs a ton of work. His footwork stinks and his pass-rush moves are lacking.
But Wise’s get-off is notable and his strength and motor are impressive. In fact, his motor is arguably the best in this class and his all-out play may explain some of his technique problems. This is the perfect player for Rod Marinelli.
Marinelli loves try-hard guys and this is a try hard guy with loads of natural ability. With the right coaching, Wise could easily be starting 3-tech in the NFL. It’s worth pointing out, Wise is also a fan favorite around the NFL – just about every team mock draft selecting him later in the fourth round.
Time for a running back…