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Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Getting Defensive (version 1.0)

By Reid Hanson

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers is pursued by JC Jackson #7 of the Maryland Terrapins during a game at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Maryland 38-13. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers is pursued by JC Jackson #7 of the Maryland Terrapins during a game at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Maryland 38-13. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 06: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

In this mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys are going to fix their defense and make moves based on the actions they took in free agency.

The Dallas Cowboys enter this offseason with much to do. Until the dominos start falling, we’re not going to know their needs and their prioritization of positions in the draft. But we’re sure as heck gonna guess.

This mock draft WILL NOT have the Dallas Cowboys selecting Grant Delpit or Javon Kinlaw. Too many are doing that. We’re going to go a slightly different direction and try to predict what Dallas will do in free agency and what kind of effects the NFL Combine will have on prospects.

Free Agency

Dallas has needs all over the field right now. But we’re going to make some fact-based assumptions (and some hope-based assumptions) that will allow us some wiggle room in the draft. Here is what we expect:

Many assume Randall Cobb is all but a lock to come back given his relationship with Mike McCarthy. And that’s not crazy in the least. But if he’s asking for what he’s expected to – 2 years/$14 million – the Cowboys may choose to use that money elsewhere. I make the case for letting him go here: “Cobb is too costly to re-sign”.

Robert Quinn is going to be tough to keep around. So it’s risky, but given his impact last season, and the Dallas Cowboys current options on hand (Randy Gregory anyone?), Jerry Jones may be willing to spend more than he’s comfortable worth.

The loss of Byron is going to hurt. He was a far better CB than his INT numbers indicate and the Dallas Cowboys know it. But Jones is considered the best CB on the market and should earn top-3 money on the open market. That’s too rich for Dallas’ blood. That places extra need on the CB1 position heading into the draft.

Safety is also of concern. Even if Dallas brings back Jeff Heath, they’d like to bring in new blood to compete for a starting spot alongside Xavier Woods.

D.J Reader helps inside tremendously. He can play both inside tackle spots in the 4-3 and the NT in 3-4 packages. His addition prevents Dallas from reaching on Day 1 or 2 and allows the draft team to stick with best player available.

The following is based on multiple mock drafts from Draft Network factoring in the after effects of the upcoming combine and the Dallas Cowboys handling of free agents.

So with their first pick in the 2020 draft the Dallas Cowboys select…

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