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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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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 30: Darrell Taylor #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers stands ready for a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /

Round 3

Darrell Taylor

DE, Tennessee

With Robert Quinn’s future in question and Randy Gregory’s status still in “suspension mode”, the Dallas Cowboys are in the market for an edge rusher. And frankly, even if one of those players does come back, Dallas still needs to add to their edge arsenal .

Taylor, 6-foot-4 255lbs was a 3-4 OLB for Tennessee Vols. But given his size and strength, most project he can also play 4-3 DE. The Dallas Cowboys actually need both so Taylor may be the perfect fit for them. New defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan is expected to run some 4-3 and 3-4. And Taylor has the type of ability to play the right edge in both.

Taylor has good explosion off the snap and nice bend around the edge. Where he’s lacking is in technical skill. He’s raw and will need the tutelage of Jim Tomsula. What you can’t teach is athleticism and he’s got it.

He led the Vols in sacks and tackles for loss the past two seasons and may actually be a better pro than he is a college player.

This is exactly the type of edge rusher the Dallas Cowboys need. Someone to man the right side. Someone with explosion and edge bend. There’s only a handful of guys like this in the draft which adds to his value. Expected to go anywhere between the 2nd and 4th round, Taylor is someone the Cowboys should jump on if he makes it to them in the third.

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