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Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Gambling on High-Ceiling Projects

By Reid Hanson

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a second quarter touchdown pass during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a second quarter touchdown pass during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Round 7

Mike Panasiuk

Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

Finding and developing young run-stoppers inside is a notable objective of Dallas’ new coaching staff. It’s almost a given something will be done in free agency, but I also expect a move late in Day 3 of the NFL Draft. One player raising a few eyebrows is Michigan State’s Mike Panasiuk.

Panasiuk isn’t flashy in the least. He’s a grinder. At MSU he and Raequan Williams formed quite the inside duo of run-stoppers. Panasiuk collected 100 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and four sacks over his career. He’s not explosive but he has fast hands which handle blockers and control the line.

Again, he’s not a perpetrator in any way. He’s a 1-trick pony. But he’s great at it and the Dallas Cowboys need that on the interior. He can 1-gap or 2-gap but can’t move out and play 5 tech in a 3-4. He’s a rotational 1-tech/NT.

He holds particular value in holding the middle of the pocket against scrambling quarterbacks. He’s observant and athletic enough to shadow them while controlling the front of the pocket. He’s not going to over-pursue and get gashed. He’s going to stay right in front of the passer and make him throw it or bail out to a side.

Breakdown

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All of these players are gambles in their own right but given their strengths, they aren’t quiet as risky as some would make you believe. Most also hold a certain level of versatility in their games. Their position flex allow Dallas to go a variety of ways either to play to the players strengths or to exploit match-ups. This also upgraded the passing game significantly and could take the offenses to the next level  – which basically involves upgrading their goal line success.

The biggest problem with this is no CB1 or CB2 was found. But something had to give and with so many needs and the way the draft seems to be falling, it just didn’t work out. I also suspect Dallas can retain Anthony Brown on a cheap 1-year deal so they’ve essentially kicked this problematic can one more season.

Must Read. NFL Draft: For the Cowboys it's a first round of questions. light

Next. Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Getting Defensive. dark

Did any of these “gambles” catch your eye? Who are your favorite high-potential players to target in the draft?

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