Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Henderson/Kinlaw Pivot Point

Round 1

DT, Javon Kinlaw

6-foot-5, 315 lbs

After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Kinlaw seemingly solidified his draft stock. He was every bit amazing as was advertised. The only problem was some lingering questions about his knee. Those problems look to be mostly behind him but the lingering concern may prove to be a blessing in disguise for Dallas. Given his raw ability and All-Pro potential, there’s no way Kinlaw falls to pick 17 under regular circumstances.

Would Kinlaw be the choice over C.J. Henderson? That’s the real question (a question Atlanta may be asking as well). I suspect Henderson will be gone before 17. And I’m absolutely certain both will not make to 17 – meaning it’s a choice Dallas probably won’t have to make.

The problem is, as I’ve discussed before, the Dallas Cowboys have kind of painted themselves into a corner at cornerback. The nearly-departed Byron Jones leaves a gaping hole at CB1 and if Dallas wants to fill it, they’re going to need to use their top pick (or just admit the secondary will be considerably less-talented in 2020).

But the way I see this unfolding is Henderson is off the board at Pick 17. Dallas, not wanting to reach on Kristian Fulton and unable to trade back, go with the best player available: Javon Kinlaw. They happily accept the risk, and embrace the tremendous upside.