Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Massive Defensive Reload

Round 2, Pick 51

Safety, Antoine Winfield Jr

Minnesota

This is another thing that hasn’t been happening very often until now. Winfield is a draftnik darling this year and as a result, everyone seems to be over-drafting the guy. But as time goes on, scouts are starting to speak up , specifically pointing out some of his deficiencies and his less-than-elite range. As a result, we’re seeing him slip a bit in mock drafts and become available at Pick 51 in a good chunk of mock drafts.

Cornerback is starting to pick up steam in this draft (much to the Dallas Cowboys dismay) and it’s possible most of the second round targets will be long gone by the time Dallas gets a turn. In the drafts where the cornerbacks go early, safeties tend to slide. The past few seasons we’ve seen it happen just like this.

For a while I thought Winfield would go extremely early in Round 2, now I’m starting to see him fall, and even though I know Dallas doesn’t value safety as much as cornerback, all the CBs on the board are going to be a reach and Winfield offers the most value (best remaining are Damon Arnette, Brice Hall, and Troy Pride Jr.).

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1204947241129119744

Winfield doesn’t have elite top-end speed or generational explosion but he’s quick, savvy, and has a nose for the ball. He’s one of the best ball hawks in this DB class and should be an instant playmaker on the Cowboys defense. He’s a natural leader and an ultra-competitive presence. He’s technically savvy and can play both man and zone coverage. He can be interchangeable with Xavier Woods and will push Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to the third safety spot (where he belongs).