Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: No CBs? No Problem!

Round 1, Pick 22

Edge Zack Baun

Wisconsin

Zack Baun is gaining steam in Cowboys Nation. At first glance he seems like just type of promising prospect Will McClay will totally ignore. But with the Dallas Cowboys expected to use multiple front under Mike Nolan, Will McClay may just change his tune. Suddenly an undersized guy like Baun who stands 6-foot-3, 240lbs, isn’t such a bad fit. Not when he can play OLD as an edge rusher in those 3-4 fronts.

For anyone wanting a T.J. Watt do over, here it is (but don’t look at him as a clone). Braun could very well be Dallas’ chance at redemption, and it’s not just because he’s a pass-rusher from Wisconsin. Baun is the real deal. He has good burst off the edge and is more than capable of being a consistent pressure player who can turn the corner.

It’s not just raw ability here, either. Braun shows good technique with his hands and feet. He has counter moves and is a reliable tackler against the run. A team captain, Braun is an intelligent player with leadership skills. His work ethic is through the roof and there’s really nothing to not like about the kid.

He could have longer arms or better bend but he more than makes up for it in other areas, both in physical ability and in character. On the Dallas Cowboys he’ll be undersized but he could possibly play RDE in 4-3 nickel situations. Ideally he’s an OLB edge in a 3-4, or even a SAM in the Dallas Cowboys’ 4-3 base defense. If the Cowboys are willing to get creative, Baun can be extremely useful in multiple areas.