Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Trade Down Scenario (7-Rounds)

Round 2 – Pick 51

Justin Madubuike – DT – Texas A&M

There were some players we were hoping would drop like Raekwon Davis, Grant Delpit, and Zack Baun. Since none of them were available, and we’re not trading up, we went with Madubuike. The Cowboys have talked to a ton of defensive linemen with a focus on tackle. They are specifically looking at 3-tech DTs who can rush the passer from inside and/or flex as a 5-tech in a 3-4 front.

Madubuike is a guy who wants to get after the quarterback on the inside of the line. He needs work on stacking offensive linemen and filling gaps, but if you want pressure and explosiveness inside, he is the guy you want. You can move him around the line and he will likely beat anyone he is up against. This works well for the Cowboys decision to use a hybrid 4-3 and 3-4 front as he can play multiple positions without losing a beat.

The Cowboys could still grab a run stuffing defensive tackle, but for pressure Madubuike is a great pickup and should add instant depth and rotation very early on. Safety is an option as is wide receiver at this spot, but what he brings to a defense in need of pieces made him BPA here.