Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Trading out of the First Round
By Reid Hanson
Round 3, Pick 82
CB, Troy Pride Jr
Notre Dame
Troy Pride Jr. has forever been linked to Dallas. He’s a player they’ve met with, he has the traits and character they’re looking for in a cornerback, he has great value later on Day 2, and he has scheme versatility.
The Dallas Cowboys already picked a CB with their top pick when they selected A.J. Terrell at Pick 34, but their needs are greater than just one man. Terrell takes Byron Jones’ spot on Day 1 but someone has to be added to help alleviate losses next season.
Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis are both free agents next season and Dallas hasn’t been overly eager to throw money at the CB spot. So it stands to reason this season will be the last for ol’ Jourdan and Chido. Getting someone on board now makes good sense and Troy Pride Jr is a guy with a high enough floor you’ll feel good about 2021.
Pride is 5-11, 193 lbs. He’s smart and a natural at the position. Like I mentioned before, he has a high floor so he’s one of the least risky picks in the 3rd round. He drops because he’s a jack-of-all trades, master of none and that will translate to a low ceiling for many.
Even still, Pride can be your outside starting CB in Year 2 and he can shift between zone and man with ease. He’s not going to make mistakes and will be a leader on the team. He can even move inside and play in the slot if you need him to.