Dallas Cowboys: 2021 7-Round Mock Draft (November Edition)
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Cowboys: Pick 4
Round 4, Pick 99
DE
Shaka Toney
This is a high value pick the Dallas Cowboys have grown famous for in recent years. And if Toney keeps playing like he has been this season, he may be long gone by the time Dallas even goes on the clock.
Toney is a natural pass-rusher with the explosion and bend of a prototype RDE in the NFL. He has dip and bend on the edge that translate well to playing multiple fronts of a 4-3, 3-4, or 3-3. Toney is Day 1 starter on some teams and a situational pass-rusher on other teams, but his ceiling is through the roof as is his leadership and character. Expect those last two traits to be paramount on the Dallas Cowboys defense going forward
The Dallas Cowboys also have a bit of a need at DE. Sure, they’re set with DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory at the starting edge spots, but behind them, things are unsettled. Tyrone Crawford is expected to be gone. It sounds as though Aldon Smith wants to play for a winner (no matter how much the Joneses want to re-sign him).
Dorance Armstrong has yet to establish himself as an ideal rotational piece (he’s been certifiably “OK”), and the rookie Bradlee Anae has only had limited opportunities to prove his value. He’s looked good but his potential is capped by his physical limitations.
Toney would come in as another high character leader alongside Tank and projects well as a pro level pass rusher on the edge. He can be used as either a RDE or a ROLB and should be able to make immediate contributions on the Dallas Cowboys. At 6-3, 240 lbs. he has a big enough build to be an impact player.