Dallas Cowboys Complete 7-round Mock Draft: Fixing the trenches

The Dallas Cowboys were murdered up front on both sides of the ball last season so it makes sense they’ll focus much of their attention in this mock draft on the trenches.

Dallas’ interior defensive line was arguably the worst  in football. Some of that was due to injury but most of it was just the result of bad players.

On offense, they suffered injuries to both starting tackles La’el Collins and Tyron Smith, and inside to Joe Looney, Tyler Biadasz, and Zack Martin. Questions about the long-term reliability of Smith and Collins are circulating, making OT a legitimate early need and overall depth.

Additionally, Dan Quinn, a defensive line specialist, has joined the coaching staff as the new defensive coordinator. He’s going to put some added weight on the importance of winning the line of scrimmage. Since his defense rarely blitzes and generally relied on pressure created from the front-4, good players will be needed.

Dallas focuses their attention on the big boys in this Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock draft

In this scenario, the Dallas Cowboys trade back significantly. Pittsburgh moves up to fix their long-term QB issue and draft either Trey Lance (if he falls) or Mac Jones (who won’t make it to them at 24). In return for the 10th pick, Dallas gets pick 24, a second and third rounder this season and a 2022 second rounder. It’s not a king’s ransom but it’s good value and allows Dallas to fill a few extra holes with an additional two top-100 picks.

Round 1 Pick 24 (trade with Pitt)

DT Christian Barmore

Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys’ weakest unit is their interior defensive line. Sadly, this draft isn’t very strong in top-flight defensive tackle talent. No one warrants a pick in the top-10 but if Dallas is willing to move into the back half of the draft they could have their pick of the litter at a more appropriate draft slot.

After dominating play in the playoffs, Christian Barmore has been rocketing up draft boards. The 3-tech out of Alabama has a well-rounded game that make him an elite prospect at the next level. Playing in Alabama’s odd front as well, he brings position flex to a team like the Cowboys who are expected to flirt with some untraditional fronts in 2021 (contrary to popular belief, Quinn is not a always a straight 4-3 guy and likes to move and stunt linemen).