Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Taking a Surprise Direction

Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft

Round 3, Pick 99

SAF/LB Hamsah Nasirildeen

Florida State

Speaking of strong Senior Bowls, Hamsah Nasirildeen had himself a week, and as such, moved up draft boards. The likely third rounder may not make it this far given his unique traits and tantalizing ability. Over Senior Bowl he showed the ability to cover TEs with ease and even matched up well against some receivers in man coverage (not easy for most SAF).

Having just grabbed a safety in Round 2, one may say this is a luxury pick for the Dallas Cowboys. But I think they could use Nasirildeen as linebacker in some respects (the lines blur between the positions), and he could be a star as a nickel linebacker.

At 6-foot-3, 213lbs, Nasirildeen, is a beanpole at the linebacker position so I’m not interested in making him a fulltime player there. I just see a partial role for him there and some scouts seem to as well.

Many slated Nasirildeen as a Kam Chancellor starter kit. I’m just not so sure about that. I think carving out a new and fluid role for Nasirildeen is the best way to maximize his ability. There still are concerns with some of his coverage ability when facing shifty slot receivers and I’d like to see him only man up against tight ends at the pro level.

LBs have big coverage responsibilities in Quinn’s defense and I’m not sure LVE or Jaylon can really cut it. Nasirildeen could be a flex player who gets starter-level snaps rotating between SAF and LB and he could be a secret weapon for this defense moving forward.