Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Protecting strengths/fixing weakness

Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft

Round 3, Pick 74

Jabril Cox, LB

LSU

If things fall as I expect, we’re going to see a lot of good linebackers and safeties go in Round 3. There’s a lot of value to be found and if Dallas waits until here they may get some excellent players.

Linebacker specifically has good value here since it’s generally a low value position you want to avoid in the top-50. As we’ve discussed before, LB is the third most replaceable position in football (according to WAR) so it makes little sense investing big (either through draft pick or through a big contract) in the position.

With Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch possibly playing their last seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, replacements must start the grooming process now. Jabril Cox is one of my favorite prospects in this draft class and someone I’m zeroing in on with their third pick.

At 6-foot-3, 233lbs, Cox is built for the Cowboys defense. He’s long and proficient in coverage. In fact, he may be one of the best coverage linebackers in the draft. He’s been able to affectively match up against all types and has handled his business smart and effectively.

In his 2292 snaps played, he’s only been flagged three times. Let that sink in.

Cox isn’t great against the run, which is why he’s available here, but he’s not terrible either and in the Cowboys system that largely leans on single gap responsibility and an extra man in the box, he should be just fine with a little work.