Dallas Cowboys Complete 7-Round Mock Draft: Pre-Free Agency Edition

Dallas Cowboys Round Seven

Emmanuel (Manny) Rugamba – Cornerback – Miami (Ohio)

The last round of the draft is usually reserved for players teams may not think will make it to them as an undrafted free agent. Wide receiver and offensive tackle could be an option, but Rugamba is a sneaky late-round pick and worth the shot in the seventh. If this were based on his 2019 tape, Rugamba goes earlier than the seventh round.

Rugamba is a man cover corner who is really physical. He has the athleticism to play both outside and inside, but inside where he can use that physical nature on the line might be his best fit. He sinks his hips well and changes direction adequately to stick with most slot receivers. He is a smart corner who reads the play well and can figure out the wide receiver’s assignment and route early.

Rugamba’s 2019 tape was much better than his 2020 tape. While he made some strides toward improving his zone coverage, it is not his best trait and will need work. Some of the issues could be chalked up to transferring and then COVID happening, but it probably drops him some this year. He can get a little grabby if a receiver gets away from him and can panic a little when he doesn’t need to.

Other picks: Austin Watkins and Cole Van Lanen

Priority free agents

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After the draft will be a time to prioritize some undrafted free agents. Some names I like here are Cole Van Lanen (OT), Trevon Grimes (WR), Paddy Fisher (LB), and Lorenzo Neal (DT). There are some small school guys that could pop up as well like Donie Corley (WR) and Zyon McCollum (CB). Regardless the Cowboys will probably look to bolster the defense this draft.

Free agency will help define the draft a little better and with the upcoming Pro Days on tap, there will be movement both up and down the boards. Trading back is a real possibility depending on how the draft falls, but until the picture is a little clearer we are drafting straight up. The Cowboys have needs and not all will or can be filled in this draft, so the next few weeks will be vital moving forward.

What do you think? How would you do it? sound off in the comments!