Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Defensive Rebuild Amidst Big Trade

As expected, the Dallas Cowboys have been slow starters in free agency this year. The team building strategy has always been to build the roster through the draft and only use free agency to fill holes with bargain players. 2021 appears to be more of the same.

In this Dallas Cowboys 7-Round mock draft we do an extensive defensive rebuild.

The Dallas Cowboys are being free agent opportunists right now, grabbing and filling wherever the value presents itself. This will keep Dallas from reaching for need in the draft and at the same time won’t prevent them from any positions either.

Using the Mock Draft Simulator from the Draft Network, we run through various reasonable scenarios. In this mock draft, we trade back knowing we need to add as many defensive players as possible.

Dallas Cowboys Trade Pick 10 to the New York Jets for Picks 23, 34 and 86

Having grabbed a QB with the No. 2 overall pick, New York is determined to add an elite WR to complete the pairing. With DeVonte Smith sliding to 10, they offer up three top-100 picks in return and the Dallas Cowboys gladly take it.

Picking at 23 is a significant drop for the Cowboys but it puts them in position to draft appropriately-rated defensive talent, in addition to giving them extra darts to throw at the dart board.

Round 1, Pick 23

Greg Newsome II, CB

Northwestern

The Dallas Cowboys need a starting boundary cornerback opposite Trevon Diggs. We don’t know what the future holds for Jourdan Lewis but chances are it’s either in the slot or at safety. If Brown is retained (a big if) he could play outside but we all know that’s far from optimal. A Day 1 starter on the outside is a clear need.

Greg Newsome II has been rocketing up draft boards as of late and for good reason: His film is impressive and his Pro Day was top-notch.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1369353017712119814

In 223 coverage snaps played last season, Newsome allowed just 93 yards and five first downs. All season. On 3rd and 4th downs, Newsome was the only CB in college football to allow a 0.0 passer rating when targeted. When targeted in single coverage, Newsome was top in the class, only allowing a 10.5% competition percentage.

Greg Newsome has the traits, stats, and technique to be a CB1 quickly in his NFL career. Paired with Trevon Diggs, he could solidify Dallas at CB for years to come.