Dallas Cowboys Draft: 7 Rounds of 7 Safeties

3rd Round

Andre Cisco, Syracuse

Value: Solid

The Orange defensive back has had an incredibly productive career in Dino Babers defense. Unfortunately, an ACL injury badly hurt his draft stock in the 2020 season. Now Cisco would be lucky to be selected in the top 100 picks of the 2021 NFL Draft.

In 23 games, Cisco has recorded 136 total tackles, 92 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, 14 pass deflection, and 13 interceptions. The numbers across the board are quite impressive and do a good job of showcasing how good he currently is, but he’s nowhere near his final form.

Cisco has plenty of flash plays but will get beat incorrectly thinking he is keying the right receiver.

Cisco displays solid size at 6-feet, 210 pounds, and has good athletic ability. He displays the speed and explosiveness necessary to cover tight ends and slot receivers in off-man coverage and has enough change of direction and speed to cover routes in his deep 1/3rd and to chase down receivers near the boundary.

At this point in the draft, he displays the necessary flashes for the team to draft him in the top 100 picks. He likely fits as an overhand safety in single-high looks or as a deep safety in a split safety look, but his versatility to play as a single-high safety increases his value as a prospect. With Damontae Kazee currently on the roster, it gives Cisco time to develop his instincts to maximize his playmaking ability.

When he isn’t playing in the back, he displays the ability to absorb contact and tackle all types of ball carriers because of his solid play strength and physical toughness.

Cisco is a player I’m higher on than many others, but everyone who watches him recognizes how much work he will need in developing his instincts. The only question that would remain if he were the pick in the third round is if Al Harris and Dan Quinn can work their magic.