Dallas Cowboys Round 3, Pick 75
Pete Werner, LB
Ohio State
The Dallas Cowboys have had their eyes on the Ohio State linebacking corps this offseason. While I think the bulk of their interest is in Baron Browning as a potential pick at 44, I think they’re also interested in Pete Werner considerably.
Pete Werner is an athletic pursuit-type linebacker. He’s smart and instinctual, he can fight through blocks and execute his run fits. Werner is a sure tackler who packs a big punch with his hits (something the Dallas Cowboys are always attracted to).
Pete Werner is a LB prospect in the 2021 draft class. He scored a 9.49 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 110 out of 2118 LB from 1987 to 2021.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 30, 2021
Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/pgG45p56qF #RAS pic.twitter.com/OQab323wNK
Werner had good burst and agility and can move laterally in pursuit. His coverage lacks, which to me is the most important part of a LBs job, but he’s not terrible and it’s probably something that can be improved on in the pros.
The good news is Dallas doesn’t need a WILL, SAM, or nickel linebacker this year. They have Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and Keanu Neal all under contract for 2021. So Werner will have a full season to adjust to the game before he’s thrown into the fire at one of those premium spots.
At 6-foot-2, 238lbs, he’s an instant contributor. Assuming the Dallas Cowboys LB unit is fully healthy, Werner fits at SAM in Year 1. But long-term Werner looks like a WILL with four-down ability. Werner has good professional potential and is a solid pick right here in the third.