Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Balancing Value, Risk, and Need
By Reid Hanson
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.