Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Balancing Value, Risk, and Need

The Dallas Cowboys Trade Michael Gallup to New England for Pick 96

Round 3, Pick 96

Patrick Jones II, DE

Pittsburgh

I’m not eager to trade Michael Gallup. I think he’s on the verge of a breakout here in 2021 and he has the ability to put Dallas over the top. But with DeVonta Smith, there just isn’t a place for him. Trading him now essentially cashes in that 3rd round comp pick he’d probably yield anyway. We just get it two seasons earlier.

On paper, the Dallas Cowboys are good at defensive end this season. DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory give Dallas a formidable duo that could be one of the better edge pairs in the NFL. But Randy Gregory is only signed for a year and even with the change to the NFL drug policy, he isn’t the safest player to pin your hopes on.

Given the lack of proven depth behind the Gregory and Tank, the Dallas Cowboys would be wise to address the position this draft cycle. Patrick Jones II is well rounded player Will McClay usually leans towards.

At 6-foot-4.5, 264lbs, Jones is built for the part. Jones has good length that factors well on the edge. The past two seasons he’s tallied 22.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. He was a senior captain and beloved team leader.  Jones plays hard and fast. He has burst and violent hands making him a good prospect to groom.

Jones isn’t very polished in his approach or execution. He needs good coaching and development in the pros or he’s be easily neutralized. He’ll run with reckless abandon and take himself out of plays.

Patrick Jones II figures to be rotational piece as a rookie but should develop into a starter down the road given his intelligence and work ethic. He’s a better pass-rusher than run-stopper so it will be important to settle him down and focus him situationally. There’s so much to like about him, he just needs some development.