Dallas Cowboys Draft: 5 Draft prospects Cowboys fans should know

Dallas Cowboys Draft

Trevor Penning, OT

Northern Iowa

For as good as Micah Parsons has been for Dallas this year, there are those who firmly believe Rashawn Slater was the better option. The OT from Northwestern has taken the NFL by storm and already established himself as one of the very best tackles in the league.

In Dallas, Tyron Smith’s status will always be tenuous and La’el Collins doesn’t feel much better. Since the entire Dallas Cowboys team is built on the backs of their dominant O-line and Dak Prescott’s ability to work behind it, you can bet OT is a pretty high priority heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.

Trevor Penning is someone Kyle Crabbs at The Draft Network recently ranked 32nd on the Big Board. The 6-foot-7, 321 lbs. left tackle is a beast. He’s not the athletic marvel Tyron is (but who really is) but he’s extremely long and some of the quickest feet in the class. He explodes out of his stance and can beat pass-rushers back, getting himself into position, and ready to neutralize.

Listed on Feldman’s Freaks List, Penning has the ability to rise even higher than his current spot and into OT1 conversations. Penning is a true NFL LT who could slide right into a starting line-up.

Bernhard Raimann, OT

Central Michigan

Bernhard Raimann is another fun OT prospect to keep an eye on. Dan Brugler recently profiled the Central Michigan tackle both for his extraordinary journey as well as his prospects for the future.

Raimann, an Austrian born converted WR (you heard me), is moving up draft boards as well. The likely second round pick is uber-raw but uniquely talented. Other than this season, Raimann has only started six games at the tackle position.

But don’t let that inexperience dissuade you. NFL coach Paul Alexander had this to say about him:

"“Right now, he has NFL technique. He’s ready to play NFL football.”"

The 6-foot-6 305 lb tackle is lean and agile. He’s not exceptionally long (33-inch arms), nor strong (given his weight), but he moves fluidly, displays great balance and looks like an elite pass protector. He’s extremely smart and already earned degrees in statistics and actuary science (also on track to get his Masters). He plays calm and handles stunts, blitz’s and counter moves.

This is a player clearly on the ascent and a team like the Dallas Cowboys that could afford a little patience could be just the team to take advantage of his enormous skillset.