Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: 2022 Nightmare Scenario
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft Nightmare Scenario
Round 1, Pick 24
DE George Karlaftis
Purdue
George Karlaftis is a player who’s picking up steam in Cowboys Nation. With DeMarcus Lawrence gone (in this scenario) the need for a front-line defensive end is dire. Even with Randy Gregory re-signed, the Dallas Cowboys are in need of a starting base defensive end. George Karlaftis fits that mold.
While there’s little doubt Karlaftis could slide into a prominent role at LDE his rookie year, he’s headlining this nightmare draft scenario for me. It’s not just because he’s a high floor/low ceiling prospect that doesn’t offer much bend or explosion off the edge, it’s because he’s filling a self-inflicted need on the Cowboys.
I find it very interesting that McShay, Brugler and Zierlein all have George Karlaftis outside of their top-20 players.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) February 28, 2022
My guess is the NFL doesn't like him as much as Draft Twitter does.
The Dallas Cowboys don’t have to cut DeMarcus “tank” Lawrence. They can afford him. But if they do part ways, they’ll be forced to replace him with a lesser player, thus downgrading the team.
Show of hands: Who wants to downgrade the team with their first round pick? I didn’t think so.
George Karlaftis isn’t a bad player by any means. His 30.5 tackles for loss in 27 games are an extremely underrated stat and pretty tank-like if you think about it. But it’s a pick you feel compelled to make all because you cut D-Law.
While the opportunity to improve the offensive line, linebacking corps, and even defensive interior is there, you passed over better players in order to fill a self-imposed need. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth.