Dallas Cowboys 2022 7-Round Mock Draft: Dallas trades back and surprises

Dallas Cowboys (Round 5, Pick 167)

Cade Mays, OG/OC

Tennessee

Cade Mays, 6-foot-5, 325lbs, is a prototypical gap-blocking interior lineman. The Dallas Cowboys met with the former 5-star recruit at the Combine and with a long-term guard still on the wish list, they will certainly consider him.

Mays is impressive on paper but some question how he transitions to the NFL. His pass protection is suspect but his nasty streak and constant improvement are reasons for optimism. He’s going to need to clean up his hand work but he’s a good developmental player to pick up on Day 3.

Dallas Cowboys (Round 5, Pick 178)

Mike Rose LB

Iowa State

Oddly, the Dallas Cowboys go back to the Iowa State well here with their last pick in the fifth round. They have yet to draft a linebacker and while they will certainly be bargain hunting veterans after the draft, they have a history of drafting linebackers regardless of need and circumstance.

Mike Rose is a high value linebacker prospect at this point in the draft. The former 3-star recruit stands 6-foot-2, 245lbs and projects as a MIKE in the NFL. He’s a smart player with long arms and strong coverage ability.

Rose isn’t a good pass-rushing option and overly fast in man coverage but he can diagnose plays and handle read-option and RPOs making him ahead of the curve. He’s capped in potential but comes with a great floor.