Dallas Cowboys (almost) final 7-round mock draft: Wheeling and dealing

Round Three – TRADE – DeAngelo Malone- Defensive End – Western Kentucky

The trade with Tampa Bay in the first netted this pick and while it might be a very slight reach, Malone was a smart pick with regard to need and how the draft was falling more often than not. Malone is a pass rush specialist which could help fill the shoes left by Randy Gregory. I might be a little higher on Malone than some, but either way, I believe he fits here.

Malone is a pass rush specialist with great flexibility and an explosive first step. His length shines on tape and fits with how the Dallas Cowboys like to view players in the draft. While Malone is certainly a little raw, his athleticism and explosiveness are something you simply can not teach. A high motor, flexible, twitched-up defensive end is something the Cowboys could use.

Malone will need some work before he can be considered a three-down end. While he has the ability to chase down plays from behind really well and can even drop into flats and cover, his strength at the next level will need work to hold up on runs to his side. He will also need to work on pass rush plans and strength to expand his repertoire and be more than a speed rush specialist.