2 Injured but elite prospects the Dallas Cowboys could target in the Draft

Dallas Cowboys Draft

David Ojabo, DE

Michigan

David Ojabo entered the 2022 draft process as one of the highest regarded prospects in the class. One funny step a Pro Day later and he’s in somewhat of a free fall. On March 18th, Ojabo tore his Achilles during a pass rush drill at his Michigan Pro Day.

The injury will likely push his recovery and development well into the 2022 NFL season and out of the top-15 where he was once predicted to go. The Nigerian-born prospect was already considered a project player in the NFL. As a raw and recovering prospect, the chances of him making much of any impact in 2022 is unlikely.

A team will have to be in a pretty unique position to take him early in the draft, so unlike Jamison Williams, the chances of him dropping into the second round are significant.

The Dallas Cowboys are in need of long-term defensive end talent. DeMarcus Lawrence finds himself on the wrong side of the hill and Randy Gregory unceremoniously departed to Denver. That leaves the Dallas Cowboys with Dorance Armstrong, Chauncey Golston, and Micah Parsons as their only other edge players signed beyond this season. And need I remind you, Parsons is only a part-time EDGE player.

Ojado happens to be just the type of EDGE player the Dallas Cowboys love. His speed, explosion, and bend make him an elite prospect as a pass-rusher and his timeline corresponds to when Dallas really needs him and that’s 2023.

While it’s unlikely he’ll be a consideration at Pick 24, he certainly should be a possibility in the second round either at pick 56 or in a trade-up scenario to the top of the round.

How do you feel about drafting an elite player who may not be available on Day 1? What circumstances would you consider it? Let us know in the comments!