Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Episode One (Filling Holes)
![Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy before a NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy before a NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/09eff654440960a6f662c3f3fd03e28538fcd754a2b31ecb6c153148b56091d1.jpg)
Round Three – Henry Bainivalu – Guard – Washington
With the need at left guard, the Dallas Cowboys could look earlier at the position or in free agency, but if not Bainivalu would be a solid pickup. Some teams may see him as a tackle, and that would be a bad use of him. With most of his experience at guard, he could step in and instantly improve the position.
Bainivau is perfect for guard with solid footwork and a good initial punch. While he may be a right guard, he has the tools to make the move to the left side. The best part of his game is his ability to pass block as well as run block. He operates in space well looking for someone to block as he progresses through levels. His bend is good to where he doesn’t get thrown off balance too often.
Where Bainivalu needs some work is getting to edges more aggressively and using his punch first instead of waiting for the defender to get into him. Sometimes he can short-step his slide, and while it is fixable as he does it often enough, it can cause him to be a touch late on faster defenders.