Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Episode One (Filling Holes)

Round Four (Comp Pick) – Owen Pappoe – Linebacker – Auburn

One issue we saw with the Dallas Cowboys was depth at the linebacker position. It appeared the Cowboys wanted to use Micah Parsons more at the edge, but sometimes had to drop him into space to help the second level. Leighton Vander Esch was good this year, but Anthony Barr was a little slow and Jabril Cox was injured. That left the position thin and in need of speed.

Pappoe has the speed and range you would want at the position. He can cover well and has good closing speed, which helps him chase plays down from the backside. He is a smart player who gets into passing lanes and always seems to be around the ball. While he played middle linebacker he has the tools to also play weak side which gives him some flexibility in his usage.

For all the tools Pappoe has, he seems to sometimes get locked up against the run and will need to work on disengaging and using his length to keep defenders out of his space. Working through the trash will sometimes slow him down as he would rather avoid than engage. If he can refine his athletic tools he could be a steal at this point in the draft.