Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock draft 2023 (Reloading the playmakers)
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Cowboys Round 6 (204): NT Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina
The Dallas Cowboys aren’t exactly rich on their interior defensive line. They would be in decent shape if they would have held onto last season’s John Ridgeway, but they lost him trying to sneak him onto their practice squad so here we go.
Johnathan Hankins served a vital function last season that he hopefully continues in 2023. He was a one-dimensional run-stuffer who could two-gap and occupy blockers. It doesn’t look pretty on the stat sheet but it sure makes a difference as a unit.
Jerrod Clark is a 6-foot-4 345lb. nose tackle in the same image. He’s an athletic player with big frame and long arms. He’s a run-stuffer who can play in an odd-front scheme. For anyone dreaming of Micah Parsons and Sam Williams as 3-4 EDGE players, Clark makes that possible
Having a 2-down player with a good motor is imperative. Even if Dallas keeps Hankins, they are thin at DT can use 2-gap players on their front. Strong play up front mean strong play at the second level and Dallas mostly young and experienced linebackers populating the second level.
The Dallas Cowboys don’t draft DTs very high but they have a need so I fully expect a 2-gap player on Day 3.