Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft 2023 (reloading the roster)

The Dallas Cowboys found themselves on the outside looking in once again as the postseason came to a conclusion. Another Super Bowl champ crowned, and our Dallas Cowboys left to be the role of bridesmaid, falling short once again, of being the bride.

As typical, the team collected additional draft capital from the free agents they lost last offseason season which should position them to add to their roster. The hiccup for this team is that their draft picks are later in the rounds. Hitting on those picks are vital in continuing to build out this roster and build upon the depth that they are always highlighting.

In this 7-round mock draft the Dallas Cowboys reload their roster with building blocks for the future

This Dallas Cowboys team has needs ranging from cornerback, wide receiver, interior offensive lineman, defensive lineman and linebackers. Depending on what happens with Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott, you can include the running back position as the headliner. However, when you have picks in each round, you should be able to address most of them. Overall, the Dallas Cowboys have done a decent job of layering the talent they accumulate in the draft with free agency pickups.

The leadership group led by Jerral Wayne Jones have said in no uncertain terms that Dak Prescott is their quarterback, at least for next season. If that is the case, they need to surround him with as much talent as possible to make a deep run next postseason. On the flip side, you can go the route of bolstering that defensive of the ball that could use a few more playmakers. I’m going to start with that latter.

Dallas Cowboys pick number 26 – Deonte Banks, Defensive Back, Maryland

The Dallas Cowboys can choose to go defensive back or wide receiver with their top pick in the draft. You wouldn’t go wrong in either direction. In my humble opinion, the Dallas Cowboys have been throwing darts at a problem for the last couple of years and their aim has been off.

A couple of seasons ago, the rumors circling around the team was that Patrick Surtain or Jaycee Horn was the direction. Unfortunately, other teams had similar needs and were positioned ahead of Dallas. The consolation prize if you want to call it that was All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons. No complaints, right?

Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright didn’t show enough to cure the huge need opposite of Trevon Diggs. Anthony Brown is coming off a major injury and will be a free agent. My guess is the Dallas Cowboys would welcome him back at a reduced salary but that a long way from a guarantee. Even if that is the case, finding a new young prospect at the position should be at the top of the list for Dallas.

Early indications suggest that Devon Witherspoon, Joey Porter and Christian Gonzales will be gone prior to pick number 26. Luckily, this draft has options at the defensive backfield position. Landing on someone like Deonte Banks is nothing to cry about and he most certainly should be the choice if he makes it to Dallas.

He is a 6’2″ 205-pound athlete who has gotten better each season at Maryland. A boundary corner that is comfortable playing in Cover 1 scheme is exactly what this team needs. He has legitimate speed to keep up with NFL wide receivers but also the size to high point the ball when it comes his direction. More important than anything else, he is a willing tackler which is necessary in the style of defense that the Dallas Cowboys employ.

According to PFF, Banks lined up the majority of his collegiate career on the outside (906 snaps). Not a ton of snaps (44) in the slot position so I would have limited expectations on him playing that position. In comparison to fan favorite Joey Porter, Jr., Banks had a 43% completion rate compared to 50% for Porter. Not a big difference but enough to indicate you wouldn’t have a substantial drop off if Porter is not available.

I would suspect his combine results (40-time, vertical jump and broad jump) is going to support his game film. Dan Quinn loves his bigger cornerbacks who can jam and play outside leverage. Richard Sherman was his one prospect that led to Quinn’s fame. I’m not saying Deonte Banks will be Richard Sherman, but he has the confidence to believe he can play on an island without compromising the defense.

I suspect this is going to be one of those guys that Quinn stands on the table for if available. Jerry loves him some Dan and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he goes that direction.