Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: All-In On Offense

Fifth round: Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State

Before we get into the fifth-round selection, let's talk about why the Cowboys don't have a fourth-round pick. It's actually quite simple.

The Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for former third overall pick Trey Lance, the quarterback prospect out of North Dakota State. Lance spent the entire 2023 season sitting and learning in Dallas, which really isn't the worst situation for him at this point.

It didn't work out for Lance in San Francisco, but I like that process by the Cowboys and Lance is undoubtedly worth the risk of a fourth-round pick, especially at such a premium position.

And speaking of players at premium positions, I love the Cowboys going after more Day 3 cornerback prospects. We know that Dallas under Dan Quinn has really liked longer outside corners and defensive backs with size in general. And not to say they will go away from that with Quinn likely on the outs, but I think you've still got to keep all sizes and physical profiles on the board.

The Cowboys not only need outside corner depth, but they might be in the market for a new slot corner with Jourdan Lewis hitting free agency. I love the idea of bringing in former Washington State cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who has gotten his hands on the ball a lot the last couple of seasons.

Smith-Wade plays a physical style and had three forced fumbles in 2022 along with 14 passes broken up and two interceptions over the last two seasons. He could be an intriguing slot replacement long-term.