Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Finally Fixing the Ground Game

Round 5, Pick 174: Jalen Sundell, OT, North Dakota State

After adding Jackson Powers-Johnson in the first round, the Cowboys now bring in more offensive line depth in the fifth round of this mock. At No. 174, they add Jalen Sundell from North Dakota State, giving them a 6-foot-5, 300 pound player to develop.

Sundell played primarily at left tackle this past season but spent time at center prior to that. He was solid in run blocking but stood out as a pass blocker — which has been an issue for Terence Steele on the right side of the line.

The concern with Sundell is going to be the level of competition he faced. North Dakota State has been excellent when it comes to finding talent that can move to the next level but they don't play against the best teams in their conference.

Dallas has typically shied away from players outside of power conferences since they haven't been exposed to elite competition. Having said that, this is a major need for them and the upside Sundell possesses for a fifth-round pick is too great to ignore.

They can also afford to work him along slowly, assuming they eventually move Tyler Smith to left tackle. Their first goal would be for him to assume the swing tackle duties then one day, he might be able to help them get out of the awful contract they signed Steele to.