The Dallas Cowboys have several needs heading into free agency and then the NFL draft. Defensive Tackle, Defensive End, Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle, Safety, Running Back, Tight End and Corner Back are all positions that can be upgraded, could use additional depth and/or need to be addressed for the future. The Cowboys will be without a first round pick this year but they will try to address as many of those needs in the 2019 NFL draft. With the NFL free agency period yet to begin, here is our first attempt at a Dallas Cowboys 7 round mock draft.
ROUND 2: Pick #58: The Dallas Cowboys select…CHARLES OMENIHU, DEFENSIVE END, TEXAS
If Omenihu is still on the board at pick #58, this is a no-brainer for the Dallas Cowboys. They have a clear need on the defensive line with the departure of both David Irving and the suspension of Randy Gregory. Not to mention the need for security if Demarcus Lawrence gets injured or refuses to sign his franchise tag. Omenihu has size and length reminiscent of Irving. Position flexibility is something the Dallas Cowboys have always coveted and Omenihu possesses the versatility to play both inside at 3-technique and at defensive end. Omenihu also brings pass rush ability to the table. The Cowboys have famously been reluctant to draft defensive linemen early unless they can rush the passer and Omenihu checks that box.
ROUND 3: Pick #91: The Dallas Cowboys select…ISAIAH JOHNSON, CORNERBACK, HOUSTON
Corner back is a sneaky need for the Dallas Cowboys. They need to add depth at the position and they also need to prepare for the possibility of losing Byron Jones to free agency next season. Isaiah Johnson is a long, athletic corner that fits the mold of the prototypical Kris Richard defensive back. Johnson is a little bit raw but has tremendous upside and had a solid showing at the NFL combine. If the Cowboys are able to get this guy and develop him under Richard, he could be a star in the making in the NFL.
ROUND 4: Pick #129: The Dallas Cowboys select…JUSTICE HILL, RUNNING BACK, OKLAHOMA STATE
The Dallas Cowboys need to address the running back position this offseason. Ezekiel Elliott has taken a pounding his first three seasons and behind Zeke the Cowboys don’t have another legitimate runner. Drafting Justice Hill would help out Elliott tremendously. Hill would not fill the role of lead back if Elliott were to miss any time but he would be ideally used as a change of pace option. Hill is an explosive runner with big play ability and he can catch the ball. As an added benefit, Hill possesses the traits to contribute as a return man. That could be vital since Tavon Austin may not be back with the Cowboys in 2019. Hill had an impressive combine and some experts expect him to be drafted as early as day 2. Although, talented as he is, he is also undersized and that could lower his draft stock. If Justice Hill is available in the late 4th round the Dallas Cowboys could get a legitimate draft day steal if they select him there.
ROUND 4: Pick #137:The Dallas Cowboys select…DAYLON MACK, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, TEXAS A&M
The Dallas Cowboys gave up 273 rush yards in the divisional round playoff loss against the Rams. They also gave up over 170 rushing yards in a blowout loss to the Colts. Against teams that have strong offensive lines, the Cowboys got pushed around last year. Being an organization that is often reactive instead of proactive, the Dallas Cowboys are likely going to try to bring in a run stopping 1-technique to address this weakness. Daylon Mack out of Texas A&M would fit the bill for the Cowboys in the 4th round. Mack could rotate with Antwaun Woods and eventually take over for him as a starter. Woods will most likely depart in free agency next year if he has another season like he did last year
ROUND 5: Pick #166: The Dallas Cowboys select…SIONE TAKITAKI, OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, BYU
Linebacker is one of the deepest positions for the Dallas Cowboys but this pick makes sense for them both long term and immediately. Sean Lee, Joe Thomas and Justin March-Lillard will be back next year but Damien Wilson may be on the way out. Depth is very important at linebacker where injuries occur frequently and the Cowboys need contributors on special teams. Aside from having a really cool name, Cowboy fans might take to Takitaki because he is a very good athlete and a big time hitter. He would have the opportunity to contribute on special teams right away for the Cowboys. He is an older player and he did have some disciplinary issues earlier in his college career but he seems to have matured of late.
ROUND 7: Pick #243: The Dallas Cowboys select…JONATHAN DUHART, WIDE RECEIVER, OLD DOMINION
Traditionally, the 7th round pick is a player that will not likely make the final roster. Teams take flyers on players in the 7th round hoping for the best and having low expectations. Jonathan Duhart represents such a player. Duhart is a small school wide receiver with impressive size and very good production in college. The Cowboys need a receiver but they need a slot receiver. Duhart is not a slot receiver. The Cowboys will probably lose current slot man Cole Beasley to another team so the position must be addressed. It is entirely possible that they already have done so by retaining Allen Hurns. Dallas also has Cedric Wilson returning from injury. Wilson was drafted last year and could potential play in the slot.
This Dallas Cowboys 7 round mock draft has potentially addressed several team needs but Safety, Slot Receiver and Offensive Tackle remain untouched. When the NFL free agency period begins on March 14th, a clearer picture of team needs will become apparent.
*Photo by Marianne O’Leary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
Prospect rankings and analysis based in part by information provided by…
NFL.COM2019 Draft Prospects, webpage https://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker/prospects
Lindy’s Sports 2018 NFL Draft Guide annual magazine, published by J. Lindy Davis. Jr. and printed by D.M.D Publications Inc. 2100 Centennial Drive, Suite 100, Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35216