The Dallas Cowboys are expected to target a few specific positions in the early rounds of the 2022 NFL draft. Offensive line, wide receiver, and tight end have been the most popular positions discussed but there are other areas that the team could address in the draft such as defensive line, safety, and running back. Ideally, the Cowboys can fill any potential holes in their roster in free agency to set themselves up to once again take the best player available. There is an excellent chance that one or more very good players will likely to fall to the Cowboys at pick number 24 if they are patient and avoid drafting purely for need. Here is a full 7 round Dallas Cowboys mock draft for 2022.
ROUND 1, PICK #24……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
TYLER LINDERBAUM, C, IOWA
Here is a situation where the Dallas Cowboys can select the best player available and still address a significant need. Linderbaum could be drafted before the Cowboys are on the clock but centers are typically not drafted very high and he is considered to be undersized. Despite the concerns about his size he also has the potential to become a perennial All-Pro player at his position. He possesses rare athleticism and quickness which sets him apart from his peers at his position. The Cowboys have had a hole at center ever since Travis Frederick retired. Tyler Biadasz has filled in admirably but has also really struggled at times. Linderbaum would be an instant upgrade who could help solidify the offensive line immediately much like Frederick did in his rookie season.
ROUND 2, PICK #56……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
JALEN WYDERMYER, TE, TEXAS A&M
There seems to be quite a bit of disagreement among NFL draft experts on where to rank the TE’s in this year’s class. There is not one that stands head and shoulders above the crowd and there and most experts believe that none of them will be drafted in the first round. That may make the selection of Jalen Wydermyer in the second round of this mock draft a bit of a reach but so be it. Wydermyer is an excellent receiver and route runner but still needs quite a bit of development as a blocker. The Cowboys are thin at TE currently. They just franchise tagged Dalton Shultz but may not sign him to a long term deal. Dalton Schultz also struggles as a blocker so that may not be as much of an issue as it was under the Jason Garrett tenure. It may be possible that the Cowboys franchised Schultz as a bridge while they draft a young TE to replace him. Wydermyer is one of several options that Cowboys would have available in the second round of the NFL draft.
ROUND 3, PICK #88……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
DOMINIQUE ROBINSON, DE, MIAMI (OHIO)
Dominique Robinson is an extremely athletic edge rusher who was a converted wide receiver. He is a raw prospect from a smaller school but he could be drafted fairly high based on his traits and potential. If he is available in the third round, he would be an intriguing option for the Cowboys in a strong edge rusher class. He would have the opportunity to work with defensive line specialist Dan Quinn and he has the length that Quinn covets for defenders.
ROUND 4, PICK #128……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
COLE STRANGE, OG, CHATTANOOGA
Here the Cowboys double down on the interior offensive line with a fourth round selection of Cole Strange out of Chattanooga. Strange may not project to be an immediate starter but promises to develop into a solid starter. He also has the potential to work at center if need be. Like Linderbaum, he can move really well but there are concerns about being overpowered. He is a highly intelligent prospect and would provide excellent value in the fourth round for the Dallas Cowboys.
ROUND 5, PICK #155……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
ABRAM SMITH, RB, BAYLOR
Abram Smith played both running back and linebacker at Baylor and also contributed on special teams. He is a tough runner and pass blocker with the potential to fill in as a three down back if required. Ezekiel Elliott’s time in Dallas may be coming to an end shortly and a player who can provided depth in the backfield and also contribute on special teams would be an excellent value for a fifth round draft pick.
ROUND 5, PICK #167……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
JUANYEH THOMAS, SAFETY, GEORGIA TECH
Juanyeh Thomas would be a great addition to the Dallas Cowboys with their second of three 5th round selections. The tall safety has been compared to current Cowboys FA Jayron Kearse because of his size, length, and ability to be a hybrid safety/linebacker. Thomas could immediately contribute as a rotational box safety who can pitch in on special teams. In essence, the player Cowboys fans expected Jayron Kearse would be when they signed him last season before he broke out and had a career year.
ROUND 5, PICK #176……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
MIKE ROSE, LB, IOWA STATE
Mike Rose is a big, physical, old school type linebacker. Not the type of player fast and slender off ball linebackers that are becoming more the norm in today’s NFL. Rose’ strength is as a run defender. He is a smart player and he gives a lot of effort. He is a liability in coverage but he could definitely shine on special teams.
ROUND 6, PICK #192……the Dallas Cowboy select…………….
CHARLESTON RAMBO, WR, MIAMI
Charleston Rambo’s draft stock has dropped a bit since the combine after he underwhelmed in his athletic testing. Rambo has shown fairly good game speed and crisp route running. Drops have been a big issue for him but if the Cowboys drafted him he could come in and compete for a roster spot with the departure of Amari Cooper leaving a big hole in the Dallas Cowboys WR corps.
*Photo by Zoey Holmstrom https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode