The NFL draft is right around the corner and this year promises to be as unpredictable as ever with all the QB prospects expected to be selected in the first few picks. The following is my final attempt to project the Dallas Cowboys draft picks for all 7 rounds. It is based on which players I believe the Cowboys will select as opposed to players that I want them to draft. Also included is an additional scenario involving a trade for Earl Thomas.
Round 1: pick #19: the Dallas Cowboys select … Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
I am torn between Ridley or Boise State Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with the first pick. Although I feel that Linebacker is a bigger need for Dallas, I chose Ridley for 3 reasons. The first is that I believe he would be a higher rated player on their draft board. Second, is that it was announced that the entire Dallas Cowboys coaching staff attended Alabama’s pro-day, just as they did at Ohio State when they drafted Ezekiel Elliott. Finally I believe the Cowboys did not move on from Dez Bryant because of his contract or sideline antics, but because they feel that they need a different group of receivers that are better suited to play with Dak Prescott. Calvin Ridley is an entirely different player than Dez. He is quick, he runs crisp routes and he gets open. This selection would certainly be a “Dak friendly” move.
Round 2: pick #50: the Dallas Cowboys select… Austin Corbett, G, Nevada
The Cowboys have a serious need at Guard and this draft features some high quality players on the interior offensive line. By the time the Cowboys are on the clock at pick#50 there will not be many options at this position but there may be several linebackers or defensive tackles on the board. The Cowboys will reach and address this need with their second pick. In the process the Cowboys will continue the recent tradition of making unpopular 2nd round picks.
***Trade: Cowboys trade picks #81 and #116 to the NY Jets for pick #72***
Round 3: pick #72: the Dallas Cowboys select…Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
The Jets will be eager to get more draft picks and the Cowboys make a move to select a player they like at a position of dire need. It is possible that the Cowboys prefer another LB such as Josey Jewell, Darius Leonard or Fred Warner but I believe Jefferson’s speed and athleticism will be the deciding factor here.
Round 4: pick #137: the Dallas Cowboys select…DeShon Elliott, S, Texas
Back to back picks for the University of Texas. In DeShon Elliott, the Cowboys get a box safety who also has a knack for creating turnovers.
Round 5: pick #171: the Dallas Cowboys select…Breeland Speaks, DL, Ole Miss
The Cowboys eventually address the DL with a versatile player that they could develop and insert into Rod Marinelli’s rotation.
Round 6: pick #192: the Dallas Cowboys select… Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss
Smith is a small running back who is an excellent pass catcher and is a candidate to fill the Lance Dunbar role in the offense.
Round 6: pick #193: the Dallas Cowboys select… Macklin Weaver, DE, Eastern Illinois
Dallas picks up another edge rusher and a player from a school with some good history for the Cowboys.
Round 6: pick #208: the Dallas Cowboys select… David Wells, TE, San Diego State
A tight end with the ability to block is something the Cowboys value with their power run game.
Round 7: pick #236: the Dallas Cowboys select… Richard Lagow, QB, Indiana
The Cowboys use their final pick on a developmental quarterback with prototypical size and build.
Scenario 2: Earl Thomas Trade
In the event that the Cowboys do make a move for Earl Thomas, I have included a scenario where they obtain the Safety from Seattle in exchange for pick #50.
***Cowboys Trade pick #19 to New England for picks #23 and #95***
Round 1:pick #23: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
***Cowboys Trade picks # 81, 95 and 137 to Buffalo for pick #56***
Round 2: pick #56: D.J Chark, WR, LSU
Round 4: pick #116: Cole Madison, G, Washington State
Round 5: pick # 171: Breeland Speaks, DL, Ole Miss
Round 6: pick #192: Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss
Round 6: pick #193: Macklin Weaver, DE, Eastern Illinois
Round 6: pick #208: David Wells, TE, San Diego State
Round 7: pick #236: Richard Lagow, QB, Indiana
My Mock Draft
1(19): Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
2(50): Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
3(81): Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa
4(116): DeShon Elliott, S, Texas
4(137): Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
5(171): Alex Kappa, G, Humbolt
6(192): Chris Jones, CB, Nebraska
6(193): Macklin Weaver, DE, Eastern Illinois
6(208): Marquez Valdez-Scantling, WR, South Florida
7(236): David Wells, TE, San Diego State
*Photo by Marianne O’Leary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
Prospect rankings and analysis based in part by information provided in by…
Dane Brugler’s 2018 NFL Draft Guide Powered by NFLDraftScout.com and The Sports Xchange http://myfootballnews.com/product/2018-Guide
NFL.COM 2018 Draft Prospect webpage http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/tracker#dt-tabs:dt-by-name
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
WalterFootball.Com 2018 NFL Draft Prospect Visit Tracker http://walterfootball.com/prospectMeetings/byteam
CowboysWire.USAToday.com https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/05/dallas-cowboys-2018-nfl-draft-predraft-visits-30-national-visits-dallas-day-pro-day-private-visitors/
BloggingTheBoys.com https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/5/17201618/ot-mike-mcglinchey-de-arden-key-others-added-to-dallas-cowboys-pre-draft-visitor-list-2018-rumors