Mock Draft 2023 1.0 (Round 2-3)

 

Round 2

Jalin Hyatt - WR - Tennessee

Photo Cred: Bryan Lynn

• 6" ft, 180 lbs, 40-time: 4.29 (unoffical)

In the event that Dallas is able to lock down one of the top corners in the first round - Joey Porter Jr or Cam Smith - wide receiver will be the next target on the Cowboys immediate needs. My top target for them in this round would be: Jalin Hyatt.

Of course, everyone remembers his five touchdown performance against Alabama in what turned into the game of the year this past season. Hyatt carved up some of the best DBs - and future 1st round draft picks - on his way in helping the Volunteers overcome their SEC rivals.

Hyatt, much like Addison, offers the ability to spread the field and provide another weapon in this high powered offensive attack. Hyatt has blazing speed and can get by his defenders with ease, easily tracks the ball and is quick out of the block. This in mind, his route tree is extremely limited; this would be a massive area of improvement. While Hyatt excelled this year, this was through a single season performance where he earned All-America honors and earned the Blitenikoff award which has elevated his draft stock. We hope that he continues this massive improvement.

Parker Washington - WR - Penn St

• 5'11" ft, 215 lbs, 40-time: 4.49 (unoffical)

You may begin to see a trend towards the receivers I expect Dallas to target as we take a look at Parker Washington out of Penn St. Washington you may remember hearing his name when he and ('22 1st rounder) Jahan Dotson were lighting defenses up every Saturday.

Washington quietly emerged as one of the top 10 wide receivers this past season. Washington possesses the ability to beat defenders from scrimmage, has the knack of getting open and finding space and has surefire hands to come down with the football. He can be seen as a bit arrogant or cocky given that he's confident he'll come down with the ball, he hasn't improved his separation skills. A big area of improvement he should grind on in the offseason as this was a pain point for Dallas receivers this year.

As the third receiver listed in the pecking order for the Cowboys to target; this rounds out what could be a potential steal for Dallas in either round. With getting a true 2nd cornerback; it seems all but confirmed that either Hyatt or Washington will be suiting up for Dallas next season.

 

Deonte Banks - CB - Maryland

• 6'2" ft, 205 lbs, 40-time: 4.50 (unoffical)

As noted, at the moment, Joey Porter Jr is slated to fall to the Cowboys at this position; I'm fairly certain that the NFL combine will boost Porter's stock and move him from this spot. In that event, Cam Smith would be my next "go-to" run to the podium selection.

He's a corner that fits the type of defense that Dan Quinn runs as his physique is unquestionable, so much so that multiple outlets have him ranging from 6ft to 6ft 4in and weighing between 188-215lbs. He's very physical and can excel in man coverage, which Dallas severely lacked opposite of Diggs. Like Diggs, he has a nose for the football and may give up a big play here and there while he looks to track the ball and use his speed to make up ground.

Smith is already drawing early comparisons to fellow South Carolina Alumni, Jaycee Horn, and 2nd team All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell. If Dallas is able to land this Smith to pair with Diggs and budding starter Bland, this can provide the defense with yet another weapon at Quinn's disposal.

 

Felix Anudike-Uzomah - EDGE - Kansas St

• 6'4" ft, 255 lbs, 40-time: 4.73 (unoffical)  Bench Press: N/A

My next candidate for consideration is Trenton Simpson. Simpson ranks as the best linebacker in this class and is easily one of the best overall athletes available at this point in the 1st round. Simpson has drawn comparison to the likes of Isaiah Simmons and Micah Parsons, where he's shown similar skill set and drive to the former as he's a true linebacker that can get after the quarterback on every down.

With both Anthony Barr and Leighton Vander Esch being free agents this offseason, Simpson seems like a great candidate to replace them in the event they are unable to reach a deal. While Damone Clark will be set to take more snaps, adding Simpson on a Dallas team that loves to rush the quarterback probably has Quinn with hearts in his eyes. As noted, Simpson plays similarly to Parsons meaning that Parsons wouldn't always have to be counted on in pass rush. Simpson versatility rivals Parsons as he, too, can drop into coverage, split out and take on a slot corner and defend the run. 

Simpson certainly has room to improve just like any other prospect. Given his naturally instinctive ability to single out the ball carrier, occasionally, he gets caught over-pursuing and due to his incredible speed has to change direction abruptly. Parsons is the right man to help Simpson development into a fellow All-Pro Linebacker and makes this a match made in heaven, if the cards are right.

 

Zach Harrison - EDGE - Ohio St

• 6'6" ft, 272 lbs, 40-time: 4.41 (unoffical) Bench Press: TBD

Up next is the less sexy pick in Broderick Jones. Jones would, potentially, provide the Cowboys a long term answer to their Left Tackle concerns. Tyron Smith is a future Hall-of-Famer as there's no question, however, Smith hasn't played a full season since 2016 and over the seasons it's proved that this position isn't as easily fillable. This past season Tyler Smith and Jason Peters found themselves alternating playing Left Tackle. While Peters is certainly not a long term answer (also a free agent) and Smith is more suited for Guard, this is where Jones can offer his services.

Jones is widely considered to be the best athlete amongst the other offensive linemen in - here's a video of him balling - he's an elite protector and has ability to maul players quickly, possess high football IQ, vice grip-like hand strength, and a phenomenal finisher. Due to his basketball background, Jones has jaw-dropping speed for his size - this has allowed him to play tight end at times. One of the most impressive stats to Jones' credit is that he didn't surrender a single sack this past season, playing in the toughest conference in the FBS.

If it were to come down to choosing between Simpson and Jones, it's my estimation that the Cowboys will pick Jones as elite Left Tackles are a bit harder to come by. Either pick at the end of the 1st round has the makings of a steal for the Cowboys provided they do not flub the opportunity to capitalize. 

 

Round 3

Blake Freeland - LT - BYU

Photo Cred: George Frey

• 6'8" ft, 305 lbs, 40-time: 5.03 (unoffical) Bench Press: TBD

In my opinion, if Addison were to fall to the Cowboys at the 26th pick, this should be an automatic selection for them. Addison is a former Biletnikoff winner and consensus All-American in 2021 and received first team honors at Pittsburgh (2021) and USC (2022). Outside of lacking a clear-cut CB2 - opposite to Trevon Diggs - Dallas lacked a clear WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb. 

The Cowboys were dead-set on making Lamb their WR1 that they forgot to ensure that they had a WR2 to cover his production as well. Noah Brown performed admirably, but is definitely not the answer to the Cowboys WR woes. Michael Gallup was still recovering from his ACL injury, while he showed sparks, he seemingly disappeared down the stretch and received little to no targets. Dallas added TY Hilton late in the season in hopes to get a better option, whom showed sparks as well, but long term Hilton won't be able to provide this to the Cowboys.

Addison brings a lot to the table that Dallas misses from Amari Cooper. Addison is a candidate to "hit his head on the goal post" anytime he steps on the field as he has a knack of getting open and most of all creating separation from his defenders. He has a sufficient route tree and isn't limited to just deep threats; this can use polishing but he's likely third amongst rookies with his route running ability. He can make defenders miss once he has the ball in his hands and is hard to take down. If Dallas intends on running a similar offense they ran this year, Addison will fit exactly what they are looking for.

Gervon Dexter Sr. - DT/DI - Florida

• 6'6" ft, 312 lbs, 40-time: 4.82 (unoffical) Bench: 425 lbs (max)

Next up is a glimpse at the first need that the Cowboys will prioritize, if Addison is not available. Joey Porter Jr, currently, is projected to land with the Cowboys. Mind you, this is pre-draft rankings and I strongly believe with an above average combine this will propel Porter's stock and make him less likely to be available. However, if the Cowboys are staring at him at the 26th pick and Addison has been selected - he's a no brainer selection.

When Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis went down, we all hoped that Kelvin Joseph would take a step in the right direction; however, after getting shredded by the Jaguars, these pipe dreams have dissipated. While Joseph is certainly a better athlete than the latter he's likely going to lose his job over his inability to play the position he was drafted to play. With Brown coming off an injury and being an unrestricted free agent, I'm finding it had to believe that he'll be re-signed by Dallas. Lewis is another cap casualty I can see the Cowboys parting ways with as they look to give Wright and Mukuamu more playing time.

Porter fits the defensive scheme perfectly as he's a strong man-to-man corner, has great instincts and ball hawk ability and has improved his footwork and 1-on-1 coverage in the past year. Unlike Diggs though, he won't be one to track down wide receivers and close gaps at his whim. He'll need to use his technique and size to jam receivers at the line and match them stride for stride. Fortunately, landing in Dallas would benefit Porter as locking up a defender for at least 5-6 seconds will give this pass rush ample time to get to the quarterback.

 

Noah Sewell - LB - Oregon

• 6'2" ft, 253 lbs, 40-time: 4.58 (unoffical) Bench Press: 425 (max)

As noted, at the moment, Joey Porter Jr is slated to fall to the Cowboys at this position; I'm fairly certain that the NFL combine will boost Porter's stock and move him from this spot. In that event, Cam Smith would be my next "go-to" run to the podium selection.

He's a corner that fits the type of defense that Dan Quinn runs as his physique is unquestionable, so much so that multiple outlets have him ranging from 6ft to 6ft 4in and weighing between 188-215lbs. He's very physical and can excel in man coverage, which Dallas severely lacked opposite of Diggs. Like Diggs, he has a nose for the football and may give up a big play here and there while he looks to track the ball and use his speed to make up ground.

Smith is already drawing early comparisons to fellow South Carolina Alumni, Jaycee Horn, and 2nd team All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell. If Dallas is able to land this Smith to pair with Diggs and budding starter Bland, this can provide the defense with yet another weapon at Quinn's disposal.

 

Tyrique Stevenson - CB - Miami (FL)

• 6" ft, 204 lbs, 40-time: 4.40 (unoffical)  

My next candidate for consideration is Trenton Simpson. Simpson ranks as the best linebacker in this class and is easily one of the best overall athletes available at this point in the 1st round. Simpson has drawn comparison to the likes of Isaiah Simmons and Micah Parsons, where he's shown similar skill set and drive to the former as he's a true linebacker that can get after the quarterback on every down.

With both Anthony Barr and Leighton Vander Esch being free agents this offseason, Simpson seems like a great candidate to replace them in the event they are unable to reach a deal. While Damone Clark will be set to take more snaps, adding Simpson on a Dallas team that loves to rush the quarterback probably has Quinn with hearts in his eyes. As noted, Simpson plays similarly to Parsons meaning that Parsons wouldn't always have to be counted on in pass rush. Simpson versatility rivals Parsons as he, too, can drop into coverage, split out and take on a slot corner and defend the run. 

Simpson certainly has room to improve just like any other prospect. Given his naturally instinctive ability to single out the ball carrier, occasionally, he gets caught over-pursuing and due to his incredible speed has to change direction abruptly. Parsons is the right man to help Simpson development into a fellow All-Pro Linebacker and makes this a match made in heaven, if the cards are right.

 

Dawand Jones - RT - Ohio St

• 6'8" ft, 375 lbs, 40-time: 5.40 Bench Press: 28 reps (225lbs)

Up next is the less sexy pick in Broderick Jones. Jones would, potentially, provide the Cowboys a long term answer to their Left Tackle concerns. Tyron Smith is a future Hall-of-Famer as there's no question, however, Smith hasn't played a full season since 2016 and over the seasons it's proved that this position isn't as easily fillable. This past season Tyler Smith and Jason Peters found themselves alternating playing Left Tackle. While Peters is certainly not a long term answer (also a free agent) and Smith is more suited for Guard, this is where Jones can offer his services.

Jones is widely considered to be the best athlete amongst the other offensive linemen in - here's a video of him balling - he's an elite protector and has ability to maul players quickly, possess high football IQ, vice grip-like hand strength, and a phenomenal finisher. Due to his basketball background, Jones has jaw-dropping speed for his size - this has allowed him to play tight end at times. One of the most impressive stats to Jones' credit is that he didn't surrender a single sack this past season, playing in the toughest conference in the FBS.

If it were to come down to choosing between Simpson and Jones, it's my estimation that the Cowboys will pick Jones as elite Left Tackles are a bit harder to come by. Either pick at the end of the 1st round has the makings of a steal for the Cowboys provided they do not flub the opportunity to capitalize. 

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