With the NFL combine coming to a close, we take a look at Dallas' draft again - check out my mock draft for pre-combine stats - to see if there was any changes to the draft board.
Keeping with my recent trend, I won't play with trade scenarios as this doesn't fit a normal strategy for the Cowboys, instead I'll focus on their picks and determining who will be picked in the respective rounds.
The Cowboys draft needs are as followed:
- Cornerback*
- Wide Receiver
- Linebacker
- Defensive Interior
- Left Guard/Tackle**
- Running Back
*This position may not need to be filled due to potential trades/free agents
**This position varies on where the Cowboys look to insert Tyler Smith
Let's take a look at the Day 1 prospects!
Jordan Addison - WR - USC
Photo Cred: Keith Birmingham
- 6" ft, 174 lbs, 40-time: 4.39 (unoffical)
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.
Joey Porter Jr - CB - Penn St
Joey Porter Jr had pretty intriguing combine that could drop his stock on some draft boards.is projected to land with the Cowboys. As expected, he ran a mid-4.4 40 yard dash and this mark was a bit above average for corners. As well, he failed to impress on his vertical jump recording a 35 inch jump, which was mildly deflating for an impressive athlete.
That said, Porter did record an excellent broad jump 10'9' (129 inches) and racked up 17 reps on the 225lb bench press.
Porter's size, impressive bench and above average speed should still have him the Cowboys top prospect list. Rumors have begun to circulate about the possibility of the Cowboys trading for All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey, which would likely include their 1st round pick. If Dallas' feels that JPJ has done enough to move him out of reach - they may opt to trade away this pick.
Deonte Banks - CB - Maryland
Photo Credit: Greg Fiume
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.
Broderick Jones - LT - Georgia
Photo Credit: Gary Crosby Jr.
- 6'4" ft, 310 lbs, 40-time: 4.8 (unoffical) Bench Press: N/A
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 Nolan Smith 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.
Honorable Mentions
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR -Ohio St
- JSN is an "if-only" pick at the moment. There are a few mock drafts that have him sliding into Dallas' lap at 26, but I'm doubting that he'll be an option. He'd be a surefire selection if he falls to the Cowboys as Jerry Jones will never want to repeat when he passed up on Randy Moss.
- Nolan Smith - EDGE - Georgia
- The likelihood that Smith drops all the way to Dallas is unfathomable, as he has potential to be a day one starter and requires less polishing and more fine tuning to be an elite rusher. In order for him to drop this low, I suspect it would take a less than stellar combine.
- Bijan Robinson - RB - Texas
- Runningbacks do not hold the same value as they once did as their "shelf life" isn't as extensive as other skill positions. That said, Bijan is regarded as the best back since Saquon Barkley. While Bijan doesn't address any immediate need for Dallas having him on the field would make Ezekiel Elliott a bit more expendable as Bijan is a hyper-athlete and taking him at 26 would be a steal.
Final Pick:
As it stands, I'm not sure that any of the top WRs or CBs are going to fall to the Cowboys. It's very possible that Nolan Smith or Bijan Robinson will be available at this pick and the Cowboys may trade away the opportunity to draft one of these individuals in lieu of additional draft compensation. There's also a strong possibility that the Saints may trade in to draft Tanner McKee from this spot.
Sticking to my previous annotation; Deonte Banks would be my selection at this pick or taking an early reach for Tyrique Stevenson or Kayshon Boutte as a first round pick.
Round 2 & 3 »
