Five players the Cowboys should consider drafting at #34

With the 34th overall selection in the second round of the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys should consider drafting one of these five players.

The Dallas Cowboys came away with one of the most electrifying players in the NFL Draft on Thursday, selecting Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the first round. After a failed attempt to trade up for Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, the Cowboys decided to let the first round play out.

Now, the Cowboys possess the 34th overall selection in Friday’s second round, which means they’ll be they’ll be picking third once the round starts. And there are plenty of great prospects available, many considered first round-level talents that have fallen through the cracks.

Although only two players will come off-the-board before the Cowboys number is called in the second round, I’ve created a list of five names I believe could be great fits for Dallas at that pick.

And here they are…

Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky

The Cowboys need pass rushers. Noah Spence is likely the best one in the entire draft class. Unfortunately, like Randy Gregory last year, Spence comes with major question marks. Specifically, past drug issues. It’s a problem that got him booted out of Ohio State and one he’s been feverishly trying to make up for ever since.

The Cowboys always investigate these issues and make their decision on a case-by-case basis. After doing their due diligence, it Dallas officials believe Spence has truly changed his ways, I’m not sure how you couldn’t take a chance on him.

One thing to consider is the public image aspect here. If the Cowboys do draft Spence, it will only perpetuate Dallas’ growing reputation of acquiring players with questionable character. But like the Cowboys showed last season by signing controversial free agent defensive end Greg Hardy to a one-year deal, they are willing to put up with the bad press for a chance at an elite pass rusher.

Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

Falling down draft boards due to knee concerns, the Cowboys could find themselves with a tremendous defensive player in Jack here. The risk is the talented linebacker could require micro-fracture surgery at some point in his career. But his tremendous upside makes it worth the risk, especially in the second round.

Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

This one’s easy. You’d replace one former Alabama star with another. Ragland is a pure middle linebacker. Cowboys current starter at the position, Rolando McClain, just signed a one-year contract and was suspended four-games last season due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Ragland can eventually replace McClain in the lineup this season and take over full-time in 2017.

Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

The Dallas Cowboys still need to address a need in their defensive secondary. And cornerback is the biggest. Morris Claiborne is on a one-year, prove it deal. Brandon Carr just accepted a pay cut due to his overinflated contract and poor play. And Orlando Scandrick is coming off a major knee injury.

Last year’s first round draft pick, defensive back Byron Jones, likely makes the transition from corner to free safety this offseason. With so many questions surrounding the cornerback position, the Cowboys could use a player like Fuller to plug-n-play this season and become a full-time starter in 2017.

Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

The Cowboys tried to trade back up into the first round to draft Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch. So Dallas acknowledges there is a major need at the position. With the top three quarterback prospects now off-the-board, Cook is the next player many analyst believe will be drafted.

Although it all depends on the Cowboys evaluation of Cook and the other prospects available in later rounds, Dallas would likely have to select him at #34 as I don’t see the former Spartan quarterback lasting past the second round.

Next: Dallas Cowboys 2016 Draft: Nine Full Mock Drafts

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