Dallas Cowboys: Seven Round NFL Combine Mock Draft
By Jimmy Long
With the NFL Combine nearly complete, we make a more informed Dallas Cowboys mock draft featuring some of the Combine’s most electric performers.
We’ve seen the running backs. We’ve watched the quarterbacks, the wide receivers. We scrutinized the defensive line. It’s time to go on the clock and find the next generation of Dallas Cowboys stars.
1st Round, Pick 28 – Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan
With their first selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cowboys opt to address their depleted secondary. It is looking more and more like they will be unable to retain former strong safety Barry Church, so Peppers fills an immediate need.
On top of that, the former Wolverine ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the Combine. That’s fast for a safety. Many say he is raw in coverage and will perform better in the box, but with time to develop, Peppers and 2015 first round pick Byron Jones could make an impressive safety tandem.
2nd Round, Pick 60 – Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
The Cowboys double dip for their secondary, snagging the 6’1 corner from Tigertown. Personally, Tankersley is one of my favorite players in the second round. I love his size and length, and I believe he would nicely fill the void left by either former starters Brandon Carr or Morris Claiborne.
3rd Round, Pick 92 – Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State
Finally the Cowboys address their pass rush. This is going to be the position with the most scrutiny for them throughout the NFL Draft. Rivers provides a defensive end with room to grow, and someone who can perhaps contribute immediately as a starter in Marinelli’s system.
Rivers also impressed at the Combine, running a 4.61 in the 40, and benching an impressive 30 reps of 225 pounds. For comparison, the widely regarded first overall pick Myles Garrett, did 33 reps, and ran a 4.64.
4th Round, Pick 133 – Trey Hendrickson, DE, Florida Atlantic
Trey Hendrickson is another impressive Combine performer who has production at the collegiate level to warrant interest. In his four years at FAU, Hendrickson managed to deliver 29.5 sacks. If you told me he could average around 7 sacks a year for Dallas, I’d ask where I sign him up.
At the Combine, the Florida Atlantic alumni impressed in both the 20 and 60 yard shuttles, running top times in each. He also showed good athleticism in the more popular events, brandishing a 4.65 40-time. Hendrickson will be another project, but some time with Marinelli should turn him in to a viable war daddy.
6th Round, Pick 211 – Amba Etta-Tawo, WR, Syracuse
With Terrance Williams likely departing in free agency, the Cowboys need to add another playmaker opposite Dez Bryant. Amba Etta-Tawo will be that guy. Currently, he is what you’d expect of a 6th round wide receiver. But, people said the same about Antonio Brown.
Now, I’m not saying Etta-Tawo is the next Antonio Brown. But when I watched him, I saw a player that can go up and get the football, and make magic happen once he gets it. I’m not sure he has the breakaway speed you’d want in an explosive deep-threat guy, but a 4.49 40 yard dash gives me hope that he can be that guy.
7th Round, Pick 228 – Ben Braden, G, Michigan
The Cowboys once again call upon the University of Michigan, and select guard Ben Braden. Braden ran a 5.04 second 40, showing the athleticism that the Cowboys like in their offensive lineman. This pick gives the Cowboys a cheap backup, and an insurance policy in case starting guards Zack Martin or La’el Collins get injured.
7th Round, Pick 246 – D.J. Jones, DT, Ole Miss
Jones is a true, 300 pound nose tackle, something the Cowboys will need as it seems Terrell McClain may have a big market in free agency. I’m intrigued by him because for his size, he moves very well. This is a 310 pound man that ran 5.04 in the 40. He also has some strength to him.
If Rod Marinelli could coach him up into a better rush man, the Cowboys could have themselves their nose tackle for the future. A player to plug besides Maliek Collins and their new war daddies.
Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Dallas Cowboys’ history
So, what do you think? Did we address the Cowboys needs with this mock? Let us know who you want to see wearing the Star this fall in the comments!