The Landry Hat
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Positions the Dallas Cowboys must focus on in the NFL Draft

By Carl Daley

Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae'lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive lineman Haason Reddick (58) dives to make a tackle on Memphis Tigers wide receiver Jae'lon Oglesby (19) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) is wrapped up by Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) is wrapped up by Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

The defensive backs in this draft class are absolutely incredible but several names stand out. Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers seriously improved his draft stock as he had a very impressive performance at the combine.

Pepper’s versatility is rare but could be a star safety in the NFL. The name that instantly jumped out was UConn’s Obi Melifonwu as he was a combine star just like his teammate, Byron Jones. Melifonwu recorded a 4.40, forty yard dash time, a 40-inch vertical, and incredible size at 6’4.

He has the body of a linebacker but moves like a defensive back. He was a four year starter at UConn and is a disciplined defender. He could make a pretty productive compliment to Jones in the secondary and could be available in the second round.

LSU’s Jamal Adams will likely be the first safety off the board but he is the real deal when it comes to leading a secondary. He should come in and immediately make an impact wherever he goes.

He will likely be taken well before the Cowboys are on the clock. In terms of cornerbacks, Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore, Washington’s Sidney Jones, and Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey will be selected in the first round. If Jones is on the clock when the Cowboys are on the board he will be a terrific bargain.

He is a true ballhawk and could change the future of the Cowboys defense. In the second round Dallas will have an array of corners to choose from. Florida’s Teez Tabor, LSU’s TreDavious White, Clemson’s Cordrea Tankersley, and UCLA’s Fabian Moreau could be potential second round targets for Dallas.

Only Tabor has true starting appeal as a rookie but White could prove to be to much of a bargain if he falls to the second round. In terms of big, late round cornerbacks the Cowboys could select, Central Florida’s Shaquill Griffin would be an excellent replacement for free agent Brandon Carr.

He ran a 4.38 forty, has a 38.5 inch vertical, and has some solid ball skills. He could be a very productive sleeper late in the draft.

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