Five draft prospects who could change the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are going through a change in their secondary. Can these five NFL Draft prospects change the team into Super Bowl contenders?

It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys need help in the secondary.

Instead of dishing out cash during the free agency period, the Cowboys chose to sit idle. In the process, Dallas lost four starters in their secondary, including a team captain and a former first-round pick.

And while it’s unimaginable to lose four starters right off the bat, this doesn’t mean the Cowboys are at a major deficit. Sure, watching cornerback Morris Claiborne sign with the New York Jets, another one-year prove it deal, wasn’t ideal.

But the Cowboys’ brass didn’t compute the one-year, $5 million deal. The same story goes for safeties J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church, who are heading to Florida.

With Brandon Carr heading to the Baltimore Ravens, it’s clear the Cowboys believe they can replenish through the 2017 NFL Draft.

In last year’s NFL Draft alone, the Cowboys landed solid pros who will contribute over the years. Names like Maliek Collins (DT) and Anthony Brown (CB), not to mention Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, are reasons to be optimistic that the team’s draft arrow is pointing north.

But the Cowboys need help now.

With the 2017 NFL Draft just a month away, the Dallas Cowboys will be hard at work to ensure their drafting board is polished. Fortunately, this class is heavy with defensive backs.

Here are five first-round talents who can alter the Dallas Cowboys. Enjoy the list.

1. Bishard “Budda” Baker | 5’10” | Washington | Age 21

It’s hard not to trust a kid who goes by the name Budda.

Baker has the explosive factor, who can cover, hit and defend the deep threat. With NFC East taking in new wide receiver talent, Baker’s “wow” factor might be a welcome addition as a safety.

Obviously, his height and size is something to consider. The receivers in the NFC East are bigger, faster, and stronger. If owner and general manager Jerry Jones can identify his “war daddy” this offseason, the secondary will stand a better chance, which helps Baker’s case.

What Budda lacks in size he makes up with heart. With Church gone, the Cowboys are looking for leadership material. The youngster could be the breath of fresh air in the secondary, and someone to rally around.

Just imagine the marketing possibilities with a guy named Budda on your team.

2. Jamal Adams | 6’0″ | LSU | Age 21

Add Adams next to the Myles Garrett sweepstakes: this rookie isn’t coming to Dallas. But dare to dream.

The San Francisco 49ers (pick second overall) and the Chicago Bears (pick third overall) are good spots to land the first-team All-SEC safety.

At 214 pounds, the 21-year-old ran a 4.56 second 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine. Adams isn’t someone who acts his age. A team fortunate enough to pick up Adams will get a leader and model employee.

In fact, Adams is a perfect mold for head coach Jason Garrett‘s template. Not only is this safety football smart, he has proven to be a hitter and a blitz weapon.

Dare to dream my friend.

3. Tre’Davious White | 5’11” | LSU | Age 22

Staying with LSU, how about trading one LSU cornerback for another one?

Now that Morris Claiborne is setting up shop in the city that the never sleeps, could the Cowboys turn to White to fill in? It’s hard not to the think about this scenario: The Cowboys fix the old LSU pick with a new one.

With the right coaching and patience, White could be an instant upgrade over both Claiborne and Carr. With veterans Orlando Scandrick, Anthony Brown and Byron Jones in the mix, White wouldn’t have to leap in week one. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt if White adapts to the NFL fast.

With the Cowboys picking at number 28, and the team’s lack of staff situation, White chances of heading to Dallas is a real possibility.

The Cowboys would land a solid starter, who could tribute for years to come.

4. Malik Hooker | 6’1″ | Ohio State | Age 21

The Dallas Cowboys would need Hooker to slip if they wanted him.

But strange things happen, right? Randy Gregory anyone? How about La’el Collins?

With only one year of safety experience, the high school basketball player has a lot of upside. Though the Cowboys need a starter now, which is something Hooker may not bring immediately, Hooker’s talent cannot be understated.

In fact, the Cowboys should love his ability to learn fast. If developed right, Hooker might be the ball-hawking, turnover machine the Cowboys are desperately in need of.

The Cowboys aren’t afraid of risk (see: Jaylon Smith). Hooker would be an awesome addition to the Dallas Cowboys. But the chance of him slipping in the 2017 NFL Draft is slim.

5. Jabrill Peppers | 6’0″ | Michigan | Age 21

Imagine Peppers and Jason Smith in the lineup.

This hybrid football player played both linebacker and safety. Oh, he happens to return kicks too. He ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine.

There’s no doubt Peppers has a lot to offer. With the Cowboys looking for depth all over the defense spectrum, Peppers would be a welcome addition. Though the Cowboys would need to peel down to discover what role fits him best in Big D, pairing Peppers with Rod Marinelli would be a spectacle.

Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Dallas Cowboys’ history

After all, even defensive coordinators deserve to get spoiled. It’s time to treat Marinelli. And Peppers could be that guy.