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Dallas Cowboys Draft: Three gems in the third round

By Michael H. Vu

Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) throws his hands up after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) throws his hands up after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 2017 NFL Draft nine days away, the Landry Hat takes a look at three gems in the third round. Can the Dallas Cowboys strike gold with the 92nd pick?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt a sense of excitement when the Dallas Cowboys are about to jump on the clock. Maybe it’s a sense of renewal, a feeling that the old season is truly over and a new one is about to begin.

Sure, we had the free agency period to ponder over. But we all knew the Cowboys weren’t going to be a major player in that realm.

Next up: The 2017 NFL Draft.

What has me excited about this draft season is the potential for Big D to add some young ammunition to their weaponry. After all, Dallas has done well in the NFL Draft over the years, so it’s hard to imagine the organization abandoning their blueprint now.

In 2016 alone, the Boys were able to swoop up several immediate starters who will impact Big D for years to come. Of course, some names are a little bigger than others, like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.

But the Cowboys found a solid cornerback in the sixth round. Anthony Brown will have a prominent role in the defense this year. And let’s not forget Maliek Collins, the Cowboys third rounder who picked up five sacks and 23 tackles as a rookie.

Speaking of third rounders, here are three gems the Dallas Cowboys could select with the 92nd overall pick. Enjoy the list.

1. Shaquill Griffin | UCF | CB | 6’0″

No matter what the Dallas Cowboys do with their first two picks, the team will still need extra defensive backs.

Enter Shaquill Griffin. The versatile player has some safety experience. With this year’s NFL Draft deep with defensive backs, Griffin might turn out to be a hidden gem. He’s got size and speed.

His play-making abilities is something to watch for. Griffin has a chance to start right away for the Cowboys.

2. Tedric Thompson | Colorado | FS | 6’0″

The Cowboys need to find players to replace J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church.

Though Thompson doesn’t scream flashy material, the Cowboys could use his smarts on the field.

He’s an athletic player, who can cover and hit. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli may have to work some magic with Thompson, but once he settles into the NFL he could become a major contributor for the Cowboys.

3. Mack Hollins | North Carolina | WR | 6’4″

Yes, I know: The Cowboys should be thinking defense.

But you know what, they should have been thinking Jalen Ramsey over Ezekiel Elliott too, right? We know how that turned out.

With the Cowboys playing out the Terrance Williams or Brice Butler experiment at the number two spot, why not bring in another deep threat?

Hollins has the speed to spread the field, and the size to make cornerbacks uncomfortable. Hollins would be a great weapon for Dak Prescott.

With Ezekiel Elliott and the offensive line taking care of the ground game, a little play action from Prescott to Hollins might be a great combo.

Next: Dallas Cowboys 7 Round Mock Draft with a Big Trade

If anything, the Cowboys could use him to cover kicks on special teams while he develops. I love big body receivers. Personally, I’d love to see Dallas land one this year.

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