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Dallas Cowboys selection in FanSided’s Expert Mock Draft revealed

By Steven Mullenax

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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We review the Dallas Cowboys first round selection in FanSided’s Expert Mock Draft.

The Landry Hat was recently asked to participate in a network wide mock draft involving all 32 NFL team sites within the FanSided network. Site experts would represent their respective teams and make their first round selection when their number was called.

In this case, the Landry Hat was asked to represent the Dallas Cowboys, who possess the 28th overall selection in the first round of the upcoming draft. And with that pick, the Cowboys selected…

With the 28th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…edge rusher T.J. Watt out of Wisconsin.

"“Watt fits the exact mold that the Cowboys and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli covet when it comes to a defensive prospect,” wrote Landry Hat site expert Steven Mullenax. “The talented pass rusher is a high character individual with a motor to match. The 22-year old defender has been described as a coach’s dream and he’ll find a mentor in Marinelli who will get the most effort out of him. Watt instantly upgrades the Cowboys at the right defensive end position and his selection allows the team to focus on their voids in the secondary in rounds two and three.”"

I strongly believe that the Cowboys will select an edge rusher with their first round selection. Although the class is somewhat deep at the position, you don’t simply need another average defensive end. Dallas already has plenty of those on their roster.

If you are the Cowboys, you need a pass rusher who could possibly be that war daddy, a difference maker. That means spending your top overall selection to try and find one. As for both the cornerback and safety positions, the other area of need for the Cowboys in this draft, I believe starters can be found in both the second and third rounds.

So, despite their being several high quality defensive backs available for selection with the 28th overall pick, the choice to go with an edge rusher is due in part because of the depth and quality of the cornerback and safety position in this draft class.

Next: Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Seven Round Mock 11.0

In Watt, the Cowboys find a rotational rusher from day one who could quickly develop into your premier pass rusher for the next decade. His one year of real production at Wisconsin and two previous knee injuries are certainly a concerned. But if he’s anything like his older brother, Houston Texans defensive tackle J.J. Watt, T.J.’s work ethic and dedication should be off the charts.

You can read the entire FanSided Mock Draft from the site experts by clicking here.

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