Dallas Cowboys: Who would be the biggest draft surprise?
By Carl Daley
The Dallas Cowboys could find themselves selecting a surprise player in the draft. Here are some dark horse options for the team at #28.
The Dallas Cowboys have been projected to take a slew of players during the 2017 NFL Draft however there are some players that could be an option most people are not talking about. The search for a pass rusher or a lockdown corner could leave most of us in the dark about players who could be an option or even a steal at the 28th position.
Here are some interesting players that could fall to the Cowboys if the draft takes a couple of weird turns.
Players that could be a surprise for Dallas on draft day…
Tight end: O.J. Howard
Howard has been projected all over the first round however it is still unknown how much teams will value the tight end position in this draft. This draft class is deep with talented tight ends and teams could wait to take their chances on one during the second round. If tight ends begin to fall that could be a big deal for the Cowboys as one of the greatest tight ends in Cowboy history, Jason Witten, is in the twilight of his career.
Howard could be the next great tight end for Dallas and the team may not pass up the chance to find a new weapon for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. He is a huge target on the field and would be an instant upgrade in terms of the team’s red zone threats. He may need to work on his pass protection but he would still be a viable option at 28.
Wide Receiver: Corey Davis/John Ross/Mike Williams
The wide receiver position has been a long discussed topic amongst offseason analysts for the Cowboys as the team begins to focus on the Dak Prescott era. All of these wide receivers are different but each could help give this offense a new wrinkle for defensive coordinators to think about.
Williams is a monstrous target who would make an intimidating compliment to Cowboys star wide receiver Dez Bryant. Ross is a speedy, deep threat who could give defenses nightmares. The Cowboys have been missing that element from their offense in recent years and Ross could be the player to bring it back.
He also is the fastest player in this years draft so that could have a big impact on where he will be taken. Davis is the player expected to fall towards Dallas and he may be the best wide receiver of the bunch.
He is fast, powerful, and has terrific hands. He is a great playmaker and could have a big impact in the NFL. The Cowboys taking a wide receiver in the first round would be surprising to say the least but if anyone of these players are there they could tempt Dallas into upgrading the offense early.
Running Back: Dalvin Cook/Christian McCaffrey
A new young, playmaking running back could be the surprise selection that would get mixed reactions but anyone of these talented backs could take the Cowboys offense to the next level.
McCaffrey would be an incredibly interesting option as the team could utilize him as a wide receiver as well as a change of pace back. If McCaffrey is on the board that likely means all the best pass rushers have gone early. If that is the case running back could be an option as the team will look to add a back either in the draft or free agency.
Next: Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Seven Round Mock 11.0
Offensive Line: Garrett Bolles
Offensive line would be an interesting choice but is probably the offensive position that will have the most impact. Bolles is thought to be the best offensive lineman in the draft right behind Ryan Ramczyk.
The loss of Ronald Leary could loom large over the franchise is La’el Collins does not reach his full potential this season. The Cowboys could look to fortify the best offensive line in the NFL.