Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: A Very Bold Prediction
By Jimmy Long
The NFL Draft is a mere three days away. With time running out for mock drafts and the like, we make a very bold prediction about the Dallas Cowboys draft.
When I say “very bold” I mean it. I know I’m in the minority of Dallas Cowboys fans on this one, but I’m sure there are a few of you out there who will agree with me. If you’ve read my recent mock draft, you might already know where I’m going with this. If not, feel free to check it out.
The instant reaction to this mock was the lack of a right defensive end. In fact, I only mocked one defensive lineman to the Cowboys. A one-technique defensive tackle at that. And boy did I ever take some heat for that.
But, I’m doubling down. I’m sticking to my guns and my view of the current Cowboys roster. So here we go.
My Bold Prediction: The Dallas Cowboys will not select an edge rusher with a premium pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Just give me one minute to make my point. The Cowboys don’t draft for need. They draft for value. Dallas didn’t need running back Ezekiel Elliott last year. They also didn’t need linebacker Jaylon Smith for that matter.
Even defensive end Randy Gregory was more of a value pick than a need pick. Cowboys senior director of college and pro personnel Will McClay just doesn’t draft based on need. Which is why I don’t see the Cowboys selecting a defensive end at all this year.
The way I see the board falling, there will almost always be a better prospect than the defensive end. In the first round it’s probably a corner or safety. In the second, you’re likely looking at a wide receiver or linebacker.
Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Dallas Cowboys’ history
The third round is chalk full of solid secondary players as well as a few intriguing quarterback options. So unless the Cowboys surprised by reaching for need this year, I simply don’t see an edge rusher being the guy at picks 28, 60 or 92.