Dallas Cowboys Draft: The first round is destined for chaos

The small talent gap separating the Dallas Cowboys’ top draft targets was difficult to wade through, then the players made it worse.

Separating contenders from pretenders in the middle to late first round was already a stiff challenge for the Dallas Cowboys. Then chaos walked in the door.

There are roughly ten highly desired prospects the Cowboys have no chance of drafting. These players are too universally coveted for 27 teams to pass on.

However, once this elite group leaves the board, the difference in talent between the rest of the first round prospects narrows greatly.

The loaded class was sure to produce surprises and slides due to the abundance of talent and varied preferences according to system fits.

None of that is too beyond the pale in draft history, but this group includes a unique twist of misfortune and malign.

DEFENSIVE TARGETS DROPPING LIKE FLIES

Let’s flash back to the conclusion of the NFL Combine in early March.

Sidney Jones (CB), Reuben Foster (LB), Gareon Conley (CB), and Jabrill Peppers (LB/S) were surefire first rounders. Caleb Brantley (DT) was a first round hopeful.

The first four are defensive players Dallas held in high regard. They were all but guaranteed to leave the board before the Cowboys’ 28th pick.

Over the last week new developments have strongly dented the draft stock of these elite players. A few may not hear their name called at all.

Jones tore his Achilles tendon at Washington’s pro day. His first round guarantee is now history and becomes a cautionary tale.

Foster was already a concern after being sent home from the combine following an argument with a hospital worker.

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It was recently reported he also produced a diluted urine sample, which is considered a failed drug test. The NFL has refused to invite him to attend the draft.

Peppers’ urine sample was also considered diluted and deemed a failure.

Diluted samples are those with an abnormal excess of water. Both players claim innocence due to over-hydrating before the combine to fight illness.

Regardless, the diluted samples place them in Stage One of the NFL’s substance abuse program and will cause strong hesitation by NFL teams.

Conley was recently accused of rape and police are investigating the incident from mid April. He’ll no longer attend the draft and is likely a first round scratch.

Brantley was charged with simple battery for punching a woman at a bar and knocking her unconscious. His chances of being drafted are slim to none.

COWBOYS COULD SUFFER FROM FALLOUT

While Jones’ injury has been known for weeks, bad actions by the others fall under newly revealed information.

Are Foster, Peppers, and Conley now considered too risky to spend a team’s prized selection on?

Even if two are shunned the Cowboys will likely feel the brunt. At least two talented prospects will have to move up the draft board to fill their spots.

The natural volatility from such a talent rich draft class already made the Cowboys’ late selection a reach to predict.

With all the new missteps and bad behavior, chaos has turned pinpointing their decision into a baseless exercise.

Going with my gut, I’d say the safe choice will belong to a pass rusher. Taco Charlton, Takkarist McKinley, Charles Harris, or T.J. Watt are the candidates.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Draft: Ten Final Seven Round Mocks

The highest, available player from that order will likely end up wearing The Star.

One thing is for sure, the first round is going to be a wild, bumpy ride.  Buckle up.