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Dallas Cowboys draft: Reclaiming 2016 identity at pick 19

By Brad Austin

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys crosses the goal line to score a rushing touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys crosses the goal line to score a rushing touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

GAME CHANGERS > SEXY PICKS

With several quarterbacks, a few skills players, and a handful of defensive studs in demand, high quality offensive line options will surface at Pick 19.

Both Will Hernandez (G) and Mike McGlinchey (T) could fit well in Dallas and strongly bolster the Cowboys front line. However, neither are the second best offensive lineman in the draft according to my grades and Cowboys analyst Dane Brugler.

The hidden gem grades below only Quenton Nelson (G), the best player in the draft. Despite playing center, Dallas brought him in for a 30-visit with guard intentions.

WITH THE 19TH PICK, THE DALLAS COWBOYS SELECT…

JAMES DANIELS – CENTER/GUARD – IOWA

James Daniels is an ideal fit for the Cowboys zone blocking scheme. He’s lightning quick off the ball, powerful, and mobile in space reaching the second level.

Daniels would immediately start at left guard and complete the return to elite offensive line play. The new top flight starting five would then be set through 2019.

If Travis Frederick were ever to miss time, Daniels could seamlessly slide to center and dominate being the top rated center in this class.

There would be moans and groans akin to Frederick’s first round selection in the 2013 draft. Fans would later embrace the fundamentally sound selection after Daniels helps return the Cowboys back to offensive line dominance in 2018.

Next: Dallas Cowboys: 15 best first-round picks of all-time

Talk is window dressing. I’ll just close by letting Daniels’ (#78) dominant play against 2017 Wisconsin (3rd ranked defense) speak for itself.

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