Predicting the Dallas Cowboys first-round selection in 2020

Now that the 2020 NFL Draft is less than one month away, the Dallas Cowboys may have their eyes set on a one draft prospect more than the others.

The Dallas Cowboys are set to approach week two of the free agency period. Some may wanted to see them be a bit more aggressive, but overall, I think they’ve done more than in year’s past.

The Cowboys had a few glaring weaknesses within their defense and addressed it within the past week by signing defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Both are huge upgrades for their defense.

Fans loved the idea of Dallas going after a Texas native in wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders after the departure of wide receiver Randall Cobb, but Sanders landed in New Orleans instead. The ‘Boys can still potentially sign players to make this an even more successful free agency, such as defensive tackle Damon Harrison and that wish list could go on and on. But let’s keep that for another discussion.

Let’s now focus on the 2020 NFL Draft. As, we take a look at the ‘Boys roster after a few key free agent signings they still have a few needs on the defensive side of the ball at both the cornerback and defensive end positions.

With the loss of cornerback Byron Jones, that not only leaves the team thin at the position but it also makes it a lot weaker. I agree with not signing him due to the heavy contract, but he must be replaced.

The Cowboys have cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis as the building block for the position. They also re-signed cornerback C.J. Goodwin and Anthony Brown as well, followed by the signing of cornerback Maurice Canady.

Dallas will most certainly love to address this position during the upcoming draft considering they would like to play in a sub-defense majority of the time according to Cowboys Insider, Mike Fisher.

A sub-defense is when a defense has five defensive backs and two linebackers. So, if that’s the case the Boys may want to invest in their cornerbacks. With that being said, their first-round selection could be cornerback C.J. Henderson from the University of Florida.

Henderson sits at 6-foot-1, 204 lbs. He is a silky smooth corner with great hip transition and he has ideal size for today’s game. He is the clear cut number two cornerback in this year’s draft, right behind cornerback Jeff Okudah.

Henderson had an outstanding combine, registering a 4.39 40-yard dash time, 37.5 vertical jump, 127.0 broad jump, and a 20 rep bench. He also turned a lot of heads during individual drills.

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Henderson has all the tools to become a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback in the league. He has the size and speed to play man and has the mental intangibles to play zone. At Florida you saw him play both, so he can easily adjust to any scheme.

One of Henderson’s biggest strengths is disrupting wide receivers at the line. His combination of agility and strength poses a problem for wide receivers to get off the ball.

If you take a look at the film you notice Henderson has great patience and awareness on route anticipation as he does an excellent job of reading routes and the quarterbacks eyes. He has a tremendous burst once he puts his foot in the ground to change direction, so if you’re late on any throw, good luck.

Henderson also doesn’t shy away in the run game. He is an outstanding tackler and plays with excellent balance and he is always looking to take the ball away from the opposition. The standout corner does have a few sacks under his belt as well.

This would be an ideal pick for the Cowboys at pick No. 17 and I think it would be a steal. With the signing of McCoy and Clinton-Dix I don’t think the safety and defensive tackle positions are premium picks in round one.

Drafting Henderson in the first round and looking towards a prospect like Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield  in the second round would be how I would love the first two rounds to go, but anything can happen come draft day.

Taking the best player available over team needs is always a good philosophy and you never know who may slide right into the Cowboys lap. Let me know who you guys want the Cowboys to draft come next month during round one, drop a comment below.