Dallas Cowboys first-round options: Need, fit, best available
Grant Delpit, DB- LSU
Another of the arguable top safeties in the entire draft, the number 24 player on the big board in Grant Delpit is another one of those boom or bust potential players. Nothing against LSU, but just like his former teammate and prospect K’Lavon Chaisson, there are things you absolutely love about Delpit, but there are things that you also absolutely have to scratch your head about.
He is a phenomenal playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, has the range to get anywhere on the field when it’s necessary, and can cover like a cornerback, you worry about his willingness to stick his nose in the fray to make a tackle though. Delpit has taken a hit throughout the process due to his inability to deliver a hit, but don’t be surprised if he’s the selection.
Kenneth Murray, LB- Oklahoma
The Dallas Cowboys would surprise people if they took the 14th ranked player on CBS’s big board, but not because he isn’t a good player. While most would think that the Cowboys don’t need a linebacker in the first round, it wouldn’t be the dumbest thing in the world to consider.
They brought Sean Lee back, but how much longer can you expect him to play at a really high level? You also have to include the fact the although Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith are All-Pro talents when they are on the field, they aren’t a guarantee to be there. Vander Esch missed a ton of time last season with a neck injury, while Smith had that gruesome injury in college that will always worry you when he goes down awkward.
Here’s Murray’s superpower though, he’s built like a middle linebacker at 240 lbs, but he moves, operates, and explodes like a running back that loves to tackle. He can make plays as well in the middle of the field. Throw in the fact that he should be able to line up at any of the backer positions and the Cowboys may have an interesting choice on their hands.
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
The number nine prospect on the big board, Javon Kinlaw is a tank. While unlikely to be the Cowboys pick, with the signings of Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe, Kinlaw could wind up being the best available player when their pick rolls around.
If there is a situation where the Dallas Cowboys are forced to make a decision between reaching for a player and taking Kinlaw, who would more than likely clearly be the best available player on the board at that point if he makes it to No. 17, they should take the latter. He wouldn’t be a bad pick there either, it’s just that with what they’ve already brought in during free agency, they could probably make better use of such a coveted resource.
Next. Cowboys three-round mock looks safety first. dark
The Dallas Cowboys have been mocked to take anything from defensive back to defensive line, where there have even been some that suggested that they may consider taking a receiver or offensive lineman, but these are the most logical choices and positions. We can’t wait to see how it actually goes though, as either way, it will be something we’ve never seen happen before.