Dallas Cowboys: Could Mekhi Becton be the pick at 17?

The Dallas Cowboys have quite the decision to make before the NFL Draft. Could that decision turn into offensive lineman Mekhi Becton with the 17th pick?

The Dallas Cowboys are in a very unique position as we enter the 2020 NFL Draft. With a sudden hole at the center position after the retirement of Travis Frederick, a historic receiver draft class, a few wounds on the defense that need patching up, and a loaded yet diverse big board of talent, this has the potential to be a draft unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

Throw in the fact that this will be a virtual draft due to our current world scenario, things become just that much more interesting. As close as you can get to sight unseen for drafting professional sports prospects, NFL teams will be move about selecting the next crop of players to welcome into their franchise in just a few short days.

The Cowboys have the opportunity to go any which of infinite ways, but which way will they go? That is a question that no one may know the answer to at the moment. But that leads to another question. Instead of the glaring needs mentioned above, could Dallas take a shot at meteoric prospect Mekhi Becton?

Becton shot up draft boards due to his impressive 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. A 5.1 seconds 40-yard sprint by the 6-foot-7, 360-pound offensive tackle, Becton has drawn attention for the wrong reason recently. While his reported failed drug test has made headlines, some say it won’t impact his draft stock.

With Becton being mocked early to middle of the first-round, depending on who you prescribe to, could he be there when the Cowboys go to make a pick at No. 17? The answer is simple. Yes, he could be. But I don’t believe Dallas should take the risk and here’s why.

First off, NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks has Becton rated as the fourth-best offensive tackle in this draft class. Walter Football has him rated as the third best. There will surely be more highly-rated players at positions of greater need available for Dallas at the 17th overall pick.

You have to also account for the fact that before Becton had that marvelous showing at the combine, he wasn’t being thought of in the same way he is now. Workout warriors have fooled scouts before, as they are sure to do in the future. The Cowboys should avoid making that mistake as well.

And, as a matter of fact, Dallas can’t afford to take that risk with such a valuable commodity, their first-round selection. Especially considering the opportunity the team has before them this season.

With one or two of the right moves, this year’s version of America’s Team could be that of the championship ilk. But you can’t go around potentially wasting first-round picks in the process. Although addressing the defense should likely be the choice here, I’m not trying to poo-poo on the possibility of taking one of the more highly-rated offensive tackles if they fall.

With the depletion of the front line over the last few years and especially with Frederick’s retirement recently, the more talent along the offensive line the better. Besides, if you take a top-rated offensive tackle, you could kick starting right tackle La’el Collins inside to guard, which would probably serve to better fortify that front.

In the end, Mekhi Becton might turn out to be one heck of a player. Possibly even the next Orlando Pace. Yet, I don’t believe the Dallas Cowboys can afford to take that risk as they enter a season on the brink of greatness.