Top 5 draft options for the Cowboys in the second round

1. Richie Grant, Safety (UCF)

The Dallas Cowboys secondary is in dire need of an upgrade. This need obviously extends to the safety position. Even with the Cowboys reportedly signing safety Jayron Kearse, the position is still one of need for America’s Team. The 27-year old had 59 total tackles in seven starts with the Detroit Lions last year.

In this scenario, even with the signing of Kearse, the team still decides to address this need with a long-term solution. Obviously, if the organization makes another significant move at this position in the remainder of free agency, like acquiring free-agent safety Malik Hooker, then the order of this list might have to undergo some reconsideration.

At this moment in time, the team still needs help in its secondary and could use a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. With the top-rated safety of this draft class, TCU’s Trevon Moehrig, already off the board Dallas decides to go with UCF safety Richie Grant with the 44th overall pick to try and address both of these needs.

The 24-year old defender is a bit older than the average NFL prospect coming out of the draft but is one of the most promising safeties in this years’ draft. Grant played four seasons with the Knights and managed to force an impressive fifteen turnovers (interceptions and forced fumbles) during his collegiate career.

The UCF product had three interceptions and 72 total tackles last season while playing nine games for the Knights. However, in his best statistical season, he led the American conference with six interceptions while managing to rack up 108 total tackles (2018).

With one of the teams’ starting safeties, Xavier Woods, still currently a free agent for Dallas it is safe to say that, even with the signing of Kearse (who has only started 12 games in his five-year career), Grant would likely see playing time with America’s Team if they pick him here.

The Dallas Cowboys address one of their biggest needs with this pick and get a proven playmaker who would instantly improve the teams’ secondary. At the moment (barring any additional free agent signings) Grant feels like the perfect pick for Dallas with this pick. Hopefully, the front office feels the same way.