Cowboys land Kyle Pitts in three-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Round 3, Pick 35: Jay Tufele

• Defensive Line, USC
• Height/Weight: 6-3, 315 lbs.

If Jay Tufele is there at the 99th overall slot, you take him. You say thank you. And you do a little dance.

The Dallas Cowboys cannot rotate around the 2021 NFL Draft without adding defensive line help. Can’t do it. I’d love to see the Cowboys add some push at the defensive tackle spot.

Interestingly, Jay Tufele had first-round rumors attached to him prior to the 2020 season. After electing to opt-out for the year, did his stock take a dive? Regardless of the situation, Dallas can benefit here.

Tufele played two seasons with the USC Trojans. He compiled 65 tackles, a pass deflection, and 7.5 sacks. He turns 22 years of age this July.

A three-technique player, Tufele might be the spark the Cowboys are missing at the middle line. Tufele has a burst, a nice pop to his step. Can his power translate in the NFL? After spending a season on the sideline, does the defensive tackle have the stamina and hunger to play all three downs?

When things get interesting on third down, is Tufele the guy Dallas can count on to rush the quarterback? Or will he fold and wave his hand for a substitution?

Newly acquired defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, has his work cut out for him. The Dallas Cowboys could alleviate some pressure by giving the coordinator some extra talent. Jay Tufele is a nice fit for the Cowboys here.

Dallas Cowboys, 2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 Recap:

10: R1 P10 TE Kyle Pitts – Florida
44: R2 P12 CB Aaron Robinson – Central Florida
75: R3 P11 S Divine Deablo – Virginia Tech
99: R3 P35 DL Jay Tufele – USC