Cowboys address biggest need first in new seven-round mock 2.0
By Connor Green
Round 5, pick 178, Jaylen Twyman, DL- Pittsburgh
The Dallas Cowboys defense gave up the second-most rushing yards per game last season with 158.8. It was clear early on that the team could use an upgrade on its defensive line. The Cowboys try to address that need here with the selection of defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman.
Despite the organizations’ recent flurry of underwhelming moves to attempt to shore up the defensive line it is still among the teams’ top needs at this moment in time. The team signed defensive lineman Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins as depth pieces (though Urban is also very good against the run), but the team still needs a long-term solution to upgrade the position.
Dallas’s pick here, Twyman, could be the answer to their prayers. The 21-year old defensive lineman had a truly awe-inspiring season for Pittsburgh back in 2019 when he managed to rack up 10.5 sacks and 41 total tackles. However, the young defender chose to opt-out of the 2020 season due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.
That decision has resulted in his draft stock falling over the past season and could allow the promising prospect to fall to Dallas in the fifth round.
The Dallas Cowboys address a position of need late in the draft while managing to capitalize on the inexplicable fall of another talented prospect. Admittingly, this pick now requires a bit of wish-casting after his awesome performance at pro day.