Dallas Cowboys nab top defensive player in new mock draft

Round 7, pick 238: Tarron Jackson, Edge- Coastal Carolina

The Dallas Cowboys only managed to finish last year with a paltry 31 sacks, tied for the 13th-fewest in the league. The teams’ sack leader, DeMarcus Lawrence, finished the year with only 6.5. That fact leads the team to draft edge rusher, Tarron Jackson.

Jackson played four seasons for Coastal Carolina during his collegiate career and played both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Chanticleers. However, it was as a defensive end where Jackson shined.

The young defender posted an impressive 9.5 sacks (most in the Sun Belt), 56 total tackles, and two pass deflections during his first year at his new position. He followed up that season with another impressive one where he racked up 8.5 sacks, 54 total tackles, and four forced fumbles.

The six-foot-two, 260-pound prospect was named the 2020 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year award for his efforts last season.

The biggest knock against Jackson is the lack of competition that he played against during his collegiate career. The Sun Belt is not necessarily known for producing top-level NFL talent.

The Dallas Cowboys use their last pick in the NFL Draft on a productive player who could pay dividends for the team down the road. At worst he will provide the team with another rotational piece along the defensive line.