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Dallas Cowboys’ pre-combine 7-round mock draft for 2022

By Terence Watson

Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) blocks against the New Mexico Lobos rush during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) blocks against the New Mexico Lobos rush during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 01: Chigoziem Okonkwo #9 of the Maryland Terrapins runs a catch in for a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on October 01, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 01: Chigoziem Okonkwo #9 of the Maryland Terrapins runs a catch in for a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on October 01, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

With the 166th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select …

Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tight End – Maryland

Height: 6’3″   Weight: 250lbs

Career Stats: 77 receptions, 717 receiving yards, 9.3 yards per catch, 8 receiving touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns

Dalton Schultz is going to have a lot of money thrown at him this offseason and there’s a very good chance he could leave in free agency. Blake Jarwin lost his starting spot to Schultz due to his injuries and production, so it’s hard to see the Cowboys going back to Jarwin. The options are to sign a free agent or draft a tight end. The latter is, of course, the cheaper option. Just like the safeties in this draft, there are enough tight ends to find help later in the draft.

Okonkwo is a tough, in-line blocking tight end who is still developing as a pass-catcher. Don’t let that fool you, though. His speed and break-away ability were constantly on display during his time in Maryland. The Cowboys would be able to develop him while still keeping him on the field on running plays. Win-win.

Previous Pick: Greg Dulcich, Tight End – UCLA

NFL Draft Comparison: David Njoku

With the 175th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select …

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 16: Sean McGrew #5 of the Washington Huskies carries the ball against Otito Ogbonnia #91 of the UCLA Bruins during the third quarter at Husky Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 16: Sean McGrew #5 of the Washington Huskies carries the ball against Otito Ogbonnia #91 of the UCLA Bruins during the third quarter at Husky Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Otito Ogbonnia, Defensive Tackle – UCLA

Height:  6’4″    Weight: 320lbs

Career Stats: 76 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 6 passes defended

The Cowboys need another monster in the middle of their defense that can handle double teams in the running game. Ogbonnia could be that monster to play alongside last year’s draft pick Quinton Bohanna on early rushing downs. Ogbonnia is quick off the ball and does a very good job of using his size and strength to hold his blocks, allowing linebackers to make plays in the running game if he’s unable to. He’s also shown that he can get to the quarterback on occasion or push the pocket enough to collapse it.

The Cowboys did a good job of bringing in bodies to help in the running game but they need to continue to build up that defensive line in order to have a good rotation of players that can keep them from giving us big plays on the ground.

Previous Pick: Nick Cross, Safety – Maryland

NFL Draft Comparison: Michael Pierce

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