A Dallas Cowboys dream scenario 2022 NFL Draft big board
![Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (17) catches a touchdown pass behind Michigan Wolverines defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. [Adam Cairns/Dispatch]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fthelandryhat-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17225503-850x560-732651e4ff69328084f0dd4a48428d593cca21663bd4a364fa9f68a938bf889b.jpg "Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (17) catches a touchdown pass behind Michigan Wolverines defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. [Adam Cairns/Dispatch]")
811. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DavidOjabo. player. DE. Michigan Wolverines. 3
Need: 6
Draft Projection: 8.5
Talent: 9
Fit: 8
Potential: 9.5
Total: 41/50
A player that was expected to be a top-15 pick this year was Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo. Unfortunately, he tore his achilles at his Pro Day and will most likely miss the entirety of the 2022-23 season. However, this could be a blessing in disguise for the Cowboys.
Ojabo is regarded as a top-5 defensive end in this draft based off of talent, disregarding injury. The Joneses are not afraid to take highly talented players who fell due to injury. A good example of this is Jaylon Smith, who was seen as a top-10 talent before blowing out his knee in Notre Dame’s bowl game. Smith fell to the second round before the Cowboys selected him.
The fit in Dan Quinn’s defense could be a bit questionable, but the talent and potential with Ojabo is too good to pass up, and Quinn could make the fit work. The defensive end position isn’t too big of a need, so the team could afford to allow the Michigan star to take his time to come back fully healthy.
Minnesota Golden Gophers. 4. Pick Analysis. DE. BoyeMafe. player. 852. Scouting Report
Need: 6
Draft Projection: 8.5
Talent: 8.5
Fit: 8
Potential: 9
Total: 40/50
Another player similar to Ojabo but would be able to play immediately is Minnesota’s Boye Mafe. Mafe enjoyed a very productive 2021 season and could come in and compete for playing time at the defensive end or even outside linebacker position.
Mafe was one of college football’s best pass rushers and could bolster a rotation that includes Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. Adding a player like this Golden Gopher could take pressure off of Parsons as a pass rusher and allow him to flourish more in his hybrid role he had this past season.
As of now, the Minnesota product is expected to go as early as the late first round and as late as the mid-second round. If the Cowboys want to secure his services, they may need to trade up, which Jerry Jones has already said he is wanting to do.