Cowboys 2023 mock draft: Devon Witherspoon fills hole in secondary

With 12 wins in 2021 and 10 wins so far in 2022, the Dallas Cowboys have been consistent winners for the past two seasons. They’ll once again be in the playoffs this year, an assignment that has been a problem for them … but that’s for a different day.

Here, we’re focused on their roster, and while they’ve been good enough to secure back-to-back double-digit win campaigns, there are some holes that need to be filled.

One such hole is at cornerback, which is where we look in Round 1 of our latest seven-round Cowboys mock draft.

Dallas Cowboys 2023 mock draft

Round 1: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

In the recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dallas secondary was exposed on several occasions. While DaRon Bland has stepped up as an undrafted free agent, Kelvin Joseph has continued to struggle.

Thrust into the lineup due to an injury to Anthony Brown, Joseph gave up two touchdowns in this game alone. With his inability to develop in Year 2, the Cowboys really need to go after someone capable of starting across from Trevon Diggs so they won’t get burned if Joseph’s issues continue into 2023.

Devon Witherspoon ends up being the player they tab in this mock as their first-round selection. Witherspoon is listed at 6-foot-0 and weighs 180 pounds. He doesn’t have the exact measurables Dan Quinn loves in his cornerbacks, but he’s still got plenty of size. More importantly, he’s a confident player who has been called a “tone setter” by Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network.

Witherspoon is solid in run support, and has three picks this season, showing tremendous ball skills. His addition should round things out in a secondary that has just one real hole right now.

Round 2: Andrew Vorhees, G, USC

Tyler Smith has proven he can be the left tackle of the future. Dallas also has Terence Steele, who has developed into one of the best right tackles in the NFL. They also still have Tyron Smith, but with his injury history, it’s hard to see him being around much longer. Add in Steele’s uncertain injury future, and … there may be some shuffling involved.

As for the interior of their line, Zack Martin has some more in the tank, and Tyler Biadasz has quietly developed into a decent center. The team could move Tyler Smith to left guard if Tyron Smith sticks around longer, but they have to figure out something with Connor McGovern set for free agency.

That’s why Andrew Vorhees is the choice in Round 2. The USC product has the makings of a long-term starter in the NFL and should have no problem fitting into this line.

Round 3: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

A recent weapons charge for Mazi Smith could wind up hurting his draft stock slightly, but whoever rolls the dice on the Michigan defensive tackle is going to get one heck of a player. Smith is listed at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, and is a bully in the middle of the Wolverines defensive line.

Right now, Dallas is strong on the edge, and Osa Odighizuwa continues to shine as a 3-tech defensive tackle. What they lack is that 1-tech who eats up blocks and clogs up running lanes. That’s what Smith brings to the table, which makes him an excellent addition.

Round 4: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

Jalen Tolbert was supposed to be the Cowboys’ eventual WR3 behind CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, but he’s been a bust so far in his rookie season (and what exactly is Gallup, anyway?). Entering Week 16, Tolbert has just two receptions for 12 yards.

While it’s too early to say he will continue to be a disappointment, Dallas also shouldn’t hesitate to add more depth to the position. That’s why Xavier Hutchinson from Iowa State is the choice in Round 4.

Hutchinson is a large target at 6-3 and 210 pounds, and broke out this season with 107 receptions for 1,171 yards and six touchdowns. He has the talent to contribute right away and turn into a trusted wideout on the outside.

Round 5: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

Dorian Williams isn’t the biggest linebacker at 6-1 and 220 pounds, but he’s well-built and has no problem playing aggressively. He’s constantly around the ball for Tulane, and while he would need time to get adjusted to the speed of the NFL game, he would likely be an instant impact player on special teams.

Round 7: Dontae Bull, OT, Fresno State

With their final pick in this 2023 mock draft, Dallas adds Dontae Bull from Fresno State. The Canadian-born offensive tackle stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 326 pounds. He has plenty of experience for the Bulldogs, and has played both guard and tackle.

He’s best suited as a right tackle, and would be a developmental player to potentially replace Josh Ball, who hasn’t impressed just yet.

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