The Dallas Cowboys had to make some tough decisions this offseason. They traded Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick swap because of their salary cap situation. They also released starting right tackle La’el Collins. However, they were able to keep a few of their own guys, including Dalton Schultz, after placing the franchise tag on him. The Cowboys have nine picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including four in the fifth round. How will they address the holes on the roster? Let’s dive into it.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 24: Daxton Hill, SAF, Michigan
While safety doesn’t jump off the page as the top need for the Cowboys, Hill would be a great fit in Dallas. Yes, they recently re-signed Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker to two-year deals. However, both contracts give the Cowboys a way out of them after the 2022 season. Meanwhile, Hill can play either safety spot or nickel cornerback. He is a smooth and efficient mover in coverage and has impressive straight-line speed. Hill also has excellent instincts and awareness. Pairing him with Trevon Diggs would give the Cowboys two elite secondary players for the next decade.
For more on Hill, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 56: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
After releasing Collins, the Cowboys have a hole at right tackle. While Terence Steele is capable of starting, it’s not ideal. Unlike many of the first-round offensive tackles, Lucas lacks massive upside. However, he has one of the safest floors in the draft class, and that’s exactly what the Cowboys need right now at right tackle. Lucas has good body control in the passing game and can move in the running game. The Cowboys had to release Collins because of salary cap reasons. However, if they don’t replace him with a day one starter in the draft, the Cowboys will regret it.
For more on Lucas, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 88: Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
Part of the reason the Cowboys moved on from Cooper was the need to re-sign Michael Gallup. While he suffered a torn ACL late last season, Gallup should be ready for the start of the regular season. However, the depth behind him and CeeDee Lamb is thin, and Jerry Jones isn’t one to sit back and let that be. Philips has risen on draft boards lately after his impressive pro day performance. Despite only 59 receptions, Philips had a career-high 10 touchdowns in his final year at UCLA. While he will likely play most of his snaps in the slot, Philips would give Dak Prescott another reliable weapon.
For more on Philips, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 129: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
The Cowboys were able to work out a new contract for Demarcus Lawrence, keeping the star defensive end in Dallas. However, they weren’t able to re-sign Randy Gregory. While they added Dante Fowler, who had some success with Dan Quinn in the past, that shouldn’t stop the Cowboys from drafting an edge rusher in the middle rounds. Sanders played a critical role in Cincinnati’s outstanding defense last season. Over his past two years at Cincinnati, Sanders had 18 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, and 10 passes defended. While he doesn’t have the tools needed to become a top-tier pass rusher, Sanders can become a critical part of the Dallas defense.
For more on Sanders, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 155: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Dallas has a solid set of veteran cornerbacks, headlined by Diggs. They also spent a pair of day two picks on cornerbacks last year in Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright. However, you can’t have too much depth at cornerback. While his teammate Ahmad Gardner will be a top-10 pick, Bryant also played a critical role in Cincinnati’s elite defense last season. Over his final two years at Cincinnati, Bryant had 18 passes defended and six interceptions. He would step in as a rookie and provide Dallas with a rotational cornerback with starting upside.
For more on Bryant, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 167: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Coming off a career year, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Schultz. They are working on a long-term deal, but that shouldn’t stop the Cowboys from spending a day three pick on a tight end. Blake Jarwin was released, and the depth at tight end is very thin. Wydermyer is an impact player who should only get better once in the NFL. He had 16 touchdowns during his three-year career at Texas A&M despite only 118 receptions. Wydermyer is a good route-runner, who has good flexibility to open up and change direction at the top of the route. He would give the Cowboys a reliable No. 2 tight end with starting potential.
For more on Wydermyer, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 176: Damone Clark, LB, LSU
You can argue the Cowboys got the steal of the draft last year with Micah Parsons at pick 11. Recently they re-signed Leighton Vander Esch to a one-year deal. However, Keanu Neal won’t be back with the team, and the depth is subpar. Unfortunately for Clark, he had to undergo spinal fusion surgery, and likely won’t play in 2022. The injury will impact his draft stock and could cause him to go undrafted. However, the Cowboys should use a day three pick. Before the injury, Clark was a likely second-round pick. Furthermore, he was one of the best linebackers in college football last season. Even if he misses his entire rookie season, Clark is a steal at this pick, given his upside.
Round 5, Pick 178: Cade Mays, iOL, Tennessee
Collins wasn’t the only offensive lineman the Cowboys lost this offseason, as Connor Williams signed with the Miami Dolphins. Thankfully, Connor McGovern can take over at left guard and fill Williams’ spot. However, he is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the depth behind him is very thin. Mays started at all five positions on the offensive line during his college career. Many believe he can start as a rookie at guard. Whether it’s as a starter or top backup, Mays will make the Cowboys’ offensive line even better next season.
Round 6, Pick 193: Obinna Eze, OT, TCU
The Cowboys have done an excellent job building up their offensive line over the past few years. However, there is no such thing as too much depth, and Dallas needs it after losing two starters this offseason. Eze is a massive offensive tackle, coming at just over 6’6” and 325 lbs. He has started 25 consecutive games and gotten better in every game. More importantly, he has the length and reach to slow down pass rushers before they can get into their moves. While he is a developmental prospect, Eze could become a critical part of the offensive line in a year or two.
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