The Dallas Cowboys responded to a disappointing 2020 season in a big way, running away with the NFC East en route to a first-round playoff exit. With the successful season, the Cowboys nabbed the No. 24 pick in the NFL 2021 Draft. Heading into free agency, the Cowboys are looking to part ways with star receiver Amari Cooper, but they might not spend early-round draft capital on receivers as they already have the likes of CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. Dalton Schultz’s status is also unknown, so the Cowboys could be keen to draft a tight end on day two.
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: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Linderbaum is one of the blue-chip prospects in the 2022 draft, but he plays center, so he might slip to the second half of the first round. The Cowboys do not have an explicit need at the center, but Linderbaum is in the transcendent interior offensive linemen realm of Quenton Nelson. Linderbaum will be one of the best centers in the NFL from day one, and he could even be in play for an All-Pro caliber season just as Creed Humphrey did in 2021. Tyler Biadasz could slide to a guard spot as the Cowboys lock up their pivot for the next decade.
For more on Linderbaum, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 56: Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut
The Cowboys had a bottom-10 run defense by yards per rush allowed, and Jones is a plug-and-play player. He is coming from a small school, but he plays with a big-school pedigree. One look at his tape against Clemson should quell any concerns. Jones pushes the pocket well, and he has good hands on the interior. He should be a stellar run defender and a solid enough pass rusher to pair with the likes of Micah Parsons.
Round 3, Pick 88: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
The Cowboys go back to the Penn State well, adding Ebiketie to a defense that features Parsons. Ebiketie was a Temple transfer, but his successful transition from Group of Five to Power Five could be emblematic of his Power Five to NFL transition. It would take a bit of a slide for Ebiketie to land here, but he would be an excellent pick as a pass-rushing specialist for the Cowboys. Ebiketie could lead to Parsons playing more as a linebacker than edge as the Cowboys employ Ebiketie on passing downs.
For more on Ebiketie, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 127: Nick Cross, SAF, Maryland
Cross is a freaky athlete at a position of need for the Cowboys. Rather than having mercenary-type free safety, the Cowboys could lock down a long-term developmental piece in Cross. He is a versatile piece, and Maryland deployed him at the linebacker level, but he should find a home in the Earl Thomas role after some development. He tackles well, and he has plenty of experience covering both tight ends and running backs. Cross has solid range, but his athletic profile projects as an elite range safety.
Round 5, Pick 166: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
One of the biggest studs of the NFL Combine, Thornton fired off the best 40-yard dash time among wide receivers. While his unofficial 4.21 speed did not hold up, his speed is among the elite in the class. He is not the most polished route runner, but he can win deep, and he has solid hands. Thornton is flawed, but he will win with his speed. He is fast enough to ruin any angles that defenders will take.
Round 5, Pick 175: Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
No matter if the Cowboys retain Schultz or not, Kolar would fit as a nice secondary tight end option. He has good zone instincts, and he can pluck the football out of the air with the best of them. Kolar is a less athletic Mark Andrews type who plays with intelligence, consistency, and fire in the run game. His lack of athletic upside will prevent him from being a day two pick, but he should be a great red-zone offense for the Cowboys.
Round 6, Pick 200: Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB, USC
Taylor-Stuart is the cornerback version of Cross. He is a burner in terms of straight-line speed. His tape is not quite up to snuff, but his 4.4 speed will get the NFL’s attention. Cornerbacks can improve in coverage, but the athletic tools are set. His speed gives him tremendous recovery value in the cases when he is beaten. Taylor-Stuart needs to refine his technique, but he has the athletic profile to make those adjustments and be a steal on day three.
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