2 Way-Too-Early 2021 Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft Predictions

Last week’s NFL Draft officially put an end to the 2020 draft season. But fear not, work on the 2021 draft class has already gotten underway. Thanks to draft analysts Dane Brugler of The Athletic and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, we already have a way-too-early 2021 NFL mock draft predicting the first-round for all 32 teams.

Since we here at Inside The Star really don’t care about anything other than what the Dallas Cowboys do, let’s take a look at who Dane Brugler and Matt Miller predicted for America’s Team. For the fun of it, I’ll add my two cents and also share with you my prediction for the Cowboys first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft as well.

Let’s take a look…

27. Dallas Cowboys – Talanoa Hufanga, SS, USC

“You don’t need to know Hufanga’s number, just follow the ball and that is where he will be. His aggressive nature will work against him at times, but he competes with outstanding effort and anticipation to make plays versus the pass and run.” – Dane Brugler

My thoughts: A first-round safety!? The Dallas Cowboys have continuously bypassed the safety position in the early rounds the past several years in the draft, but Dane seems to think that could change in 2021. It makes sense with with both Xavier Woods and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix set to hit free agency after the 2020 season. We may need to keep a close watchful eye on Talanoa Hufanga this season, because if Dane is right he could be wearing a star at this time next year.

28. Dallas Cowboys – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

“While definitely not the biggest need, we saw in the 2020 draft the Dallas Cowboys want to surround Dak Prescott with talented weapons. Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth is well worth the price of selecting him of the late first round.”

“Had Freiermuth entered the 2020 draft class, teams would have seriously considered selecting him over Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet, who was the first tight end off the board. A solid 2020 season could push Freiermuth into a lock as a first-rounder.” – Matt Miller

My thoughts: The 2021 tight end draft class is far more talented than what the 2020 class had to offer. It could be why the Dallas Cowboys avoided the position this year, but Matt doesn’t seem to think that will be the case next year. He believes Pat Freiermuth should be the Cowboys first-round pick. Depending on how Blake Jarwin performs in his first year as the full-time starter, Freiermuth seems like a logical prediction. However, I think the first-round might be a little too early for a TE.

My Prediction – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

I really think the Dallas Cowboys need to start preparing for life without Tyron Smith. Nagging injuries have kept him from playing an entire season the past several years and I’m the kind of person who believes it’s better to act too early then too late. That’s where Samuel Cosmi comes in.

Cosmi is a smooth, athletic left tackle prospect worth keeping an eye on this year. He needs to get in the weight room to improve his anchor strength, but his ability to be a starting caliber blindside protector at the next level is unquestioned. He could possibly be the heir apparent to Tyron Smith.