The new year league for the 2020 NFL season kicks off March 18, meaning free agency is about to change the way we look at “team needs” for the upcoming NFL Draft in April. Before things change though, I thought it would be fun to do a Dallas Cowboys mock draft challenge to see all of the differences of opinion as to who Cowboys Nation would like to see get drafted by the Cowboys.
I’ve done these kind of challenges before, but I decided to change it up a little this time around. In the past I turned to Fanspeak’s mock draft simulator for this exercise, but that was before Draft Network really established themselves as the go-to place for NFL draft content. So I’ve decided we’re going to use their knowledge this go around.
To make things fair though we need rules.
The Rules
- For this Dallas Cowboys mock draft challenge we will use The Draft Network’s Big Board so that everybody is on the same page as far as player rankings are concerned. Assume all draft-eligible prospects are currently slotted correctly as is.
- You can trade-down only once, using Drafttek.com‘s handy-dandy trade value chart. The value of any trade down scenario must be equal to or greater than the value you receive. For example, the Cowboys Pick 17 (950 points) could get you Minnesota’s’s Pick 25 and Pick 87 (875 points)
- You can trade up as much as you would like, but again, the trade must be equal to or greater than the value you receive.
- NO CHEATING! Submitting a mock draft using Draft Network’s or Fanspeak’s mock draft simulator are not allowed.
- The Dallas Cowboys currently hold the following picks until compensatory picks are announced: 17, 51, 82, 113, 147, 209.
- You can find the complete 2020 NFL draft order here.
*Rules borrowed and tweaked from BTB’s mock draft challenge
Use the comment section below to post your mock drafts and any comments you have about this challenge. To make it more fun, try to add a little commentary as to why you personally made the selections.
My Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft Submission
TRADE DOWN: Cowboys’ 17th (950 points) for Buffalo Bills 23rd and 86th (940 points).
Round 1, Pick 23: Zack Baun, EDGE/LB, Wisconsin
Zack Baun’s versatility to play multiple positions and be a core special teams player could prove to be invaluable for the Dallas Cowboys. He’s scheme diverse and has starting potential as an off-ball LB or a pass rusher in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He could be a perfect fit in DC Mike Nolan’s hybrid defensive scheme.
Round 2, Pick 51: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Don’t let the way A.J. Terrell’s collegiate career ended in the National Championship game against LSU fool you into believing he’s not a good player. In fact, he’s not that dissimilar to C.J. Henderson, who I chose to bypass in the first-round by trading down. His combination of size, speed, and coverage skills make him an immediate Day 1 starter.
Round 3, Pick 82: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
The Dallas Cowboys may or may not be able to re-sign Robert Quinn, but regardless they still need more EDGE help. Jonathan Greenard’s get-off, bend, and ability to corner the edge are promising, as well is his leverage as a run defender. He has starting potential in either an odd or even front with a little more time to develop his craft.
Round 3, Pick 86: Chase Claypool, WR/TE, Notre Dame
I drafted a versatile chess piece for the Dallas Cowboys defense and DC Mike Nolan in the first-round, now I’m doing the same here for OC Kellen Moore and the offense. Chase Claypool brings some much-need size (6’4″ 238) to the Cowboys passing game. He can be utilized as a big slot, a possession WR, a vertical threat, or as a move TE. He’s a mismatch waiting to happen.
Round 4, Pick 113: Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
Jordan Elliott still being on the board at this point in the draft for the Dallas Cowboys would be tremendous value. He can play up and down the line in either an odd or even front, which again fits in well with DC Mike Nolan’s expected hybrid scheme. Elliott would be an absolute steal here.
Round 5, Pick 147: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Terrell Burgess is a former cornerback turned safety and would provide excellent value to the Cowboys secondary this late in the draft. He plays with good instincts and closing burst as a high safety, but also has the versatility to play as a nickel defender. His skill set is similar to Xavier Woods and would give the Cowboys two interchangeable safeties.
Round 7, Pick 209: Trey Adams, OT, Washington
A 2017 ACL tear and 2018 back injury has turned Trey Adams into a once highly touted offensive tackle prospect to a questionable draftable player. The skill set is there, but the lingering injury concerns are huge red flags. If he can return to his pre-injury self and add a little more functional strength he could have a long career in the NFL. Definitely worth the gamble this late.
Your turn to prove your GM skills. Who are you going to draft for the Dallas Cowboys for this 2020 mock draft challenge?
My mock with one trade down:
Dallas trades #17 (950 points) to Philly for # 21 and #85. (965 points)
21) Grant Delpit S LSU
51) AJ Terrell CB Clemson
82) Darrell Taylor Edge Tenn
85) Isaiah Wilson OT Georgia
113) Michael Pittman Jr WR USC
147) Albert Okwuegbunam TR Missouri
207) Logan Wilson LB Wyoming
The only hole I didn’t fill with this is DT. I love your Jordan Elliott pick and that’s who I’d target in the 4th. Maybe trade our 5th or comp 5th (Cole Beasley) and a mid round pick next year to move up and get him. Let him play 3tech and sign a big 1tech in free agency. What you think?
Well, you didn’t technically follow the rules, but I like your draft picks. I do wonder however how Grant Delpit and Xavier Woods would coexist on the backend of the Cowboys secondary.
You’re correct, my trade netted me more points. I went with a redo:
*Dallas trades #17 (950 pts) to Las Vegas for # 19 and # 111 (947 pts)
19) Grant Delpit S LSU
*Dallas trades # 51 and # 113 (458 pts) to Tampa Bay for # 45 (450 pts)
45) Trevon Diggs CB Alabama
82) Darrell Taylor Edge Tenn
111) Michael Pittman WR USC
*Dallas trades # 147 and # 179 comp (52.4 pts) to Seattle for # 123 (49 pts)
123) Jordan Elliott DT Missouri
209) Logan Wilson LB Wyoming
In free agency I would still go for a 1tech and possibly sign Tyler Eifert to pair with Jarwin at TE. Still need a back up QB as well unless they bring back Cooper Rush.
I could definitely get on board with this draft. I’d really like to see the Cowboys sign a big DT in free agency as well. I also like the idea of going after Marcus Mariota to be Prescott’s backup. I know it probably won’t happen because of $$$, but I really like the fit.
I didn’t know which big board to use so I used both.
(Player Ranking Big Board)
RD1 (17) Jerry Jeudy, WR
RD2 (51) Trevon Diggs, CB
RD3 (82) Brycen Hopkins, TE
RD4 (113) Jordan Elliott, DT
RD5 (146) Terrell Burgess, S
RD7 (208) James Lynch, DT
(Predictive Big Board)
RD1 (17) Javon Kinlaw, DT
RD2 (51) Noah Igbinoghene, CB
RD3 (82) Darrell Taylor, Edge
RD4 (113) Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB
RD5 (146) Terrell Burgess, S
RD7 (208) A.J. Green, CB
I tried going BPA with these mocks and I’ll say I don’t know how realistic these can be.
It’s supposed to be by the player rankings big board. Honestly I be happy with either of those drafts for the Dallas Cowboys.
(17) CJ Henderson – CB
(51) Kyle Dugger – S
(82) Leki Fotu – DT
(113) Michael Pittman Jr – WR
(147) Albert Okwuegbunam – TE
(209) Benito Jones – DT
Nice! I could get on board if this was how the Dallas Cowboys drafted this year.
RD 1 (17) CB C.J Henderson
RD 2 (51) S Antoine Winfield jr
RD 3 (82) DT Marlon Davidson
RD 4 (113) TE Harrison Bryant
RD 5 (146) WR K.J Hill
RD 7 (208) OT Yasir Durant
I think secondary should be first priority. And I think Davidson will be a beast in that middle.
I agree about Davidson. He kind of played out of position at Auburn.
This is assuming Cooper is re-signed and Jones is gone
RD1 (17) CJ Henderson- CB
RD2 (51) Jordan Elliott- DL
RD3 (82) Ashtyn Davis- S
RD4 (113) Van Jefferson- WR
RD5 (146) Colby Parkinson -TE
RD7 (208)- DJ Wonnum- Edge
If Cooper leaves:
RD1 (17) Jerry Jeudy- WR
RD2 (51) Antoine Winfield- S
RD3 (82) Cameron Dantzler-CB
RD4 (113) Rashard Lawrence- DL
RD5 (146) Colby Parkinson- TE
RD7 (208) DJ Wonnum- Edge
I’d be happy with either one of these. I think I prefer the Jerry Jeudy one even if Amari Cooper stays. I love the first three selections in that one.
1) JAVON KINLAW
2) ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.
3) BRYCE HALL
4) THADDEUS MOSS
5) DEVIN DUVERNAY
6) JAMES LYNCH
This would be an interesting draft. I have my concerns about Kinlaw, but I think he’s definitely worth it at 17. I also like the value of Duvernay in the 5th.
17) CJ Henderson- Florida CB
51) Jeremy Chinn- Southern Illinois S
82) Darrell Taylor- Tennesee DE
120) Jordan Elliot- Missouri DT
164) Albert Okwuegbunam- Missouri TE
179) Binjamen Victor- Ohio State WR
231) Cameron Brown- Penn State LB
UDFA
267-Yasir Durant- Missouri OL
294-Cole Mcdonald- Hawaii QB
312- Caleb Kelly- Oklahoma LB
359- Braden Mann- Texas A&M P
367- Tyler Bass- Georgia Southern K
I like other safeties more than Jeremy Chinn that could still be there at 51, but overall this would be an excellent draft for the Dallas Cowboys.
Personally, I am hoping for Antoine Winfield at 51 but for the sake of this mock I didn’t draft anyone that was ranked higher than my pick, and he is ranked #42.
Also, my dream offseason would be to somehow someway get Dak and Cooper signed to long term deals by Thursday ( I know it wont happen) .Something like 5 years 170 million for Dak. And 5 yrs 95 million for Cooper.
Franchise Tag Byron Jones
Sign Robert Quinn 3 years 33 million
Sign Sean Lee 1 year 5 million
Sign Damon Harrison 1 year 8 million
Sign Trae Waynes 2 years 10 million
Sign Dez Bryant 1 year 3 million
Sign Antwuan woods 1 year 750k
Sign Karl Joseph 2 years 8 million
Sign Jeff Heath 1 year 3 million
Sign Randall Cobb 1 year 7 million
Cut Tyrone Crawford Pay to 1 year 5 million
Reinstate Randy Gregory
I also did another mock with a Trade Back
Trade 17,51 for JAX 20,42
20) Grant Delpit S
42) Noah Igbinoghene CB
82) Darrel Taylor
120) Jordan Elliot
164) Albert O
179) Binjamen Victor
231) Cameron Brown
All of this seems logical. I don’t know if the Dallas Cowboys will agree though. Things are going to start getting really interesting in about a week when free agency starts. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if both Prescott and Cooper are re-signed before then.
Rd1 (17) Kenneth Murray LB Oklahoma; 6’2″ 234, 334 Tackles in 3 years, 37 TFL
Rd2 (51) Tee Higgens WR, Clemson; 6′ 4″ 215, Career 18 YPC, 20 YPC in 2019
Rd3 (82) Davon Hamilton DT, Ohio State; 6’4″ 327, High Character, Rock in the Middle
Rd4 (113) Brandon Jones S, Texas; 6’0″ 205, Non-stop Motor, Violent Hitter
Rd5 (146) Lamar Jackson CB, Nebraska; 6’2″ 205, Good Speed and Run Support
Rd6 (208) Trevis Gipson DE, Tulsa; 6’4″ 260, 15 TFL, 8 Sacks in 2019
Always thought I would go with DT in first round but with re-thinking LVE’s injury concern, Smith’s regression, and Lee’s age and injury concerns, went with STUD LB in Murray. Love this pick and a definite need filled IMHO. Got solid DT in 3rd.
I’m big fan of Davon Hamilton. He’s one of my “pet cats” this year. I don’t know about the Kenneth Murray pick in the 1st. LVE’s long-term health is a concern, but I don’t know if that warrants investing another high draft pick at the position. I think I’d rather have Zack Baun over Murray. At least he can provide depth as both an off-ball LB and EDGE rusher.
Never a big fan of these “Hybrids” They don’t seem to have a true position. If Cowboys picks Baun, I hope he is great. He appears to be a very good player. That being said, IMHO he is not really big enough and lacking the length to be a real DE at the NEXT level. So would he be a better LB than Murray. The answer is no. Murray has 1st round talent, look at the production and 4.5 speed. Baun is more like a 2nd rounder with some injury concerns. We can agree to disagree on this, but I hope Cowboys pick Murray.
I don’t really view Baun as a hybrid. I think he is someone who can start at any LB position and can play OLB or DE in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Yes, he needs to add a little more strength and weight to be in every down EDGE player, but that’s easily doable.
He actually reminds me of Clay Matthews as far as size, weight, and skill set is concerned. I currently have him as the 4th best LB and EDGE player in this year’s draft class and ranked right there with Kenneth Murray. If you can’t tell, I’m a BIG fan.
Correction: Kenneth Murray weighs 243 lbs
Trade down.. Trade 17 for 33/65/104
Antoine Winfield – Safety – exactly what we have been missing and I love this player
Damon Arnette – CB- I think this is first round talent and we need CB’s
TRADE UP – small move up- trade 65 & 179 for 62
62. Raekwon Davis – DL – In need of DL and he fits the scheme
TRADE UP – another small move up to grab our backup QB – 82 & 164 for 77
77. Jalen Hurts – QB – finally a backup QB that fits in Prescott mold and can be groomed. This is a perfect fit and a need, goodbye Cooper Rush
Chase Claypool – WR/TE- Miss match nightmare. Big slot/move TE- think Evan Engram
AJ Dillion- RB- Finally a true Backup to Zeke and a solid #3- steal of a pick
Trey Adams -OT- depth and good player with shot to make team as backup or PS
I like a lot of your picks. Arnette has some off the field issues that need to be cleared up, but he’s definitely a talented player that fits a need. I’m not a big fan of Davis, so I probably wouldn’t trade up for him but I understand why you did. I also like that you added a backup QB in Hurts. I definitely think he’s worth developing behind Prescott. Love the Chase Claypool pick! I really like how he can create a mismatch wherever he lines up. I’m not too sure about the AJ Dillion selection though. I’m not sure he can beat out Tony Pollard as the RB2, but may be better suited to be in every down RB if something were to happen to Zeke. And Adams is somebody I think could become the swing tackle as a rookie and possibly develop into a starter.
I like the Jalen Hurts pick. We need at least a decent backup QB. Antoine Winfield is also a good pick, good bloodlines.
Traded 17 to Miami for 26 and 70
26 Antoine Winfield JR. S Minn.
51 Damon Annette CB Ohio St.
70 Davon Hamilton DT Ohio St.
82 Bryan Edwards WR SC
113 Akeem Davis Gaither LB App St.
147 Cheyenne O’Grady TE Arkansas
209 Juan Jennings WR Tenn.
Football players who love football
Richard, this may be one of my favorite mock drafts from this challenge. I think all the players you selected could possibly be key contributors as rookies.
First attempt:
Dallas trades 17th and 82 (1130) for Jacksonville’s 20th, 73rd,165th, 189th, 206th, 223rd (1123)
1.20 (20) – CJ HENDERSON, CB, Florida [[perhaps 2nd-best corner in draft]
2.19 (51) – CURTIS WEAVER, Edge, Boise State [will be good opposite Tank]
Dallas trades 73rd, 206th, 223rd, 231 (235.2) for LA Chargers’ 71st (235)
3.07 (71) – KYLE DUGGER, Safety, Lenoir-Rhyne [Steal of draft if he lasts to 71st pick]
4.17 (123) – ANTONIO GANDY-GOLDEN, Wide Receiver, Liberty [Poor man’s megatron]
5.18 (164) – LAMAR JACKSON, Cornerback, Nebraska [started to go linebacker here, but Jackson’s a steal at #164]
5.19 (165) – ALBERT OKWUEGBUNAM, Tight End, Missouri [2nd of 5th round steal]
5.33 (179) – LYNN BOWDEN, Wide Receiver, Kentucky [3rd of 5th round steal; would be ranked higher if he had a decent QB at Kentucky; fast, quick slot guy who also QB’s]
6.10 (189) – BRAVVION ROY, Defensive Tackle, Baylor [Fatty we need in our DL]
Honestly feel like every guy could contribute significantly…four or five could be starters by Thanksgiving… D-line and secondary would be solid for next few years…This was fun might do it again…
This is a really an interesting draft. I like your first three picks, but I think the rest of the players you selected are developmental projects. Gandy-Golden is like to work with, but really needs to improve as a route runner. Lamar Jackson has nice size/length, but is going to struggle with the speed of the NFL game. Albert O is a threat in the passing game, but needs to improve as a route runner and as a blocker. Bowden reminds me of a poor man’s Randall Cobb, but could be a really good slot/return guy if given time to develop. Roy is worth a late-round pick, but may have a hard time making the roster.
Overall, this isn’t a bad mock draft for the Cowboys. You addressed a lot of “needs” and added some guys worth developing.
Appreciate your encouragement. After looking at it a day, this could work:
Dallas trades 17th and 82 (1130) for Jacksonville’s 20th, 73rd,165th, 189th, 206th, 223rd (1123)
1.20 (20) – CJ HENDERSON, CB, Florida [[perhaps 2nd-best corner in draft]
2.19 (51) – CURTIS WEAVER, Edge, Boise State [will be good opposite Tank]
Dallas trades 73rd, 206th, 223rd, 231 (235.2) for LA Chargers’ 71st (235)
3.07 (71) – KYLE DUGGER, Safety, Lenoir-Rhyne [Steal of draft if he lasts to 71st pick]
4.17 (123) – ANTONIO GANDY-GOLDEN, WR, Liberty [Really believe that he will develop into solid receiver]
***Dallas trades 164th and 189th (49.2) for Pittsburgh’s 124th and 232nd (49.0)
4.18 (124) – HARRISON BRYANT, TE, FAU [Solid all around tight end]
5.33 (179) – LYNN BOWDEN, Wide Receiver, Kentucky [After combine NFL has him rated 6.24 “Good back-up who could become starter; versatile; good value for 179th Pick]
7.18 (232) – BENITO JONES, DT, Ole Miss [ After combine he was ranked 6.10 with the potential to become a starter.]
But if they just don’t want Gandy-Golden , or want their DT earlier, then:
Dallas trades 17th and 82 (1130) for Jacksonville’s 20th, 73rd,165th, 189th, 206th, 223rd (1123)
1.20 (20) – CJ HENDERSON, CB, Florida [[perhaps 2nd-best corner in draft]
2.19 (51) – CURTIS WEAVER, Edge, Boise State [will be good opposite Tank]
Dallas trades 73rd, 206th, 223rd, 231 (235.2) for LA Chargers’ 71st (235)
3.07 (71) – KYLE DUGGER, Safety, Lenoir-Rhyne [Steal of draft if he lasts to 71st pick]
4.17 (123) – JORDAN ELLIOTT, DT, Missouri [fatty we need]
******Dallas trades 164th and 189th (49.2) for Pittsburgh’s 124th and 232nd (49.0)***
4.18 (124) – HARRISON BRYANT, TE, FAU [Solid all around tight end]
5.33 (179) – LYNN BOWDEN, Wide Receiver, Kentucky [After combine NFL has him rated 6.24 “Good back-up who could become starter; versatile; good value for 179th Pick]
7.18 (232) – CAM BROWN,LB, Penn State [depth at LB couldn’t hurt]
I’m having too much fun with this
Trade 17 to Miami for #26 and #70
26- J Reagor WR TCU
Great option to replace R Cobb. Reminds me of T Hill from KC (Question)Would you love to have T Hill on our team?
Trade #51 and #70 plus #164 to SF for #31
31- J Gladney CB TCU
I have Gladney ranked much higher then most.3rd best CB Prospect on my board
82- J Greenard DE Florida
Can’t rely on Gregory but would be a plus.Greenard reminds me of Gregory coming out of Nebraska
Trade #123 to Pittsburgh for #135 and #198
135-Harrison Bryant TE Fla Atlantic
164-M Onwenu IOL Michigan
179- S Quarterman LB Miami
198-T Muse S Clemson
231-T Throckmorton OT Oregon