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?
