Instead of discussing, analyzing, and critiquing the Dallas Cowboys play the past few weeks I thought I would throw you a little curveball to break the monotony and take a little look into the future. After all, no matter how this season turns out there's always another one and another one after that. That's the great thing about professional sports… there's always next season.
I know it's a little early to be thinking about the 2020 NFL Draft, but not if you enjoy the entire draft process. The collegiate season is winding down and draft rankings are already starting to round into form a little bit. That's why I decided to take a look around the Internet at some of the November mock drafts to see who some of the so-called “experts” are selecting for the Dallas Cowboys.
The 2020 NFL Draft is looking like it could be an important one for the Dallas Cowboys. They have quite a few players set to hit free agency after the completion of the 2019 season and their draft needs are abundant.
Dallas Cowboys Draft Needs: DT, DE, LB, CB, S, TE, WR, OT
As you can see, nearly every position on defense could stand to be upgraded, but very few on the offensive side of the ball. With that in mind, what position do you think the Dallas Cowboys would target in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft? Let's take a look at what the “experts” think…
* Selections are based on early to mid-November team rankings
Stick to Football Podcast (Matt Miller & Connor Rogers)
Grant Delpit S, LSU
If you happen to like listening to podcasts and aren't already tuned into Stick to Football, I definitely recommend it. Matt Miller knows what he's about and just so happens to be one of my favorite draft analysts. So when he suggests a Top 10 talent like Grant Delpit could slide to the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 NFL Draft, I listen.
After missing out on Jamal Adams before the 2019 NFL trade deadline, the Cowboys could definitely take a look at another talented LSU safety. Delpit has all the intangibles to be an interchangeable safety in the league and at 6'3″, 200 pounds he definitely has the size. His play has dropped a bit this season, which is why he could slide right into the lap of the Cowboys.
Draftsite.com and Drafttek.com
Kristian Fulton CB, LSU
The so-called “experts” over at draftsite.com and drafttek.com both believe the Dallas Cowboys could go after LSU Cornerback Kristian Fulton. With both Byron Jones and Anthony Brown possibly leaving in free agency, CB could definitely be in play for the Cowboys in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He fits the parameters Dallas likes their CBs (6'1″, 192) and would likely be a plug-and-play player as a rookie.
Draft Network
Grant Delpit S, LSU
Jonah Tul over at Draft Network is yet another so-called “expert” who believes LSU Safety Grant Delpit could slide all the way to the Dallas Cowboys despite being one of the Top 10 talents in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Xavier McKinney S, Alabama
Joe Marino at Draft Network also has the Cowboys taking a safety out of the SEC in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he has them selecting Xavier McKinney out of Alabama. McKinney (6'1″, 200) is projected to be a fringe first-round player.
Hamsah Nasirildeen S, Florida State
Draft Network's Trevor Sikkema is also sticking to the safety theme for the Dallas Cowboys. He has them selecting Hamsah Nasirildeen out of Florida State. He's another fringe first-round player and also one of the biggest (6'4″, 215) safeties in the 2020 draft class.
A.J. Epensea EDGE, Iowa
Despite being considered a Top 10-15 prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, Carter Donnick over at Draft Network has the Dallas Cowboys selecting A.J. Epensea (6'6″, 280). Dallas could use another DE with both Robert Quinn and Michael Bennett currently playing under a one-year contract.
Neville Gallimore DT, Oklahoma
The Cowboys aren't known as a team who takes DTs in the first-round, but that didn't stop Draft Network's Benjamin Solak from selecting Neville Gallimore for Dallas. If this were to happen it would indicate Trysten Hill, the Cowboys second-round pick last year, isn't living up to expectations and isn't ready to step in for Maliek Collins, who is likely to leave via free agency.
Walter Football
Albert Okwuegbunam TE, Missouri
Leave it to Walter Football to provide the only offensive player in this mock draft roundup. Despite Jason Witten coming back from retirement and playing better-than-expected and Blake Jarwin showing flashes of his talent, the Dallas Cowboys could definitely stand to upgrade the tight end position. Albert Okwuegbunam has the size (6'5″, 255), strength, and athleticism to do everything the Cowboys ask of their TEs both as an in-line blocker and split out in the passing game. Depending on what other players are still available, this could be a very logical selection.
CBSSports.com
Lamar Jackson CB, Nebraska
Josh Edwards over at CBSSports.com may have had Kris Richard in mind when he chose Cornerback Lamar Jackson out of Nebraska for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 NFL Draft. Jackson is a tall, lengthy CB (6'3″, 215) and plays with a physicality Richard could fall in love with. It might be a bit of a reach for the Cowboys to select him this early in the draft considering he's a bit of between tweener and it's yet to be determined if his best position is CB or S at the NFL level. But, Dallas needs to upgrade both positions and could decide to roll the dice on Jackson's talent and figure out where to play him later.
247sports.com
Javon Kinlaw DT, South Carolina
Again, the Dallas Cowboys aren't known as a team who draft DTs in the first-round, but I can understand the thinking of Lance Cartelli of 247sports.com here. Javon Kinlaw is the kind of disruptive interior defensive lineman Rod Marinelli covets. At 6'6″, 302, Kinlaw would bring some much-needed size to the Cowboys DL and he the ability to make plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage. This is a move that makes sense considering Maliek Collins is likely gone after the season and the fact Trysten Hill has yet to establish himself.
