It’s finally draft week. After months of speculation and discussion, we will finally find out who the newest members of the Dallas Cowboys will be this weekend.
Being it’s draft week, I took another stab at The Draft Network’s mock draft machine to see what some of their options may end up being. In the end, the Cowboys took some big risks with their premium picks, but will be able to reap major benefits in the future if those risks pay off.
2nd Round, 58th Pick: Mississippi State DL Jeffery Simmons
Jeffery Simmons suffered a torn ACL during a workout in February, but on talent alone he is a top 10 player in this draft class. Simmons would bolster a Cowboys defensive line that already features feared pass rushers in DeMarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn, we just wouldn’t see it until the 2020 season.
We’ve heard Stephen Jones speak about wanting a year one starter at pick 58, but with the moves the Cowboys made in free agency to aid their defensive line depth, taking a redshirt year on Jeffery Simmons is perfectly fine.
The only issue? Most mocks have other teams taking this “risk” on Simmons before the Cowboys would even get their chance to do so.
3rd Round, 90th Pick: Vanderbilt CB Joejuan Williams
To be honest, I don’t love this pick here, but it was the best the Cowboys could do in this particular simulation. Joejuan Williams is a 6’4″ 211 pound cornerback with excellent coverage ability, but his slow game speed and 4.6 40 yard dash time will drop him on some teams’ boards.
I still like Williams as a prospect, and though I’m a little worried about his ceiling, taking him at 90 is well worth the risk.
4th Round, 128th Pick: Nebraska WR Stanley Morgan Jr.
The Cowboys first fourth round pick seems to be Stanley Morgan Jr. in every one of the mock drafts I complete, and there’s good reason for this. Morgan Jr. will instantly add talent to a receiver room which could use another technician, and he can help immediately from the slot in 2019.
The fit between the Cowboys and Stanley Morgan Jr. seems almost too obvious at this point, but if available in the fourth round they should pull the trigger.
4th Round, 136th Pick: Fresno State Safety Mike Bell
The board didn’t fall in a favorable way for the Cowboys to get a safety within their first two picks, with the likes of Juan Thornhill, Taylor Rapp, and Darnell Savage all going before 58th overall. But, the Cowboys get a solid consolation prize in safety Mike Bell with their compensatory selection.
Bell will have a tough time becoming the starter, but is another talented player in that secondary group for Kris Richard to work with.
5th Round, 165th Pick: Oklahoma RB Rodney Anderson
Rodney Anderson has an injury history himself, but he could be just what the Cowboys offense needs to compliment Ezekiel Elliott. Though not refined as a route runner, Anderson can be a good option as a receiver out of the backfield. And, though not a blazer, Anderson runs with excellent balance and fights through contact well.
7th Round, 241st Pick: Auburn LB Deshaun Davis
Deshaun Davis is a big and physical linebacker who will likely play SAM at the next level. He’s not really athletic enough to move laterally and play either MIKE or WILL, but he’ll provide depth at SAM and get his shot on special teams during the preseason.
