The Dallas Cowboys moved up in the draft after a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
From the second quarter of the Philadelphia game, the Cowboys looked like a team on the ropes, showing some needs that may not be apparent to some.
The game showed that the Cowboys need another elite pass rusher opposite Micah Parsons. The need for another receiver is always apparent, and there is a need for a center-field-type safety with some speed.
Moving from the 15th to the 13th pick opened up new possibilities in the upcoming NFL Draft.
I believe the team needs an edge rusher, defensive tackle, offensive line, running back, wide receiver, and tight end in no particular order.
This mock draft will be the picks the Cowboys own and no trades.
Round 1 Pick 13 James Pearce Jr. Edge (Tennessee)
Micah Parsons needs a Robin to his Batman, and James Pearce Jr. could be the guy who takes some of the heat off Parsons.
James Pearce Jr. is a tall and fast edge rusher. He is 6’5” and weighs 243 pounds, but he runs a 4.49 forty-yard dash, showing the needed explosiveness.
This forty time is in the 99th percentile for edge rushers eligible for the NFL Draft.
Along with speed, Pearce brings elite first-step quickness and impressive bend, making him a significant threat to opposing tackles. His talent for attacking the outside shoulder and flattening to the quarterback would rank him among the NFL’s top speed rushers.
Pearce is best suited as a stand-up edge rusher in a 3-4 or multiple front defense, much like Micah Parsons, where his explosiveness can truly shine. His skill set suggests he has a high ceiling as a pass-rush specialist, with the potential to develop into an every-down player.
The Dallas Cowboys will have to balance his exceptional pass-rushing abilities with his current limitations in run defense.
Round 2 Pick 44 Kaleb Johnson RB (Iowa)
Kaleb Johnson from the University of Iowa is a work-horse running back who will excel as an every-down back. This is a top-three back in this loaded running back draft class.
He has good size at 6′ and 225 pounds and is a wrecking ball on opposing defenses.
This season at Iowa, Kaleb Johnson had 240 carries for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards a carry in the Big 10.
Kaleb Johnson showcases exceptional vision and decisiveness, hitting the hole with authority and rarely hesitating.
He is a powerful runner with a low center of gravity, consistently pushing forward for extra yardage. His initial burst and quick acceleration allow him to reach top speed in no time.
Johnson is a versatile asset, thriving in both gap and zone running schemes. As a true workhorse back, he confidently handles a heavy load and remains effective without wearing down late in games.
His patience as a runner enables him to set up blocks with precision, allowing plays to develop before he attacks.
His contact balance is remarkable; he routinely breaks arm tackles and stays on his feet in traffic. With solid hands out of the backfield, Johnson is also a valuable option in the screen game.
Kaleb Johnson could be the best running back in the draft class and would be a great backfield mate for Rico Dowdle.
Round 3 Pick 78 Xavier Restrepo WR (Miami)
Xavier Restrepo is a football player to his core. He is tough, nasty, and the ultimate competitor, which is just what the Cowboys need.
He may not be the biggest guy at 5’10″and 198 pounds, but he plays much bigger than his size. Restrepo and his playing style would fit nicely next to CeeDee Lamb, and both players could be moved around the formation.
Xavier Restrepo possesses exceptional hands and ball-tracking skills, consistently securing challenging catches downfield. His intelligence on the field is evident as he demonstrates a strong awareness of zone coverage, effectively identifying and exploiting open spaces.
Restrepo’s ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC) is impressive, showcasing his solid balance and vision when making plays. He explosively launches off the line of scrimmage, utilizing his acceleration and agility to create significant separation from defenders.
As a reliable pass catcher, he frequently employs body catches with sound receiving technique. His body control is noteworthy; he adjusts expertly to passes and successfully gets his feet down along the sideline.
Despite his size, Restrepo’s blocking effort and technique are commendable. He is a dynamic runner with sharp vision in the open field and is an impactful option for kick returns.
Xavier Restrepo could be a Khalil Shakir type of receiver, but I believe he has more upside with added strength from an NFL program. His nastiness would light a fire under the offense.
Round 5 Pick 149 Zy Alexander CB (LSU)
Zy Alexander is a developmental cornerback with significant potential in various defensive schemes. His size and ball-hawking ability make him a strong fit for press-man or zone coverage.
While his transition from FCS to SEC play showed promise, his limited experience raises concerns.
With solid tackling skills, he could see early playing time in sub-packages or special teams as he sharpens his coverage techniques. Though the NFL medical staff will evaluate his injury history closely, if cleared, he has the potential to become a reliable rotational cornerback with starting abilities.
This player would benefit from learning the position from high-caliber NFL corners, and the Dallas Cowboys have that and one of the best secondary coaches in the NFL.
The combo of All-Pro corners and a high-caliber coach could bring out the best in this young player.
Round 5 Pick 170 Bradyn Swinson Edge (LSU)
Bradyn Swinson is an explosive pass rusher with a quick burst off the edge and strong hand-fighting skills, making him a valuable asset in sub-packages.
While he lacks ideal bulk, his powerful strikes and tactical rushing consistently disrupt tackles in the pocket.
Operating best in a two-point stance, Swinson excels in executing stunts and twists thanks to his lateral quickness and spatial awareness. His pass-rushing techniques include effective swipe-rip combinations and a developing long-arm move.
Although he needs to improve his rush depth and is currently limited against the run, he will likely increase his mass and play strength over time to enhance his dominance.
Round 5 Pick 171 Tonka Hemingway DT (South Carolina)
I like this player, and he has one of the coolest names in the draft.
Tonka Hemingway has an exceptional first step that consistently disrupts plays in the backfield.
His versatility allows him to excel at multiple positions along the defensive front, providing crucial flexibility. With active hands and a refined pass-rush toolbox, he easily disengages from blockers.
Hemingway’s high football IQ helps him quickly identify screens and misdirection. He is durable, having not missed a game in four years, and his relentless motor drives him to hustle downfield.
He is strong against double teams in run defense, and he also demonstrates leadership qualities and a strong work ethic, making him an invaluable asset to any team.
Round 5 Pick 172 Joshua Gray OG (Oregon State)
Joshua Gray is a standout developmental prospect with the potential to become a solid starter in the right system.
His athleticism and experience in a run-heavy offense make him a perfect fit for zone-blocking schemes. While his size may necessitate a transition to guard, his exceptional footwork and agility are ideally suited for interior line play.
Initially, his impact in the NFL may be limited as he adjusts to the physicality, but his exceptional football IQ and versatility will undoubtedly make him a valuable depth player.
Gray will undoubtedly evolve into a reliable starter with effective coaching and focused development, particularly in offenses that demand movement and second-level blocking.
Round 6 Pick 190 Billy Bowman S (Oklahoma)
As an Oklahoman, I have watched this player in numerous games throughout his career at the University of Oklahoma. He is a playmaker.
Billy Bowman has elite ball skills and anticipation and consistently makes game-changing plays. His exceptional return ability after interceptions highlights his vision and elusiveness in the open field.
A versatile defender, he can play multiple positions in the secondary, including safety and nickel cornerback.
He disrupts plays in the backfield with quick closing speed and maintains tight coverage through route breaks.
His high football IQ allows him to diagnose plays quickly, while his aggressive mindset in run support helps him make impactful tackles. Additionally, he brings valuable experience and production to special teams, enhancing his overall contribution.
This is the late-round gem of the draft.
Round 6 Pick 213 Jack Velling TE (Michigan State)
Jack Velling has strong potential, and why not add another tight end to the Dallas Cowboys? It’s my Cowboys front office’s true-to-form move.
He is capable of receiving at multiple levels and adapting to different alignments. His natural hands and seam-stretching ability fit well with modern passing schemes.
Additionally, his special teams experience adds immediate roster value.
Round 7 Pick 247 DeMonte Capehart DL (Clemson)
DeMonte Capehart shows flashes of high-level potential, but consistency issues remain a concern. His impressive raw power and athleticism are offset by a lack of refined technique, which may limit his immediate impact.
His ability to two-gap and control space will appeal to teams seeking versatility on the defensive front, but his current skill set likely confines him to early-down roles as he works on his pass-rush technique.
The team that drafts Capehart will be banking on his physical tools and coaching to unlock his potential. With the right development, he could become a game-changing force in the trenches.
This draft is essential in building the offense and defense. The top of the draft had a few instant impact players were the end has players with crazy athleticism, but need some refinement.
The offensive line should probably be looked at earlier, but this draft did not give good selections early on.
Overall, I think this draft could fill holes and get some great production on the field.