Yesterday I dropped my first 2017 first-round mock draft for all 32 teams. Things didn't fall exactly the way I would've liked in order for the Dallas Cowboys to come away with a “war daddy” defensive end, but they were able to upgrade the defense with their first-round selection. Today, I thought I would continue with of the rest the Cowboys draft picks through all seven rounds.
I personally think the Dallas Cowboys will go heavy on defense, so that's what I decided to do in this mock draft as well. Continue reading below to see how I think things could shake out for the Cowboys after the completion of the 2017 NFL Draft.
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Has prototypical size for an NFL CB and would likely step and as a day one starter on the outside for the Cowboys. He is scheme diverse, but needs to become more physical in run support.
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Jones started two years as a strong safety before moving to free safety his final year at NC State. He has the prototypical size teams look for in their safeties and would be a day one starter next to Byron Jones on the back end of the Cowboys defense.
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Talented DE who already has experience in Rod Marinelli's 4-3 defensive scheme after playing under Lovie Smith at Illinois. Played better in 2015, but dropped weight in 2016, which seemed to affect his play. Would likely compete with Charles Tapper to start opposite DeMarcus Lawrence as a rookie.
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Big/physical WR that fits the parameters the Cowboys look for in their outside wide receivers. Wasn't utilized much at Ohio State and is still learning the position, but has the skill set to develop into a #1 WR.
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Talented pass rusher that has some off the field concerns that need to be addressed. Also has struggled with injuries. Injury prone? Cowboys have targeted Chris Peterson coached players in the past: Orlando Scandrick, Tyrone Crawford, and DeMarcus Lawrence.
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Shifty 3rd down/change of pace back that will take over Lance Dunbar's role. Can contribute on special teams as a return specialist as well. Is a natural pass catcher, but needs to work on ball security.
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A little bit undersized, but is a good sideline to sideline LB that shows good instincts to quickly diagnose and attack. Would provide depth to the LB position and contribute on special teams as a rookie. Has potential to become a starter.
The Dallas Cowboys shore their secondary with their first two draft picks by selecting Gareon Conley and Josh Jones. Both defensive backs are immediate upgrades over what the Cowboys lost in free agency and will be fixtures in the secondary for years to come.
Dawuane Smoot and Joe Mathis have both proven that they are capable of getting after the QB in college, but the NFL is a different beast. Expect defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to get the best out of them. Smoot and Mathis will compete with second-year DE Charles Tapper to start opposite DeMarcus Lawrence in 2017.
Noah Brown could make Brice Butler expendable, but he probably still needs a year to develop his skill set more before becoming a consistent contributor. He has the size, speed, and skill set to develop into a #1 WR for the Cowboys and could be used as a red zone target as a rookie.
T.J. Logan and Blair Brown are both valuable depth players that will make their living on special teams as rookies. Both players are talented enough to see snaps at RB and LB as rookies and could carve out a nice role with the Cowboys for years to come.
