On draft day, the Dallas Cowboys will need to address their defensive and offensive lines. Offensively speaking, their interior needs some long-term answers, particularly at guard.
Regarding the Cowboys’ defense, they need a defensive tackle that will not only get to opposing quarterbacks but also stuff runs consistently. Regardless of what Jerry Jones does with the running back position, and knowing Dak Prescott isn’t going anywhere, drafting an offensive line prospect should be at the top of his big board.
As for defensive tackles, there are plenty of possibilities in the second round. The Cowboys will also be in prime position to pick up a wide receiver in the third round.
3 Round Cowboys Mock Draft
1st Round-Pick 24, Trevor Penning, OT
Trevor Penning would be a steal if he’s available at number 24. While technically speaking, Penning is a college tackle and projects to be the same in the NFL, his upside would be too much to pass up in the first round. You could have him slide into the interior as he possesses an impressive frame, standing at six-foot-seven and weighing in at 330 pounds.
With that size comes noteworthy length and long arms, which he uses to pulverize smaller defenders. The man can literally handle defensive linemen with one arm. One reason he would excel as either a tackle or guard is his ability to burst through to the defense’s second level, clearing running lanes along the way.
Penning’s raw strength and power should be enough to warrant attention from Jones if he’s there when the Cowboys make their pick in the first round.
2nd Round-Pick 56, Phidarian Mathis, DT
The Cowboys need to generate more pressure from their defensive line’s interior. With no real premier talent in the trenches, Jones would be doing himself a favor by drafting Phidarian Mathis from Alabama.
Standing at six-foot-four and weighing 312 pounds, Mathis is ready to come into the NFL and dominate from the outset. His natural frame and imposing size will help him be a serious run-stopper right away. On top of that, Mathis has plenty of strength to go along with his build, and while he’s not the quickest off the line, his athleticism allows him to outwork blockers.
With the right coaching and patience as he learns to read NFL offenses, Mathis could develop into a disruptive force for the Cowboys.
3rd Round-Pick 88, John Metchie III, WR
The Cowboys and Jones could end up having several question marks at the wide receiver position. What exactly does the future hold for Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup? In the event that Jones plans to move on from both of them, a wide receiver in the third round makes sense.
Drafting John Metchie III means that the Cowboys go back-to-back with picks from the Crimson Tide. With his downfield speed, Metchie should be able to provide an offensive spark. NFL defensive backs will have a hard time keeping up with the speedster, and this ability to create separation and open up the field will be invaluable for Prescott.
However, Metchie isn’t just all flash; he also has some precise route-running in his arsenal. What makes Metchie that much more of an interesting prospect is his ability to dominate on the slant route, a truly versatile offensive weapon.
