After all of the waiting and speculation, the 2018 NFL Draft is finally here. Tonight the Dallas Cowboys will be on the clock with a chance to improve their roster for the first time in 2018.
In preparation for the total NFL Draft, I've put together a 7 round Cowboys-focused mock draft. This draft was completed using FanSpeak's On The Clock simulator, and done using Arif Hasan's consensus draft board.
The Cowboys enter the draft with 10 selections total, and rather than predicting trades, I stayed put and picked each time. So, let's get into the mock.
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R1/19 – DAL: James Daniels, OL, Iowa
The Cowboys solidify their offensive line here with Iowa's James Daniels. Daniels primarily played at center in college, but will have no issues sliding to left guard in Dallas. He is an excellent reach blocker, a smooth pass protector, and one of the best interior offensive linemen in this class.
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R2/18 – DAL: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
After releasing veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant just a few weeks ago, the Cowboys bring in their newest “X” wide out in Courtland Sutton. Sutton slid a bit in this mock draft and the Cowboys benefit from his slide. I do like a few receivers more than Sutton, but he does provide value 50th overall.
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R3/17 – DAL: Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa
The Cowboys continue to add players from the Hawkeyes here, drafting linebacker Josey Jewell in round three. Jewell can provide solid depth at linebacker in year one, and if reports about Jaylon Smith's progress are true, that might be all the team needs from Jewell in 2018. Going forward, allow Jewell to learn from Sean Lee and improve on his game.
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R4/16 – DAL: Deadrin Senat, DT, USF
Dallas finally gets their defensive tackle in round four, and Deadrin Senat is well worth the wait. Senat is a strong interior defensive lineman who fits perfectly as a 1-technique in the Cowboys defensive scheme. Senat plays with leverage and excellent hand usage that should translate to the NFL.
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R4/37 – DAL: Tarvarius Moore, Safety, Southern Mississippi
The Cowboys look to bolster the back end of their defense with safety Tarvarius Moore here. Falling a bit further than expected, the Cowboys get a safety with elite athletic abilities. Moore can play in coverage and in the box against the run, and can be a good addition to the Cowboys secondary.
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R5/34 – DAL: Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
Jack Cichy is the second linebacker the Cowboys take in the 2018 draft, but he is the better of the two when healthy. Cichy would most likely be a top 100 pick if not for his injury concerns, but he's worth a chance on Day three regardless.
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R6/18 – DAL: Christian Campbell, CB, Penn State
Cornerback isn't a need for the Cowboys at all, but Christian Campbell is a good late round option for them here. He is a long, strong, and physical cornerback, something I'm sure Kris Richard will love. Why not take Campbell here and see what he can bring during the preseason?
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R6/19 – DAL: Ito Smith, RB, Southern Mississippi
Due to the skills of Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys won't consider a running back early in the draft. But drafting Ito Smith later in the draft could give them the change-of-pace back they've been missing the last couple of seasons. Smith averaged over 10 yards per catch in college, and Dallas could use that pass game production from a running back.
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R6/34 – DAL: Javon Wims, WR , Georgia
Okay, I'll admit this is a bit of a personal pick. At 6'3″ 215 pounds Javon Wims certainly “looks” the part of an NFL wide receiver. And while at Georgia, he was an effective playmaker who led the team with 45 catches for 720 yards and 7 touchdowns. Wims is a big receiving threat that's worth giving a shot to make this team.
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R7/18 – DAL: Riley Ferguson, QB, Memphis
Having already addressed their pressing needs, the Cowboys use their 7th round pick to add another quarterback to the depth chart. Right now it's only Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush occupying that lonely QB room, and Ferguson's production in college make him an interesting camp arm and potential developmental QB going forward.
