We're back with another edition of a Cowboys Mock Draft roundup. The last time we checked a collection of mock drafts three weeks ago, the common theme we found was that the team's pick was a toss-up between offense and defense.
Fast-forward three weeks later, things have changed as the team has made several moves through free agency, in-house re-signings, and via trade.
Those moves included re-signing key defenders Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and Safety Donovan Wilson; franchise-tagging Running Back Tony Pollard — while adding depth behind him by re-signing RB Rico Dowdle and adding Ronald Jones through free agency; trading for Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks and Cornerback Stephon Gilmore; and lastly, letting Tight End Dalton Schultz leave in free agency to the Houston Texans.
These all matter because three weeks ago, people were mocking either CB, LB, or WR for the team in the first round. And now, the common theme seems to be upgrading their defensive line, with a little twist. That twist being the team selecting a TE, which they haven't done since 1997.
Shout out to LSU TE David LaFleur. I don't remember you playing since I was only one year old, and I only worried about sleeping, po*oping, and eating.
So with all that info digested, check out which players analysts selected for the team at Pick 26.
yahoo sports: Wisconsin dt keeanu Benton
We start with Yahoo Sports NFL Writer Charles McDonalds' NFL Mock Draft. At Pick 26, Mcdonald has the team drafting Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, whose a massive human being that could fill a need along their defensive line.
If your team needs a nose that can also hit quarterbacks a lot (cough cough Buffalo), may I interest you in one Keeanu Benton? pic.twitter.com/CrCJfXD5HU
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) March 7, 2023
Benton has been getting mocked from the first to the third round, so it's hard to gauge where he wounds up. However, a massive body that can not only cause havoc along the line, but pass rush wouldn't be too bad.
NFL's daniel jeremiah: Michigan dt mazi smith
Switching to NFL.com, we look at NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiahs' mock draft. With the 26th pick, Jeremiah has the team snagging another defensive tackle — Michigan's Mazi Smith.
In his quick synopsis for the pick, Jeremiah says Smith has gotten a lot of “buzz” for his athleticism and power, and he would fit a need for the Boys.
Smith is another player that could be a part of the solution to fix one of their hugest weaknesses, and it's always a bonus that he has freakish athleticism.
I know Michigan players in the first round scare some fans (hint-hint, Taco Charlton on line one), but Smiths' tape shows he's not another Taco-like pick.
Mazi Smith's raw strength in his arms is so impressive. Just discards a 330 LB Steve Avilla here despite coming from that "Squatty Potty" stance that Michigan had him playing from that limited his getoff. pic.twitter.com/EpU1fxjly8
— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) March 20, 2023
CBS Sports: Clemson Dt Bryan Bresee
Onto our third mock draft, the idea of upgrading the team's defensive line was copied by CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli. In Fornellis' mock draft, he has the team selecting Clemson DT Bryan Bresee, a former highly-rated recruit.
In his description of the pick, Fornelli reiterates that he's a player who can eat up space for the team's defensive line and free-up linebackers. However, he noted that Bresee missed significant time due to injuries in college — which may scare some fans since we always hear the same narrative from the front office.
“We drafted x-player because of the potential and feel our training staff can help them get past their injury history.” (Not a verbatim quote, but you get the point.)
Despite those red flags, the former number-one player in the country could be a great addition if he reverts to his old self. And if there was one guy in the NFL who could help him with that, it's DC Dan Quinn.
Started a few reps in: Here's Clemson DT Bryan Bresee on the bench. 28 reps.
Described as a “dancing bear” by one NFL person I chatted with this week. He's back to himself after battling thru major health-related illnesses that came after losing his sister Ella to brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/x00GYiAxv1
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 14, 2023
The ringer & Nfl's reuter: Utah te dalton Kincaid
Now let's get to the fun part of this op-ed.
After seeing defensive line upgrades from other mock drafts, the infamous TE pick was found in The Ringers' story written by Danny Kelly and in NFL Draft analyst Chad Reuters' mock draft.
Both wound up selecting Utah Tight End Dalton Kincaid — who they collectively agree would be a nice compliment to the team's passing corps. While most fans see Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot as the tight ends of the future, that didn't stop them from picking Kincaid — who's arguably among the best tight ends in this draft.
What team is the best fit for @Utah_Football TE @_DaltonKincaid? 🤔
📺: 2023 #NFLDraft — Starts Thursday, April 27 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/ClzsAkWmg7— NFL (@NFL) March 23, 2023
Adding a player like Kincaid would create a three-headed monster for the team's future, and if I had to make a bold prediction — there would be no drop-off in production from Schultz to the potential of this trio.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Ferguson and Hendershot as the 1-2 punch for the foreseeable future. However, they still need to add depth to those two.
If you don't want to waste a first-round pick on a TE, you can likely grab one in later rounds. But Kincaid is special, and you need all the weapons you can have on the field in an offensive-driven league.
While people may not like the tight-end pick, expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the team has the luxury of going with BPA (best player available). Whether it's TE, DL, OL, CB, or WR — prepare yourself for anxiousness leading up to the draft.
But c'mon, a TE would be a fun pick. Let QB Dak Prescott air it out and have a field day.
Oh, wait, he can't throw, according to some fans. Maybe they should draft an RB instead at 26. That would be ideal, right?
It takes the ball out of Prescott's hands, and we can watch a Pollard-Bijan Robinson or Pollard-Jahmyr Gibbs duo.
Oh, the endless possibilities. I love draft season.
