With the 26th pick in this year's NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys undoubtedly will aim to select a player who can make an impact quickly. Whether that player is on offense or defense, the front office will likely ensure their selection is a guy who can play right away – rather than chasing a developmental project.
Now I'm not here to tell you which side of the ball or player they should target. Rather than that, I'm here to give you the consensus outlook that could hint at which side they favor or prospect.
However, after skimming through several mock drafts, I can't tell which side, prospect, or position the team likely targets in the first round. But that's not entirely bad, as it gives an outlook that people believe they're aiming for the best player available, and they're not narrowing on just one position.
So with that in mind, check out which players were selected in these four mock drafts below.
CBS Sports: Clemson lb trenton Simpson
We start with CBS writer Josh Edward's mock draft, as he has the Cowboys drafting Clemson LB Trenton Simpson, who he describes as having a versatile skillset.
This pick isn't bad, as Simpson has freakish athleticism and speed that the team could pair with Linebacker Micah Parsons. Additionally, with LB Leighton Vander Esch possibly leaving in free agency, adding Simpson could bode well for their future.
If you told me Parsons, Simpson, and LBs Damone Clark and Jabril Cox make up my linebacker room, then I'm a happy camper.
#Clemson LB Trenton Simpson NFL Combine measurement and on-field workout results
Height: 6'2”
Weight: 235 LBS
40-YD: 4.43s (2nd highest today)
10-YD Split: 1.55sOne of the most athletic players in this year's draft. Experience at both the ILB & OLB positions. Massive upside. pic.twitter.com/Gnl3cpI7HI
— Johnny Falduto (@johnnyfalduto) March 3, 2023
NFL.com: TCU WR Quentin Johnston
Next, we have NFL analyst Bucky Brooks' Mock Draft 2.0. With the 26th pick, Brooks has the Cowboys landing TCU WR Quentin Johnston, who he describes as a speedster with big-play potential.
After seeing this pick, I was surprised since Johnston has been getting labeled as the top wideout in this year's draft. But if the team landed a big-bodied wideout like him, they would be able to take some pressure off Wide Reciever CeeDee Lamb.
I doubt Johnston falls, but stranger things have happened.
Quentin Johnston is a super-athlete… Super-star potential, definitely someone to love at 25, but there's a VERY slim chance he lasts that long.
I genuinely wonder who the hell will be available at 25 lol https://t.co/bI1YTvKHJ6
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) March 4, 2023
PRO FOOTBALL NETWORK: PENN STATE CB JOEY PORTER JR.
Third, we have Pro Football Network Ian Cummings' mock draft. With the 26th pick, Cummings selected Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr, adding that the team could use a corner like him to pair with Cornerback Trevon Diggs.
Porter Jr. is a great pick, and his length is something that DC Dan Quinn looks for in a corner. Plus, he has NFL bloodlines.
If you asked me what position they should target in the first round, “cornerback” is the word I would scream a 1000-times. Even if Porter Jr. isn't there, there are guys like Devon Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez, Keele Ringo, and Emmanuel Forbes.
Joey Porter Jr. is the latest high-end defensive back prospect to share his name with a father who had a Pro Bowl-level NFL career.
All four of these DB prospects earned at least an 80 overall draft score. pic.twitter.com/ha9uhVpU6y
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 4, 2023
La times: Tennessee wr jalin Hyatt
Lastly, we have LA Times staff writer Sam Farmer's mock draft. For the Cowboys, Farmer selected Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt, adding the team needs to help Lamb – indicating that Hyatt could be that guy.
It was clear this past season that it was the Lamb show every week. And while that sounds fine and dandy, the team was in trouble when he wasn't open. Plus, they had no one to stretch the field, and their longest touchdown was wideout to T.Y. Hilton, who was signed off the street late and is on the tail end of his career.
Hyatt showed scouts that he could produce in a tough conference like the SEC, which has NFL-ready players on each team. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Boston College WR Zay Flowers, North Carolina WR Josh Downs, and himself are likely the wideouts that could be available when it's time for the Boys to pick.
But if the team wants to inject speed into their lineup, Hyatt is a layup pick.
.@jalinhyatt beating out Julio and Jettas. 👀
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/7LcQg8X3Id— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2023
