The Dallas Cowboys are one of 20 teams who now know where they are slotted to pick in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft. The Philadelphia Eagles win over the New York Giants in the 2019 season finale not only knocked them out of the playoffs, but also locked them into the No. 17 draft slot barring some trade come April. That means draft season is finally here!
While many of you are just now starting to dip your toes into the draft process, I’ve been full go analyzing, evaluating, and ranking this year’s draft class for a while now. Just this week I shared with you my Top 100 Big Board, where the Dallas Cowboys just so happen to have three draft picks as of now (17, 49, 81).
We may know where the Dallas Cowboys are supposed to pick in the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, but that could change between now and draft day in April. But for the fun of it let’s pretend they stand pat and draft where they’re supposed to. With that in mind, let’s take a look at who I drafted for the Cowboys with their first three picks based on my own personal rankings.
Round 1, Pick 17
Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
The Dallas Cowboys may have drafted Trysten Hill with their second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft just a year ago, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t target the position early in 2020 as well. I truly believe the game is won and lost in the trenches and unfortunately Dallas doesn’t have a lot of firepower there on the defensive side of the ball. Hence my selection of Javon Kinlaw out of South Carolina.
Javon Kinlaw is currently ranked as the second-best interior defensive lineman in the 2020 draft class. I personally have him ranked as the 15th best player on my big board, which puts him right within striking distance for the Cowboys. At 6’6″, 310 pounds, Kinlaw is a big disruptive player who would fit perfectly in the middle of the defensive line next to Hill (hopefully).
Round 2, Pick 49
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
I really wanted to go with a cornerback in the first round for the Dallas Cowboys, but I thought drafting Javon Kinlaw provided more bang for the buck. The Cowboys definitely need more CB depth with both Byron Jones and Anthony Brown potentially leaving in free agency, which is why I selected A.J. Terrell out of Clemson with their second-round draft pick.
A.J. Terrell is currently ranked as the 55th player on my big board, and as such is someone who I believe can come in and start right away as a rookie. He has the size (6’1″, 190) and the natural ability to be a really good player at the next level for a long time. He’s at his best playing in a press and man coverage scheme, which could make him a natural fit opposite Chidobe Awuzie next year.
Round 3, Pick 81
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
I know I’m going to receive quite a bit of flack here for selecting another offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, but I believe it’s time to find Tyron Smith’s replacement. After all, he continues to miss games each season due to a nagging back injury and I also believe his play is starting to slip a little as well. That’s why I selected Mekhi Becton out of Louisville for the Cowboys.
If the Cowboys can get Mekhi Becton in the third-round, I’d personally consider trading Tyron Smith to the New York Jets in exchange for Jamal Adams. That’s how highly I think of Becton, despite currently sitting at 91 on my big board. I believe he can start from Day 1 at left tackle for the Cowboys. He is a big (6’7″, 329) blindside protector, but moves surprisingly smooth for a guy his size. He is also an absolute road grader in the run game.
