Well, the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is officially over. The Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the league have a lot of new and useful information at their disposal. The most important of which are the medical reports completed in Indianapolis, but the drills performed there have their use as well. With that in mind, I thought it was the perfect time to do another 7-round Cowboys mock draft.
I thought I would do something different this go around though. I decided it would be more realistic if I shared with you what I would like to see happen in free agency before the draft gets here in April. I think it helps put things in a little bit better perspective, although not all that much since the Dallas Cowboys and I could see things very differently. But, at least it helps justify my selections a little better.
Let's get started…
Free Agency Moves
- Lock up QB Dak Prescott long-term
- Tag WR Amari Cooper
- Re-sign DE Robert Quinn
- Re-sign CB Anthony Brown
- Place tender on TE Blake Jarwin
- Pay cut for DE/DT Tyrone Crawford
- Sign DT Danny Shelton
- Sign SS Karl Joseph
- If/when reinstated, bring back DE Randy Gregory
LET'S DRAFT!!!
Round 1
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Adding Henry Ruggs III to the mix with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup would make the Dallas Cowboys passing game an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. His God-given speed and talent is a game changer, much like Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill. With so much work to do on the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys are probably going to have to field a high-scoring offense to have any kind of success in 2020. Ruggs' addition would help accomplish just that.
Round 2
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
With Byron Jones and Anthony Brown both potentially leaving in free agency and Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis entering the final year of their rookie contracts, the Dallas Cowboys absolutely need to address the cornerback position. Noah Igbinoghene is an ascending player still learning the CB position, although his background as a wide receiver and track star has put him on the fast track to becoming a top notch defensive back. He's sure to have a few growing pains, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the best CBs to come out of this draft class.
Round 3
Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
If you've read any of my previous work, you know DT Davon Hamilton is one of my “pet cats” in this year's draft class. I love his ability to anchor the middle of the defensive line, something Dallas Cowboys haven't had under the tutelage of former DC Rod Marinelli. With him gone though, I fully expect Mike Nolan to add some big bodied, space eating DTs to his front seven and Hamilton is definitely somebody he should target. Him being a force in the middle should help DeMarcus Lawrence, much like it did Chase Young and Nick Bosa during their time with the Buckeyes.
Round 4
Chase Claypool, TE, Notre Dame
Opinions will vary as to where Chase Claypool best fits at the next level, but I believe he could be a perfect move tight end in the NFL. He actually reminds me of former Green Bay Packers TE Jermichael Finley. They mirror one another as far as size and skill set is concerned, but Claypool is definitely the faster and more athletic of the two. He needs time to develop and learn the TE position, but he would be a fantastic mismatch against smaller DBs and a much-needed red zone threat as a rookie.
Round 5
Geno Stone, S, Iowa
Even though I believe the Dallas Cowboys will address the safety position via free agency (Karl Joseph), I decided to add some depth at the position anyway in Geno Stone. Stone is an underrated prospect in this year's draft class, but he has the talent to develop into a starter in the NFL. He is at his best when he is playing forward and is an absolute heatseeking missile when he zeroes in on his target. I think he will be the next Kavon Frazier (core special teamer, reserve safety) to begin with, but he has the potential to be much more in a year or two.
Round 5 (Comp. pick)
Reggie Robinson II, CB/S, Tulsa
Sticking with the theme to help upgrade the Dallas Cowboys lack of depth in the secondary, I decided to draft another cornerback in the fifth-round with the projected compensatory pick for Cole Beasley. Reggie Robinson II played CB at Tulsa, but I believe he may need to make a switch to safety at some point in the NFL. He has the size (6'1″, 205) and the physicality to make the switch, but in the meantime he could compete for a starting CB gig as a rookie. Worst-case scenario he provides much-needed depth and becomes a core special teams player.
Round 7
Cameron Brown, LB, Penn State
With the final of the Dallas Cowboys 2020 draft picks I decided to give the Cowboys some much-needed linebacker depth with the selection of Cameron Brown out of Penn State. I believe he can play all three LB positions and matchup with tight ends in the passing game as well. He needs to learn to play a little more under control, but he's as physically gifted as any LB in this year's draft class. His value early on will be on special teams though while he continues to develop as a player.
