Let’s have a little fun, as the Dallas Cowboys are not having a good season—a 5-round mock draft.
Everyone loves a mock draft. Whether it is good or bad, it is a conversation starter, and this fan base needs a little fun right now because the games are not fun to watch.
The coaching staff will undoubtedly be different, but one thing is sure: death, taxes, and the Jones family thinking they are good at their jobs.
That said, let’s dive into this and leave a comment about what you think and what changes you would make.
Round 1 Pick: Ashton Jeanty (RB) Boise State
In this mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts offered a trade: pick 9 and pick 147 for the Colts’ picks 10 and 47.
Ashton Jeanty has been a name that has come up in numerous draft talks and the Dallas Cowboys. Taking him with a top-10 draft pick may or may not be the way to go.
Ashton Jeanty should be the Heisman winner and lead the NCAA in nearly every running back category. Oh, and he can block and catch out of the backfield.
Jeanty’s film study unequivocally demonstrates a generational talent whose skill set surpasses traditional running back norms. His extraordinary vision, unmatched contact balance, and explosive playmaking ability make him the most complete backfield prospect in recent memory.
His anticipation and acceleration in zone schemes will leave linebackers flailing, while his decisive cuts and power in gap schemes will dominate even the strongest NFL defenses.
Moreover, Jeanty’s receiving skills and route-running potential allow him to be deployed as a receiver, while his elite pass protection establishes him as the quintessential modern three-down back.
Jeanty is a transformative talent that franchises cannot overlook. His immediate impact on an NFL offense is beyond question, and any team selecting in the top five will find it nearly impossible to pass on him.
He is poised to compete for Offensive Rookie of the Year and quickly establish himself among the league’s elite playmakers.
The do-it-all back would be the perfect weapon to add to this offense.
Round 2 Pick: Deon Walker (DL) Kentucky
The second-round pick was also traded, and the partner was the Chicago Bears. They offered picks 41 and 243 for the Dallas Cowboys’ pick 40.
Picking up an extra draft pick to move back one spot is usually not a bad idea.
A player the Cowboys can use is still on the board with the 41st pick, and he will boost the defense’s interior.
Deon Walker is a massive human being, standing at 6’6″and 345 pounds. During the year, he had 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 32 total tackles, which may not seem like great numbers, but Deon Walker’s job was to take up blockers and stop the run.
Deone Walker is a standout defensive lineman prospect known for his size, power, and agility. He effectively disrupts both the run and pass games, showcasing high energy and versatility.
His tackling, quick footwork, and leadership strengths make him a valuable asset for any NFL defense.
He takes up blockers and stops the run very well. This frees up the linebackers and allows the defensive ends to avoid double teams.
Round 2 Pick: Barrett Carter (LB) Clemson
This pick was from the Indianapolis Colts trade in the first round.
Barrett Carter would slot in nicely with DeMarvion Overshown to give the Cowboys two great linebackers for a few years.
Standing at 6’1 “and 230 pounds, Barrett Carter is a high-upside, three-down linebacker in the NFL. He is known for his sideline-to-sideline range and strong coverage skills.
He can effectively match up with tight ends and running backs in sub-packages, and his blitzing ability adds depth to his game. His instincts in zone coverage and route recognition are also expected to translate well to the next level.
This would be a great addition to a struggling defense this year.
Round 3 Pick: Dane Key (WR) Kentucky
A big wide receiver, Dane Key from Kentucky, was available in the third round. With the issues at receiver, taking a flier on Dane Key seemed to be the way to go.
Dane Key is 6’3” and 210 pounds with good speed, running a 4.5 forty-yard dash.
Key has shown the potential to be a reliable possession receiver in the NFL, possibly developing into a solid WR2 or high-end WR3. His effective route-running and dependable hands will be valuable, particularly on third downs and in the red zone.
While he may lack the elite athleticism to play outside against top cornerbacks, his size and catch radius could make him an effective big slot receiver in the right system.
Opposite CeeDee Lamb, this pick could pay dividends to Dak Prescott, who has not had two big-time receivers since Amari Cooper was traded.
Round 5 Pick: Three Players in Consecutive Picks
Due to trades earlier in the draft, the Dallas Cowboys could make three consecutive picks in round five: 170, 171, and 172.
Offense and defense were upgraded with these three picks.
At Pick 170, Nic Anderson was the choice. The University of Oklahoma wide receiver, standing at 6’4” and 219 pounds, is another big receiver that would elevate this offense.
Anderson is seen as a high-upside X-receiver with the potential to be a significant vertical threat. His size, speed, and ball skills make him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add a playmaker to their receiving corps.
Coaches view him as a versatile player who can excel in both spread and traditional offenses. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches makes him valuable in deep-passing systems.
Pick 171 cornerback Dorian Strong was available. The uncertainty of Jourdan Lewis made this pick a no-brainer.
Dorian Strong is 6’1″and 185 pounds, a nice size for the slot position. Strong’s coverage skills and ball-hawking ability translate well to the NFL level.
His proficiency in press-man coverage and awareness of zone coverage offer valuable versatility for different schemes. These attributes, combined with his fluid hip movement and strong anticipation skills, should enable him to compete for playing time early in his career.
The last pick of the fifth round is offensive tackle Jack Nelson from the University of Wisconsin. Nelson is 6’7” and 316 pounds.
Nelson is seen as a versatile prospect with experience at both tackle and guard, making him valuable for teams seeking offensive line depth. His strong anchoring in pass protection and aggressive run-blocking suggest starter potential, especially at guard.
However, his foot speed may limit him against elite NFL edge defenders. He is likely best suited for right tackle in a zone-heavy system or at guard, where he can leverage his strength. His durability and solid performance in the Big Ten will attract the attention of NFL scouts.
These picks could potentially help all levels of the offense and defense. Going big with athleticism from big-time schools seems to play out well for teams around the league.
Drafting players for fit has always been tricky for the Cowboys front office, but maybe this year will be different.