The Draft Network's eight staffers must've missed not being able to fill out their March Madness brackets, because they currently have a Mock Madness challenge going on. Each staffer released a first-round mock draft as part of a bracket-style matchup. Then the mock drafts will be voted on and the winner moves on.
Now, I don't really care anything about TDN's Mock Madness bracket-style challenge, but I do find it interesting who each one of their staffers selected for the Dallas Cowboys. There were of course some obvious selections, but there were a few surprises as well. Let's take a look at which prospects they believe the Dallas Cowboys could draft in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jordan Reid – K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
“The Cowboys still have a need off the edge. Adding an explosive option in Chaisson helps ease those concerns.”
My take:
I'm personally not the biggest K'Lavon Chaisson fan, but he does make sense for the Dallas Cowboys at 17. They currently don't have anyone to start opposite DeMarcus Lawrence who played an entire season in 2019 – Tyrone Crawford (hip injury/surgery), Randy Gregory (suspended), Aldon Smith (suspended) – which makes Chaisson a viable insurance policy.
Kyle Crabbs – Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
“The Dallas Cowboys were hit hard by the retirement of Travis Frederick. Cesar Ruiz is head and shoulders the best center prospect in 2020.”
My take:
Cesar Ruiz definitely makes a lot of sense after Travis Frederick's unexpected retirement, but taking him at 17 is a bit of a reach in my opinion. I have no problem with the pick, but I'd prefer it in a trade down scenario, much like they did when they drafted Frederick in 2013.
Drae Harris – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
“The Dallas Cowboys pick up a dominant presence in the middle of their defense.”
My take:
If I'm being completely honest, I'd be really disappointed if the Dallas Cowboys drafted Javon Kinlaw at 17. His lack of production and knee tendinitis are pretty big concerns for me, which is why I'd prefer them to go a different direction here.
Joe Marino -Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
“A savvy cornerback like Kristian Fulton will make life tough on the young quarterbacks in the NFC East.”
My take:
The Dallas Cowboys may disagree, but I don't think Kristian Fulton is a Top 5 CB in this year's draft class. As such, I think it's too early to take him at 17.
Rob Judin – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
“I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” – Michael Scott
My take:
Pound for pound, Jeff Gladney is one of the best CBs in the 2020 draft class. He is a little undersized and may be a slight reach at 17, but I'd have no problem with him being the Dallas Cowboys pick at 17.
Carter Donnick – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
“C.J. Henderson and his fluid coverage ability can help mask the loss of top cornerback Byron Jones.”
My take:
C.J. Henderson is probably a no-brainer for the Dallas Cowboys if he makes it to 17. The only question is…does he slide that far?
Benjamin Solak – K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
“The Dallas Cowboys don't have much pass-rush juice besides DeMarcus Lawrence, who had a quieter season than they had hoped for a big-money rusher. K'Lavon Chaisson is a high-upside and should be a great fit in a 3-4 defense.”
My take:
Solak mentions Chaisson “should be a great fit in a 3-4 defense”, but unless I missed something I think the Cowboys plan on sticking to the 4-3 for the most part. Mike Nolan's scheme is expected to be a hybrid 3-4/4-3, which means Chaisson should still be a good fit regardless.
Trevor Sikkema – C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Trade: Dallas Cowboys trade 17-overall and third-round picks for San Francisco 49ers' 13th overall selection
My take:
I really like C.J. Henderson and think he would be an excellent fit with the Dallas Cowboys, but I don't think I'd be willing to sacrifice a third-round pick to move up and get him.
