Yesterday I shared with you the 2020 local prospects eligible to participate in “Dallas Day” for the Dallas Cowboys. I was able to come up with 29 NFL hopefuls with ties to the Dallas area. Today, I want to take a look at the players who have the best chance of seeing their name written down on the Cowboys draft card in April.
I think it's to say we can cross former Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah off the list of potential prospects the Dallas Cowboys could draft. He is likely gone way before they are on the clock with the 17th overall pick in the first-round. I think we can also scratch off the quarterback and running back position. Dallas is unlikely to draft either, but everything else should be in play.
Let's take a look…
Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas
Hakeem Adeniji (6'4″, 302) started 48 career games, mostly at left tackle, during his time with the Jayhawks. He projects as a starting caliber LT in the NFL, but probably fits best in a heavy zone blocking scheme. As a potential mid-round pick, the Dallas Cowboys could target him for more depth and allow him to compete to become the swing tackle as a rookie.
Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Upgrading the defensive line has to be at the top of the list, or close to it, for the Dallas Cowboys. Ross Blacklock (6'4″, 305) is probably in the second tier of DTs in the 2020 draft class. His draft projection right now is anywhere from a fringe first-round pick to the middle of the second-round. He could be someone the Cowboys target with their first pick on Day 2.
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Devin Duvernay (5'11”, 202) is somebody the Dallas Cowboys could target on Day 2 to take over the slot duties if they don't re-sign Randall Cobb this offseason. Duvernay is a strong, speedy receiver who is built more like a running back and is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. He is also someone who can help contribute on special teams.
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Jeff Gladney (6'0″, 183) is one of my favorite CBs in the entire 2020 draft class. I currently have him ranked behind only Jeffrey Okudah. I love his footwork and fluidity in coverage, and his willingness as a tackler against the run. I believe he is somebody the Dallas Cowboys could target at 17 in the first-round, but he should still be there if they want to trade down a few spots.
AJ Green, CB, Oklahoma State
AJ Green (6'1″, 199) is a mid-round CB prospect the Dallas Cowboys could target to help add some much-needed depth to the position. He looked comfortable playing in a variety of different coverages in college and has above average athleticism for the position. He might not be a Day 1 starter, but possesses all the tools to become one as early as Year 2.
Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Justin Madubuike (6'3″, 304) is considered to be a top-five defensive tackle in the 2020 draft class. He is projected as a fringe first-round or early second-round draft pick by most draft analyst. He is probably a better fit as a 3-technique/under tackle if drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and should step right into Maliek Collins' vacated spot as a rookie.
Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Lucas Niang (6'7″, 328) is a high-upside starter in the NFL. Despite his size, he moves extremely well and is probably a better fit in a zone blocking scheme. He could be a top 50 selection this year. But if he slides to the Dallas Cowboys in the second-round, he could be somebody they target to potentially replace Tyron Smith.
James Proche, WR, SMU
James Proche (5'11”, 196) was highly productive during his four years at SMU. He's unfortunately not very big and not very fast, meaning he may be a slot only WR in the NFL. But, he does possess an intriguing skill set and that alone should get his name called on Day 3. If Randall Cobb doesn't return, he could be somebody the Dallas Cowboys target to help replace his lost production.
Jalen Reager, WR, TCU
Jalen Reager (5'11”, 195) is one of the top five WRs in this year's draft class and as such should hear his name called in the backend of the first-round or early second. The Dallas Cowboys could show an interest in him because he would add the much-needed speed threat to the passing game. He would be a Day 1 starter who has the versatility to play inside or out.
Reggie Robinson, CB, Tulsa
Reggie Robinson (6'1″, 202) is a Day 3 CB prospect the Dallas Cowboys could show an interest in due to the lack of depth at the position. His size and length is intriguing, as is his athleticism. He may need to make the transition to safety at some point in the NFL, but he's well worth a late-round pick because he has the potential to develop into a starter in time.
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Laviska Shenault (6'2″, 220) is projected to be a late first-round draft pick and might be of interest to the Dallas Cowboys if they trade down a few spots from 17. He projects best as an outside X-receiver with some slot versatility. He is a player the Cowboys could get creative with and move all around the formation, which should help create more favorable matchups for other WRs.
