The 2021 NFL Draft is just a day away and the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of options with their number 10 overall pick. Names like Kyle Pitts, Patrick Surtain II, and Jaycee Horn have been the most common names attached to Dallas with their first pick, as well as the potential to move down to acquire more picks.
The team has many needs outside of cornerback, but almost exclusively on the defensive side of the ball since the Cowboys last year were among the league’s worst defensive units, ranking 23rd in overall defense.
The long-term contract extension of Quarterback Dak Prescott has made the need for offense less of a concern, except depth on the offensive line that suffered injuries and lacked quality play from some of the backups.
We reviewed how the Eagles trade would affect this year’s first-round pick, as well as how the 2018 draft class of free agents would affect which positions will be taken. Here is how the Cowboys 2021 draft would look like.
Rd 1, 10th overall: CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
The biggest debate for the Cowboys’ first overall selection has been between Patrick Surtain II of Alabama and Horn. Horn excels in his elite man coverage ability, toughness, and speed (4.39 40-yard dash), which would all pair great with Trevon Diggs.
He’s got the size Coordinator Dan Quinn likes in his corners (6’1″ 205-pounds), sticks to receivers like glue in coverage, and has the ceiling to be the next Jalen Ramsey who the Cowboys passed on once and shouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
Rd 2, 44th overall: LB Baron Browning, Ohio State
With the retirement of Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith coming off his worst full season as a pro, and Leighton Vander Esch who has had injury issues his whole career and hasn’t had his fifth-year option picked up, the Cowboys signed Keanu Neal to play the SAM linebacker position, but he’s only on a one-year deal and also has had a history of injuries.
Baron Browning is a do-it-all safety from Ohio State that could easily fill in any of the linebacker spots on the field. He’s got great athleticism and is a great coverage linebacker who can also be used in blitz packages, making him the linebacker the Cowboys desperately need.
Rd 3, 75th overall: OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
Injuries to both La’el Collins and Tyron Smith devastated the Cowboys’ offensive line, and players like Terence Steele and Brandon Knight left a lot to be desired.
The Cowboys need to add depth as well as a potential starter down the line. Spencer Brown is a daunting 6’8.5″ 311-pounds who showcased his skills at this year’s Senior Bowl.
He’s got starting experience at both tackle spots and has the combination of length and pass blocking skills that make him a high-upside prospect that would immediately be a better option to be the Cowboys swing tackle and potential starter down the line.
Rd 3, 99th overall: DT Jay Tufele, USC
The Cowboys need more depth on the defensive line, especially to stop the run.
With Antwaun Woods returning and the addition of Brent Urban to aid in stopping the run, the team needs a long-term answer at the nose tackle position.
Jay Tufele is much quicker than his 315-pound frame would suggest. He’s a natural run-stuffer who can create pressure on the passer. He’s likely a rotational player to start but has the upside to be a three-down starter at nose tackle.
Rd 4, 115th overall: TE Kenny Yeboah, Ole Miss
Blake Jarwin is coming off a season-ending injury, Dalton Schultz just had a career year but will be a free agent in 2022, and Sean McKeon is one year in after being an undrafted free agent. Tight end is a need that hasn’t been discussed much but could become a gaping hole if not addressed.
After playing four seasons at Temple, Kenny Yeboah transferred to Ole Miss for one season and had a great year displaying his solid hands and route-running ability. Yeboah also has shown to be a willing run blocker with the potential to be a great contributing player as a receiving tight end.
Rd 4, 138th overall: S Caden Sterns, Texas
Even with the addition of Damontae Kazee, the Cowboys need depth and upside at free safety. However, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys don’t use a higher pick on a safety, having not used a pick higher than the fourth round on the safety position since drafting J.J. Wilcox in the third round in 2013.
Caden Sterns is a high-upside athletic safety who can play rangy, zone coverage.
He’s got a great eye for the ball and the ability to read the quarterback to create plays in deep passing plays, an area that Dallas’s opponents took advantage of in 2020.
Rd 5, 179th overall: Edge Rusher Chauncey Golston, Iowa
The Cowboys seem devoted to upgrading the depth at the defensive end spots behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory.
Last year’s draft pick Bradley Anae didn’t get much playing time but offers plenty of upside. In a similar situation, Chauncey Golston plays with plenty of power off the edge as well as being able to play inside in passing situations.
He’s got plenty of strength and plays with an edge that would be a welcomed addition to provide the team with much-needed depth.
Rd 6, 192nd overall: DB Avery Williams, Boise State
The Cowboys love Boise State players and need plenty of depth in the secondary. Despite not offering great size Williams is a great corner who can play in the slot and lockdown the inside receivers.
A bonus is his ability to return kicks with six punt and three kick returns for touchdowns.
Even if Williams is a pure special teams addition, he’s got so many skills that could help this team from day one.
Rd 6, 227th overall: WR Jaelon Darden, North Texas
With Michael Gallup set to hit free agency next offseason, the team needs to think ahead to getting another deep-threat receiver.
Darden is a local kid who has plenty of speed and can create plenty of separation down the field. He could fill in on the outside or be an inside option to fill the slot role, should the team decide to kick CeeDee Lamb outside full time. He’s got the speed and route-running ability to play all over the field.
Rd 7, 238th overall: S Eric Burrell, Wisconsin
The Badgers are a team that usually has plenty of draft prospects coming out, but this year the school is lacking that sure-fire player and could potentially be without a player drafted until day three.
Eric Burrell is a smart player with two degrees from Wisconsin who can play the box safety role as a hard-hitting strong tackler who can also blitz off the edges.
Burrell is still raw in coverage. He might be better off starting his career on special teams as an asset for Coach John Fassel.
