The Dallas Cowboys have nine selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, including four in the fifth round. After losing wide receiver Amari Cooper, guard Connor Williams, and edge rusher Randy Gregory, among others, let’s just say there are many holes on the team.
The biggest defensive holes are defensive tackle and linebacker, while the interior offensive line is the biggest hole on offense. Luckily for the Cowboys, they have much draft capital to address these needs. After next Saturday, Dallas may walk out with 3-4 starters for week one.
Here’s my ideal 2022 draft for the Dallas Cowboys:
No. 24 pick (1st Round): IOL Zion Johnson, Boston College
Some fans are pushing for a defensive tackle in round one, but the Cowboys are better off using this pick on a guard. There’s more depth at the defensive tackle position in round two than at guard.
Zion Johnson is an aggressive and versatile lineman, having played all five OL positions at Boston College. An argument could be made for Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green, but Johnson is the more well-rounded prospect. He’s very technical and will soundly fill the hole left by Williams.
The offensive line was a letdown for Dallas in the second half of last season, especially in the playoffs. By picking Johnson, the Cowboys can start their draft with a bang.
No. 56 pick (2nd Round): DT Travis Jones, UConn
See what I mean about the defensive tackle depth in this draft? Jones is an excellent prospect and does his best when stopping the run, something Dallas needs to improve on.
He’s a great pass rusher, too, constantly collapsing the pocket to make things harder for quarterbacks. But again, this selection is about stopping the run. Jones will make Dallas more stout in the trenches with his diverse skill set.
No. 88 pick (3rd Round): EDGE Sam Williams, Ole Miss
Williams is one of this draft’s hidden gems. He’s an exciting prospect with great hands, athleticism and a quick burst off the line of scrimmage. According to Williams, the Cowboys are incredibly high on him.
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Dallas doesn’t exactly need a starter here, just a guy who can provide quality depth. Williams fits that description and can provide much-needed power on the defensive line.
No. 129 pick (4th Round): LB Damone Clark, LSU
Micah Parsons is fantastic. But outside of him, the Cowboys are thin at linebacker. We don’t know yet what Jabril Cox can be, and it’s hard to see Leighton Vander Esch making significant improvements.
It wouldn’t hurt to hit the LSU linebacker button again and bring in Clark. He’s versatile, explosive and has excellent top-end speed to pursue ball carriers. There are many linebackers the Cowboys can select here, but Clark is the most realistic option here.
No. 155 pick (5th Round): WR Erik Ezukanma, Texas Tech
I know you’re thinking, “Why would Dallas wait until the fifth round to take a wide receiver?” The Cowboys already have two solid receivers, a luxury most teams don’t have. It would be nice to have three, but it shouldn’t be a high priority.
Besides, Ezukanma wouldn’t be a bad selection here. He has size, athleticism, a wide catch radius and can line up in the slot, where the Cowboys need someone if CeeDee Lamb plays on the outside more. Ezukanma grew up 30 minutes away from AT&T Stadium with a Terrell Owens poster on his bedroom wall. He wants to play for Dallas and can provide for them as well.
No. 167 pick (5th Round): OT Zach Tom, Wake Forest
This is more of a pick towards the future. Tyron Smith is outstanding, but battles injuries all the time. Terence Steele will likely start at right tackle, but who knows if he’s the long-term answer?
The Cowboys can cover themselves with a tackle in round five. Like Johnson, Tom is versatile on the offensive line and can play center if Tyler Biadasz fails to pan out. He isn’t ready to start immediately, but Dallas doesn’t need him to. The Cowboys always like having extra offensive linemen to play around with, and Tom brings consistency with great leverage and technical ability.
No. 176 pick (5th Round): RB Dameon Pierce, Florida
I know what Stephen Jones said about not drafting a running back. However, this is about what Dallas should do, not what it’s going to do. And the Cowboys should draft a running back in this draft.
Pierce is above being a fifth-round pick, but there’s a good chance he falls here. Like Ezekiel Elliott, he’s best in pass protection and running between the tackles. But unlike Elliott, he’s an efficient runner. If the Cowboys choose to cut Elliott next offseason, Pierce can fill his role and be a solid RB2 behind Tony Pollard.
No. 178 pick (5th Round): TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland
The tight end position is thin for Dallas. Dalton Schultz received the franchise tag, but there’s no guarantee he will return next season. After Schultz, there are not many options.
Okonkwo is one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in this draft. If you watch his game tape, you’ll see how Maryland got him involved in various ways, from running seams, screens and intermediate routes. The Cowboys can do something similar. His size makes him a great target, and he can take some pressure off Schultz to carry the position.
No. 193 pick (6th Round): S Tycen Anderson, Toledo
You can argue Dallas should select a kicker here, but it’s better off signing a bunch of undrafted guys and seeing who sticks.
Safety isn’t a massive need with Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker returning, but depth is needed. Anderson can play both safety positions and combines excellent coverage skills, downfield playmaking and an ability to play special teams. He’s a solid prospect to end the draft and will fit well with Dallas.
