Suffering from the bye week blues? Miss watching the Dallas Cowboys downward spiraling 2020 play? Well, I have the solution that will hopefully brighten your day or at the very least give you something to think about for the future. It comes in the form of a way-too-early 2021 mock draft for the Cowboys.
If you're anything like me, probably not, you used the Dallas Cowboys bye week to evaluate potential positions of need beyond the 2020 season. Not only did I do that, but I took it a step further and started playing around with The Draft Network's mock draft machine to try to fill those needs. Below is an attempt I would be more than happy to see come to fruition.
Let's take a look… Shall we?
Round 1, Pick 4: OT Penei Sewell, Oregon
With Tyron Smith's inability to remain healthy for an entire season and his long-term health in question after undergoing neck surgery, finding his replacement is important and it could start and end Penei Sewell. The Oregon LT has been described as a generational type player and should be able to step in Day 1 as the blindside protector for the Dallas Cowboys long-term QB Dak Prescott.
Round 2, Pick 36: CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State
Shaun Wade somehow slips out of the first-round and right into the lap of the Dallas Cowboys in the second. This would no doubt be a dream come true. Wade (6'1″, 194) is the next impressive Ohio State CB to take their talents to the NFL. He would bring inside/out versatility to the Cowboys secondary and would give them a really good young duo if paired with Trevon Diggs.
Round 3, Pick 68: DT Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Dontari Poe didn't quite work out as the big-bodied DT the Dallas Cowboys had envisioned, but at 6'3″, 362 pounds Tyler Shelvin has the makings to be just that. He doesn't offer much as far as a pass rush is concerned, but he's a massive and powerful run defender who is not going to be moved easily. The Cowboys LBs wouldn't have to fight through trash with him clogging the middle.
Round 4, Pick 99: S Caden Sterns, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys will need one, possibly two new starting safeties in 2021 and Caden Sterns has ability to step in immediately as a Day 1 starter. He is instinctive and smart in the passing game and is equally as comfortable in a man or zone coverage. He needs to work on his physicality as a downhill run defender, but that should improve once coached up better in the NFL.
Round 4, Pick 105: EDGE Shaka Toney, Penn State
At 6'3″, 240 pounds Shaka Toney is an impressive natural athlete. He is a twitched up edge rusher with good first step quickness and speed to challenge opposing OTs around the edge. He will likely need to add a little muscle to his frame to help him as a run defender, but that's easily enough accomplished. He's an ascending prospect with a high ceiling worthy of a mid-round pick.
Round 4, Pick 136: LB Baron Browning, Ohio State
At 6'3″, 248 pounds Baron Browning would fit right in with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch as far as a height/weight/speed LB is concerned. With need for more depth Browning's side to side line quickness and read/react skill set could earn him an early role as a rookie with the Cowboys. He has the makings of a three-down LB if he can become more consistent.
Round 5, Pick 174: OL Alaric Jackson, Iowa
There's something about Iowa offensive lineman and Alaric Jackson is as intriguing as any of them. Jackson played LT with the Hawkeyes, but will likely have to kick over to the right side if he remains at tackle in the NFL. Long-term kicking inside may be in his best interest and that's where I think he would be most impactful with the Dallas Cowboys.
Round 6, Pick 190: CB T.J. Carter, Memphis
Double dip at the CB position!? I think so. T.J. Carter is a loose hipped, quick footed CB with good long speed. The 5'11”, 190 pound DB was left on an island during his time at Memphis and excelled due to his man coverage skills. He also has exceptional ball skills. He would provide much-needed depth with the Cowboys and could potentially earn a significant role as a rookie.
Round 6, Pick 219: WR Dazz Newsome, North Carolina
With Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb the Dallas Cowboys are pretty set at WR, but with only Cedrick Wilson as the only proven commodity behind them depth could be needed in 2021. Dazz Newsome would provide just that. The 5'11”, 190 pound receiver is a threat on all three levels of the field from the slot and easily creates separation. He is extremely QB friendly.
Round 7, Pick 225: S Leon O'Neil Jr., Texas A&M
Leon O'Neill Jr. could reunite with former teammate Donovan Wilson and DB coach Maurice Linquist if drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. He is a fiery hard-hitting safety prospect with traits worth developing. He will initially make his mark on special teams, but I wouldn't be surprised if he emerges as a starting caliber candidate at strong safety.
