Under a week from today, the Dallas Cowboys will be making picks for a crucial NFL Draft where they need to make up for their embarrassing lack of activity in free agency.
On Thursday, I hosted an NFC East mock draft on my nightly show A to Z Sports Dallas Primetime and took control of the Cowboys' draft. Let's dive into the results.
First round, 24th overall: OC Graham Barton, Duke
I'll be honest... during the livestream of this show, my timer ran out and the computer picked DT Johnny Newton for me (I'm not lying, you can watch the blooper above!). I absolutely would've gone with Barton in this pick, however, so we'll cheat and use him instead.
Barton would make a much bigger impact on the Cowboys' running game than any potential RB pick in this draft would. He's an explosive athlete and made for run blocking in the NFL.
Second round, 56th overall: LB Payton Wilson, NC State
With Edgerrin Cooper off the board, I'm pulling off a classic Cowboys second-round strategy: Taking a player with medical red flags but high upside. He's dealt with way too many shoulder surgeries and has had knee issues as well. Spread out over multiple years, it's a significant risk to take.
And for better or worse, one the Cowboys would be unlikely to shy away from.
Third round, 87th overall: OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
With 34-inch+ arms, Fisher is a legit candidate to play tackle in the league, even if he's considered underdeveloped for an immediate role on offense. He started at right tackle at Notre Dame mostly because of the arrival of Joe Alt (projected Top 10 pick).
He needs time but Fisher checks all the boxes to eventually develop into an NFL starter. With the Cowboys always having renowned OL guru Duke Manyweather on speed-dial, I'm all-in with this pick.
Fifth round, 174th overall: LB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
Liufau has a lot to get better on, including his very tackling. But he's a versatile player who's even rushed off the edge for the Fighting Irish and Mike Zimmer could find a way to use him in his creative scheme.
Cowboys double-dipping at LB is absolutely an option considering how thin they are at the position, especially with Markquese Bell being expected to move back to safety.
Sixth round, 216th overall: RB Rasheen Ali, Marshall
The Cowboys waiting this long for a running back could be a problem since they don't have a clear-cut RB1, but if someone is going to fix that, it might be Ali.
Considered by many a future Day 3 steal, Ali's play-making ability is the kind of player the Cowboys need to spark new life into the team's running game. He's unlikely to be a three-down back, so Rico Dowdle would likely be on a 50-50 committee with him.
Seventh round, 233rd overall: WR Xavier Weaver, Colorado
Weaver has limited experience as he only started one year at Colorado but that was enough for him to show how productive he could be on a pass happy offense as he racked up 68 catches for 908 yards and four touchdowns.
Seventh round, 244th overall: OC Kingsley Eguakun, Florida
Eguakun in the seventh round provides a ton of value so we're double-dipping at center right here. The former Gator has NFL size and could be a developmental project in Dallas.
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