Cowboys make aggressive move for offensive need in new mock draft

With the Dallas Cowboys losing some stars in free agency, it wouldn't be surprising if they took a swing during the NFL Draft on April 25-27.

One player Dallas is expected to move on from is offensive tackle Tyron Smith. In his latest mock draft, Sports Illustrated's Luke Easterling projected the Cowboys to trade the No. 24 overall pick to the Denver Broncos to move up to the 12th overall slot and select Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu to replace the eight-time Pro Bowler.

"Even in a fairly deep offensive tackle class, the Cowboys might be tempted to make a bold move up if a high-upside prospect like Fashanu is still on the board here," wrote Easterling. "It probably costs them at least a second-round pick, but the potential at a premium position is worth it."

Finding a viable replacement for Smith is imperative for the Cowboys. In 13 games last season, he only allowed one sack and posted an 83.7 Pro Football Focus grade, the fourth best at his position. While Pro Bowler Tyler Smith started a left tackle during his rookie season, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones recently indicated the team wants him to stay at guard.

Fashanu earned 2023 first-team All-American honors. ESPN's Field Yates rates him as his fourth-best OT in the draft class.

"Fashanu has the length, power and foot quickness to become a left tackle fixture after a consensus All-American season at Penn State," noted Yates. "Fashanu, who played high school football alongside Caleb Williams, is still just 21 years old despite playing four seasons of college ball. He blends outstanding power and tenacity with great flexibility, and he generates real pop in the running game."

One reason Dallas has won 12 regular-season games in three straight seasons is a strong O-line that protects quarterback Dak Prescott. In 2023, PFF rated it as the eighth-best in the league. Moving up in the draft to take a highly touted prospect would keep the unit intact.