Dallas Cowboys 7 round mock draft

With the 2022 season in the rear view mirror, it’s time to focus on what the Cowboys can do to improve this offseason. Here’s what I’m projecting the team could do during the draft.

First, before we get started with the mock, I wanted to lay the groundwork on what I’m expecting to happen this offseason when it comes to a few key free agent signings, as they have a big impact on how I think the Cowboys approach the draft.

Retaining players:

I’m projecting Dallas to not only bring back Leighton Vander Esch, but that they’ll also franchise tag Tony Pollard this offseason and that Ezekiel Elliot will also somehow be back as well.

Farewell:

Additionally, I’m expecting the Cowboys to let key players like Dalton Schultz, Cooper Rush, Donovan Wilson and Anthony Brown all walk.

Fresh faces:

The main addition I see happening this offseason is the signing of Odell Beckham Jr, but I can also see the Cowboys bringing back Byron Jones at the Cornerback position if the Miami Dolphins cut him, considering they could save 13.6 million dollars in cap space with his release.

7 round mock draft:

Now, it’s time we’ve all been waiting for, my full seven round mock draft!

Round 1 (26): Deonte Banks, CB

It’s obvious that the Dallas Cowboys need to find a number two cornerback option alongside Trevon Diggs after having a revolving door of Anthony Brown, Kelvin Joseph, Nashon Wright and Israel Mukuamu this past season. Things got desperate enough, that the team decided to bring in Trayvon Mullen and Xavier Rhodes late for some veteran help as well. Banks is built like a Dan Quinn prototype at the position and has the alpha mentality and ball skills that pairs well with his length and athleticism. There’s doubts about his long speed and inconsistency technique wise on tape, but I believe a good combine performance should put those questions about his speed to bed and he will eventually be a first round pick. A player like Kelee Ringo could be available here at this point in the draft, but I’m playing it safe with the selection of Banks.

Round 2 (58): Andrew Vorhees, OL

One of the most versatile offensive lineman in this years draft, Andrew Vorhees will be coveted by the Cowboys front office thanks to his experience all over the offensive line. He projects to be a starting Left Guard at the next level, potentially replacing Connor McGovern at the position, as the Cowboys could potentially trot out a lineup of Tyler Smith, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin and Tyron Smith next season.

Round 3 (90): Jerrod Clark, DT

Quinton Bohanna hasn’t panned out and last years 5th round selection of John Ridegway wasn’t enough to push him down the depth chart and improve the teams rush defense either, as Dallas ended up having to trade for Johnathan Hankins at the trade deadline to improve against the run. Costal Carolina’s Jerrod Clark is 6’4” 340 pounds, as he totaled 40 tackles (12 solo) and 3.5 sacks this past season. Although Cowboys fans shouldn’t expect elite pass rush production, Clark should be able to immediately help the teams run defense.

Round 4 (129): Daiyan Henley, LB

As much as I loved Jabril Cox coming out, I think it’s finally time we stop talking about “What if” and start looking at his production. Eight total tackles in two years isn’t going to cut it, no matter the injuries that may have popped up. Daiyan Henley is a similar prospect, who started out his college career as a wide receiver before successfully transitioning to becoming a quality Linebacker. Last season at Washington State, he had 104 total tackles (54 solo) along with four sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception for the Cougars. He’s definitely a raw prospect and gets washed out of his fair share of plays, hence why he’s a fourth round prospect, but the upside is for-real.

Round 5 (163): Rejzohn Wright, CB

Dallas doubles up at corner and reunites “Last Chance U” star, Rejzohn Wright with his brother Nashon. He has the height and length that Dan Quinn likes at the position and plays with a ton of “alpha” confidence. Although he doesn’t have the elite long speed needed to be a number one shut down corner, he should be a reliable depth piece and core special teamer early on. This move allows Dallas to let Donovan Wilson walk in free agency, as they can slot Israel Mukuamu over at the Strong Safety position.

Round 5 (170): Jake Moody, K

There. I did it. Dallas needs a kicker in the worst of ways, so why not draft arguably the best one in this years draft? Moody built off of his spectacular season with an impressive performance at the Shrine Bowl, as I expect the former Lou Groza award winner to go anywhere from the 4th to 6th round of the draft.

Round 5 (176): Yaya Diaby, DL

Similar to the Osa Odighizuwa selection a couple years ago, Yaya Diaby gives Dallas a pass rushing presence at the defensive tackle position, with the versatility to kick outside on the edge some as well. Much has been said about Calijah Kancey and Keion White when it comes to undersized defensive tackles with pass rushing prowess, but nobody is talking about Diaby in the same breath as them. Diaby produced 9 sacks and 37 total tackles this season (22 solo), stacking up considerably well when compared with Kancey’s 7 sacks and 31 total tackles (18 solo) and White’s 7.5 sacks. Although he could add some weight and functional strength to improve as a run stopper, Diaby’s long arms and plus length should allow him to be a productive speed to power pass rusher at the next level and adds needed depth to this Cowboys defensive line. Diaby is one of my favorite late round sleepers in this years class.

Round 6 (212): Jadon Haselwood, WR

I understand I waited late to select a wideout, but the former Oklahoma and Arkansas wideout offers a high upside at the position, considering he was ranked as the number one overall receiver in the 2019 class. His torn ACL in 2020 slowed his development and he’s not exactly an elite downfield threat, but Haselwood makes up for the lack of explosiveness with a good frame and excellent ball skills. Haselwood is a boom or bust prospect who should be able to push guys like Simi Fehoko off the depth chart this upcoming season.

Round 7 (246): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB

With Cooper Rush hitting the open market and probably playing himself into a bigger contract elsewhere to be a backup, Dallas needs to think about addressing the backup QB position in the draft. With a similar skillset to Dak Prescott, it makes a lot of sense for new offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer and Mike McCarthy to have their backup do a lot of the same things Dak Prescott does so they can maintain a healthy chunk of their playbook and identity on offense if an injury was to occur.