Now that the Cowboys have started to add some pieces to their roster through free agency, their draft needs are becoming clearer. That being said, it is time for version 2.0 of the FPC Cowboys mock draft. Make sure to check out 1.0 if you haven’t already.
For version 2.0 we again used Fanspeak’s On the Clock NFL Mock Draft Premium Simulator. We also used NDT Scouting’s Kyle Crabb’s big board. The draft was set on difficult in hopes of producing the most “realistic” mock possible. If you want to check out the entire draft you can follow this link. Otherwise, keep scrolling for Dallas’ picks in the first four rounds.
Round 1 #19 Overall
In consideration: Vita Vea, Maurice Hurst
Pick: Will Hernandez – Guard, UTEP
In this scenario Cowboys Nation fan favorites Roquan Smith and Derwin James didn’t make it out of the top ten. Tremaine Edmunds went off the board quickly after that at #12 to Buffalo. With the three top targets gone, it was time to turn the focus to the offensive line. Isaiah Wynn went #18 to Seattle, which left the Cowboys with a very nice consolation prize in Will Hernandez.
At 6’2″ 348 pounds, Hernandez is a powerful but agile man. A rare trait combination for a player his size. Hernandez could immediately step in and improve the left guard position, a spot that was a point of contention for Dallas all of last season.
Round 2 #50 Overall
In consideration: TeGray Scales, Dallas Goedart, Jerome Baker
Pick: Jessie Bates III – Safety, Wake Forest
Whether this pick turns into Seattle safety Earl Thomas via trade or the Cowboys stand pat and make a selection, I expect #50 overall to produce a safety for Dallas in some way, shape or form. With Byron Jones expected to move back to corner, safety is a big need for Dallas. The 6’1″ 200 pound Bates could give the Cowboys a center fielder type of player they haven’t had in some time.
Round 3 #80 Overall
In consideration: Quenton Meeks, Jaylen Samuels, Malik Jefferson
Pick: Michael Gallup – Wide Receiver, Colorado St.
After signing Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson to join Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Ryan Switzer and Noah Brown, the Cowboys receiving corps is looking a bit crowded at first glance. However, not unlike what this front office did with the secondary group last season, they are preparing for a complete overhaul at the wideout position. If they don’t move on from Bryant this offseason, expect Dallas brass to look for every reason to do so post 2018. Beasley is in the final year of his deal, and Williams has been the subject of trade rumors since he arrived in Big D. Enter Michael Gallup.
Gallup measures in at 6’1″ 205 lbs. While not widely regarded as one of the top receivers in this draft class, he may end up being the most complete player when all is said and done. Gallup can execute the entire route tree effortlessly and has all the traits to potentially develop into a #1 wideout, something the Cowboys will desperately need if they move on from Bryant.
Round 4 #116 Overall
In consideration: Shaquem Griffin, Derrick Nnadi, Rashaad Penny
Pick: Malik Jefferson – Linebacker, Texas
After considering Malik Jefferson in the third round, the value was too good to pass on again here. When Dallas lost Anthony Hitchens to the Chiefs, linebacker became even more of a need. The signing of Joe Thomas was a nice depth and special teams acquisition, but Dallas needs a starter.
If Jaylon Smith gets another shot at manning the middle linebacker spot, then the selection of Jefferson to play outside makes perfect sense. However, if the team plans on kicking Smith out to the SAM, then look for a more traditional MIKE to be the pick here.
Round 4 #137 Overall
In consideration: Lowell Lotulelei, Levi Wallace, Troy Fumagalli
Pick: Nyheim Hines – Running back, N.C. State
The Cowboys have shown a tremendous amount of interest in Hines since the pre-draft process began, and rightfully so. The 5’8″ 197 pound back may not have the size to be an every down bell cow, but he certainly has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. As evidence by his 4.38 second forty yard dash at the NFL Combine and numerous long touchdown strikes in college.
Hines is a special teams weapon, receiving threat and the perfect complement to current Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott. After losing Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden from the running back room, additions need to be made. Injecting Hines into that room with Elliott and Rod Smith would give the Cowboys three unique styles to attack defenses with.
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