Early 2019 Cowboys Mock Draft

As fans, how liable are we to speak on an athlete that decides to publicly verbalize his feelings about the organization he plays for? Furthermore, is that athlete becoming a nuisance or is his message credible enough to repeatedly rehash his displeasure? Yes, I am referring to Cole Beasley.

After the trade for Amari Cooper that has paid off dividends and left Dallas without a first round pick in the 2019 draft, Cole Beasley seems like he may have played his last snap for the Cowboys.

Honestly, the front office pushes who they want to get the ball to. I haven’t been a huge priority in that regard. Maybe that will change but I’m not sure. More balls come my way in 2 minute drill where nothing is planned. https://t.co/ioih9BJJv1

— Cole Beasley (@Bease11) January 22, 2019

This could open the possibility of Dallas doubling back at the WR position. In addition to Beasley’s situation, a few contract decisions loom among the receivers for the Cowboys. Even with the addition of newly signed and hopeful Devin Smith, plus the debut of Cedrick Wilson, the Cowboys front office remained intrigued by this wide receiver class at the Senior Bowl.

Round 2: Penny Hart, WR, Georgia State

If there was anyone that created a wave for himself to rocket up draft boards, Penny Hart did it better than just about anyone during his time in Mobile. Unless you were a local Panther fan in Atlanta, Georgia or followed Hart since his King’s Ridge Christian HS days, you probably heard his name for the first time at the Senior Bowl. Given the opportunity to make a mark, the 5’8, 180 pounds, Roswell, GA native excelled in displaying traits of quickness, route running, and a smoothness to his timing in everything. A two-time 1000+ yard WR averaging more than 13 yards per catch three out of the four years at Georgia State, Hart has the tools to be impactful at the NFL level.

Georgia State WR Penny Hart made himself some money in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Was explosive and near unguardable all week.

(cut up from Day 2 practice 1on1s) pic.twitter.com/rH0oiWusdH

— Josh Cohen (@JCohen_NFL) January 25, 2019

Now a drill designed for the WR to win, the technique and mechanics should be the main focus. A compilation from day 2 at the Senior Bowl, it’s easy to notice the speed that comes with Hart’s game. Accelerating quickly off his releases, he sets up cuts during his route to create space and not too many will be able to recover with his speed. Though not a certainty yet to his game, seeing he can extend and grab a ball for his size adds optimism.

Penny Hart. Glue sticks. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/VCebTmsugV

— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) January 22, 2019

As the Cowboys will debate what to do with Beasley and even Tavon Austin, recent reports and quotes have suggested that Kellen Moore should make for a great hire at OC, play-calling an offense that may resemble of his Boise State days. Once again, Hart is the guy that can generate within that. 

Hart has good acceleration once the ball is in his hands. Do it more imo pic.twitter.com/r6ql6Yv0QY

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 26, 2019

Making it the third year in a row that they would draft a receiver, it would continue the strong list of names the Cowboys have hit on in the past five years in the second round.

Other notable names: TE Irv Smith, WR Deebo Samuel, WR Andy Isabella, OL Chuma Edoga, WR Parris Campbell 

Round 3: Khalen Saunders, DL, W. Illinois

2018 was one of the best years in recent memory for the Cowboys’ defensive line unit. Though there still seems as if there’s that one missing element to make it come fully together. Improvements were acquired with a mentally healthier Randy Gregory and the team’s newcomer of the year in Antwuan Woods, but against the elite OL of the NFL (IND & LAR), much was left to be desired. On the verge of securing “the bag”, Demarcus Lawrence leads a group filled with uprising talent and could potentially have another with DL Khalen Saunders. 

Most only know him as the 300+ pound DL that can do backflips, or that one football player that displayed “his passion” by staying at the Senior Bowl while his wife went into labor. Meanwhile, if any significance could’ve been drawn out by both events that would translate onto the field, it’s explosion. Explosion is Khalen Saunders, and while the backflip + size was a spectacle, it foreshadowed a trait that aided a week of dominance.
A motor that’s runs with the power of a ’69 Dodge Charger, Saunders is that piece of the puzzle that could solidify the interior DL. Recording nearly three seasons of 30+ solo tackles or more (33, 31, 29), Saunders competition as a FCS player raised the obvious questions, but Khalen produced answers in Alabama.

Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois DT, has very much played up to If not exceeded the talent level in Mobile.

Good first step and power to penetrate and loves to spin off the anchor towards the ball. pic.twitter.com/3K0equtJNr

— Matt Lane (@ChiefinCarolina) January 24, 2019

Name: Khalen Saunders
Status: GROWN MAN pic.twitter.com/F6XwpOTAr7

— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick3) January 24, 2019

As stated before about the WR/CBs, the rush drill is slated for the DL to win, but it comes down to mechanics. In both clips, it’s hard to not recognize the strength that comes with each step in Saunders, as he continues to drive until a whistle is blown. Though in the second clip Khalen slips a little off the snap, he quickly reestablishes his base, subtly displaying a positive attribute that helps him win often. 

Having great control with his lower body, he rarely gets moved off his spot.

There's also a power aspect to Western Illinois DL Khalen Saunders' game. Here he's tossing an NDSU OL aside and making a stop vs. the run. pic.twitter.com/Qu1zSjY6Dh

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 17, 2019

Even with the OL having the advantage of a double team on Saunders, he absolutely babies the guard in front of him and makes the play at the LOS. 
Then possibly the most exciting aspect that’s in Khalen’s arsenal, is his ability to pass rush and how he does it. For most DTs, sacks occur through the simple bull-rush to climbing up the pocket with the QB, but Saunders has the versatility and hands to even play DE very few times.

Hope @seniorbowl let’s big Khalen Saunders take some edge reps too!! 320lbs standing up… Sheeshhhhh

Fun player from @WIUfootball pic.twitter.com/U21s2oatK2

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 21, 2019

It’s near insanity and comes as a rarity that this exist with this position, but if Saunders sits there in the third round for Dallas, they would be more than wise to plead for his number to be called.

Other notable names: DL Renell Wren, DL Daylon Mack, OL Dalton Risner, OL Ben Powers, DL Chase Winovich

Round 4: Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State

A Cowboys debut without former TE Jason Witten after 15 years, the present group collectively ended with a total of 68 receptions for 710 yards and 4 touchdowns (3 coming in one game). The growth of Rico Gathers never occurred and may leave him long forgotten, Geoff Swaim isn’t close to being the answer, the beloved Blake Jarwin flashed in moments, and then Dalton Schultz was a rookie who increased his workload little by little as the season went along.

Arguments could ensure that the lack of production from the TEs was because of former OC Scott Linehan, but the ability to stretch the field still remains a necessity for this unit. Plus, as hinted before, two names listed above could see their playbooks turned in this offseason, leaving a hole for at least one new teammate.

Stephen Jones says tight end will be a priority in the upcoming draft.

— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) January 17, 2019

Now, the names to love if you are a Cowboys fan are Alabama’s Irv Smith and Iowa’s T.J Hockenson. Two dynamic players that may hear their names called as early as day 1, and if so, do not panic. One of the more deeper groups in this class, Dex Raymond of Utah State leads the list for the mid-rounds. Standing at 6’5 and 250 lbs, Raymond is a very clean route runner with speed that works really well at separating at the top of them. While he may not be the best blocker, he can be serviceable in that area, but will find his money made on passing downs and in the red zone.

Utah State Dax Raymond had an excellent day of practice. Beats the press of Jaquan Johnson, nice break to the corner, and makes a nice catch away from his frame. Smooth mover for 6-5 250 pic.twitter.com/svJuqAuaZS

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) January 24, 2019

He wastes no time getting past defenders and continuously showed that he catches the ball with his hands. 

#Virginia safety Juan Thornhill gets his hand on the ball here covering #UtahState TE Dax Raymond. The big TE doesn’t lose focus and comes down with the TD pic.twitter.com/n5gmExTqfh

— Aaron Brumley (@BrumleyNFL) January 24, 2019

Simply pure focus on Raymond’s part.

However, looking at his college stats some may become skeptical as to why Dallas would draft someone who only had 27 receptions for 345 yards and 2 touchdowns? Mind you, Utah State almost had two players with 150+ carries and the team’s high for receptions in 2018 was just 66. Raymond has the intangibles that will be predicated on who can unlock his potential. Shall the TEs become a priority, highlight and expect Dax to be in the mix. 

Other notable names: S Darnell Savage, RB Rodney Anderson, TE Jace Sternberger, OL Dru Samia, CB Kris Boyd

Round 5: James Williams, RB, Washington St.

Another significant decision that the Cowboys will have to weigh this offseason, is the handling of their RB contracts. Ezekiel Elliott is approaching his contract year, and Rod Smith is set to become a UDFA. Periodically going back and forth between Darius Jackson, it could even be a position that finds itself getting picked earlier than fans think. However, and in contrast to recent drafts, the RB class will still contain major value in the late-rounds. 

If Dallas wants to take that step forward in modernizing its offense, Washington State may have Patriots RB, James White’s clone, James Williams. How common is it that a college back ends his three year career totaling 202 catches for 1437 yards on 7.1 yards per reception? From running routes to catching passes to protecting his QB, Leach’s offense maximized his versatility into making him a possible steal in this draft. 
To begin, think Dallas fans are used to seeing this from their RBs?

Washington State Football Prospect Thread:
James Williams Jr is a great story, newly engaged man & satellite back supreme…but hurdler supreme? 😵#IbelieveIcanFly Can't wait to get into more of his & Gardner Minshew's tape@WSUCougFB #GoCougs #JoinTheHunt #VigilanteVidSesh pic.twitter.com/Hsjev3KSHm

— ⚔️𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝕳𝖔𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝕹𝖊𝖑𝖘𝖔𝖓🐺 (@THEffVigilante) January 18, 2019

As a runner, the stats do not jump out as exciting or someone that would climb draft boards, but the ability is there. 

Washington State RB James Williams is James White 2.0 but honestly with a bit better contact balance. Fantastic receiver who is elusive and can break any tackle in the open. I love watching the guy play and he just keeps going. Easily a top 5 RB in this class. #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/J7vrrYOEyu

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 6, 2019

This may be Williams floor as a prospect, but with the attention on the plethora of SEC backs to dominate the front end of the draft, James could slip his way back into the later rounds.

Other notable names: DL Greg Gaines, WR Jakobi Meyers, S Jojo McIntosh, RB Justice Hill, DL L.J. Collier

Round 7: Names To Consider

K – Cole Tracy, LSU

CB – Lavert Hill, Michigan

DL – Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia

LB – Joe Giles-Harris, Duke