2017 NFC East Mock Draft

Updated: November 23, 2016

DALLAS COWBOYS 2017 NFL Mock Draft:

12. Cowboys: Dawaune Smoot DE Illinois

Round 1 The Cowboys showed their weaknesses early in the pass rush department. The only saving grace for this team has been their secondary. Even with Lawrence back, this defense isn’t able to get consistent pressure. It’s time they do. Smoot is a natural pass rusher. While he isn’t big at 6’3″ 255 lbs. his arm length is massive. He has natural bend able to get under blockers and turn the corner. As a pass rusher he has shown the ability to use his hands in a variety of ways to shed blocks. He is atheltic with a very fast first step. He tends to struggle more against the run due to him always being in pass rush mode which leaves the edge unsecured. He doesn’t ahve counter moves, and his production doesn’t really match his ability. He can step in immediately and have an impact as a pass rusher, but may have to come off the field on run downs until he gets better.

13. Cowboys: Cordrea Tankersley CB Clemson

Round 2 The Cowboys have a few issues in the secondary, Morris Claiborne is a FA and so is Barry Church leaving two gaping holes in the secondary. They do not have enough depth to carry them. Carr is having a good year, but is a FA next offseason, Scanderick is getting up there in age. Brown has played well, but it’s hard to trust a second year player. The Cowboys haven’t gotten beat over the top much this season, and that’s due to the fact they have played excellent coverage, but also because they have been able to tackle well. This year tackling has markedly improved and going forward this may be what the Cowboys build on. Tankersley was targeted a lot at Clemson because Mackenzie Alexander being on the opposite side and gave up passes. However, he showed his toughness as a tackler in the secondary and offering great support in the ground game. He does a good job at diagnosing plays in the zone and man coverage with underneath passes. He however struggles when plays go over his head and tends to lose balance on quicker route trees. He also isn’t fast, but posseses more than ideal size at 6’0″ 200 lbs, and is built like it.

14. Cowboys: Marcus Maye S Florida

Round 3 While Barry Church has been good, there can always be an upgrade if he decides to hit FA. Wilcox is also a FA. Leaving Kavon Frazier a rookie who hasn’t seen snaps on the defensive side and Heath who is a good ST player but is a liability on defense. The Cowboys go with Maye. He is a good 5’11” 215. with great muscular frame. He is a force against the run game, but his pass coverage is underrated as well. He is a turnover machine forcing fumbles and intercepting passes. He is quick to break off the ball and deliver punishing hits. He is also able to evade blockers and make plays in the screen game. He however allows his aggression to get the better of him overrunning plays. He will commit boneheaded penalties at times and looks to make a play more than do his assignment. He is a big play waiting to happen, but will give up some in the process.

15. Cowboys: Malachi Dupre WR LSU

Round 4 The Cowboys need a WR due to Brice Butler and Terrance Williams being FA. Williams offers a valuable attriubute as a run blocker, but might command too much money on the open market. Dupre is a big bodied WR with elite speed able to go down the field and make plays. He also knows how to high point the ball, but will mistime his jumps at times. He isn’t an advanced route runner meaning his route tree is limited. However, he is an effective and at times punishing run blocker which is why I would draft him. Dallas is a running football team and this will help Dupre due to the fact that LSU couldn’t throw the football and run the football all the time. He may not have good numbers, but that’s more due to the offense he played in. While he needs refinement, he has natural ability as a player.

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