FRISCO - Mock NFL Drafts are supposed to be fun. But they’d be even more valuable to you as a fan if they’re also insightful.
Which brings us to your Dallas Cowboys and a trio of takes on what “America’s Team” will do with its No. 12 first-round pick … which fits snuggly into our “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly” format ...
THE GOOD
Dallas’ personnel approach this offseason has been focused largely on one thing: improving the NFL’s worst defense.
With coordinator Christian Parker taking over for the fired Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys have added starting-caliber veterans in
Jalen Thompson, Rashan Gary and Cobie Durant, plus some backup helpers.
Linebacker is still a big need, and I predict the Cowboys will look to add a veteran piece there prior to the draft.
Once that’s done, I believe that coach Brian Schottenheimer’s vision to draft “natural and pure” (with little regard for “need”) can be realized.
And I believe that a cornerback - Mansoor Delane - is Dallas’ most “likely pick’‘ at No. 12.
The LSU standout visiting here at The Star this week adds fuel to that fire.
So does the fact that Delane - who didn’t test at this year’s Scouting Combine - on Monday at his LSU Pro Day clocked in at 4.35 seconds on his 40-yard dash.
That’s an elite number. That’s good enough for me, Delane is the “good.”
THE BAD
Meanwhile, Harry Winks’ latest mock for Underdog NFL Draft, he has the Cowboys going in an odd direction.
A “bad” direction.
He has Dallas selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
OK, but …
Jake Ferguson is TE1, and that won’t be changing anytime soon. Plus, Brevyn Spann-Ford has emerged as a genuine option in every way.
Sadiq at No. 12? This is a tight end who hasn’t had more than 560 yards in a season in three years with Oregon. … and this is an elite Dallas offense that needs support on the other side of the ball more than it needs a rookie taking third-team snaps in Oxnard.
THE UGLY
Javonte Williams had a breakout season and he’s signed up to be the future, too.
But a recent mock draft by PFF’s Jordan Plocher has the Cowboys trading all the way up to third overall to draft Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love.
Love racked up 1,372 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in his junior season with the Fighting Irish. And he was also able to show off his versatility with just under 300 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Love might be the next Saquon Barkley or the next Bijan Robinson. I can squint and envision Dallas taking him at 12.
But a pricey trade-up? So he can split time with Javonte to make the offense incrementally better while the defense remains sub-par?
“Cowboys fans who know the roster have already grabbed torches and pitchforks to revolt at the idea of this, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities,” Plocher writes. “It’s fun to think about.”
Wait. That’s the PFF logic? “It’s fun to think about”? That might be the silliest mock draft logic I’ve ever seen. … and the idea that Dallas should do this because it’s “fun” is what makes this the “ugly.”
