FRISCO, TEXAS — With just over a week until the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys are going through the evaluation process before acquiring their carefully constructed undrafted free agent pool and making seven picks in the currently scheduled draft. It's in the final stage.
inside pick fit In the series, we'll take a look at each position group and which players would be a good fit for the Cowboys with each of the seven picks within that position group.
Round 1, Pick 24: Brock Bowers (Georgia): Even if the Cowboys decide they can improve their offense by adding a tight end to their roster, taking a tight end in the first round would be a huge undertaking. That being said, if the consensus No. 1 tight end is still available at No. 24, acquiring Brock Bowers in that situation would provide Dak Prescott with an immediate all-around weapon. Probably. Bowers can be lined up inline, in the slot, out of the backfield, or out of the backfield to become a Swiss Army knife type weapon.
Round 2, Pick 56: Ja'Tavion Sanders (Texas): Ja'Tavion Sanders, a local prospect who came on a pre-draft visit, has the strongest hands in the draft and has a skill set at tight end that will be beneficial in a run-blocking scheme at the next level. There is. His athleticism doesn't jump off the page or create consistent separation with his movement downfield, but his physicality and ball skills make him incredibly difficult to cover.
Round 3, Pick 87: Jared Wiley (TCU): A healthy comparison for Jared Wiley during the draft process was Jake Ferguson. Because he can hold his own in run blocking, he can stretch the seam, but he can also break it down in the receiving game at a consistent level. He will need to work on becoming more consistent with his hand movement at the next level, but his athletic limitations make him an offensive weapon that could lead to a Pro Bowl turnaround.
Round 5, Pick 174: Eric Orr (Iowa): A receiving weapon who can run a variety of routes, Eric Orr would be a fun fit in Mike McCarthy's offense with his ability to take routes across the middle and gain yards after the catch. His durability is a big concern (he had season-ending injuries in 2022 and 2023, playing just 10 games in those two seasons), but if he's healthy he can be a weapon as a receiver. There is a possibility that it will happen.
Round 6, Pick 216: Tanner McLachlan (Arizona): One of the most fun film studies in the draft class is Tanner McLachlan. His speed and athleticism allow him to hurdle defenders and run through smaller, more nervous defensive backs in the receiving game. Although he is narrow and small, his ability to take hits and keep moving is still intact.
Round 7, Pick 233: McCarran Castles (Tennessee): An all-around tight end whose 6-foot-4, 249-pound skillset combines with a developed route tree and run-blocking physicality, the Cowboys signed the Tennessee tight end in back-to-back rookie classes after signing with Princeton. Fant in 2023 that could bring. He needs a lot of refinement and polish in his ISO blocking and needs to get downfield as both a blocker and receiver, but his upside is there as a draft prospect.
Round 7, Pick 244: Trey Knox (South Carolina): Trey Knox has the physicality and receiving ability, combining his experience as a true receiver early in his career with a 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame that is physical from snap to finish. His athleticism still leaves a lot of room for improvement, but his receiving ability could make him an interesting red zone option.
UDFA: Mason Prine (Furman): At 6-foot-6 and a former basketball player with good movement and footwork, Mason Prine excels in tight areas and crowded catch windows, breaking down receptions like a forward grabbing a rebound in the post. His route running and pad level on the block needs improvement, but his hands provide a receiving threat to rely on for undrafted takes.
