FRISCO, TEXAS — There are less than two weeks left until the NFL Draft. The Dallas Cowboys are in the final stages of their evaluation process before making seven picks in the currently scheduled draft and acquiring their carefully constructed undrafted free agent depth.
inside pick fit In the series, we'll 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.
Next is the attacking team.
Round 1, Pick 24: Graham Burton (Duke)
The Cowboys will enter the draft in a few weeks without two of the starters on their offensive line from preseason, but their first-round pick will be spent to solidify at least one of those spots. The general idea is that If Dallas wants positional flexibility, stability, durability, and most importantly a high IQ player up front, Graham Barton is an elite fit for what Dallas needs. He played tackle, guard and center in college, but will likely fit at the center position at the next level. If No. 24 is available, he will be the opening day starter at that position.
Round 2, Pick 56: Patrick Paul (Houston)
If the Cowboys decide not to make a tackle in the first round, there could be quite a few names off the board to start Day 2 at the position, but Patrick Paul is no. It could be a name that fits the sweet spot. 56. Paul has a huge frame at 6-foot-7, 331 pounds and overwhelms edge rushers with his initial punch and strength. The concern in Paul's game lies in his ability to effectively cover athletic moves from 7-Tech or 9-Tech, where his larger frame takes a little more time to cover.
Round 3, pick 87: Blake Fisher (Notre Dame)
Another potential sweet spot for Day 2 talented tackles, Blake Fisher has the natural ability to become a solid pro, with movement to limit threats off the edge and fighting at the line in the run game. have the skills. Fisher is taking the next step and may need a bit of work, as his dexterity in pass pro can sometimes get him caught and he is often slow to get into the second level in the run game. If he can add another layer to his already rich skill set, this could be a round three steal if he's still available at No. 87.
Round 5, Pick 174: Hunter Nourzad (Penn State)
Hunter Nurzad, who has been frequently mentioned and linked to the Cowboys throughout the draft process, is a third-day lineman in the Premier League and only continues to move up the mock draft rankings as the days go by. Dallas might be able to nab him at the end of the fifth round if a center hasn't been selected yet, but it would be close. Nurzad brings balance to his hands with power from his lower body on snaps that take pass rushers and run defenders alike off the line. He may struggle against crafty interior defensive linemen who throw anchors into the pocket, but his reliability is still there to sit tight against different types of defensive linemen.
Round 6, Pick 216: Giovanni Manu (British Columbia)
One of the later picks in the overall draft, ESPN's Field Yates reported Friday that 6-foot-8, 352-pound mountain man Giovanni Manu is expected to be taken down on Day 3, and his height is likely It was reported that it would be the same as the world record. Fifth round. If the hype balances out after a shocking pro day and seven-team 30-visit run, the end of the sixth round could be the sweet spot for Dallas to land one of the top upside tackles in the entire draft class. unknown.
Round 7, Pick 233: Andrew Coker (TCU)
Acquiring a late-round offensive lineman with some positional versatility would give the Cowboys much-needed flexibility up front, regardless of whether they employ a trench body in the first two days. will be possible. Andrew Coker provides the flexibility of a tackle guard, exhibiting great feel and internal clock at the line to punch in and mirror opposing movements on the snap. His run blocking ability should give him some encouragement at guard. Known for his struggles with power, Coker will need to better utilize his 6-foot-7 frame at the next level.
Round 7, Pick 244: CJ Hanson (Holy Cross).
C.J. Hanson did just about everything right at the FCS level at Holy Cross, being a consistent step forward in run blocking and creating healthy pocket depth in pass protection, but those abilities are not as good against NFL defensive tackles. Can it be applied? Hanson understands the game at the center position and what is required of him at that position, but it will be a question of whether he can physically put together himself to contribute at the next level. If it made sense to take a flyer on a center option late on the third day, this would easily be the one.
UDFA: Jalen Sandel (North Dakota State)
Jalen Sandel is an athletic and versatile offensive lineman who could start his career on the practice squad and eventually learn the basics of the position he is best suited for, making him a welcome project for any offensive line coach. there is a possibility. Coming from a basketball background, he has good footwork up front and has the speed and athleticism to jump into space and block, as well as excel in all five positions.
