Well, Christmas is almost here and all the gifts are ready to be unwrapped over the next few days and what happens after the first two picks is anyone’s guess. Here is my educated guess from all my research what I think might happen over draft weekend for the Dallas Cowboys.
Round 1 – Pick 4. Ezekiel Elliott RB Ohio State.
With the depth much stronger at defensive line then running back the Cowboys need to hit on a cornerstone player for the franchise and Elliott can more than pick up where DeMarco left off. The pick likely will be Ramsey if available but the feeling I get is the Chargers let Eric Weddle walk for a reason. Pairing with McFadden and Morris, the Cowboys now can control the ball and help the defense especially in the first four games when they’ll be with both defensive ends.
Round 2 – Pick 3 Emmanuel Ogbah DE Oklahoma State
With the Cowboys in dire straits when it comes to defensive ends for the first four games it’s a blessing that the depth of the draft is on the defensive line. Ogbah is a little stiff at times for some but has shown flashes that get you excited too. He will be relied on heavy for the first quarter of the year and then get to be part of the rotation with the return of Lawrence and Gregory.
Round 3 – Pick 4 Kenny Clark DT UCLA
The Cowboys corners will look a lot better with a strong push upfront and Kenny Clark has ability to get on the field early and often in their scheme. Immediate upgrade over Nick Hayden and if he can simply take those snaps this year the defense is already better for it.
Round 4 – Pick 3 Cyrus Jones CB Alabama
One of my favorite players in the draft and will Claiborne and Carr only signed for 2016, Cyrus can help in sub packages early and make an immediate impact on special teams. Could develop to be the starting corner opposite Scandrick in 2017 at worse will take over as the nickel corner. Cyrus fits the defensive scheme of the Cowboys very nicely.
Round 4 – Pick 37 Jalen Mills S LSU
Tough player who has ability to play both corner and safety and will prove to be invaluable to the Cowboys in the future and with the addition of Mills and Jones the secondary in the future may go from a liability to a strength.
Round 6 – Pick 14 Kevin Hogan QB Stanford
Dallas lost the chance to draft Tony Romo’s eventual replacement but instead with this pick will get one of the more polished game ready quarterbacks coming out. Hogan’s intelligence is off the charts and has the look of a twelve year number two quarterback who with a little bit of time might just develop into a front line starter. The only “flaw” I’ve heard scouts say about him is he throws like Phillip Rivers and who among wouldn’t want a poor man’s version of Phillip Rivers on their team. Hogan is a steal and hopefully he’s playing with a star on his helmet.
Round 6 – Pick 37 Kolby Listenbee WR TCU
When Dez went down it was obvious that the team lacked a real homerun threat that scared people down field. Kolby won’t scare anyone in the slot but will demand attention downfield with his speed. Should compete for final wide receiver spot and if not likely land on practice squad for some seasoning for a year or two.
Round 6 – Pick 41 Bryce Williams TE East Carolina
With Gavin Escobar out for likely most of 2016, the Cowboys have little behind Witten when it comes to receiving at tight end. Williams is a hybrid tight end/wide receiver and is similar in size and skill set to what Escobar brings to the table. Likely will get stashed away on practice squad but could surprise in camp and push for a final roster spot.
Round 6 – Pick 42 Spencer Drango OG Baylor
Spencer will be a great steal at this point and battle and likely beat out Joe Looney for the final OL slot. With Ronald Leary likely moving on after this season (if not traded during the draft) Drango should develop to be the number one back up to Collins, Martin and Frederick.
Well there you have it let’s see how close I am with these selections and feel free to shoot me a tweet during the NFL Draft at @ftballdialogue or follow us on Facebook