The NFL Draft has finally arrived!
This year’s draft appears to be one of the most difficult ones to project in recent memory. Whether it be uncertainty in the top 10, the multiple teams with two first round picks, or the myriad of teams looking to trade out of their spot, this draft is sure to be remembered as the one that broke mock drafts across the media.
That uncertainty won’t prevent us from trying our best to project who ends up
with a star on their helmet.
With that in mind, here is my final mock draft ahead of the first round:
(TRADE) 14. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Dallas would like to trade up in this draft depending on what the board looks like after the Commanders pick at 11.
If Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning, Mississippi State OT Charles Cross, or USC WR Drake London are on the board between 12-14, I think you could see Dallas go up. If they’re gone by 11, I think Dallas likely stays put at 24.
I’m going with my gut here and saying Penning will be there at 14 when the
Ravens go on the clock, and Dallas will send picks No. 24 and No. 56 to secure their left tackle of the future.
In the immediate term, I think Penning would play left guard.
88. Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
No second round pick because of the trade up to get Penning, so the next pick comes near the end of the third round.
I’ve got Dallas taking Sam Williams here, who was a 30 visit for the Cowboys at the beginning of the month.
Williams is explosive off the edge, and gives the Cowboys a more modern pass rusher opposite Lawrence who can close quickly.
129. Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech
I hate that in this scenario the Cowboys don’t address the receiver spot until the fourth round, but you make certain sacrifices when you trade up.
Ezukanma is well thought of among the Cowboys personnel department, and he took part in the “Dallas Day” workout for local prospects.
He still needs to develop into a more polished route runner, but the tools are
there, and he can contribute immediately in 2022.
155. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
Likely is a seam tight end who still needs to improve as a blocker, but he showed steady progress during his career at Coastal Carolina.
One of the big winners at the Senior Bowl, Likely is a smooth route runner with good hands.
167. Markquese Ball, S, Florida A&M
Bell was a 30 visit for the Cowboys, and the size and athleticism fits Dan Quinn’s thresholds for the position perfectly.
176. Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan
I’ve heard this as a name to watch for the Cowboys on day three. Haskins is a powerful runner who fights to pick up every extra yard on the ground that he can. Not a lot of “meat on the bone” here.
178. Velus Jones. Jr., WR, Tennessee
Jones had a limited route tree at Tennessee, and he played mostly in the slot, but the Senior Bowl was big for him. He showed the potential for more versatility, and projects as an elite return man.
193. Kyron Johnson, LB, Kansas
Kyron Johnson is all about traits, toughness, and competitiveness, which makes him the perfect prospect to roll the dice on at pick 193.
He mostly played defensive end for Kansas, but he’s undersized for the position, and will transition to linebacker at the next level. Johnson can contribute on special teams immediately.
