2023 Offseason...Free Agency & Draft. How do you fill the holes?

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Cowboys 7-round mock draft: Dallas makes first-round trade, selects 8 players​

---

With the NFL Draft only three days away, this will be our final Cowboys mock draft. Dallas enters the week with seven total picks, one in each round.
While using the mock draft simulator at Pro Football Network, the Cowboys were offered an interesting trade when going on the clock at Pick 26 in the first round. The New Orleans Saints offered the 29th pick and their fourth-round pick (No. 115 overall) in exchange for Pick 26.
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The best players available at the time were Clemson DE Myles Murphy, Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, Clemson LB Trenton Simpson, Iowa State DE Will McDonald, Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey, Boston College WR Zay Flowers, Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt, Georgia TE Darnell Washington, Florida OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Arkansas LB Drew Sanders, Michigan DT Mazi Smith, Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes and Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Dane Brugler’s The Beast, the complete 2023 NFL Draft Guide, is now available.
With so much talent still available, we accepted the trade. Murphy, Simpson and Kancey were the next three picks.

Round 1, No. 29: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame​

The Cowboys add an immediate starting tight end to replace the loss of Dalton Schultz and add an early fourth-round pick. In this scenario, it’s possible that Dallas rejects the trade and just picks Mayer at 26. Considering roster needs and what was available, this wasn’t a difficult decision.
Mayer has the ability to be a Day 1 starter and a player who spends the next decade in Dallas. He’s not as fast as some of the other top tight end prospects in this class but he is a quality player in every aspect of the game. Notre Dame has a strong history at the position and most believe Mayer is the best of the impressive group.
“It’s obviously a pretty crazy comparison, but he just reminds me of (Rob Gronkowski) in a lot of ways,” former NFL tight end Tyler Eifert told The Athletic in November. “If you watch Gronk, he actually doesn’t run very good routes, at all. But he just knows how to use his body. Some guys try to create separation at the top of the route by running away or putting like some juke or head fake or something. But the bigger tight ends, they want you to be close to them so they can use their body to create separation. And I think Mike does a really good job of that. For how big he is, he can also go up and get the ball and make those really tough contested catches, too.”

Round 2, No. 58: Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech​

Edge rusher isn’t a significant need for the Cowboys, but White is ranked as the 47th-best player in this class. By trading for WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore and re-signing several of their own top free agents, the Cowboys put themselves in position to draft the best player available in these types of situations.
ADVERTISEMENT

Although a left guard was a bigger need, Torrence, TCU’s Steve Avila and North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch were all selected before this pick.
The best available players were White, Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson, South Dakota TE Tucker Kraft, Florida DT Gervon Dexter, Auburn DE Derick Hall, Baylor DT Siaki Ika, Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, Ohio State DE Zach Harrison and Iowa TE Sam LaPorta.
White would put Dallas in a good spot with DeMarcus Lawrence turning 31 this week and Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler being free agents at the end of the 2023 season.
“White is still developing his craft and pass-rush technique/instincts, but he is a high-motor height/weight/speed edge player with power as a bull rusher and the mass to anchor versus the run,” Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s draft expert, wrote in The Beast. “Similar to Datone Jones, he is a scheme-proof prospect and projects as a rotational base end as an NFL rookie.”

Keion White (Kirby Lee / USA Today)

Round 3, No. 90: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina​

Gilmore is only under contract for one year. The Cowboys also need to work out a long-term deal with Trevon Diggs. Another starting-caliber cornerback is needed to pair with Diggs and DaRon Bland for the future, and Rush fits with what Dallas prefers at the position. He is 6-1 with over 33-inch arms. Brugler ranks Rush as the ninth-best cornerback and 63rd overall player in this class.
“Rush is not a secure tackler and must continue developing his instincts in off coverage,” Brugler wrote, “but he has the fluidity and length to turn, run and stay stride-for-stride with receivers. His athletic cover traits give him NFL starting potential as a man-to-man corner.”
Other top players available at this pick were Tulane RB Tyjae Spears, Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo, Auburn RB Tank Bigsby, Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry, Texas RB Roschon Johnson, Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker and Ole Miss RB Zach Evans.

Round 4, No. 115: Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss​

This is the pick the Cowboys added on the trade back in the first round with the Saints. Evans ended up being the pick over Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson, LSU WR Kayshon Boutte and Tennessee DE Byron Young.
ADVERTISEMENT

With Ezekiel Elliott no longer on the roster, another starting-caliber running back is of interest to the Cowboys. Brugler ranks Evans as the 10th-best RB in this class. At 5-11, 202 pounds, Evans rushed for 936 yards and nine touchdowns on 144 carries last season, his lone year at Ole Miss after transferring from TCU. He was one of Dallas’ official pre-draft visitors.
“Evans has some baggage and a few undeveloped areas on his NFL résumé, but there is no denying his burst and balance to create explosive plays in different ways,” Brugler wrote. “A boom-or-bust prospect, he has the athletic talent to be a dynamic change-of-pace option and offers RB1 potential for an NFL offense.”
https://theathletic.com/4418557/2023/04/17/cowboys-nfl-mock-draft-reaction-dane-brugler/

Round 4, No. 129: Anthony Bradford, OG, LSU ​

This pick came down to two LSU players, Bradford and DT Jaquelin Roy. Both areas could use some help on the Cowboys’ roster. The decision was similar to Dallas’ decision last year in the second round. The Cowboys considered drafting WR Jalen Tolbert over DE Sam Williams with the 56th pick but decided there was a better chance of Tolbert still being there in the third round, and they were right.
Although he played right guard in college, Bradford would immediately compete for the starting left guard job in Dallas. If the season started today, that spot would likely be filled by veteran Chuma Edoga, who Dallas signed in March. There has also been some consideration to seeing right tackle Terence Steele get work at left guard. The Cowboys are expected to address the position at some point in the draft.

Round 5, No. 169: Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU​

This worked out very well for the Cowboys, allowing them to add help to the middle of their defensive line. Much like left guard, defensive tackle should be addressed. The top of their current depth chart consists of Osa Odighizuwa, Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Bohanna and Neville Gallimore.
This pick came down to Roy and Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell.
“Roy is a complicated evaluation — he flashes promise because of his power, but his movement skills are average, and it will take time for him to adjust to pro blockers,” Brugler wrote. “He is a draft-and-develop tackle who can work his way into an NFL rotation as a rookie.”

Round 6, No. 212 Max Duggan, QB, TCU​

He isn’t a great passer, but Duggan showed mobility and impressive playmaking ability while leading TCU to the national championship game. The Cowboys are looking to add a developmental QB from this class. Any player drafted at this point is going to need some time to get acclimated to the NFL game. Maybe he develops into a backup or maybe he ends up playing in the XFL.
ADVERTISEMENT

“Duggan’s pocket skills and downfield passing lack the necessary refinement for the NFL game, but he is a courageous competitor with dual-threat talent and calm confidence,” Brugler wrote. “He is an intriguing project for a patient NFL coaching staff.”

Round 7, No. 244: Jake Moody, K, Michigan​

The player who will be kicking for the Cowboys during the 2023 season is not on the current roster. Brugler believes Moody is the best in this draft class. This seemed like a good value pick considering the draft spot.
Looking back on all eight picks, there are two positions that the Cowboys would probably like to address but weren’t here, linebacker and wide receiver. The linebacker options late in the draft didn’t seem much more intriguing than what could be there for Dallas in undrafted free agency. After not getting a wide receiver in the first few rounds, it seemed foolish to reach and add a player who might not be better than Tolbert. The Cowboys set themselves up to draft best player available, so that’s what we attempted to do with each of these picks.

 

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Only for you Colors

Cowboys 7-round mock draft: Dallas makes first-round trade, selects 8 players​

---

With the NFL Draft only three days away, this will be our final Cowboys mock draft. Dallas enters the week with seven total picks, one in each round.
While using the mock draft simulator at Pro Football Network, the Cowboys were offered an interesting trade when going on the clock at Pick 26 in the first round. The New Orleans Saints offered the 29th pick and their fourth-round pick (No. 115 overall) in exchange for Pick 26.
ADVERTISEMENT

The best players available at the time were Clemson DE Myles Murphy, Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, Clemson LB Trenton Simpson, Iowa State DE Will McDonald, Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey, Boston College WR Zay Flowers, Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt, Georgia TE Darnell Washington, Florida OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Arkansas LB Drew Sanders, Michigan DT Mazi Smith, Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes and Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Dane Brugler’s The Beast, the complete 2023 NFL Draft Guide, is now available.
With so much talent still available, we accepted the trade. Murphy, Simpson and Kancey were the next three picks.

Round 1, No. 29: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame​

The Cowboys add an immediate starting tight end to replace the loss of Dalton Schultz and add an early fourth-round pick. In this scenario, it’s possible that Dallas rejects the trade and just picks Mayer at 26. Considering roster needs and what was available, this wasn’t a difficult decision.
Mayer has the ability to be a Day 1 starter and a player who spends the next decade in Dallas. He’s not as fast as some of the other top tight end prospects in this class but he is a quality player in every aspect of the game. Notre Dame has a strong history at the position and most believe Mayer is the best of the impressive group.
“It’s obviously a pretty crazy comparison, but he just reminds me of (Rob Gronkowski) in a lot of ways,” former NFL tight end Tyler Eifert told The Athletic in November. “If you watch Gronk, he actually doesn’t run very good routes, at all. But he just knows how to use his body. Some guys try to create separation at the top of the route by running away or putting like some juke or head fake or something. But the bigger tight ends, they want you to be close to them so they can use their body to create separation. And I think Mike does a really good job of that. For how big he is, he can also go up and get the ball and make those really tough contested catches, too.”

Round 2, No. 58: Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech​

Edge rusher isn’t a significant need for the Cowboys, but White is ranked as the 47th-best player in this class. By trading for WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore and re-signing several of their own top free agents, the Cowboys put themselves in position to draft the best player available in these types of situations.
ADVERTISEMENT

Although a left guard was a bigger need, Torrence, TCU’s Steve Avila and North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch were all selected before this pick.
The best available players were White, Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson, South Dakota TE Tucker Kraft, Florida DT Gervon Dexter, Auburn DE Derick Hall, Baylor DT Siaki Ika, Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, Ohio State DE Zach Harrison and Iowa TE Sam LaPorta.
White would put Dallas in a good spot with DeMarcus Lawrence turning 31 this week and Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler being free agents at the end of the 2023 season.
“White is still developing his craft and pass-rush technique/instincts, but he is a high-motor height/weight/speed edge player with power as a bull rusher and the mass to anchor versus the run,” Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s draft expert, wrote in The Beast. “Similar to Datone Jones, he is a scheme-proof prospect and projects as a rotational base end as an NFL rookie.”

Keion White (Kirby Lee / USA Today)

Round 3, No. 90: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina​

Gilmore is only under contract for one year. The Cowboys also need to work out a long-term deal with Trevon Diggs. Another starting-caliber cornerback is needed to pair with Diggs and DaRon Bland for the future, and Rush fits with what Dallas prefers at the position. He is 6-1 with over 33-inch arms. Brugler ranks Rush as the ninth-best cornerback and 63rd overall player in this class.
“Rush is not a secure tackler and must continue developing his instincts in off coverage,” Brugler wrote, “but he has the fluidity and length to turn, run and stay stride-for-stride with receivers. His athletic cover traits give him NFL starting potential as a man-to-man corner.”
Other top players available at this pick were Tulane RB Tyjae Spears, Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo, Auburn RB Tank Bigsby, Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry, Texas RB Roschon Johnson, Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker and Ole Miss RB Zach Evans.

Round 4, No. 115: Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss​

This is the pick the Cowboys added on the trade back in the first round with the Saints. Evans ended up being the pick over Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson, LSU WR Kayshon Boutte and Tennessee DE Byron Young.
ADVERTISEMENT

With Ezekiel Elliott no longer on the roster, another starting-caliber running back is of interest to the Cowboys. Brugler ranks Evans as the 10th-best RB in this class. At 5-11, 202 pounds, Evans rushed for 936 yards and nine touchdowns on 144 carries last season, his lone year at Ole Miss after transferring from TCU. He was one of Dallas’ official pre-draft visitors.
“Evans has some baggage and a few undeveloped areas on his NFL résumé, but there is no denying his burst and balance to create explosive plays in different ways,” Brugler wrote. “A boom-or-bust prospect, he has the athletic talent to be a dynamic change-of-pace option and offers RB1 potential for an NFL offense.”
Breakdown of seven players Cowboys picked in full expert mock draft

Round 4, No. 129: Anthony Bradford, OG, LSU ​

This pick came down to two LSU players, Bradford and DT Jaquelin Roy. Both areas could use some help on the Cowboys’ roster. The decision was similar to Dallas’ decision last year in the second round. The Cowboys considered drafting WR Jalen Tolbert over DE Sam Williams with the 56th pick but decided there was a better chance of Tolbert still being there in the third round, and they were right.
Although he played right guard in college, Bradford would immediately compete for the starting left guard job in Dallas. If the season started today, that spot would likely be filled by veteran Chuma Edoga, who Dallas signed in March. There has also been some consideration to seeing right tackle Terence Steele get work at left guard. The Cowboys are expected to address the position at some point in the draft.

Round 5, No. 169: Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU​

This worked out very well for the Cowboys, allowing them to add help to the middle of their defensive line. Much like left guard, defensive tackle should be addressed. The top of their current depth chart consists of Osa Odighizuwa, Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Bohanna and Neville Gallimore.
This pick came down to Roy and Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell.
“Roy is a complicated evaluation — he flashes promise because of his power, but his movement skills are average, and it will take time for him to adjust to pro blockers,” Brugler wrote. “He is a draft-and-develop tackle who can work his way into an NFL rotation as a rookie.”

Round 6, No. 212 Max Duggan, QB, TCU​

He isn’t a great passer, but Duggan showed mobility and impressive playmaking ability while leading TCU to the national championship game. The Cowboys are looking to add a developmental QB from this class. Any player drafted at this point is going to need some time to get acclimated to the NFL game. Maybe he develops into a backup or maybe he ends up playing in the XFL.
ADVERTISEMENT

“Duggan’s pocket skills and downfield passing lack the necessary refinement for the NFL game, but he is a courageous competitor with dual-threat talent and calm confidence,” Brugler wrote. “He is an intriguing project for a patient NFL coaching staff.”

Round 7, No. 244: Jake Moody, K, Michigan​

The player who will be kicking for the Cowboys during the 2023 season is not on the current roster. Brugler believes Moody is the best in this draft class. This seemed like a good value pick considering the draft spot.
Looking back on all eight picks, there are two positions that the Cowboys would probably like to address but weren’t here, linebacker and wide receiver. The linebacker options late in the draft didn’t seem much more intriguing than what could be there for Dallas in undrafted free agency. After not getting a wide receiver in the first few rounds, it seemed foolish to reach and add a player who might not be better than Tolbert. The Cowboys set themselves up to draft best player available, so that’s what we attempted to do with each of these picks.

I would take Myles Murphy, Trenton Simpson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Dalton Kincaid over Mayer if that's who were on the board in round one

 

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Only for you Colors

Cowboys 7-round mock draft: Dallas makes first-round trade, selects 8 players​

---

With the NFL Draft only three days away, this will be our final Cowboys mock draft. Dallas enters the week with seven total picks, one in each round.
While using the mock draft simulator at Pro Football Network, the Cowboys were offered an interesting trade when going on the clock at Pick 26 in the first round. The New Orleans Saints offered the 29th pick and their fourth-round pick (No. 115 overall) in exchange for Pick 26.
ADVERTISEMENT

The best players available at the time were Clemson DE Myles Murphy, Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, Clemson LB Trenton Simpson, Iowa State DE Will McDonald, Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey, Boston College WR Zay Flowers, Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt, Georgia TE Darnell Washington, Florida OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Arkansas LB Drew Sanders, Michigan DT Mazi Smith, Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes and Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Dane Brugler’s The Beast, the complete 2023 NFL Draft Guide, is now available.
With so much talent still available, we accepted the trade. Murphy, Simpson and Kancey were the next three picks.

Round 1, No. 29: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame​

The Cowboys add an immediate starting tight end to replace the loss of Dalton Schultz and add an early fourth-round pick. In this scenario, it’s possible that Dallas rejects the trade and just picks Mayer at 26. Considering roster needs and what was available, this wasn’t a difficult decision.
Mayer has the ability to be a Day 1 starter and a player who spends the next decade in Dallas. He’s not as fast as some of the other top tight end prospects in this class but he is a quality player in every aspect of the game. Notre Dame has a strong history at the position and most believe Mayer is the best of the impressive group.
“It’s obviously a pretty crazy comparison, but he just reminds me of (Rob Gronkowski) in a lot of ways,” former NFL tight end Tyler Eifert told The Athletic in November. “If you watch Gronk, he actually doesn’t run very good routes, at all. But he just knows how to use his body. Some guys try to create separation at the top of the route by running away or putting like some juke or head fake or something. But the bigger tight ends, they want you to be close to them so they can use their body to create separation. And I think Mike does a really good job of that. For how big he is, he can also go up and get the ball and make those really tough contested catches, too.”

Round 2, No. 58: Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech​

Edge rusher isn’t a significant need for the Cowboys, but White is ranked as the 47th-best player in this class. By trading for WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore and re-signing several of their own top free agents, the Cowboys put themselves in position to draft the best player available in these types of situations.
ADVERTISEMENT

Although a left guard was a bigger need, Torrence, TCU’s Steve Avila and North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch were all selected before this pick.
The best available players were White, Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson, South Dakota TE Tucker Kraft, Florida DT Gervon Dexter, Auburn DE Derick Hall, Baylor DT Siaki Ika, Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, Ohio State DE Zach Harrison and Iowa TE Sam LaPorta.
White would put Dallas in a good spot with DeMarcus Lawrence turning 31 this week and Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler being free agents at the end of the 2023 season.
“White is still developing his craft and pass-rush technique/instincts, but he is a high-motor height/weight/speed edge player with power as a bull rusher and the mass to anchor versus the run,” Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s draft expert, wrote in The Beast. “Similar to Datone Jones, he is a scheme-proof prospect and projects as a rotational base end as an NFL rookie.”

Keion White (Kirby Lee / USA Today)

Round 3, No. 90: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina​

Gilmore is only under contract for one year. The Cowboys also need to work out a long-term deal with Trevon Diggs. Another starting-caliber cornerback is needed to pair with Diggs and DaRon Bland for the future, and Rush fits with what Dallas prefers at the position. He is 6-1 with over 33-inch arms. Brugler ranks Rush as the ninth-best cornerback and 63rd overall player in this class.
“Rush is not a secure tackler and must continue developing his instincts in off coverage,” Brugler wrote, “but he has the fluidity and length to turn, run and stay stride-for-stride with receivers. His athletic cover traits give him NFL starting potential as a man-to-man corner.”
Other top players available at this pick were Tulane RB Tyjae Spears, Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo, Auburn RB Tank Bigsby, Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry, Texas RB Roschon Johnson, Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker and Ole Miss RB Zach Evans.

Round 4, No. 115: Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss​

This is the pick the Cowboys added on the trade back in the first round with the Saints. Evans ended up being the pick over Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson, LSU WR Kayshon Boutte and Tennessee DE Byron Young.
ADVERTISEMENT

With Ezekiel Elliott no longer on the roster, another starting-caliber running back is of interest to the Cowboys. Brugler ranks Evans as the 10th-best RB in this class. At 5-11, 202 pounds, Evans rushed for 936 yards and nine touchdowns on 144 carries last season, his lone year at Ole Miss after transferring from TCU. He was one of Dallas’ official pre-draft visitors.
“Evans has some baggage and a few undeveloped areas on his NFL résumé, but there is no denying his burst and balance to create explosive plays in different ways,” Brugler wrote. “A boom-or-bust prospect, he has the athletic talent to be a dynamic change-of-pace option and offers RB1 potential for an NFL offense.”
Breakdown of seven players Cowboys picked in full expert mock draft

Round 4, No. 129: Anthony Bradford, OG, LSU ​

This pick came down to two LSU players, Bradford and DT Jaquelin Roy. Both areas could use some help on the Cowboys’ roster. The decision was similar to Dallas’ decision last year in the second round. The Cowboys considered drafting WR Jalen Tolbert over DE Sam Williams with the 56th pick but decided there was a better chance of Tolbert still being there in the third round, and they were right.
Although he played right guard in college, Bradford would immediately compete for the starting left guard job in Dallas. If the season started today, that spot would likely be filled by veteran Chuma Edoga, who Dallas signed in March. There has also been some consideration to seeing right tackle Terence Steele get work at left guard. The Cowboys are expected to address the position at some point in the draft.

Round 5, No. 169: Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU​

This worked out very well for the Cowboys, allowing them to add help to the middle of their defensive line. Much like left guard, defensive tackle should be addressed. The top of their current depth chart consists of Osa Odighizuwa, Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Bohanna and Neville Gallimore.
This pick came down to Roy and Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell.
“Roy is a complicated evaluation — he flashes promise because of his power, but his movement skills are average, and it will take time for him to adjust to pro blockers,” Brugler wrote. “He is a draft-and-develop tackle who can work his way into an NFL rotation as a rookie.”

Round 6, No. 212 Max Duggan, QB, TCU​

He isn’t a great passer, but Duggan showed mobility and impressive playmaking ability while leading TCU to the national championship game. The Cowboys are looking to add a developmental QB from this class. Any player drafted at this point is going to need some time to get acclimated to the NFL game. Maybe he develops into a backup or maybe he ends up playing in the XFL.
ADVERTISEMENT

“Duggan’s pocket skills and downfield passing lack the necessary refinement for the NFL game, but he is a courageous competitor with dual-threat talent and calm confidence,” Brugler wrote. “He is an intriguing project for a patient NFL coaching staff.”

Round 7, No. 244: Jake Moody, K, Michigan​

The player who will be kicking for the Cowboys during the 2023 season is not on the current roster. Brugler believes Moody is the best in this draft class. This seemed like a good value pick considering the draft spot.
Looking back on all eight picks, there are two positions that the Cowboys would probably like to address but weren’t here, linebacker and wide receiver. The linebacker options late in the draft didn’t seem much more intriguing than what could be there for Dallas in undrafted free agency. After not getting a wide receiver in the first few rounds, it seemed foolish to reach and add a player who might not be better than Tolbert. The Cowboys set themselves up to draft best player available, so that’s what we attempted to do with each of these picks.

THANK You

 

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Only for you Colors

Cowboys 7-round mock draft: Dallas makes first-round trade, selects 8 players​

---

With the NFL Draft only three days away, this will be our final Cowboys mock draft. Dallas enters the week with seven total picks, one in each round.
While using the mock draft simulator at Pro Football Network, the Cowboys were offered an interesting trade when going on the clock at Pick 26 in the first round. The New Orleans Saints offered the 29th pick and their fourth-round pick (No. 115 overall) in exchange for Pick 26.
ADVERTISEMENT

The best players available at the time were Clemson DE Myles Murphy, Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer, Clemson LB Trenton Simpson, Iowa State DE Will McDonald, Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey, Boston College WR Zay Flowers, Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt, Georgia TE Darnell Washington, Florida OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Arkansas LB Drew Sanders, Michigan DT Mazi Smith, Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes and Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Dane Brugler’s The Beast, the complete 2023 NFL Draft Guide, is now available.
With so much talent still available, we accepted the trade. Murphy, Simpson and Kancey were the next three picks.

Round 1, No. 29: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame​

The Cowboys add an immediate starting tight end to replace the loss of Dalton Schultz and add an early fourth-round pick. In this scenario, it’s possible that Dallas rejects the trade and just picks Mayer at 26. Considering roster needs and what was available, this wasn’t a difficult decision.
Mayer has the ability to be a Day 1 starter and a player who spends the next decade in Dallas. He’s not as fast as some of the other top tight end prospects in this class but he is a quality player in every aspect of the game. Notre Dame has a strong history at the position and most believe Mayer is the best of the impressive group.
“It’s obviously a pretty crazy comparison, but he just reminds me of (Rob Gronkowski) in a lot of ways,” former NFL tight end Tyler Eifert told The Athletic in November. “If you watch Gronk, he actually doesn’t run very good routes, at all. But he just knows how to use his body. Some guys try to create separation at the top of the route by running away or putting like some juke or head fake or something. But the bigger tight ends, they want you to be close to them so they can use their body to create separation. And I think Mike does a really good job of that. For how big he is, he can also go up and get the ball and make those really tough contested catches, too.”

Round 2, No. 58: Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech​

Edge rusher isn’t a significant need for the Cowboys, but White is ranked as the 47th-best player in this class. By trading for WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore and re-signing several of their own top free agents, the Cowboys put themselves in position to draft the best player available in these types of situations.
ADVERTISEMENT

Although a left guard was a bigger need, Torrence, TCU’s Steve Avila and North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch were all selected before this pick.
The best available players were White, Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson, South Dakota TE Tucker Kraft, Florida DT Gervon Dexter, Auburn DE Derick Hall, Baylor DT Siaki Ika, Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, Ohio State DE Zach Harrison and Iowa TE Sam LaPorta.
White would put Dallas in a good spot with DeMarcus Lawrence turning 31 this week and Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler being free agents at the end of the 2023 season.
“White is still developing his craft and pass-rush technique/instincts, but he is a high-motor height/weight/speed edge player with power as a bull rusher and the mass to anchor versus the run,” Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s draft expert, wrote in The Beast. “Similar to Datone Jones, he is a scheme-proof prospect and projects as a rotational base end as an NFL rookie.”

Keion White (Kirby Lee / USA Today)

Round 3, No. 90: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina​

Gilmore is only under contract for one year. The Cowboys also need to work out a long-term deal with Trevon Diggs. Another starting-caliber cornerback is needed to pair with Diggs and DaRon Bland for the future, and Rush fits with what Dallas prefers at the position. He is 6-1 with over 33-inch arms. Brugler ranks Rush as the ninth-best cornerback and 63rd overall player in this class.
“Rush is not a secure tackler and must continue developing his instincts in off coverage,” Brugler wrote, “but he has the fluidity and length to turn, run and stay stride-for-stride with receivers. His athletic cover traits give him NFL starting potential as a man-to-man corner.”
Other top players available at this pick were Tulane RB Tyjae Spears, Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo, Auburn RB Tank Bigsby, Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry, Texas RB Roschon Johnson, Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker and Ole Miss RB Zach Evans.

Round 4, No. 115: Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss​

This is the pick the Cowboys added on the trade back in the first round with the Saints. Evans ended up being the pick over Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson, LSU WR Kayshon Boutte and Tennessee DE Byron Young.
ADVERTISEMENT

With Ezekiel Elliott no longer on the roster, another starting-caliber running back is of interest to the Cowboys. Brugler ranks Evans as the 10th-best RB in this class. At 5-11, 202 pounds, Evans rushed for 936 yards and nine touchdowns on 144 carries last season, his lone year at Ole Miss after transferring from TCU. He was one of Dallas’ official pre-draft visitors.
“Evans has some baggage and a few undeveloped areas on his NFL résumé, but there is no denying his burst and balance to create explosive plays in different ways,” Brugler wrote. “A boom-or-bust prospect, he has the athletic talent to be a dynamic change-of-pace option and offers RB1 potential for an NFL offense.”
Breakdown of seven players Cowboys picked in full expert mock draft

Round 4, No. 129: Anthony Bradford, OG, LSU ​

This pick came down to two LSU players, Bradford and DT Jaquelin Roy. Both areas could use some help on the Cowboys’ roster. The decision was similar to Dallas’ decision last year in the second round. The Cowboys considered drafting WR Jalen Tolbert over DE Sam Williams with the 56th pick but decided there was a better chance of Tolbert still being there in the third round, and they were right.
Although he played right guard in college, Bradford would immediately compete for the starting left guard job in Dallas. If the season started today, that spot would likely be filled by veteran Chuma Edoga, who Dallas signed in March. There has also been some consideration to seeing right tackle Terence Steele get work at left guard. The Cowboys are expected to address the position at some point in the draft.

Round 5, No. 169: Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU​

This worked out very well for the Cowboys, allowing them to add help to the middle of their defensive line. Much like left guard, defensive tackle should be addressed. The top of their current depth chart consists of Osa Odighizuwa, Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Bohanna and Neville Gallimore.
This pick came down to Roy and Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell.
“Roy is a complicated evaluation — he flashes promise because of his power, but his movement skills are average, and it will take time for him to adjust to pro blockers,” Brugler wrote. “He is a draft-and-develop tackle who can work his way into an NFL rotation as a rookie.”

Round 6, No. 212 Max Duggan, QB, TCU​

He isn’t a great passer, but Duggan showed mobility and impressive playmaking ability while leading TCU to the national championship game. The Cowboys are looking to add a developmental QB from this class. Any player drafted at this point is going to need some time to get acclimated to the NFL game. Maybe he develops into a backup or maybe he ends up playing in the XFL.
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“Duggan’s pocket skills and downfield passing lack the necessary refinement for the NFL game, but he is a courageous competitor with dual-threat talent and calm confidence,” Brugler wrote. “He is an intriguing project for a patient NFL coaching staff.”

Round 7, No. 244: Jake Moody, K, Michigan​

The player who will be kicking for the Cowboys during the 2023 season is not on the current roster. Brugler believes Moody is the best in this draft class. This seemed like a good value pick considering the draft spot.
Looking back on all eight picks, there are two positions that the Cowboys would probably like to address but weren’t here, linebacker and wide receiver. The linebacker options late in the draft didn’t seem much more intriguing than what could be there for Dallas in undrafted free agency. After not getting a wide receiver in the first few rounds, it seemed foolish to reach and add a player who might not be better than Tolbert. The Cowboys set themselves up to draft best player available, so that’s what we attempted to do with each of these picks.

I like our 6th & 7th round picks. Think good mileage out of them.
Normally I am like. yeah whatever. Consider it a win if they even come close to making the team.
These two I would be expecting to make the team even if QB was on practice squad to start.

 

[PDay8810]

I would take Myles Murphy, Trenton Simpson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Dalton Kincaid over Mayer if that's who were on the board in round one

I'd also take Gibbs over all TE's at 26.

 

[PDay8810]

BUT...IF TE @ 26
Mayer fits Dak better and his game fits the scheme better.

Don't get me wrong...I think Kincaid is the best reciever of the football in this draft.

 

[UK Cowboy]

BUT...IF TE @ 26
Mayer fits Dak better and his game fits the scheme better.

Don't get me wrong...I think Kincaid is the best reciever of the football in this draft.

I'm no scout but I watched Utah play USC and I was like, who the fuck is Kincaid and wouldn't he look good with a star on his helmet. Kid looked like Kelce that day

 

[jarntt]

Seems a lot of the scuttlebutt is that the Cowboys may be looking to move back. Also a chance they could move up if a Bijan or Wright are there as we get into the 20's. I guess as always, it comes down to how the draft goes. We know they have 16-18 guys with a first round grade. Does that mean they will take any of those guys if they are there or will they do what they have done other times and pass on a higher rated guy on there board (Taco over Kevin King)

 

[Schmoopy1000]

I'm no scout but I watched Utah play USC and I was like, who the fuck is Kincaid and wouldn't he look good with a star on his helmet. Kid looked like Kelce that day

no offense. but we better not take a TE in the 1st. (unless he was by far the BPA)

 

[UK Cowboy]

no offense. but we better not take a TE in the 1st. (unless he was by far the BPA)

None taken. I would prefer Darnell Wright or the Gibbs kid for Bama, a couple of corners and DE's...but that kid wouldn't hurt my feelings. I think he will be another Kittles

 

[jarntt]

no offense. but we better not take a TE in the 1st. (unless he was by far the BPA)

Probably at least a 10-20% chance you are unhappy. We need a TE badly and TE is loaded in back of 1st and into 2nd round of this draft.

I don’t get why you would be against us taking a TE

 

[jarntt]

I know a lot of people use mocks as their rankings and think it means anything about when a guy will go. I kind of hate mocks for that reason. One thing I do read and out a lot of faith in is Bruglers rankings. Best in the business.

 

[jarntt]

But, I will say I think Brugler got the QBs wrong. I think Young and Richardson are over rated and probably Levis too.

 

[Manster7588]

If hes there, my choice is Bijan Robinson. No Elliott and Pollard a ? coming off injury, tells me Robinson is a day one starter. Especially even healthy Pollard seemed to run out of gas when he played a lot of snaps.

 

[Manster7588]

But, I will say I think Brugler got the QBs wrong. I think Young and Richardson are over rated and probably Levis too.

Most of the experts always overrate QB's and as long as we're not in the market for one. I say go ahead and overrate more of them.

 

[cowboycolors]

I know a lot of people use mocks as their rankings and think it means anything about when a guy will go. I kind of hate mocks for that reason. One thing I do read and out a lot of faith in is Bruglers rankings. Best in the business.

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Dane had better intel than the so called gurus when he was living in Dallas just starting out and selling his draft analysis out of the trunk of his car. Rick Gosselin used to be the best on the draft but he decided he wanted to do other things.
But you are correct Brugler is the best right now.

 

[cowboycolors]

Most of the experts always overrate QB's and as long as we're not in the market for one. I say go ahead and overrate more of them.

We should be in the market for 1 at minimum for a backup Rush is fine for now as back up but we need a developmental guy
JMHO

 

[jarntt]

If hes there, my choice is Bijan Robinson. No Elliott and Pollard a ? coming off injury, tells me Robinson is a day one starter. Especially even healthy Pollard seemed to run out of gas when he played a lot of snaps.

My only concern with Bijan would be trading up for him. I don't think he will be there but I think it's a slam dunk if he is that we will take him. At 26 he would be a great pick.

 

[PDay8810]

We should be in the market for 1 at minimum for a backup Rush is fine for now as back up but we need a developmental guy
JMHO

Undrafted FA

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

I know a lot of people use mocks as their rankings and think it means anything about when a guy will go. I kind of hate mocks for that reason. One thing I do read and out a lot of faith in is Bruglers rankings. Best in the business.

View attachment 327164

I look at mocks. But I don't rank them by the mocks and the guy at ESPN ,Kiper is like wrong so often with his rankings. Brugler is better