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The latest roundup of first-round mock draft picks for the Cowboys.
This week in our 2018 NFL mock draft roundup, we look at 11 mock drafts and who the Cowboys are projected to take in round one. Last week, Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst started to breakout as a consensus pick, and this week is no different as he tops the Cowboys list in six of the 11 mocks. There is an interesting dynamic at play here. Hurst is generally considered a little under-sized and would likely be a 3-tech defensive tackle. So if you go with that theory, then you have Maliek Collins, David Irving and Hust as natural 3-techs and still no true 1-tech unless you count the injured Brian Price.
Now, Dallas could shift Collins over to 1-tech in 2018, but as 2017 showed, that’s not his best position. You also have David Irving in the mix, although he could spend some time outside at defensive end if the Cowboys brought in another 3-tech like Hurst. Hurst has certainly got a lot of momentum in these mock drafts, but should the Cowboys really be looking for a 1-tech instead?
What say you to that BTB?
Also, Courtland Sutton pops up on a few mocks this week. Names like Calvin Ridley, Michael Gallup or James Washington were more likely in previous mocks that had the Cowboys going wide receiver, maybe there is a movement now towards Sutton.
Who is your favorite WR prospect in round one?
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Louisville Courier (Estes), Feb 5 This has the look of a high-value pick for the Cowboys at No. 19.Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
NFL.com (Zierlein), Jan 31 Hurst-to-Dallas feels like one of the cleanest fits in this mock. Rod Marinelli wants more rush from the interior, and Hurst fits his scheme and style.San Diego Union-Tribune (Brown), Jan 31 The “undersized” narrative following Hurst is similar to the one Aaron Donald dealt with in 2014. Hurst has been close to un-blockable at the collegiate level and could be the missing piece to a dominant Cowboys defense. Top needs: DT, WR, TE
SB Nation(Kadar), Feb 5 This is about as bad of a draw as there could be for Dallas on draft night. Hurst is easily the best defensive lineman available here and would give the Cowboys another lineman who can get after both the run and the pass.
Draft Blaster(O’Conner), Feb 4 The Cowboys’ offensive line was just not the same this year, but some of that was injuries and developing chemistry. They have enough key pieces that they don’t have to panic and address the position early in the draft. With three of their five positions locked down, they should be looking to add two offensive linemen through the draft and another in free agency and then let the competition unfold. They have found their edge guys on the defensive line, but have a big need in the middle. They also will need to find a WR and TE to replace key players at the end of their careers.
Bleacher Report(Miller), Feb 5 My top need for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason is wide receiver, but with Calvin Ridley off the board, I have Jerry Jones and friends going after the team's second-biggest need: defensive tackle. As long as free agent DeMarcus Lawrence is re-signed, the Cowboys can focus more on DT than pass-rusher. And Michigan's Maurice Hurst has Gerald McCoy-like potential. Hurst won't fit the size profile for a lot of teams given his 6'2", 282-pound frame, but his first-step quickness should be something every defensive line coach wants. Hurst is fantastic at generating pressure from the middle of the defensive line with his quickness and leverage. He's also a high-motor player who consistently hustles to run down outside plays. The Cowboys have decent depth at defensive tackle but lack a playmaker. Hurst can step into the lineup and be that penetrator at tackle that's been missing.
SEC Country(Riley), Feb 5 Hurst might not be drafted this high simply because of his position. But the Cowboys need defensive tackles who can play, and Hurst is one of the best football players in this draft class.
LINEBACKERS
Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
CBS (White), Feb 1 Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas. With Anthony Hitchens a free agent and with Sean Lee seemingly never able to stay healthy, it makes sense for the Cowboys to find a partner for Jaylon Smith at the position at some point. Cowboys fans should know Jefferson's upside well with the linebacker playing down the road in Austin. While he's not a finished product by any means, he'll get the chance to work into the defense as a rookie before potentially taking over a bigger role if 2018 is Lee's last year in Dallas.WIDE RECEIVERS
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Draft Ace (Staff), Feb 3 Similar skill set to Dez Bryant and could be his eventual replacement.Sporting News (Staff), Feb 5 In the short term, the Cowboys need a No. 2 receiver opposite Dez Bryant to help get Dak Prescott back on track. For the long term, Sutton could become the replacement for Bryant as the team’s No. 1 receiver.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
Draftekl(Longball), Jan 31 "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link" . . . for the past two seasons, Dallas has had one of the best OL's in the NFL. In 2017, there was a reshuffling of the deck: ROT Doug Free retired and LOG Ron Leary went to Denver in FA. La'el Collins moved to ROT, but LOG was a revolving door, as the coaching staff wanted former swing OT Chaz Green to inherit the position. However, by the end of the year, journeyman Jonathan Cooper ended up the starter. The former RD1 (#7 overall) selection of Arizona performed well, but has attained UFA status for 2018 . . . and the Cowboys may be hesitant to get into a bidding war for his services. In the 2014 NFL Draft, Dallas utilized a RD1 selection (#16 overall) on a college LOT from Notre Dame with excellent technique and footwork, and moved him inside where he became an All-Pro OG. Could lightning strike twice? Isaiah Wynn played LOT for the SEC Champion and National Champion runner-up Georgia Bulldogs. Bill O'Brien's South coaching staff moved Wynn inside and he was easily the most impressive interior OL prospect during practice sessions . . . even Mike Mayock declared him to be the most dominant player at any position! Everyone acknowledges how strong Alabama's DL was this last season . . . Watch Wynn (#77) at LOT in the Championship Game and compare his technique to Zack Martin at the same position in the previous video. Makes sense to me, but then again I love me some Big Uglies!Continue reading...