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This mock draft lists nine players that could be realistic possibilities for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys are always a topic of conversation in the NFL. And despite holding the fourth-overall pick, the Cowboys are in position to do some spectacular things in 2016, that is of course if Tony Romo can stay healthy. Fanspeak's mock draft simulator has given fans and Twitter general managers the ability to own the Cowboys and participate in a mock. This simulator is extremely fun, but they are sometimes unrealistic. Today, I decided to use the mock draft simulator, but instead of stacking my team, I completed a realistic seven-round mock draft. Without further adieu, let's get started.
Round 1, 4th Overall Pick: Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State
Again, this mock is realistic, it's not based off my preference. If it were up to me, Jalen Ramsey would be my pick no matter what. And if he's off the board, my next bet is to trade down. Instead of doing that, I decided to go ahead and make the pick that I think the Cowboys will make.
Joey Bosa may not be a 20-sack type of player, but he's a guy who consistently gets in the backfield and makes an impact. By drafting Bosa, the Cowboys would add to their defensive line rotation. While waiting for Randy Gregory to get back into the full swing of things, Bosa would get quality playing time and immediate, on-field tutelage from Rod Marinelli.
Round 2, 34th Overall Pick: Darian Thompson, Safety, Boise State
Dallas likes Boise State players and they are extremely familiar with Darian Thompson, having coached him at the Senior Bowl. The Cowboys have been linked to three safeties, two NFL prospects and one veteran. Dashon Goldson left Valley Ranch without a deal, but the Cowboys have still been linked to Thompson and Southern Utah's Miles Killebrew in recent weeks. Thompson is a versatile athlete who's extremely intelligent in terms of his range and his skills in the box. If Byron Jones were to move to safety, putting Thompson next to him to pair with him wouldn't be that bad of an idea.
Round 3, 67th Overall Pick: Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Mississippi State
Yep, finally a quarterback drafted by the Cowboys. In recent weeks, the Cowboys have met with Prescott on numerous occasions. Once a predominately running quarterback, Prescott came back for his senior season and flashed potential to be an NFL starter one day. He's drawn comparisons to Tim Tebow, but Prescott has clearly displayed enough passing potential for Jason Garrett and Wade Wilson to bring him back for multiple views.
Round 4, 101st Overall Pick: Devontae Booker, Running Back, Utah
If Booker fell to the fourth round (FanSpeak's mock had him positioned there, there are doubts he would last this long), I would be absolutely thrilled. I've said time and time again that Booker is one of my favorite players in this draft class. He's a guy who'd be a real nice fit in Dallas' zone-blocking scheme. Sure there is some bust potential because of his lack of speed and some mechanical issues, but he's a creative runner who runs with power and a low center of gravity.
A running back this early would surprise some people, but Alfred Morris was signed on only a two-year deal, and both Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar are not signed past the 2016 season. Being drafted by Dallas would give Booker the time he needs to fully comprehend this scheme and become the superstar I fully believe he can become.
Round 4, 135th Overall Pick: James Bradberry, Cornerback, Samford
The new mold of cornerbacks in the NFL is longer and bigger athletes. This will favor Samford's Bradberry. His 33-inch arms will intrigue teams, but the amazing thing about Bradberry is that he's more than just a man cornerback. Bradberry's intelligence would fit well in Marinelli's defense that is predominately based off zone concepts.
The Cowboys could run into a hole at cornerback if they cut ties with Brandon Carr, but even if they keep Carr, grooming Bradberry is something that could be done in Dallas. It also should be said that the Cowboys had an interview with Bradberry after the East-West Shrine Game.
Round 6, 189th Overall Pick: Romeo Okwara, Defensive End, Notre Dame
Another player that has gotten some Cowboys' attention in the past few weeks is Okwara. Notre Dame continuously pumps out hard-nosed, blue-collar players to the NFL and Okwara is the next of that mold. At 6'4, 270 pounds, he fits what Marinelli and Leon Lett like out of their defensive ends. I wouldn't expect Okwara to become the next DeMarcus Ware, but he does have the makings of a rotational defensive line piece that can play both inside and outside if asked to do so. Okwara is another guy the Cowboys interviewed with after the East-West Shrine Game.
Round 6, 212th Overall Pick: Terrance Smith, Linebacker, Florida State
When the Cowboys re-signed both Rolando McClain and Kyle Wilber, the thought of them drafting Myles Jack diminished tremendously. However, the last time the Cowboys finished a draft and did not add a linebacker was in 2004. Terrance Smith is an athletic linebacker who can be extremely versatile in whichever role he's asked to play. Smith would be a nice depth piece with the thought of maybe one day developing into a starter.
Round 6, 216th Overall Pick: Marquez North, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
The Cowboys need to do something to improve the receiver position. Marquez North isn't the name that comes to mind when most people think about this, but his tape and potential alone have the Cowboys interested. A plethora of injuries led to a shaky Tennessee tenure, but North is a 6'4, 215-pound receiver who has drawn comparisons to Josh Gordon. If North can stay on the field, the Cowboys could get a real solid player at a good value.
Round 7, 217th Overall Pick: Joe Schmidt, Linebacker, Notre Dame
Again, a linebacker drafted in the later rounds. Joe Schmidt is yet another hard-nosed player who would be of good value in Dallas. He's a guy who can contribute on special teams from the get-go as well as fill a depth need. Injuries affected Schmidt's Notre Dame career, but he'd be a nice piece in Dallas for a variety of reasons and he fits Garrett's "Right Kinda Guy" mantra.
Follow me on Twitter: RyanRattyNFL
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