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1
JOEY BOSA
DEFENSIVE END, OHIO STATE
Most of the early mock drafts I’ve seen have the Dallas Cowboys selectingeither Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey or Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves here. Both players make sense, although the Cowboys likely want to make this year’s first rounder, Byron Jones, their starting free safety next year.
With cornerback Morris Claiborne set to depart via free agency at seasons’ end and the poor play of overpaid veteran corner Brandon Carr, Dallas will likely need a starter to pair with a returning Orlando Scandrick. In this scenario, Hargreaves likely makes more sense than Ramsey in Dallas, as the latter is seen as a better safety at the next level. Still, the current Cowboys regime covets versatility.
Regardless, I believe the first few rounds of the draft should focus more on talent than team need. Drawing comparisons to Houston’s J.J. Watt, Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa is the best pass rusher in next year’s draft. Some think Bosa would have been the best pass rusher in this year’s draft as well, after he recorded 55 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks in 15 games as a sophomore in 2014. He’s the son of John Bosa, a former defensive tackle for Boston College and the Miami Dolphins first round pick back in 1987.
Bosa is the clear cut top defensive lineman in the upcoming draft. And I’m unsure the Cowboys re-sign All-Pro defensive end Greg Hardy next offseason after his addition did little to help Dallas find success in 2015. Drafting Bosa allows them to move on from the headache that Hardy has become and move forward with a powerful pass rush that also includes young defensive ends Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence.
2
DERRICK HENRY
RUNNING BACK, ALABAMA
It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys need a running back. And there will be several to choose from next year. Although most deem Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott the top running back in this draft class, landing possible Heisman winner Derrick Henry in the second round would likely be seen as a major victory by Cowboys fans.
The Alabama runner has rushed for 1,986 yards and 23 touchdowns in 13 games so far, averaging 5.9 yards per carry for the Tide in 2015. A bruiser back at 6-3, 241 pounds, Henry’s one-cut style is a perfect fit for this Cowboys offensive line, and a good complement to speedster veteran Darren McFadden. The Alabama prospect is also excellent in pass protection. A fact that could make him a preferred selection over other young backs.
Henry is the type of back that the Cowboys could eventually turn to as a workhorse. Certainly worthy of a second round selection.
3
CARSON WENTZ
QUARTERBACK, NORTH DAKOTA STATE
North Dakota’s Carson Wentz is the type of quarterback the Dallas Cowboys would be wise add to their roster in 2016. A developmental player with all the physical attributes scouts and coaches love, Wentz isn’t quite ready to be an NFL starting quarterback. So poor play by the Cowboys stater, or possibly even a veteran back-up, won’t have many fans up in arms for the rookie to start.
Last season, Wentz recorded 3,111 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions as a junior for North Dakota State. This year, a wrist injury limited him to 1,669 yards, 16 touchdowns and and only two interceptions. Wentz had a completion rate of 64% both seasons.
What the 6-6, 230 pound senior gives you is a mature player with the skill-set needed to excel at the next level. Wentz has good athleticism and a strong arm, but lacks more of the mental aspects of the game that holding a clipboard behind a player like Romo could provide. He also needs work on his fundamentals, like proper footwork and balance (as most rookie quarterbacks do).
If the Cowboys drafted a player like Memphis’ Paxton Lynch, the pressure to play the first round pick as soon as possible would be palpable and ever-present. Spending a third round selection on a prospect like Wentz makes much for sense for Dallas right now. Especially, if Romo plans on paying for another 4-5 years.
4
BRAXTON MILLER
WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE
The poor play of wide receivers Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Devin Street and Brice Butler in the absence of All-Pro wide out Dez Bryant earlier this year makes this pick a priority. The Cowboys need a better number two recevier to pair with Bryant than Williams, and Ohio State’s Braxton Miller could eventually become that player.
The former Buckeye quarterback made the switch to wide recevier this year. And the fact he’s considered by many to be a top-ten candidate to be drafted at the recevier position should tell you everything you need to know about Miller’s potential. And you certainly have to go by potential as his receiving numbers weren’t very impressive this season, recording only 24 receptions for 328 yards and three scores in 12 games.
The 6-2, 215 pound Miller has displayed good hands with the speed to get separation from defenders. Certainly still a project, his talent level and unique skill set make him worthy risk in the fourth round. Besides, if things don’t work out at recevier, he can also play running back and quarterback in Dallas.
6
CYRUS JONES
CORNERBACK, ALABAMA
In the sixth round, you are looking for versatile players who can compete for a role as a back-up on your active roster while also being able to play special teams. Alabama cornerback Cyrus Jones fits that mold perfectly. As a senior, Jones is one of the leaders of the Tide’s defensive secondary, recording 28 tackles, seven passes defended and one interception this year.
But where Jones really excels is as a punt returner. In fact, he is the first player in Alabama history to return two punts for touchdowns in the same game. He’s punt return average of 14.0 yards per return is third best in the SEC.
Jones’ addition to the Cowboys roster would be an instant upgrade over wide out Cole Beasley as Dallas’ primary punt returner. He would also compete for a back-role in the Cowboys defensive secondary. Jones would be a good find in the sixth round.
Using the above picks, the Cowboys would certainly improve their roster. With two potential starters in defensive end Joey Bosa and running back Derrick Henry, Dallas could showcase a much-improved pass rush and running game. Prospects like Wentz, Miller and Jones could also have an impact on the season, but would likely add more value down the road. But what do you think? Who are the five players you’d like to see the Cowboys draft next year? Leave your answers in our comment section below.
