The draft is finally here, who will the Cowboys take?
At long last, the 2024 NFL Draft is upon us. Before long, general managers will start calling players as they draft them, and fans will have extreme gut reactions one way or the other to whichever player their favorite team just drafted. It’s a beautiful time for football fans.
However, there is still time before the Cowboys make their pick for one last mock draft. How might things play out for the 23 picks ahead of them, who will Dallas take once they’re on the clock, and how will the rest of their draft shake out as a result? Here’s one more attempt at predicting all the action.
First Round
1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Caleb Williams, QB – USC
This one seems to be pretty set in stone. The Bears have made little secret about their intent to draft Caleb Williams, and anything other than this would be a massive shock. Now, the Bears just have to hope they’re right about Williams.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU
There are heavy, heavy clouds of smoke billowing around this pick right now. The most reputable insiders still believe that Jayden Daniels is the target in Washington and, of the quarterbacks still available here, he’s also the one who fits best into offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Still, watch out for some drama as early as this pick.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB – North Carolina
Word on the street is that the Patriots are content with staying put and landing whichever quarterback is available here between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, though they reportedly prefer Daniels. This draft works out well, then, because Maye seems to be a perfect fit for the Shanahan style offense that Alex Van Pelt brings with him as the Patriots’ new offensive coordinator.
4. Minnesota Vikings (from AZ): JJ McCarthy, QB – Michigan
***MOCK TRADE***
AZ gets: 2024 1st (11th overall), 2024 1st (23rd overall), 2024 4th (129th overall), 2024 6th (177th overall)
MIN gets: 2024 1st (4th overall), 2024 5th (162nd overall)
It almost seems like a foregone conclusion that the Vikings will trade up for a quarterback, and Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort has been very upfront about his desire to trade back. This trade just makes sense, and JJ McCarthy – a refined passer with a fairly high floor but moderate ceiling – steps into a perfect situation in Minnesota, with an elite receiver and a sharp offensive mind in head coach Kevin O’Connell.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State
The Chargers are in dire need of receiver help after saying goodbye to both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best receiver in this draft – some even consider him the best player regardless of position – so this is an easy one to chalk up.
6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR – Washington
The Giants may consider going quarterback here if JJ McCarthy falls to them, but it seems as if New York is content to roll the dice on another year of Daniel Jones. If that’s the case, then supplying him with the reception machine that is Rome Odunze would be a great step towards bringing back the 2022 version of Jones.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT – Notre Dame
Aside from the Bears taking Caleb Williams first overall, this pick seems the most predictable one. Tennessee spent big money to fill holes virtually everywhere else on their roster besides left tackle, and Joe Alt is the best tackle in this draft. It’s an easy decision.
8. Arizona Cardinals (from ATL): Malik Nabers, WR – LSU
**MOCK TRADE***
ATL gets: 2024 1st (11th overall), 2024 1st (23rd overall), 2024 6th (186th overall)
AZ gets: 2024 1st (8th overall), 2024 6th (197th overall)
Last year, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort traded down and then back up again, and he has plenty of ammunition to do it again this year. Arizona may have missed out on Marvin Harrison Jr., but they move up again to land the athletic freak that is Malik Nabers, who should quickly become Kyler Murray’s favorite target.
9. Chicago Bears: Byron Murphy III, iDL – Texas
The Bears are largely expected to take the best remaining receiver here but, in this instance, all three of the top guys are wiped out. Chicago may entertain trade options, but head coach Matt Eberflus is also still searching for the 3-technique that’s all-important to his defense. Byron Murphy III fits that profile in spades, and he could be the missing piece for this Bears defense.
10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE – Georgia
The Jets’ hopes in 2024 rest almost entirely on Aaron Rodgers’ ability to stay on the field, but giving him an elite pass catching weapon like the versatile Brock Bowers would certainly make things easier.
11. Atlanta Falcons (from MIN): Dallas Turner, EDGE – Alabama
The Falcons make a move to drop three spots in the draft, replenishing their stockpile of draft picks, and still manage to land the player they likely would’ve taken at eight anyway. Dallas Turner is overflowing with pass rush traits and would be a natural fit in the defense under Raheem Morris and Jimmy Lake.
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB – Oregon
The Broncos may have traded for Zach Wilson as insurance in case they can’t land a quarterback here, but Sean Payton is rumored to be enamored with Bo Nix, which makes it an easy decision here. Nix has tons of experience in college, something Payton craves in young quarterbacks, and he’ll have faith in his own coaching ability to cover up Nix’s weaknesses while accentuating his strengths.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Quinyon Mitchell, CB – Toledo
The Raiders could go in a variety of different directions here, but their need at cornerback is easy to address when they have their pick of all the cornerbacks available. Quinyon Mitchell is a man coverage ace with plenty of physicality, which makes him an ideal fit in this Raiders’ defense.
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT – Oregon State
The Saints have had a glaring need at the tackle position for a few years now, and this year is a perfect opportunity to fill that need. Taliese Fuaga is the stereotypical mauler in the trenches that every team covets, and he’d be an immediate upgrade in New Orleans.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB – Alabama
The Colts are a bit lacking in talent at the cornerback position right now, but Terrion Arnold would fix that. His athleticism and length are a pitch perfect fit in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme, too.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OT – Washington
New Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is plenty familiar with Troy Fautanu after coaching him the last two years at Washington. Whether it’s at guard or tackle, Fautanu has the skill set to become a premier offensive lineman in the NFL.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Wiggins, CB – Clemson
Many of the Jaguars’ struggles a year ago came down to their pass defense, which got beat far too often. They play in a division that’s suddenly flush with talented young quarterbacks and star receivers, so adding cornerback talent is a must. Nate Wiggins is a bit raw, but his athleticism and competitive spirit will fit right in with the Jaguars.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Olu Fashanu, OT – Penn State
The Bengals don’t really have a need at tackle, but this falls more into the category of taking the best player available. Olu Fashanu is one of the youngest players in this entire draft, and he’s teeming with potential. Cincinnati takes him here, and they’ll have to figure out where their best five linemen play, but there’s a sense in security with a guy like Fashanu.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jer’Zhan Newton, iDL – Illinois
This would be unfair to Jer’Zhan Newton, as the comparisons to recently-retired Aaron Donald will be impossible to ignore, but the crazy thing is Newton may actually be able to live up to such expectations. The Illinois defensive tackle is a natural rushing the passer and could thrive in this Rams defense.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT – Georgia
The Steelers like what they saw from last year’s first-round tackle, Broderick Jones, so why not take another Georgia tackle in Amarius Mims? It helps that Pittsburgh has a need, and Mims’ combination of mountainous size and surprising agility would be a great fit in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme.
21. Miami Dolphins: JC Latham, OT – Alabama
JC Latham has NFL teams drooling over his tape, which showed rapid progression over two years of starting experience in the SEC. Despite that, Latham is just 21 years old and seems to be just scratching the surface. Miami would benefit greatly from having him in the trenches.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Graham Barton, C – Duke
In the last month, Graham Barton has leapt to the forefront of the center rankings. The Eagles famously just lost their perennial All-Pro center to retirement. The fit here is both obvious and natural.
23. Atlanta Falcons (from MIN): Cooper DeJean, CB – Iowa
As a result of their trade back, the Falcons find themselves with another shot to bolster their defense. Cooper DeJean is a highly versatile defensive back who could fill the same kind of chess piece role that Jalen Ramsey once did for head coach Raheem Morris back with the Rams.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Zach Frazier, C – West Virginia
The Cowboys lost – or, more aptly, held the door as he walked out – their starting center in free agency this offseason and did absolutely nothing to replace him… until now. The Cowboys are almost guaranteed to draft an offensive lineman here, but it may not be who most mocks are predicting.
Zach Frazier is a rare four-year starter, with each of his last three years coming exclusively at center for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Growing up in a West Virginia coal town, Frazier excelled at both football and wrestling before becoming a fixture along the offensive line in college. His combination of experience, intelligence, and sheer physicality make for an ideal fit in Dallas. Frazier would immediately step in as the starting center and, if you need more reasons to get excited about this, he already carries a seal of approval from Zack Martin.
25. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Guyton, OT – Oklahoma
The Packers said goodbye to longtime left tackle David Bakhtiari this offseason, and they’ve not brought in any serious contenders to replace him. Tyler Guyton is a raw, yet very talented, tackle who could easily grow into an All-Pro caliber player in the right spot. Green Bay, a franchise known for churning out stars in the trenches, may just be that right spot.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jared Verse, EDGE – Florida State
The Buccaneers don’t have the most glaring need at EDGE, but they could stand to improve their edge rushing group. And when Jared Verse – often mocked inside the top 15 – falls to pick 26, that’s a gift the Buccaneers simply can’t turn down.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Laiatu Latu, EDGE – UCLA
The Cardinals landed an electric playmaker on offense already in Malik Nabers, so it’s time to do the same for the defense. Laiatu Latu is considered the best all-around pass rusher in this draft, but age and injury history have complicated his draft profile. It’s not complicated for Arizona, though: Latu will make opposing quarterbacks’ lives miserable.
28. Buffalo Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR – LSU
The Bills will have a hard time going anywhere else in the first round after moving on from both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason. While they’re probably right to bet on Josh Allen being able to elevate his receiver talent, they still need actual talent. Brian Thomas Jr. fits that bill, and then some.
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB – Alabama
If there was one big problem area for the Lions last year, it was their cornerback room. Detroit made an aggressive trade for Carlton Davis already, but they should continue to upgrade the position. Kool-Aid McKinstry isn’t the most naturally gifted defender out there, but he plays with such poise that he would be able to contribute in Detroit right away.
30. Washington Commanders (from BAL): Jordan Morgan, OT – Arizona
***MOCK TRADE***
BAL gets: 2024 2nd (36th overall), 2024 2nd (40th overall)
WAS gets: 2024 1st (30th overall)
The Commanders have a good stockpile of draft picks that they’ll likely use to move back into the tail end of the first round and acquire more talent. They do that here, and immediately land Jordan Morgan. The left tackle from Arizona is a big, physical presence that will remind new head coach Dan Quinn of Tyler Smith. Morgan will also become Jayden Daniels’ best friend after having once been foes back when Daniels played at Arizona State.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C – Oregon
The 49ers don’t have many weaknesses right now, but the interior of their offensive line might be one. Right now, their starting center is slated to be 32-year-old journeyman Jon Feliciano. Getting Jackson Powers-Johnson, once the consensus top center in this draft, at 31st overall would be a dream come true for San Francisco.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR – Texas
The Chiefs needed help at the receiver position even before last year’s rookie sensation Rashee Rice encountered some legal issues. Now, it should be a lock that Kansas City goes receiver here. The question then revolves around which prospect, but Adonai Mitchell has the makeup of an elite receiving weapon. Pair him with Patrick Mahomes and profit.
Second Round:
33. Carolina Panthers: Ricky Pearsall, WR – Florida
34. New England Patriots: Xavier Worthy, WR – Texas
35. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Nubin, S – Minnesota
36. Baltimore Ravens (from WAS): Kingsley Suamataia, OT – BYU
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Sainristill, CB – Michigan
38. Tennessee Titans: Ladd McConkey, WR – Georgia
39. Carolina Panthers (from NYG): Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE – Texas
40. Baltimore Ravens (from WAS): Troy Franklin, WR – Oregon
41. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Chop Robinson, EDGE – Penn State
42. Houston Texans (from MIN): Payton Wilson, LB – NC State
43. Seattle Seahawks (from ATL): Michael Penix Jr.
***MOCK TRADE****
ATL gets: 2024 3rd (81st overall), 2024 6th (179th overall), 2024 7th (235th overall)
SEA gets: 2024 2nd (43rd overall)
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Kiran Amegadjie, OT – Yale
45. New Orleans Saints (from DEN): Keon Coleman, WR – Florida State
46. Indianapolis Colts: Javon Bullard, S – Georgia
47. New York Giants (from SEA): Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB – Missouri
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Adisa Isaac, EDGE – Penn State
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Ben Sinnott, TE – Kansas State
50. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Kris Jenkins, iDL – Michigan
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Tampa, CB – Iowa State
52. Los Angeles Rams: Roger Rosengarten, OT – Washington
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Roman Wilson, WR – Michigan
54. Cleveland Browns: Braden Fiske, iDL – Florida State
55. Miami Dolphins: Chris Braswell, EDGE – Alabama
56. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathon Brooks, RB – Texas
It’s no secret that the Cowboys are in the market for a running back in this draft, even after signing Royce Freeman recently. The team seems to feel confident in the running backs they currently have on the roster, but there is a desire for a special playmaking type. Coincidentally, that’s an apt description of Jonathon Brooks.
Were it not for an ACL tear suffered in late November, Brooks would probably be the consensus top running back in this draft. As it happens, he’s still the first one off the board here, largely because the Cowboys are enamored with him. The connections here are just too strong to ignore, and it would be a shock if the Cowboys don’t find a way to land Brooks.
Adam Schefter on Jonathan Brooks:
“Even in a draft considered subpar at the position — more on that in a moment — some think it would be a surprise if Brooks made it past Dallas’ turn at No. 56.” https://t.co/Tj5MYpfo4H
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) April 22, 2024
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Blake Corum, RB – Michigan
58. Green Bay Packers: Edgerrin Cooper, LB – Texas A&M
59. Houston Texans: Xavier Legette, WR – South Carolina
60. Buffalo Bills: Darius Robinson, EDGE – Missouri
61. Detroit Lions: Jaden Hicks, S – Washington State
62. Baltimore Ravens: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR – Washington
63. San Francisco 49ers: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE – Western Michigan
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Max Melton, CB – Rutgers
Third Round:
65. Carolina Panthers: Ruke Orhorhoro, iDL – Clemson
66. Arizona Cardinals: Christian Haynes, G – Connecticut
67. Washington Commanders: Jonah Elliss, EDGE – Utah
68. New England Patriots: Malachi Corley, WR – Western Kentucky
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Jermaine Burton, WR – Alabama
70. New York Giants: Kamari Lassiter, CB – Georgia
71. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN): Patrick Paul, OT – Houston
72. New York Jets: Brandon Dorlus, iDL – Oregon
73. Detroit Lions (from MIN): Junior Colson, LB – Michigan
74. Atlanta Falcons: Andru Phillips, CB – Kentucky
75. Chicago Bears: Jaylen Wright, RB – Tennessee
76. Denver Broncos: Brandon Coleman, OT – TCU
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Bucky Irving, RB – Oregon
78. Washington Commanders (from SEA): Johnny Wilson, WR – Florida State
79. Atlanta Falcons (from JAX): Javon Baker, WR – UCF
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Trey Benson, RB – Florida State
81. Atlanta Falcons (from SEA): Renardo Green, CB – Florida State
82. Indianapolis Colts: Khyree Jackson, CB – Oregon
83. Los Angeles Rams: Xavier Thomas, EDGE – Clemson
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen McMillan, WR – Washington
85. Cleveland Browns: Calen Bullock, S – USC
86. Houston Texans (from PHI): Ray Davis, RB – Kentucky
87. Dallas Cowboys: Mason McCormick, G – South Dakota State
If the Cowboys don’t draft a tackle in the first round, they are almost surely betting on Tyler Smith being the answer at left tackle in 2024. With Zach Frazier selected at 24 here, that opens up a hole between Smith and the first-round rookie.
Enter Mason McCormick, a four-year starter at left guard for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. McCormick plays with a mauling style that pairs well with some NFL-caliber athleticism; he had the third-highest Relative Athletic Score of any lineman in this draft. McCormick’s extensive experience in college, despite all of it coming in the FCS, makes this an easy pick in the third round. McCormick may not be a lock as a starter right away, but he should provide some great competition for T.J. Bass at left guard.
88. Green Bay Packers: Marshawn Lloyd, RB – USC
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spencer Rattler, QB – South Carolina
90. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Tyrone Tracy, RB – Purdue
91. Green Bay Packers (from BUF): Devontez Walker, WR – North Carolina
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from TB): Cooper Beebe, G – Kansas State
93. Baltimore Ravens: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB – Clemson
94. San Francisco 49ers: Austin Booker, EDGE – Kansas
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Jalyx Hunt, EDGE – Houston Christian
96. Jacksonville Jaguars: Malik Washington, WR – Virginia
97. Cincinnati Bengals: Javon Solomon, EDGE – Troy
98. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sedrick Van Pran, C – Georgia
99. Los Angeles Rams: Erick All, TE – Iowa
100.Washington Commanders (from SF): Christian Mahogany, G – Boston College
Fourth Round:
101. Carolina Panthers: Caelen Carson, CB – Wake Forest
102. Seattle Seahawks (from WAS): Dominick Puni, OT – Kansas
103. New England Patriots: Bralen Trice, EDGE – Washington
104. Arizona Cardinals: T’Vondre Sweat, iDL – Texas
105. Los Angeles Chargers: Cade Stover, TE – Ohio State
106. Tennessee Titans: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S – Texas Tech
107. New York Giants: Jacob Cowing, WR – Arizona
108. Minnesota Vikings: Brennan Jackson, EDGE – Washington State
109. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Pratt, QB – Tulane
110. Los Angeles Chargers (from CHI): Kamren Kinchens, S – Miami
111. New York Jets: Jared Wiley, TE – TCU
112. Las Vegas Raiders: Blake Watson, RB – Memphis
113. Baltimore Ravens (from NYJ): Matt Goncalves, OT – Pittsburgh
114. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tykee Smith, S – Georgia
115. Cincinnati Bengals: Jarrian Jones, CB – Florida State
116. Jacksonville Jaguars (from NO): Hunter Nourzad, C – Penn State
117. Indianapolis Colts: Michael Hall Jr., iDL – Ohio State
118. Seattle Seahawks: Ainias Smith, WR – Texas A&M
119. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brenden Rice, WR – USC
120. Philadelphia Eagles (from PIT): Isaiah Davis, RB – South Dakota State
121. Denver Broncos (from MIA): Tanor Bortolini, C – Wisconsin
122. Chicago Bears (from PHI): Trevor Keegan, G – Michigan
123. Houston Texans (from CLE): Tahj Washington, WR – USC
124. San Francisco 49ers (from DAL): Jamari Thrash, WR – Louisville
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tommy Eichenberg, LB – Ohio State
126. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Magee, LB – Temple
127. Houston Texans: Mekhi Wingo, iDL – LSU
128. Buffalo Bills: Jarvis Brownlee, CB – Louisville
129. Arizona Cardinals (from MIN): Marist Liufau, LB – Notre Dame
130. Baltimore Ravens: Audric Estime, RB – Notre Dame
131. Kansas City Chiefs: Sione Vaki, S – Utah
132. San Francisco 49ers: Cole Bishop, S – Utah
133. Buffalo Bills: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB – Missouri
134. New York Jets (from BAL): Jordan Travis, QB – Florida State
135. San Francisco 49ers: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE – Colorado State
Fifth Round:
136. Denver Broncos (from CLE): Braelon Allen, RB – Wisconsin
137. New England Patriots: Gabriel Murphy, EDGE – UCLA
138. Arizona Cardinals: Chau Smith-Wade, CB – Washington State
139. Washington Commanders: Maason Smith, iDL – LSU
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Leonard Taylor III, iDL – Miami
141. Carolina Panthers (from NYG): Isaiah Williams, WR – Illinois
142. Carolina Panthers (from TEN): Trevin Wallace, LB – Kentucky
143. Atlanta Falcons: DeWayne Carter, iDL – Duke
144. Buffalo Bills (from CHI): Luke McCaffrey, WR – Rice
145. Denver Broncos (from NYJ): Myles Harden, CB – South Dakota
146. Tennessee Titans (from MIN): Cornelius Johnson, WR – Michigan
147. Denver Broncos: Christian Jones, OT – Texas
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Cedric Gray, LB – North Carolina
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Caedan Wallace, OT – Penn State
150. New Orleans Saints: Will Shipley, RB – Clemson
151. Indianapolis Colts: Theo Johnson, TE – Penn State
152. Washington Commanders (from SEA): Cam Hart, CB – Notre Dame
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Malik Mustapha, S – Wake Forest
154. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Davis, iDL – Clemson
155. Los Angeles Rams (from PIT): Will Reichard, K – Alabama
156. Cleveland Browns (from PHI): DJ James, CB – Auburn
157. Minnesota Vikings (from CLE): Isaiah Adams, OT – Illinois
158. Miami Dolphins: Jaheim Bell, TE – Florida State
159. Kansas City Chiefs (from DAL): Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR – Georgia
160. Buffalo Bills (from GB): Jha’Quan Jackson, WR – Tulane
161. Philadelphia Eagles (from TB): Jalen Coker, WR – Holy Cross
162. Minnesota Vikings (from AZ): Dallin Holker, TE – Colorado State
163. Buffalo Bills: Decamerion Richardson, CB – Mississippi State
164. Detroit Lions: Nelson Caesar, EDGE – Houston
165. Baltimore Ravens: Kamal Hadden, CB – Tennessee
166. New York Giants (from CAR): Anthony Gould, WR – Oregon State
167. Minnesota Vikings (from KC): Harrison Mevis, K – Missouri
168. New Orleans Saints: Jordan Whittington, WR – Texas
169. Green Bay Packers: Kitan Oladapo, S – Oregon State
170. New Orleans Saints: Myles Cole, EDGE – Texas Tech
171. Philadelphia Eagles: Joe Milton III, QB – Tennessee
172. Philadelphia Eagles: Steele Chambers, LB – Ohio State
173. Kansas City Chiefs: Braiden McGregor, EDGE – Michigan
174. Dallas Cowboys: Jaylan Ford, LB – Texas
The Cowboys haven’t been shy about their need for more traditional linebacker bodies going forward. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer prefers bigger linebackers, and right now only Damone Clark fits into that prototype. Eric Kendricks is slimmer, but his experience in Zimmer’s defense makes up for it.
Jaylan Ford is listed at 242 pounds, very much fitting into the size profile that Zimmer seeks. He was also one of the best run-defending linebackers of this draft class in 2023, though Ford struggled mightily in pass coverage. Still, Ford projects as an ideal developmental piece for Zimmer and a Dallas defense that needs better run defenders.
175. New Orleans Saints: Tory Taylor, P – Iowa
176. Cincinnati Bengals: Zak Zinter, G – Michigan
Sixth Round:
177. Arizona Cardinals (from MIN): Walter Rouse, OT – Oklahoma
178. Pittsburgh Steelers (from CAR): Kalen King, CB – Penn State
179. Atlanta Falcons (from SEA): Josh Proctor, S – Ohio State
180. New England Patriots: Dylan Laube, RB – New Hampshire
181. Los Angeles Chargers: Beaux Limmer, C – Arkansas
182. Tennessee Titans: Darius Muasau, LB – UCLA
183. New York Giants: Nehemiah Pritchett, CB – Auburn
184. Miami Dolphins (from CHI): Josh Newton, CB – TCU
185. New York Jets: Javon Foster, OT – Missouri
186. Atlanta Falcons (from AZ): Tayvion Robinson, WR – Kentucky
187. Atlanta Falcons: Johnny Dixon, CB – Penn State
188. Houston Texans (from MIN): JD Bertrand, LB – Notre Dame
189. Buffalo Bills (from LAR): Cody Schrader, RB – Missouri
190. New Orleans Saints: Michael Barrett, LB – Michigan
191. Indianapolis Colts: Isaac Guerendo, RB – Louisville
192. Seattle Seahawks: Jaden Shirden, RB – Monmouth
193. New England Patriots (from JAX): Jaylen Harrell, EDGE – Michigan
194. Cincinnati Bengals: McKinnley Jackson, iDL – Texas A&M
195. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Rehkow, P – BYU
196. Buffalo Bills (from LAR): Javion Cohen, G – Miami
197. Arizona Cardinals (from ATL): Justin Eboigbe, EDGE – Alabama
198. Miami Dolphins: Logan Lee, iDL – Iowa
199. New Orleans Saints (from PHI): Tip Reiman, TE – Illinois
200. Buffalo Bills (from DAL): Dominique Hampton, S – Washington
201. Detroit Lions (from TB): Javontae Jean-Baptiste, EDGE – Notre Dame
202. Green Bay Packers: Dwight McGlothern, CB – Arkansas
203. New York Jets (from DEN): Beau Brade, S – Maryland
204. Buffalo Bills: Curtis Jacobs, LB – Penn State
205. Detroit Lions: Kimani Vidal, RB – Troy
206. Cleveland Browns (from BAL): James Williams, S – Miami
207. Denver Broncos (from SF): Gabe Hall, iDL – Baylor
208. Las Vegas Raiders (from KC): Dillon Johnson, RB – Washington
209. Los Angeles Rams: Rasheen Ali, RB – Marshall
210. Philadelphia Eagles: Ethan Driskell, OT – Marshall
211. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Taylor, S – Air Force
212. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Jefferson, iDL – LSU
213. Los Angeles Rams: Keith Randolph, iDL – Illinois
214. Cincinnati Bengals: Khristian Boyd, iDL – Northern Iowa
215. San Francisco 49ers: Carson Steele, RB – UCLA
216. Dallas Cowboys: Elijah Jones, CB – Boston College
The Cowboys have more than a few reasons to take a cornerback at this point in the draft, and thankfully there are still some solid options available at pick 216. Obviously, there isn’t going to be a Day 1 starter at this stage, but Dallas isn’t in need of that anyway.
Elijah Jones would be an ideal fit in this Dallas defense as a developmental cornerback. At 6’2”, Jones has the kind of size and length to thrive in press man coverage duties, something Zimmer demands in his cornerbacks. In fact, Jones posted a 90.8 man coverage grade (per Pro Football Focus) in 2023, which was tops among all cornerbacks in the nation. He’s raw in quite a few other areas, but Jones could develop into a starter under the guidance of Zimmer and Al Harris.
217. Los Angeles Rams: Cedric Johnson, EDGE – Ole Miss
218. Baltimore Ravens (from NYJ): Jalen Green, EDGE – James Madison
219. Green Bay Packers: Myles Murphy, EDGE – Clemson
220. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tyler Owens, S – Texas Tech
Seventh Round:
221. Tennessee Titans (from CAR): Jase McClellan, RB – Alabama
222. Washington Commanders: Jaden Crumedy, iDL – Mississippi State
223. Las Vegas Raiders (from NE): Satoa Laumea, OT – Utah
224. Cincinnati Bengals (from AZ): Joshua Cephas, WR – UTSA
225. Los Angeles Chargers: Jowon Briggs, iDL – Cincinnati
226. Arizona Cardinals (from NYG): Tanner McLachlan, TE – Arizona
227. Tennessee Titans: AJ Barner, TE – Michigan
228. Baltimore Ravens (from NYJ): Taulia Tagovailoa, QB – Maryland
229. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIN): Ro Torrence, CB – Arizona State
230. Minnesota Vikings (from AZ): Casey Washington, WR – Illinois
231. New England Patriots (from CHI): Solomon Byrd, EDGE – USC
232. Minnesota Vikings (from HOU): Ryan Watts, CB – Texas
233. Dallas Cowboys (from LV): Nathaniel Watson, LB – Mississippi State
Double dipping on linebackers? It could happen. Jerry Jones has alluded to the Cowboys playing more base defense – meaning three linebackers on the field at once – under Zimmer than they did under Dan Quinn. That means the Cowboys will need more numbers at the position.
Nathaniel Watson likely isn’t going to turn into a starter anytime soon, but he offers above average depth and special teams ability right away. At 245 pounds, Watson fits the size profile that Zimmer prefers, and the Mississippi State linebacker plays with an old-school type of tenacity that lends itself well to special teams.
234. Indianapolis Colts: Jaylin Simpson, S – Auburn
235. Atlanta Falcons (from SEA): Justin Rogers, iDL – Auburn
236. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emani Bailey, RB – TCU
237. Cincinnati Bengals: Jalen Sundell, OT – North Dakota State
238. Houston Texans (from NO): Fabien Lovett, iDL – Florida State
239. New Orleans Saints (from DEN): Marcus Harris, iDL – Auburn
240. Carolina Panthers (from PIT): Nathan Thomas, OT – Louisiana
241. Miami Dolphins: Donovan Jennings, OT – USF
242. Tennessee Titans (from PHI): Bub Means, WR – Pittsburgh
243. Cleveland Browns: Frank Gore Jr., RB – Southern Miss
244. Dallas Cowboys: Zakhari Franklin, WR – Ole Miss
The Cowboys don’t necessarily need to draft a receiver this year, but it never hurts to do so. CeeDee Lamb’s contract situation is still uncertain, and Brandin Cooks is entering the final year of his deal. Landing a prospect with traits and potential could prove fruitful down the road.
That’s why Zakhari Franklin, one of the draft’s best kept secrets, makes so much sense here. Franklin was a stud at UTSA for several seasons. When he was granted an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, Franklin transferred to Ole Miss, but injuries kept him from ever finding a role in the offense. Franklin still possesses all the traits to become a high impact receiver, though, and the Cowboys could land themselves a steal here.
245. Green Bay Packers: Daijahn Anthony, S – Ole Miss
246. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Little, K – Arkansas
247. Houston Texans: Tarheeb Still, CB – Maryland
248. Buffalo Bills: Lideatrick Griffin, WR – Mississippi State
249. Detroit Lions: Joshua Karty, K – Stanford
250. Baltimore Ravens: David Ugwoegbu, EDGE – Houston
251. San Francisco 49ers: Delmar Glaze, OT – Maryland
252. Kansas City Chiefs: MJ Devonshire, CB – Pittsburgh
253. Los Angeles Chargers: Eyabi Okie-Anoma, EDGE – Charlotte
254. Los Angeles Rams: Dylan McMahon, C – NC State
255. Green Bay Packers: Omar Brown, S – Nebraska
256. Denver Broncos (from NYJ): Hayden Hatten, WR – Idaho
257. New York Jets: Daequan Hardy, CB – Penn State
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