Who the Cowboys might go after in the draft on Day 3
It’s been a busy and eventful draft so far for the Dallas Cowboys. They had a trade on Day 1 which almost became two trades. They’ve taken human-mountain Tyler Guyton who’s already settling in back in Frisco. Yesterday the excitement continued as they took Marshawn Kneeland to help restock the defensive end position. That was followed by an incredible value pick with Cooper Beebe at inside offensive line and also added to the linebacker position with Notre Dame’s Marist Liufau.
We now head into Day 3 and the Cowboys still have needs to fill. The expectation is they will look to fill the wide receiver, running back and defensive tackle position as well as look for high traits guys. Historically the Cowboys find some real gems on Day 3.
Who are the guys to keep an eye on during the final day that could interest Dallas? Check out the list of ten players below.
Jaylen Wright, RB – Tennessee
The question is whether Wright can fall to the Cowboys in the fifth round. It’s unlikely based on his skill set, but if he does then he becomes an immediate guy that replaces Tony Pollard in every way, Wright is not going to hit the A or B gaps with great success, but his runs off-tackle and his ability to contribute in the passing game are huge positives going for him. He has incredible speed and is fantastically elusive.
Bucky Irving, RB – Oregon
Irving is not as fast as Wright but he’s certainly more explosive and combines that with fantastic short-area mobility. The vision is also good and has a great way of being able to get behind his blockers and allow them to clear a path before committing to the hole. His issues are he’s slightly undersized to ever be a workhorse or bell-cow running back. But as a change-of-pace running back with huge pass-catching upside, he’s one of the better running back talents to be taken in Day 3 for Dallas. Irving was also a 30-visit player for Dallas this year.
Rasheen Ali, RB – Marshall
As a hidden gem late into Day 3, Ali is an excellent prospect. He can make difficult and sharp cuts to get into running lanes and commits as a downhill runner. When he gets past the second level he can accelerate very quickly and beat out defenders. His agility is maybe his best trait to look for as a late Day 3 running back. Ali was also a 30-day visit.
Brenden Rice, WR – USC
There’s a little bit of George Pickens in Rice which is intriguing. The Cowboys could do with an outside possession wide receiver to fill the void left Michael Gallup and Rice represents the best fit here. Being the son of NFL receiver Jerry Rice makes him even more interesting. What stands out is the fact that while he played in college he scored a touchdown on average every five catches. He’s good at catching contested balls and has an almost unstoppable slant route. His 4.50s 40-time combined with his 1.55s 10-yard split raised a lot of eyebrows.
Malik Washington, WR – Virgina
Washington is more suited to the slot in the NFL but he’s still a guy the Cowboys could use. Washington is incredible at separating in short areas and has some very good change-of-direction skills. His YAC skills are through the roof and leads this year’s draft class with a total of 710 yards after the catch. If you like PFF grades, Washington finished second last year only behind Malik Nabers with a 92.4 receiving grade. He also earned a 99.9 receiving grade on deep receptions.
Bub Means, WR – Pittsburgh
If the Cowboys wait until later into the draft to find a wide receiver to play as an X-receiver, then Means is a great value pick. He’s a smooth accelerator with good burst off the line and offers some level of threat as a ball carrier. He needs to work on beating press and also making the routine catches. But there’s plenty to work with here for a guy that plays a role that is seldom available to Dallas at the moment.
Jaylan Ford, LB – Texas
Ford was a 30-guy for Dallas and although the Cowboys have taken a linebacker already in the draft it’s fair to say they could go back to the position. The Cowboys have proven in this draft that they are willing to double-dip at a position and why not again with linebacker. Ford is a great run-stopper that can hold as a Mike linebacker and has a lot of what Mike Zimmer looks for in the central linebacker. He has the weight and size to play the thumper type role and has good instincts to go along with it. The problem with Ford comes in coverage. He fails to be able to anticipate and is really a guy dedicated to stopping the run.
Gabe Hall, DL – Baylor
Hall is a very traits-worthy guy to look for late in Day 3 as a 3-tech defensive lineman. He has the size, frame and an NFL ready spin move he can bring to the Cowboys defense that really needs to find an interior defensive lineman who can rush the passer after the failed attempt to make Neville Gallimore that guy. In terms of stopping the run, he has good recognition and gets into position well. His issues come with robotic movement.
Justin Rogers, NT – Auburn
Fans are concerned about the 1-tech/nose tackle position with Johnathan Hankins gone and concerns about Mazi Smith. The team could use this pick to cover themselves at stopping the run as Rogers is great at being able to drop anchor and plant himself well. Filling the A-gaps is his specialty and could be available with the Cowboys final pick.
Chau Smith-Wade, CB – Washington State
Cornerback is a need for Dallas and if they want to keep DaRon Bland as an outside corner and with Jourdan Lewis around for only one more year. Drafting for a slot cornerback becomes a need. The good news is Smith-Wade plays the slot exceptionally well and could still be around in the sixth round. He’s a great lateral mover with fast feet and has good route recognition. Reason he’s getting passed on is his size. He has zero ability to play as an outside corner and in the four years playing for Washington State he only produced three interceptions.
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