FanPost

Cowboys' Way-Too-Early 2016 Re-Draft

1.4: Ezekiel Elliott. RB, Ohio State

Original Pick: Elliott

Some people might redo this pick and get Jalen Ramsey, as the Cowboys have a big need in the secondary, but ultimately Elliott gives the Cowboys the most immediate impact. Elliott is one of the best running back prospects to come out in a long time. He has great size (6'0"/225) to go with 4.4-speed. He runs hard and can run people over with his power or make them miss in the open field with his agility. His physical tools also match his elite vision, patience, and instincts. Elliott could step in and be the Cowboys best offensive player as a rookie.

2.34: Jaylon Smith, MLB, Notre Dame

Original Pick: Smith

The Cowboys got some hate for this pick as it's unlikely Smith will play in 2016 while recovering from a significant knee injury. But with a roster that already is playoff-caliber, they can afford to take a risk. Smith was in the conversation as the best player in the draft prior to his injury. He is a freakish athlete for the position. He's lightning quick from gap-to-gap and his closing speed is scary. He gets off blocks well and can read and react with adequate speed. He's a tackle machine and he's excellent in coverage. When healthy, Smith might prove to be the Cowboys' most talented defender.

3.67: Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida

Original Pick: Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska

This is one of the picks the Cowboys made that I really didn't like. They already had two very solid 3-techniques in Tyrone Crawford & Jack Crawford. So instead, in this re-draft, the Cowboys get a more versatile player and better pass-rusher. Bullard has the size (6'3"/285) to play on the interior or strong side defensive end. Bullard is a quick pass-rusher from the interior who can collapse the pocket on the inside, while still having enough strength to hold up in the run game. On the perimeter, Bullard has solid quickness off the edge and is a developing pass rusher on the strongside. He's also a dominant run defender as a defensive end. Bullard would offer more positional versatility and immediate impact than Collins does.

4.101: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

Original Pick: Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma

In this scenario, the Cowboys' already drafted a defensive end and decide to get a player who can eventually be a starter at nose tackle. With superhuman strength in a short, stocky frame (6'1"/311), Billings still has good length (33" arms). Billings is only 20-years-old and has a lot more upside as a pass-rusher than someone like Maliek Collins does. He's a freak athlete who also has tremendous quickness off the line to go with his superhuman strength. Billings could develop into a dominant nose tackle who can stuff the run and rush the passer. His upside is very high and looks like he could be the nose tackle of the future.

4.135: Dak Prescott, QB, MIssissippi State

Original Pick: Prescott

The Cowboys really needed some quarterback depth and a young player to develop behind Tony Romo. Prescott is an athletic quarterback who runs like a tank. He has a good arm and can make the necessary throws at the NFL level. He needs a lot of work after playing in a spread system in college, but Prescott has the tools to be a serviceable starter and quality backup in the NFL.

6.189: Anthony Brown, CB, Purdue

Original Pick: Brown

The Cowboys took way too long to address the cornerback need in this draft, but Brown is quite the steal in the 6th round. Brown can play both man and zone coverage effectively, he has solid ball skills, and he tackles well. He's very well-rounded and should get some playing time early in his rookie season. He's got nice size to go with 4.3-speed and he looks ready to make some type of contribution early.

6.212: Charone Peake, WR, Clemson

Original Pick: Kavon Frazier, SS, Central Michigan

Frazier is a good player with some upside, but it doesn't look like he will be able to make the roster over JJ Wilcox and Barry Church. Peake is a big receiver at 6'2" and 209 pounds, but he also has 4.4-speed and is a good route-runner. The Cowboys could use some young pass-catchers, and Peake has some upside. He could potentially be a nice depth player.

6.216: Darius Jackson, RB, Eastern Michigan

Original Pick: Jackson

After drafting Elliott, the Cowboys didn't really need another running back, but Jackson is a freak athlete. With breakaway speed, power, and agility, Jackson could potentially become a very nice compliment to Zeke in the future. The possibility of having two backs over 220 pounds to wear down the defense is a very intriguing possibility for the future.

6.217: Travis Feeney, OLB, Washington

Original Pick: Rico Gathers, TE, Baylor

Gathers looks like he might not make the final roster, and the Cowboys know that you can never have enough linebackers. Feeney is a speedy, run-and-chase linebacker who could provide some insurance incase Sean Lee gets injured again. WIth tremendous sideline-to-sideline speed and very good coverage skills, Feeney could eventually become a very good role-player. His potential role would be as a nickel 'backer who can cover players coming out of the backfield and chase down plays.

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.