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Todd McShay from ESPN has a new mock draft out that looks at three possible picks/scenarios for each team in the first-round. For those Cowboys fans who are interested in helping the offensive line in the first round, this isn't the mock draft for you. McShay has Chance Warmack going at # 8 to Buffalo and Jonathan Cooper going to the Chargers at #11. Also gone along the line are Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and Lane Johnson.
McShay focuses on the defense for Dallas:
18 Kenny Vaccaro Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
COLLEGE: Texas AGE: 21 HT: 6-0 WT: 214 POS: SScenario 1: Vaccaro is falling in this scenario, and safety is a top need for the Cowboys. Vaccaro has the skill set to step in as a starter for a defense that's searching for a do-it-all player on the back end.
Scenario 2: Should Dallas look for help along the defensive front as it transitions to Monte Kiffin's Tampa 2 system, North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams would be the top option as things stand in this projection.
Scenario 3: Teams can never have enough good pass-rushers, so perhaps the Cowboys could snatch up Mingo if he should fall, or consider DE Bjoern Werner.Stats and Info: There was a lot of room for improvement on the Dallas defensive line last season. The Cowboys ranked in the bottom three in sacks, tackles for loss and batted passes in 2012. Furthermore, the D-line contacted opposing ball carriers in the backfield on just 12 percent of rushing plays, the second-lowest percentage in the league.
Certainly any of those players would fit into the Cowboys needs. Interestingly McShay doesn't include D.J. Fluker in any of his scenarios, instead letting the Giants scoop him up at #19. With the buzz about the Cowboys and right tackle in recent days, I'd have to put him on the radar.
But there is a solid case for the Cowboys needs along the defensive front four, especially with Jay Ratliff still a question mark with age and injury, and the continued franchise-tag saga of Anthony Spencer. And safety depth is tissue-thin.