Dallas Cowboys 7-round Mock Draft 3.0: Cowboys stock up on defense in the first two rounds

We’re back with our weekly mock draft, trying to make sure that no matter what happens on Draft day, BTB will have given you every scenario. For this week, the Cowboys are going to stay pat and pick, no trades necessary.

This week, we went with a heavy-handed approach on the defensive side of the ball, as Dallas tries to continue the rebuild they started a few seasons ago. Let’s make a mockery of this thing.

Pick 19: Cowboys select Vita Vea, DT, Washington (Brugler: 17th, 2nd DT)

Analysis: Here’s one of the fan favorites of Cowboys fans all over as Vea is a powerful, gap crushing 1-tech that this defense could really use. Depending on who you ask, Maliek Collins is a decent 1-tech but he’s better served as the under tackle in this scheme splitting time with David Irving. If Vea is available at 19, he would be a really quality acquisition for a team that has struggled to fill that role. It would take a commitment to spending high resources at the position as well, which Dallas hasn’t done in the past.

Vea is a dominant run stuffer but he’s not a prolific pass rusher, he prefers to clog up the rushing lanes and let others make the splash plays. Vea gets favorable comparisons to Haloti Ngata which is extremely high praise. In order for Vea to reach that perennial All-Pro level, he will have show that his motor runs consistently down after down.

Pick 50: Cowboys select Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa (Brugler: 65th, 2nd ILB)

Analysis: The Cowboys have two solid linebackers in Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith but could lose Anthony Hitchens to free agency. Damien Wilson was drafted a few years ago but has mainly been a headache. Jewell is the type of try-hard linebacker that brings his lunch pail to work everyday to steal a Garrett-ism. Jewell is solid in run defense but also in coverage, he is a reliable tackler and had 120+ tackles in each of the last three seasons.

Pick 81: Cowboys select Dante Pettis, WR, Washington (Brugler: 86th, 10th WR)

Analysis: The Cowboys go back to the PAC 12 to get a receiver here with speed. Pettis will add immediate impact as a quick receiver that makes plays after the catch. The Cowboys need some help at receiver after Dez Bryant and Pettis could be a better complement to what Bryant can do on the other side. He’s got a solid build and his ability to start and stop on a dime make him a dynamic weapon for Dak Prescott. He’s very elusive and his vision to find soft spots in the defense make him a perfect candidate for the Cowboys offense.

Pick 117: Cowboys select Jordan Whitehead, FS, Pittsburgh (Brugler: 123rd, 5th FS)

Analysis: Whitehead isn’t the biggest safety but he possesses the right blend of skills to play single-high in the Cowboys defense. He was a very productive player (60 tackles, 4 PBU’s, 1 INT, 1 FF) despite his size concerns and playing only nine games. Whitehead is a premium type of athlete with the speed, burst, and athleticism to succeed. He is related to Darrelle Revis on his mother’s side and plays with a fearlessness that will attract teams. Whitehead will answer some questions about a three-game suspension to start the year but he still placed third on the team in tackles with no other hiccups.

Pick 138: Cowboys select Cole Madison, OG, Washington State (Brugler: 170th, 10th OG)

Analysis: Madison was someone the Cowboys met with at the Senior Bowl. Madison has the size and lateral agility you look for in a guard but he came from a pass-happy PAC 12 where he’ll need to prove himself as a run blocker. He’s got the temperament to play guard and is quick to finish his man. Madison is a solid technician that played tackle in college but translates better to a guard by NFL standards.

Pick 139: Cowboys select Troy Fumagali, TE, Wisconsin (Brugler: 142nd, 7th TE)

Analysis: Nothing about him is elite but he’s a complete tight end that can do a bunch of different things for an offense. He’s built in the Jason Witten mold but has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same sentence. Fumagali is a hard-nosed tough blocker when you need him but will also go out and find a crease to help keep the chains moving. Even though he’s missing an index finger, he’s a throwback player that folks will fall in love with.

Pick 174: Cowboys select Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, DE, Toledo (Brugler: 169th, 15th DE)

Analysis: “Ola” as he is affectionately called is one tough player put into an “tweener” package. Adeniyi has that quickness and first step explosion you want from a speed rusher on the right side. He may be short but he’s not small as he has great definition and spent time building his body to have a shot in the NFL. Everywhere you look, Ola is there making plays. He’s a smart player that has a relentless motor and doesn’t take plays off. Just because he may be an inch short doesn’t mean he can’t carve out a role in the NFL.

Pick 176: Cowboys select Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech (Brugler: 192nd, 24th CB)

Analysis: He’s a former wide receiver who obviously took part of that game with him to the defensive side of the ball. He’s physical with receivers and can easily frustrate them, making them often abandon their routes. Facyson has good acceleration but does have issues hand-fighting downfield at times. He’s not going to be asked to cover the shifty receivers as he’s a better press-man corner and lacks that extra gear. Facyson is a leader with quality experience, 55 collegiate games under his belt. He’s a trustworthy competitor that can challenge for a starting role in the NFL.

Pick 196: Cowboys select Daurice Fountain, WR, Northern Iowa (Brugler: 201st, 26th WR)

Analysis: He’s a big-bodied guy with smooth hands and above average athleticism. He’s got all the traits including decent long speed where he’s projected to run in 4.4’s. Fountain was very productive at Northern Iowa and showed off in the East-West Shrine game where he won the MVP of the game. Fountain is a solid route runner but is still developing in many areas.

Pick 236: Cowboys select Tray Matthews, SS, Auburn (Brugler: 255th, 11th SS)

Analysis: He was once kicked out of Georgia’s program but transferred to Auburn with no other issues since and coaches rave about him. Matthews was the self-proclaimed “CEO” of the Tigers’ defense for his incredible ability defending the run. Matthews needs development in coverage but he’s shown enough improvement to warrant a late selection.