Cowboys draft 2018: Three players the Cowboys should prioritize for rounds 2-3

The Cowboys were able to fill one of their biggest holes last night with the selection of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. With that said, because of how the first round ended up shaking out, there are still lots of players hanging around that we know the Cowboys really like. Here are the three players the Cowboys must prioritize going into today’s second and third round.

Second Round

WR Courtland Sutton, SMU (Brugler: 31st)

The Cowboys are absolutely enamored with Sutton, you talk about size and gifts, that’s what Sutton brings to the wide receiver position. Sure, he’s a bit raw and doesn’t have that electric speed but he’s got the upside to become a prototypical WR1 in this league. The Cowboys have done their homework and extra credit on this player. Sutton has elite size, strength, and a large catch radius. He’s also a pretty willing and able blocker in the run game. For the Cowboys to make this one a reality, they may need to think about trading up as he’s clearly one of the top receiving prospects still on the board.

G/C James Daniels, Iowa (Brugler: 18th)

It’s interesting how the first round played out because two of the best guard options are still on the board while other teams seemingly reached for centers in the back half of the round. The fact that James Daniels, the perfect plug-and-play zone blocking guard, is still on the board should be enough for the Cowboys to perk up. Daniels is a versatile blocker and his athleticism his hard to match, he can get to the second level with ease and leaves clear paths for the running back. Again, the Cowboys may want to think about trading up here because waiting until 50 will see a massive drop off in talent levels.

TE, Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State

With rumors swirling about the future of Jason Witten’s tenure in Dallas, tight end has just become a spot to consider. Goedert is my top prospect left on the board and the most ready-made tight end to get production immediately. He’s athletic with good size plus he has balance and control of his body as a pass catcher. Goedert gets favorable comparisons to Travis Kelce, who has become one of the top tight ends in the NFL. If the Cowboys are going to be without Gold Jacket Jason Witten, they may want to consider getting Dak Prescott his own security blanket and draft Dallas Goedert at the top of the second round.

Third Round

FS Tarvarius Moore, Southern Miss (Brugler: 96th)

The Cowboys should not trade away picks for an aging veteran safety when they can draft a young one for Kris Richard to develop. Moore is exactly the athlete the Cowboys need on their back end with 4.3 speed and extremely versatile traits. He’s physical enough for the position and is a sure tackler. His impressive athleticism is only matched by his great play film as he was a prospect that many folks had to go back to check out.

DT Deadrin Senat, South Florida (Brugler: 83rd)

The Cowboys have to beef up their interior of their defense, Senat is the perfect 1-tech with power that they need. He’s a big man that moves well and eats up blocks like they’re nothing. Senat has a great motor and is a quality two-gap defender that is almost impossible to get off balance for blockers. This is a very heady player that has a strong punch to bust up the pocket. The Cowboys should certainly pounce on him in the third round.

OG Braden Smith, Auburn (Brugler: 74th)

If guard escapes them in round two, they really need to get that position sowed up by the third round. Smith is a great athlete that has the build you want in his length and frame. He is not afraid to match power with power but there are minor concerns about his reactionary speed. He is a great drive blocker though with that mauler mentality. The Cowboys aren’t intimidated by guys that may have to learn on the job, Smith would be a nice consolation prize in the third.