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We are just one week removed from the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft and already way-too-early 2022 mock drafts are already flooding the Internet. It’s a bit premature to predict which prospect could go where and to what team, however, for draft enthusiast it’s still fun.
We’ve already put out a 2022 mock draft for the Dallas Cowboys. It’s all in good fun and entertaining to look back on to see how far off, or not, the prediction was. Who are other people mocking to the Cowboys?
Let’s take a look, shall we!?
20. WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas - Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Burks is a Grown Man. And while we haven’t heard much about him nationally, he could end up as WR1 with a good ‘21 season.
20. S Jordan Battle, Alabama - Andrew Ivins, 247sports
This is a really good safety class, and Battle will (ahem) battle with Hamilton for that top spot next spring. Battle emerged as a starter last year for the Tide and was consistent in both coverage and against the run, finishing the year as PFF College’s seventh-ranked Power Five safety. Throw in excellent physical tools and the allure of Alabama in the draft, and Battle projects as a really early pick in 2022. Dallas didn’t address a need at safety in this year’s draft, choosing to load up at corner. Battle could be a long-term building block in the secondary as Dan Quinn attempts to reshape the unit.
24. EDGE Zach Harrison, Ohio State - Vinnie Iyer, SportingNews
The Cowboys didn’t focus their defensive haul much on the pass rush in 2021 so Harrison needs to be an early consideration.
23. OG Darian Kinnard, Kentucky - Dane Brugler, The Athletic
A college right tackle who will likely move inside to guard in the NFL, Kinnard is an ass-kicker in the run game and surprised NFL scouts when he decided to pass up a spot in the top 100 to return to school. With improved consistency in pass protection, he might be able to break into the first round.
21. EDGE Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati - Matt Miller, The Draft Scout
One of my favorites from the 2020 college football season, Myjai Sanders decided to return for the 2021 season. Sanders is a juicy pass-rusher with a 6’5”, 260-pound frame and seven sacks in a shortened 2020 season.
The Cowboys reached for three defenders in Round 3 but still don’t have a pass-rusher to work opposite Tank Lawrence in the Cowboys’ 4-3 scheme.
9. DE/DT Drake Jackson, USC - WalterFootball.com
The Cowboys need to improve their defense on every level, which includes their pass rush.
Drake Jackson had a strong freshman campaign (5.5 sacks) as an edge player, but he could fill out and become a five-technique.
21. CB Josh Jobe, Alabama - Tankathon.com
19. DT Phidarian Mathis, Alabama - Glynn Morgan, NBC Sports
A redshirt senior entering the 2021 season, Mathis a National Champion, chose to return for his final season to improve his draft stock. If he’s taken in the first round, then his plan will have worked for himself and the organization that selected him. Dallas needs a versatile run stuffing presence along its defensive line and Mathis definitely looks the part.
23. DT Haskell Garrett, Ohio State - Logan Ulrich, NFL Trade Rumors
Garrett broke out in 2020 with his best pass rush when rates and all of college football according to PFF. He’s back in Columbus for another season in 2021 as a super senior, taking advantage of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility. He could boost his stock even further with another big season for the Buckeyes.
20. S Verone McKinley III, Oregon - Jack Borowsky, FanNation
Dallas went heavy on defense in the 2021 draft and theb Cowboys continue that trend here. McKinley III can play all over the field as a versatile chess piece in coordinator Dan Quinn’s defense. He has the upside to be even better than Budda Baker is in Arizona. Dallas still needs help in its secondary and McKinley III would provide that.
15. S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame - Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports
After playing sparingly as a true freshman, the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder started in 2020, made All-ACC and is on track to be the highest-drafted safety since Jamal Adams.