Way-too-early 2022 mock draft has Cowboys going tight end in the first round

The 2021 NFL draft is still a fresh memory, but there is already chatter about the 2022 draft. Such is life in the NFL where player acquisition is truly a 24/7/365 endeavor. As such, way-too-early mock drafts for the next go-round are already making their way to the internet, and ESPN’s Todd McShay got in on the action.

The Cowboys went heavy on defense in 2021, so it would make sense to balance the scales and get a little offensive firepower in 2022. McShay is looking at a tight end.

21. Dallas Cowboys

Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M*

There was some talk of the Cowboys wanting to move up the board for Kyle Pitts heading into this year’s draft, but it would have taken a massive trade package to get it done. Tight end remains the missing piece on offense for Dallas, and after it dedicated its first six picks to defense last week, it will now be able to look back to offense next year. Wydermyer has a great 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame and is productive. The Texas native has six TDs in each of his two seasons with the Aggies and has averaged 12.2 yards per catch over his career.

This does make some sense. Blake Jarwin is coming off a major injury, and despite showing some flash moments, he’s yet to become a reliable TE1. He might be that by the end of 2021, but that remains to be seen. Dalton Schultz had somewhat of a breakout year in 2020, but he is in a contract year and will be a free agent next offseason. The Cowboys could possibly be in need of a weapon at the position.

What you will also notice is the Cowboys’ position in the draft. If you’re picking #21, it means you had a pretty decent year. This mock indicates the Cowboys will bounce back in 2022. In fact, it has the Cowboys picking last of the NFC East teams so they must think Dallas will win the division. That ranking was decided in this manner:

We predicted the following 1-32 order by combining early 2022 power rankings from NFL analysts Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Mina Kimes, Seth Walder and Field Yates. And it was projected as the rosters are now...

To add insult to injury, the mock has the Eagles drafting seventh, the Giants drafting eighth, and the Football Team 15th.

So what’s your take BTB? Do you like the pick? And do you believe the Cowboys will win the division?