The sports apocalypse has happened and we have no sports for the foreseeable future, the only thing we have to look forward to is the NFL draft. Since I have nothing to do and since the draft is my favorite event of the year I thought I would do some draft previews for the upcoming draft. The Cowboys will pick 17th in the first round when the draft begins in 10 days, I will preview some of the players most likely to be picked by the Cowboys in the first round.
The Cowboys most pressing needs are on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive back, particularly cornerback has become a trouble spot for the Cowboys. Byron Jones had been the team’s most consistent corner, his departure to the Dolphins coupled with the impending free agency of Chidobe Awuzie and Xavier Woods after next season leaves the Cowboys in a vulnerable position in the secondary.
The other pressing needs are on the defensive line and wide receiver. Dallas needs to generate a more consistent pass rush, their best edge rusher last year was Robert Quinn and he left in free agency. Dallas signed Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy but those guys are veterans and don’t address the long term needs. Randall Cobb also left in free agency and unless you think Tavon Austin is headed to the hall of fame it leaves Dallas in need of a reliable slot receiver. We are still waiting on a playmaking safety, the dream of getting Earl Thomas died last year so we are back to looking at the draft for safety help.
Best Case Scenario…..
Javon Kinlaw – DT – South Carolina 6’5 325 lbs.
It’s likely Kinlaw is off the board by the time the Cowboys go on the clock, typically a top 10 talent doesn’t slide down to pick 17. But it’s not impossible and for Dallas this would be the best case scenario. He would immediately provide much needed pressure up the middle. If the cowboys can create more pressure it will go a long way to improving their secondary. Kinlaw’s ceiling as a player is sky high, he has the size, quickness and strength to be elite but he still needs to refine his game. He already has the ability to consistently make plays in the backfield, he can be extremely quick off the line, blowing up plays before they ever start. He has a solid base, long arms, and rarely goes backwards, his body type almost looks like a left tackle. Kinlaw already has the strength and athleticism to disrupt plays on a regular basis, once he refines the use of his reach advantage he is going to be difficult to stop. Between the best defensive lineman in the draft Kinlaw seems to have the best chance to be there at 17, this would be good value and address a position of need. Keep your fingers crossed and hold on to your butts, at the same time.
NFL Draft Preview 