Rapid Fire
K’Lavon Chaisson – DE – LSU – 6’3 250 lbs
Chaisson has been linked to the Cowboys prior to the draft, he is considered the 2nd best past rusher behind Chase Young. Chaisson is a projectable edge rusher, he was inconsistent at LSU, though at times flashing big potential. Assuming Chaisson adds weight and strength he could develop into an outstanding rusher. Early on he likely wouldn’t play on early downs, instead playing as a situational pass rusher. Demarcus Lawrence is actually a good comp for Chaisson, Lawrence was a slight DE from Boise St when the Cowboys drafted him early in the 2nd round. Lawrence has matured, drafting Chaisson is betting he will be following a similar path. The Cowboys have a similar player in Randy Gregory, Gregory’s status is still up in the air, if he is re-instated and is able to produce it would go a long way in helping the Cowboys pass rush.
Xavier McKinney – S – Alabama – 6’0 200 lbs
The Cowboys have not drafted a safety in the first round since Roy Williams was taken 8th overall in 2002. It’s not like the Cowboys to draft safety this early, but it could be the best fit in terms of talent on the board and team need when the Cowboys go on the clock. If Chaisson is gone by 17 the Cowboys could be faced with trying to trade down or taking the highest rated safety on their board. Grant Delpit and McKinney both figure to go in the back half of the first round. McKinney is best in coverage, he does show the ability to quickly read and react, and seems like a very willing tackler. McKinney seems like a solid safety, but the Cowboys have a similar solid safety in Xavier Woods. Regardless he would be an upgrade and another capable player in coverage, which is sorely needed in Dallas at the moment.
Grant Delpit – S – LSU – 6’3 215 lbs
Delpit looked like one of the best players in the country in 2018, totaling 74 tackles, 5 interceptions, 5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Delpits 2018 seemed to make him a lock for the top half of the first round, but he regressed in 2019, struggling to make open field tackles, and took too many bad angles. Delpit is the definition of boom or bust. While Xavier McKinney was more consistent, Delpit flashed the ability to be a game changer. Any team drafting Delpit will have to resolve the tackling issues, too many broken ankle tackles will result in big plays for the opposing team.
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