The closer we get to the end the 2016 NFL season, the more we know about the playoff picture. Also at this time of year, we are starting to learn which college prospects will decide to enter the draft, which is why we are starting to see more mock drafts surfacing around the Internet.
Luckily, one of my favorite draft analyst, Matt Miller, released a three round mock draft after polling his twitter followers, asking them if they would rather have him release his top 50 big board or a three round mock draft. Obviously, the mock draft won out.
I don’t know about you, but I love looking at all of these different mock drafts, especially to see who they have the Dallas Cowboys selecting.
I personally haven’t started really looking at potential prospects yet, choosing instead to enjoy the way Cowboys are playing this season. But, I do have to say I like who Matt Miller has chosen for the Dallas Cowboys and would be ecstatic if this was the way things turned out.
Below are the players Miller believes the Dallas Cowboys could possibly come away with in the first three rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. By the way, you may notice that he has the Cowboys drafting 32nd over in the first round, the Super Bowl slot.
32. Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois
My analysis: The Dallas Cowboys desperately need to improve their pass rush, so Matt Miller’s selection of a defensive end in the first round makes sense.
At 6’3″, 255 pounds, Dawuane Smoot has the size and speed to play DE in the Cowboys 4-3 defensive scheme. He plays with power at the point of attack and has an extra gear to finish when making plays in the backfield.
Smoot has been the definition of consistent over the last few seasons. In 2015, he had seven QB sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss, then he finished the 2016 season with five QB sacks and 15 tackles for a loss.
He is exactly the type of disruptive player that the Cowboys could use along the defensive line if he is indeed available and I would love to see him wearing the star in 2017.
Do you like what you see?
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64. Adoree’ Jackson, CB/WR, USC
My analysis: With Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne in the last year of their contracts, the Dallas Cowboys are going to have to address the cornerback position at some point in the draft. Fortunately, Anthony Brown looks to be a future starter, so the Cowboys don’t have to reach for a CB out of need.
Adoree’ Jackson is first and foremost a tremendous athlete, which is evident by the way he was utilized in a number of different roles while playing at USC. The Trojans used him as a cornerback, wide receiver, and a kick/punt returner. He made impact plays in all four of these areas.
At 5’11”, 185 pounds, Jackson isn’t the biggest defensive back, but he knows how to mirror WRs down the field and has tremendously leaping ability/awareness to make plays on the ball. He also isn’t afraid to step up and make plays in the running game.
Jackson is a player that could help the Cowboys in a number of different ways, just like he did at USC. This would be a great addition to the organization if he is available.
Do you like what you see?
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96. Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
My analysis: Just like the cornerback position with the expiring contracts of Carr and Claiborne, wide receivers Terrance Williams and Brice Butler are in the last year of their contracts as well, making it a position of need. So, it’s not surprising that Matt Miller would select a WR for the Cowboys with their third round selection.
This is what I love about mock drafts, because I honestly have never heard of Cooper Kupp before this, but he is definitely on my radar now.
Kupp has the size that the Dallas Cowboys prefer in their wide receivers (6’2″, 195) and was definitely a fun player to watch on film.
He played in the slot and as an outside receiver at Eastern Washington. He is a good route runner and is a natural hands catcher. He knows how to go up and attack the ball at the highest point and has a vice grip like hands to secure the catch.
Kupp has played in 50 games during his career at Eastern Washington and has recorded 412 receptions for 6,156 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns.
Cooper Kupp definitely looks like someone that can step in and play opposite Dez Bryant in 2017, giving Dak Prescott yet another weapon at his disposal.
What do you think of Cooper Kupp?
What do you think of Matt Miller’s selections for the Dallas Cowboys?
Please for free to use the comment section below to share your thoughts and opinions on this topic.
