The Cowboys are in first place of NFC East but they are not without weaknesses. This team has no depth at the defensive line and secondary. These positions should be two of the needs for the NFL Draft. Here is the first seven round mock.
1. Ha ‘Sean “Ha-Ha” Clinton-Dix, Safety, Alabama
Dallas has shown that safety is still a primary concern in coverage. Last year J.J. Wilcox was drafted in the third round to try and sure up their free safety position. He has been playing well up until his injury. Clinton-Dix coupled with Wilcox can be the answer to help with their corners in coverage for the future.
2. Zack Martin, Offensive Guard, Notre Dame
There were two guards that could have been taken with this selection. I felt that Martin would be the one available when Dallas steps to the podium to make their pick. Martin slid inside from left tackle so his versatility is a huge plus for the Cowboys. He could even replace Doug Free at right tackle, should the Cowboys not retain him after this season.
3. Kony Ealy, Defensive End, Missouri
Ealy has the prototypical size you want in a defensive end at 6’5” and 275 pounds. Ealy is a great speed rusher and could help with the pass rush, which the Cowboys have struggled with consistently this season. Ealy is a very raw player and could be the reason he falls to the Cowboys in the third round. With the injuries to Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware, depth has been an issue on the defensive line. Not to mention Spencer has probably played his last snap for the Dallas Cowboys.
4. Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle, Washington
Shelton is a strong tackle who should eat up blocks playing at the 1-tech position. He has shown strength to back the center up and using that strength to shed the blocker. Jay Ratliff is no longer on this team and Jason Hatcher is in a contract year. He has been the most consistent player on the line but with his age this team might have second thoughts on anything long-term as far as a new contract.
5. Eric Ward, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech
Ward had an opportunity to come out of school last year but decided against it with Kliff Kingsbury coming to take over the program. Many felt that it was the right decision to increase his draft stock. Ward has had a sub-par year by his standards but still a solid number three receiver behind fellow Big 12 receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams.
7. Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback, Eastern Illinois
Garoppolo is the best quarterback to come out of Eastern Illinois since well Tony Romo. Dallas will need to begin searching for the eventual replacement of Romo. His contract has an opening to release him with little penalty in 2017. That would give Dallas three seasons for Garoppolo to learn from him as his heir apparent.
7. Trey Millard, Fullback, Oklahoma
Millard played his last game of the season against Texas Tech in Norman three weeks ago but suffered a season ending injury tearing his ACL and another knee ligament. He should be available in the late rounds of this draft. Millard would give Dallas something they haven’t had since Daryll “Moose” Johnston retired, a legitimate full back to help with this lackluster running game. He is also a huge threat in the passing game.
