IRVING, Texas – This is the time of year when mock drafts are everywhere.
Websites from all over weigh in with various opinions on where these prospects are going to end up. So each Friday, the DallasCowboys.com staff will select their own mock draft, projecting what the Cowboys will do from rounds 1-6, along with some quick analysis for their decision.
To start it off, the staff has four different players going No. 18 to the Cowboys and none of them have Alabama guard Chance Warmack, who many of the "experts" suggest will fall to Dallas.
Obviously it's still early in the game but let's have some fun and let these guys take a stab at it:
| Bryan | Nick | Ed | Rowan | David | |
| Round 1 18th | Sheldon Richardson DT - Missouri | Kenny Vaccaro S - Texas | D.J. Fluker OT - Alabama | Jonathan Cooper OG - UNC | Jonathan Cooper OG - UNC |
| Round 2 17(47) | Justin Pugh G/T - Syracuse | Barrett Jones G/C - Alabama | Matt Elam S - Florida | Kyle Long OT - Oregon | Kawann Short DT - Purdue |
| Round 3 18(80) | Markus Wheaton WR - Oregon St. | Joseph Randle RB - Ok. State | Cory Lemonier DE - Auburn | Phillip Thomas S - Fresno St. | Phillip Thomas S - Fresno St. |
| Round 4 17(114) | Le'Veon BellRB - Mich. St. | Jordan Hill DT - Penn State | Bennie Logan DT - LSU | Bennie Logan DT - LSU | Josh Mills OT - La. Tech |
| Round 5 18(151) | J.J. Wilcox S - GA Southern | Demetrius McCray CB - App. State | Rex Burkhead RB - Nebraska | Josh Boyce WR - TCU | Mike Gillislee RB - Florida |
| Round 6 17(185) | D.C. Jefferson TE - Rutgers | Lanear Sampson WR - Baylor | Michael Williams TE - Alabama | Zac Stacy RB - Vanderbilt | Josh Boyce WR - TCU |
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Bryan Broaddus' Mock Analysis: Going on the thought that all the offensive linemen with the exception of Fluker are off the board. Vaccaro is also off the board as well. Austin is on the board and team could field calls to move back but a chance to add the second best defensive tackle in the draft is too inviting so they turn in the card for Richardson. I think Pugh is a really good player than can work at a couple of different positions. Wheaton is a nice route runner with solid hands. I love Bell's size and the ability catch the ball out of the backfield. And I really like how Jefferson looks on film as a blocker.
Nick Eatman's Mock Analysis: I have a hard time thinking both Warmack and Cooper will be there, but if they are, it's probably a smarter pick to take an interior lineman. But something tells me Vaccaro will be there and the Cowboys will address their safety needs here in the first round. I really like Jones from Alabama. His injury situation will drop him out of the first round but I wouldn't let him get past me in the second. Reminds me a lot of Max Unger from the Seahawks. Randle looks like the ideal back with good size and has a power style with some speed. Sampson doesn't have a great 'wow' factor but is a productive receiver with big-play ability.
Ed Cahills Mock Analysis:I've tried to convince myself that one of top two guards will be available at No. 18, but that is a risky assumption, so I played it safe and selected D.J. Fluker. He would give you a powerful run blocker on the right side of the line. I addressed the safety spot with Matt Elam. This guy is a great read-and-react player with a high motor that would fit well in the Cowboys new defensive scheme. Many will scoff at the Rex Burkhead selection, but when you turn on the film you see a runner with great vision and lateral quickness that could come in and contribute right way. My 6th rounder is not a sexy selection, but Michael Williams is a converted lineman who could prove to be a crucial run blocker in two tight end sets.
Rowan Kavner's Mock Analysis: The Cowboys have a real opportunity to take advantage of a plethora of talent on the offensive line early on in this draft. Cooper or Chance Warmack would be a must have if still available. Snagging two linemen early would solve the Cowboys' biggest problem from last season and give them the opportunity to let go of Doug Free if they so choose in June. It's possible safeties Kenny Vaccaro, Eric Reid and Jonathan Cyprien are all gone by the third round, but Thomas could contend for a starting spot immediately. The guy was a total playmaker in college and can do the same as a ball hawk for a defense in desperate need of takeaways. Logan's been on the Cowboys' radar for a while and can fill a need at either the one or three technique. Potential steals are available in this draft at running back, from Rex Burkhead to Knile Davis, but if they're gone, Stacy could provide some toughness.
David Helman's Mock Analysis:I don't think you can go wrong with either Cooper or Warmack, but it seems like Cooper is more likely to be there at No. 18. On top of that, his ability to shift to center could be valuable if the Cowboys have to play musical chairs with their line again. The other line needs help, too, and Short might be the best pass rusher of all the defensive tackles in this class with 6.5 sacks as a senior at Purdue. Thomas jumps out to me because of his abilities as a ballhawk – eight picks during his senior campaign – which is something this secondary needs. Mills is another offensive lineman who could switch positions, which could come in handy. Gillislee is a battering ram who doesn't have too much wear-and-tear after limited carries early in his Florida career. Boyce has deceptive speed and shiftiness, which could spice up the competition for No. 3 receiver
