Hidden-Gem Prospects Cowboys Must Target in 2023 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2023 NFL draft with few glaring holes. While Dallas hasn't been especially active in free agency, it did address a couple of key needs via the trade market.
Wideout Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore were acquired in trades with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, respectively. The Cowboys also signed running back Ronald Jones II to help replace Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield.
Dallas has seven draft picks this year, including the 26th overall selection and picks No. 58 and 90. Those Day 1 and 2 selections are likely to command the fans' attention in the coming weeks. However, Dallas will be working to uncover quality contributors in the later rounds as well.
Here, we'll dive into three under-the-radar prospects Dallas should target on the final day of this year's draft.
Alex Forsyth, OL, Oregon
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The Cowboys were able to retain left tackle Tyron Smith after restructuring his contract. This gives Dallas a promising starting five of Smith, Tyler Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin and Terence Steele.
However, the Cowboys could use depth, especially on the interior, after losing Connor McGovern—who started 15 games last season—to the Buffalo Bills in free agency.
Dallas may not target the line early in the draft, but a prospect like Oregon's Alex Forsyth could be a terrific depth and a logical target in the fourth or fifth round. While Forsyth doesn't have elite physical traits, he is a polished and savvy blocker who could potentially fill in early if needed.
"Overall, Forsyth has mediocre physical traits that cap his ceiling, but he makes up for it with efficient movements, refined hand-fighting skills and snap decision-making that allow him to gain leverage and positioning on bigger, more powerful opponents," Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.
Forsyth is the 141st-ranked prospect on the B/R Scouting Department draft board. The Cowboys have the 129th pick (Round 4) and the 169th selection (fifth-round compensatory pick).
Camerun Peoples, RB, Appalachian State
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Even with Jones joining Tony Pollard in Dallas' backfield, running back is still a position the Cowboys will likely target early in the draft. Jones is fine for depth, but he hasn't held a prominent role since his 2020 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last season, he logged a mere 17 carries.
It wouldn't be a shock to see the Cowboys target one of the draft's top RB prospects, possibly even Texas running back Bijan Robinson, the fourth overall prospect on the B/R board.
Given the importance of the ground game in Dallas' offense, it would be wise to target the position multiple times over draft weekend too. Appalachian State product Camerun Peoples would be the perfect back to target on Day 3.
Peoples is the 174th-ranked prospect on the B/R board and would be a logical target in the fifth or sixth round.
While Peoples only carried 101 times for 593 yards this past season, he averaged an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. Back in 2020, he rushed for 1,124 yards, 6.7 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns.
At the combine, the 6'1", 217-pound Peoples clocked a 4.61-second 40-yard dash. As a big, powerful runner, Peoples could serve as a short-yardage specialist and a change-of-pace complement in Dallas' RB rotation.
Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
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Tight end is another position the Cowboys could target early. Dallas used the franchise tag on tight end Dalton Schultz last offseason but lost him to the Houston Texans in free agency this year.
Schultz had 57 receptions, 577 yards and five touchdowns in 2022.
Even if the Cowboys do take a tight end early, they would be wise to take a late-round flier on Clemson's Davis Allen, who isn't ranked among the Scouting Department's top 175 prospects.
Allen isn't particularly fast—he logged a 4.84-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis—but he's a lengthy (6'6") target with a 38.5-inch vertical who can haul in the tough catch.
"There is nothing particularly exciting about watching Allen get into and through his routes, but the magic happens once the ball goes up," NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. "Allen is a human vacuum, using instinctive body positioning, mid-air adjustments and exceptional catch focus for consistent 50/50 wins."
While he probably wouldn't replace Schultz outright, Allen could contribute early as a red-zone threat and jump-ball specialist. He caught 39 passes for 443 yards and five touchdowns last season.
*Draft order and picks information via Tankathon.
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