5 Late-Round Sleepers Who Would Be Perfect for the Dallas Cowboys

NFL front offices and scouting departments get paid for their ability to hit on early and middle-round selections. Any time they hit on late-round picks it is just icing on the cake. 

If a team can consistently hit on their late-round picks, like the Seahawks have done (particularly in the secondary), it will have a huge impact on that team's ability to build a playoff or Super Bowl-contending team. 

The late-round selections get paid next to nothing, so the team can allocate more resources to keeping their own players or acquiring a few players to put their team over the top. 

The Cowboys haven't had a ton of success with late-round picks, but they have done a great job in undrafted free agency; therefore they know how to identify talent in the late rounds. It is just a matter of making the right selections. 

With that in mind let's take a look at five late-round sleepers who would be great fits for the Dallas Cowboys.

Kenny Bell

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Oftentimes, when there is a position with a wealth of talent, very good players get pushed down in the draft. This may very well happen with the wide receiver class and Kenny Bell this year. 

Bell is the epitome of a football player. He may not be the biggest (6'1" and 185 pounds), but he is a physical player who is not afraid to mix it up with those much bigger than him. 

With Dwayne Harris testing free agency, Bell would be a great replacement as a special teams ace and a No. 4 or 5 receiver. He is a great blocker in the run game and would likely find his way onto the field because of that alone. 

Bell isn't anything special as an athlete, but he has reliable hands and runs solid routes. Bell will likely never be a No. 1 or 2 receiver for the Cowboys, but he can be a fantastic role player for several years. 

Ryan Delaire

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 27: Hafis Williams #94 and Ryan Delaire #55 of the University of Massachusetts Minutemen rush quarterback Jordan Rodgers #11 of the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 27, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo b

One thing that team's do late in the draft is select players based on one or two really good traits in the hope that the rest of his skill set can develop and allow him to be a great contributor. 

Delaire has the upfield burst, bend and length to warrant a selection in rounds four to seven even though he has some deficiencies in his game. He plays too high at times and doesn't have the hand usage or strength to consistently hold up at the point-of-attack against the run. 

However, when a player showcases the burst to stress an offensive tackle's pass set, the bend to be able to turn the corner and speed to close and sack the quarterback, you have to take notice. 

Delaire would likely be a special teams contributor early in his career with some snaps as a rotational rusher in passing situations, but if he develops strength and gets taught how to use his hands, he could be a solid defensive end with a lot of upside as a pass-rusher. 

Rakeem Nunez-Roches

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Rakeem Nunez-Roches is a small-school defensive tackle who could bring some good value late in the draft. He is very athletic for a defensive tackle and plays with a great motor. It is common to see Nunez-Roches make plays 10-to-15 yards down the field during his time at Southern Miss. 

He has the size you are looking for in a 3-technique at 6'2" and 305 pounds. Couple that with his athleticism and motor and you have a player with high upside. 

Technically, Nunez-Roches leaves a lot to be desired, but who better than defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and assistant defensive line coach Leon Lett to coach him up and get the most out of him. 

Nunez-Roches would be good competition for Davon Coleman and Chris Whaley for the backup 3-technique defensive tackle position and his effort may give him a leg up on the competition. 

Derek Lott

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When you are a player from a small school it is paramount that you take advantage of your opportunities in the pre-draft process. Chattanooga defensive tackle, Derek Lott, did just that throughout the week at the East-West Shrine Game practices.

Lott was consistently disruptive as he used his length, power and deceptive quickness to beat the interior defensive linemen throughout the week. Lott was a force in the run game as he occupied double teams and reset the line of scrimmage when he was single blocked. 

Lott is likely a 1-technique defensive tackle prospect for the Cowboys as he can occupy space and eat up blocks, which will free up the Cowboys linebackers to make plays. 

Lott has the ability to beat out a player like Nick Hayden on the 53-man roster because he is the cheaper option with higher upside. 

Terrance Plummer

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As evidenced in the last few drafts, the Cowboys love to target players who will make an impact on special teams in the late rounds. This year, that could be UCF's Terrance Plummer. 

Plummer isn't overly athletic, but he has a high motor and a nose for the ball, which are both traits that are highly coveted in special teams players. 

Plummer has the ability to play on every special teams unit and also add to the depth of the Cowboys linebacker unit. He has more upside than a player like Keith Smith with similar special teams prowess; therefore, Plummer should be able to find a place on the 53-man roster. 

Plummer may not be a sexy pick, but he is a player who could make a significant impact on a week-to-week basis on special teams and in spot duty on defense.