Dallas Cowboys: Updated Draft Big Board After 1st Wave of Free Agency
The Dallas Cowboys have had one of the most interesting offseasons to date.
The team lost four secondary players (Morris Claiborne, Brandon Carr, Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox) to free agency. Those four players combined to play 2,541 defensive snaps in 2016.
As of this posting, the Cowboys have signed only cornerback Nolan Carroll to help replace those losses.
In recent years, the Cowboys have decided to bow out of the bidding wars in free agency in favor of the draft. While that is typically what the best teams do, it does require Dallas to continue to hit on their top picks in the NFL draft.
With just over a month until the NFL draft, here is my top 100 big board for the 2017 draft and a breakdown of players that fit Dallas' scheme at every position.
Top 100 Big Board
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With the NFL draft just a little over a month away, it's time to release my initial top 100 big board.
I didn't factor character concerns into my rankings, and players are not positionally weighted. This list is not reflective of how I believe they will be drafted nor how they should be drafted; it's a list of the top 100 players in the 2017 NFL draft based solely on my film evaluations.
1. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
2. Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
3. Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
4. Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
5. Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State
6. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
7. Jamal Adams, SS, LSU
8. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
9. Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
10. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
11. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
12. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
13. Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple
14. Jabrill Peppers, SS, Michigan
15. David Njoku, TE, Miami (Fla.)
16. Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
17. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
18. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
19. John Ross, WR, Washington
20. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
21. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
22. Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
23. Kevin King, CB, Washington
24. Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
25. Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
26. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
27. Zach Cunningham, OLB, Vanderbilt
28. Obi Melifonwu, SS, Connecticut
29 Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
30. Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
31. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
32. Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
33. Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
34. DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
35. Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
36. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
37. Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
38. Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
39. Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
40. Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
41. Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
42. T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
43. Curtis Samuel, RB, Ohio State
44. Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
45. Budda Baker, FS, Washington
46. Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
47. Desmond King, CB/SS, Iowa
48. Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio State
49. Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
50. Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
51. Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State
52. Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State
53. Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland
54. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
55. Davis Webb, QB, California
56. Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte
57. Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
58. Chad Hansen, WR, California
59. Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan
60. Josh Jones, SS, NC State
61. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern California
62. Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
63. Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio
64. Duke Riley, OLB, LSU
65. Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan
66. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
67. Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
68. Adoree' Jackson, CB, Southern California
69. Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
70. ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama
71. Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State
72. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
73. Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
74. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech
75. Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
76. Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
77. Marcus Williams, FS, Utah
78. Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech
79. Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
80. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama
81. Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
82. Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
83. Justin Evans, FS, Texas A&M
84. Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
85. Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy
86. Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
87. Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU
88. Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
89. Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M
90. Ethan Pocic, C, LSU
91. Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia
92. Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama
93 Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova
94. Tyler Orlosky, C, West Virginia
95. Eddie Jackson, SS, Alabama
96. Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh
97. DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State
98. Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa
99. Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson
100. Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky
Quarterback
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The Cowboys found their franchise quarterback in the 2016 draft, but that doesn't necessarily mean they won't draft one again in 2017.
While it would be shocking for them to spend a top-100 pick on a quarterback, there are a few players who may make sense in the late rounds for Dallas.
Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
Dobbs is a dual-threat quarterback who is an outstanding runner and a competitor. He's got a lot of tools that could develop and has the SEC confidence that gives you hope that he could develop into a high-level backup in the NFL. Dobbs could replicate a lot of what the Cowboys do on offense and would only cost a late day-three pick.
Chad Kelly, Ole Miss
The Cowboys enjoy taking risks, especially when it comes to positions they really value. Chad Kelly is a mess off the field, but he's one of the more talented quarterbacks in this draft. With an elite arm and signature wins in college (Alabama, LSU, Auburn), Kelly may be worth a late pick because the reward is so high.
Brad Kaaya, Miami (FL)
When he is protected, Kaaya looks like a franchise quarterback who should be a top pick in this draft. But as things start to fall apart around him, he looks like a player who should go undrafted. Kaaya needs a lot of work, but his footwork and intangibles make sense as a developmental quarterback on day three. It may be a luxury for Dallas, but if he's the best player on the board, they shouldn't hesitate to select him.
Running Back
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The Cowboys have perhaps the best stable of running backs in the NFL with Ezekiel Elliott, Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris.
But with Lance Dunbar leaving to sign with the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas could be in the market for a receiving running back to help out on special teams.
Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
Mixon will likely go on day two, but his talent is the reason why he's a possible target for Dallas. The Cowboys love to take chances in the second, particularly on players who they believe have first-round talent. Mixon is a lottery ticket who may be the most talented offensive player in this draft.
Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State
At just 5'8", 176 pounds, Pumphrey led the nation in rushing in 2016. But in the NFL, he best fits as a third-down back who can contribute on special teams. With the loss of Dunbar, Pumphrey makes sense as a possible replacement on day three.
Joe Williams, Utah
If the Cowboys are looking for a true backup behind Elliott, Joe Williams could be a perfect fit late. He retired for a month in 2016 but returned for the team's final seven games. In those seven contests, he averaged 181 scrimmage yards per game and scored 10 touchdowns. He's an explosive back who has all the traits to be a high-level backup in the NFL.
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Wide Receiver
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Dallas re-signed Terrance Williams and Brice Butler within the first week of free agency to fully ensure they weren't forced to spend a high pick on a receiver. However, this is one of the better receiving classes the NFL has seen in the past few years.
With Dez Bryant missing significant time over the past two seasons, it wouldn't be all that surprising if the team decided to grab a receiver early as an insurance policy.
Chris Godwin, Penn State
A supreme athlete, Godwin makes sense in the second round for Dallas as the deep threat they've been missing the past few seasons. He can make plays down the field with his ability to win in traffic, but he's also fearless in the running game and will take on anyone he is asked to block.
Chad Hansen, California
Hansen is one of the more underrated receivers in this class, but he's still likely to be drafted somewhere on day two. He has the knack for making fantastic plays down the sideline and is much more athletic than he looks. His best fit is as a Z-receiver who can help take the top off the defense in man coverage.
Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma
The Cowboys love taking chances in the middle rounds, and Dede Westbrook makes a lot of sense in Dallas. He's got the deep speed they covet and the ability to create big plays all over the field. However, his off-the-field concerns will knock him down a couple of rounds, if not more.
Tight End
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Jason Witten turns 35 in May and there are many concerns about the depth behind him going into 2017. Per SportsDay, backup Geoff Swaim broke his foot last week and could miss several months after having surgery to insert a screw in his fifth metatarsal. James Hanna had microscopic surgery on his knee last summer and did not in 2016.
In one of the deepest and most talented tight end classes in recent memory, the Cowboys would be foolish to not explore their options, even if it were to cost them a premium selection.
Here are a few players who might make sense for Dallas as they look for an eventual replacement for Witten.
David Njoku, Miami
A sure-fire first-round pick, David Njoku is a special athlete who fits the mold of the typical tight end in today's NFL. At 6'4", 240" pounds, he is a mismatch against nearly any type of defender. At just 20 years old, he will be one of the youngest players in the NFL during his rookie year. If he happens to fall to the bottom of the first round, he would be an ideal successor for Witten.
Jake Butt, Michigan
Before his ACL injury during the team's bowl game, Butt had a legitimate chance to be a top-50 pick in April's draft and possibly even a first-rounder. But because of his injury and the deep tight end class, he's likely to fall to the third round. If a team is patient with him, they could get a traditional tight end who can win in the same sort of ways that Witten has for years in Dallas.
Adam Shaheen, Ashland
At 6'6, 277 pounds, Shaheen is one of the best tight ends after the catch in the entire draft. His combination of size and speed allowed him to dominate teams at the D-II level. He's one of the only true inline tight ends in this draft class, and his ability to make plays after the catch and being able to hold up at the point of attack in the run game will make him a coveted player on day two of the draft.
Pharaoh Brown, Oregon
If the Cowboys are interested in taking another flier at tight end, Pharaoh Brown makes a ton of sense late on day three. Brown suffered a brutal leg injury in 2014. He didn't work out at the combine, partially due to the fact that he's still not 100 percent because of the injury.
When healthy, he's a mismatch problem in the middle of the field at 6'6", 255 pounds. He can win in the air and down the middle of the field with ease. If Dallas wants to redshirt him for 2017, he's not a bad gamble in the sixth or seventh round.
Offensive Line
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With the sudden retirement of Doug Free and Ronald Leary's departure to Denver via free agency, the Cowboys are in a position where they will need to replace 40 percent of their starting offensive line from 2016.
The plan is for La'el Collins to take over at the left guard position and to have former third-round pick Chaz Green hold down right tackle. But with both players missing most of the 2016 season, it's not inconceivable that the Cowboys select an offensive lineman high to help protect their biggest strength on the team.
While it's not the best nor deepest draft for offensive linemen, there will still be some options for Dallas in the first few rounds. Here are some possible targets for the Cowboys.
Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
Ramczyk wasn't able to work out due to a hip injury, but he still has a chance to be the first offensive lineman drafted. He's incredibly athletic and highly intelligent, two traits the Cowboys want in their offensive linemen. He's also experienced and well-coached, and Dallas knows what to expect when you draft a player out of the University of Wisconsin system.
He can survive at left tackle, but he makes a lot of sense as a right tackle in a zone-heavy scheme. If he passes all of the medical checks in April, he is a sure-fire first-round pick and a perfect long-term replacement for Free at pick 28.
Taylor Moton, Western Michigan
Moton is physically gifted at 6'5", 319 pounds, but he lacks the true elite athleticism to be a first-round selection. Instead of quickness and speed, Moton wins with his power and can control defenders at the line of scrimmage. He also has the versatility to play guard in a pinch, and that will help him get selected in the second round. He could be brought in to compete with Chaz Green and could provide depth at multiple positions.
Tyler Orlosky, West Virginia
With Leary leaving, Dallas could stand to use more depth inside. And with the possibility of Collins or Zack Martin moving outside if Green struggles, the interior depth needs to be upgraded. Tyler Orlosky is the prototypical zone center who has experience playing guard as well. He doesn't have Pro-Bowl potential, but he's a player who could develop into a nice starter in the NFL.
Defensive Line
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The Cowboys lost Terrell McClain to division rival Washington Redskins, but they were able to sign Stephen Paea in free agency to help mitigate the loss.
Dallas doesn't need much help on the interior defensive line as they have multiple players who can kick inside to help give starters Maliek Collins and Cedric Thornton rest if needed.
However, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli loves to rotate his defensive lineman, so it's never out of the question that Dallas could add more talent to the position. Here are a few names who may be attractive to the Cowboys in the middle rounds.
Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA
In 2014, Vanderodes looked like one of the best players in the entire country, but a torn ACL in 2015 sidetracked his path to the NFL. He is still working to get himself back to his 2014 form, but he makes sense in Dallas as a versatile player who can give the team snaps at the one- or three-technique. His constant hustle and strong hands make him an ideal candidate for a selection in the middle rounds as a Marinelli favorite.
Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova
At 6'7", 289 pounds, Kpassagnon was one of the more impressive athletes at the combine. His massive 84 ½" wingspan combined with his 4.83 speed may remind Marinelli of David Irving. The Cowboys love to bring in athletes to their defensive line and let Marinelli mold them into productive rushers in the NFL.
Kpassagnon needs a lot of work, especially with his technique and balance, but with the Cowboys having one of the best defensive line teachers on their coaching staff, his tools may entice the team into spending a day-two pick on this athletic marvel.
Demarcus Walker, Florida State
Is he an edge-rusher or is he a 3-technique? At 6'4", 280 pounds, Demarcus Walker recorded 16 sacks at Florida State, but he may not have a true position in the NFL. Most of his sacks came from jumping snaps or cleaning up other players' work. He's not an elite athlete and his motor runs hot and cold, but it's hard to argue with that type of production.
His best work came when he was fresh, but he was asked to play far too many snaps in 2016. If he can be a nickel rusher inside, he may find success in the NFL. It's going to take the right defensive coordinator to find him a role in the NFL.
Edge-Rusher
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It's no secret the Cowboys need to upgrade their defensive end position. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones recently told J Dub City (h/t ESPN) that the team needs a "war daddy" on defense. Ever since DeMarcus Ware left in 2014, the team just hasn't been able to find that consistent rush from the outside.
While the team may not be able to find a "war daddy" late in the first round, there are players who can contribute to the Cowboys' defense right away in 2017.
The edge-rushing class has a lot of talent, but the pool of players will dry up quickly. If Dallas wants to find a pass-rusher, they will need to do it in the first round. Here are some players who might make sense for the Cowboys.
Charles Harris, Missouri
In a talented pass-rushing class, Missouri's Charles Harris may be the best fit in Marinelli's 4-3 defense.
His burst off the line of scrimmage with his ability to dip around the edge make him one of the most attractive first-round options for the Cowboys. But Harris can win in multiple ways, from winning with speed or by a strong inside rip move. His arsenal is full of the necessary tools to beat offensive tackles.
His unimpressive combine may concern teams and possibly Dallas. He scored just in the ninth percentile in SPARQ, according to Three Sigma Athlete. He will have a chance to improve on those numbers at his pro day, but they are concerning. Harris' film is fantastic, but his questionable combine may drop him some in April's draft.
T.J. Watt, Wisconsin
If the Cowboys decide to pass on someone like Harris in favor of a player with more potential upside and/or athleticism, they could look at a player such as T.J. Watt. He had one of the most impressive combines, scoring in the 94th percentile in SPARQ.
In 2016, the Cowboys had one of the most athletic draft classes in the NFL. Watt is a SPARQ athlete who tested in the 94th percentile for edge-rushers in the NFL. His athleticism, character and non-stop motor will endear himself to Jason Garrett and Marinelli. Watt needs some time to grow into a full-time defensive end, but he has the athletic profile the team seems to love.
Takkarist McKinley, UCLA
Like Bud Dupree in Pittsburgh, McKinley is an explosive edge-rusher who struggles to bend around the corner at the college level. However, that doesn't mean he can't be an effective player in the NFL. Instead of winning with flexibility, McKinley wins with explosion and hustle.
McKinley's biggest question is his health. He underwent shoulder surgery earlier this month and is expected to miss four to six months. That timeline could mean his rookie training camp is in jeopardy.
Taco Charlton, Michigan
At 6'6", 270 pounds, Taco Charlton has the rare size and athleticism for the position. His freakishly long arms allow him to forklift offensive tackles back into the quarterback, but his loose hips give him the option to bend around the edge. The only question surrounding Charlton is the lack of overall production and whether he can play the right end position in Dallas' defense.
Linebacker
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The Cowboys have selected a linebacker in each of the last 12 drafts, and with Jaylon Smith's status still up in the air, it wouldn't be a shock to see the team draft a linebacker high in April's draft. Sean Lee turns 31 in July, and he hasn't been durable in his career.
If the right run-and-chase linebacker fell to them on day two or three, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them pull the trigger at this position. Here are a few names who may make sense for them.
Duke Riley, LSU
Like Deion Jones from last year, Riley is another one-year wonder from LSU who fits today's NFL. His ability to play from sideline to sideline will endear him to 4-3 teams. He's not the most physical player and won't be able to take on blocks consistently, but he can run and play on nickel units. He will likely come off the board in the middle of day two of the NFL draft.
Jayon Brown, UCLA
UCLA's Jayon Brown is an undersized linebacker who excels on passing downs. His ability to fly to the football and anticipate throws could make him a steal on day three as a nickel or dime linebacker. At 6'0", 231 pounds, he's built more like a secondary player rather than an off-the-ball linebacker. He could find himself as a possible replacement for Lee in a few years with some seasoning.
Kendell Beckwith, LSU
Another LSU linebacker, Beckwith tore his ACL while preparing for the team's bowl game against Florida. He has the size and speed to play multiple positions and isn't afraid to take on offensive linemen. The Cowboys are known to stash players, and if he's available in the third or fourth round, you can bet they will consider selecting him and saving him for the 2018 season.
Cornerback
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With the Cowboys losing both Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr via free agency, Dallas will need to invest some resources into replacing those two players.
As of this posting, both of the Cowboys' starting cornerbacks are over the age of 30. Orlando Scandrick hasn't proved to be the most durable player on the roster, so an influx of talent is needed at the position. Here are some names that might make sense for Dallas.
Gareon Conley, Ohio State
The best cornerback in the draft is Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore, but his teammate opposite of him may be one of the better values in the draft. Conley is a press-man corner who isn't afraid to get in a receiver's face and challenge him at the line of scrimmage. He's not the elite athlete Lattimore is, but his physicality makes him an ideal fit in a press-bail scheme.
Kevin King, Washington
The cornerback opposite of Sidney Jones in Washington's talented secondary is another player who fits what the Cowboys want to do on defense. King is a long corner at 6'3", and he knows how to use his length.
His biggest question mark going into the combine was supposedly his lack of deep speed. But after running a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, there aren't many questions left in terms of his measurables. He has the size the Cowboys covet and might be the best pro from the Washington secondary that is loaded with NFL talent.
Adoree' Jackson, USC
Much like Michigan's Jabrill Peppers, Adoree' Jackson is an explosive athlete who has experience playing multiple positions. He's spent time at receiver, running back, cornerback and also returned kicks for the Trojans. But Jackson's size and lack of experience playing cornerback will likely knock him down to the bottom of the second round. There is just too much bad tape of him out there, especially against good competition.
Safety
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With the departures of Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox via free agency, the Cowboys suddenly have a need in their secondary for a safety to pair with Byron Jones. Second-year player Kavon Frazier may be an option to play strong safety, but that may be too much to ask from a sixth-round pick.
If the Cowboys do decide to add a safety, there are some nice options that should be available to them in the first few rounds of the draft.
Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
One of the most exciting players in college football over the past two years, Peppers is a player without a true NFL position. However, at the NFL Draft Combine, he repeatedly said: "I'm a safety." He tested as one of the best athletes at the combine, but his lack of a true position may push him down to the bottom of round one.
Peppers' best skill is his ability to run and chase ball-carriers from sideline to sideline. In the NFL, he will need to be a box safety who plays like a pseudo-linebacker near the line of scrimmage. With Church and Wilcox leaving, Peppers could replace both as the team's new strong safety.
With the Cowboys employing his former defensive coordinator Greg Jackson as their safeties coach, the pairing of Peppers and Dallas makes tons of sense.
Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut
Obi Melifonwu was one of the big winners from the NFL combine at the start of the month. At 6'4", 224 pounds, he ran a 4:40 40-yard dash to go along with his 44-inch vertical jump. He showed that he's one of the best athletes in this entire class and should be a target for the Cowboys at the bottom of the first round.
His best fit in the NFL will likely come as a strong safety who can cover tight ends in the middle of the field. But for some teams, including Dallas, he may be a better fit as a Cover 3 cornerback who can carry receivers up the field and use his size and speed to match up with the bigger receivers in the NFL.
Desmond King, Iowa
Based off just his 2015 tape, King looked like a lock to be a first-round pick at cornerback. But at 5'10", 201 pounds, he may be forced to play strong safety due to his short arms (31"). King could survive inside as a slot corner, but he's such a good player that he should be able to find a home in the NFL, assuming he gets drafted by a team with a creative defensive coordinator who knows how to use his skill set.
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