The draft is getting closer on the schedule. That three-day event that’s so important to roster building kicks off on April 28. The Cowboys’ free agency wasn’t good at all, so getting the decisions right there will be critical. In this series I will mention some prospects that the franchise could pursue. Logically, both the urgency of the position and the pick in question will be taken into account. Today: Round 1.
Disappointment at the way last season ended surely did not end with the events of the last few weeks. On the contrary, the sense of frustration with how the beginning of a new year in the NFL unfolded added to the frustration of the fans. The big reason is not only that the Cowboys didn’t get stronger, but that they definitely got weaker with the moves made.
In free agency, the talent saw many more departures than income. Management then needs a lot of hits in the draft because it created holes that weren’t there the year before. Although the exits did not happen simply because there were better economic offers to those who did not have a current contract.
The transfers that Dallas made are a relevant factor for what they will have to do after April 28. Giving away Amari Cooper for just a fifth-round pick may be questionable, but with the abundance of youngsters in her job, perhaps her replacement won’t be that hard to find. Something more striking was cutting La’el Collins.
Cowboys are releasing La’el Collins. (via @TomPelissero, @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/Ul8982vKwA
— NFL (@NFL) March 17, 2022
Collins’ performance was certainly not what he has been on other occasions. His hip injury that sidelined him for all of 2020 is a heavy item to consider. The six-game suspension in 2021 may also have played a role in that decision. However, losing an offensive tackle with plenty of time left is very risky.
Especially when remembering that now that responsibility of taking care of the right sector of the line falls completely on Terence Steele. While Steele looked better than he did as a rookie, if that plan doesn’t work out there will be several problems. For that reason, what happens on the first day of the draft will be decisive.
What do the Cowboys need and what are the optimal spots for this round?
The positions most likely to be approached are obvious. An interior offensive lineman to replace Connor Williams feels like priority. On the plus side, the 24th overall pick is a good sector to pick a standout guard. Quality tackles or pass rushers tend to leave earlier, so this scenario would be very logical.
Selecting a quarterback pressure specialist is another void to fill in the wake of Randy Gregory’s outburst. However, it will take luck for someone with immediate impact to fall that far. A sector to attack that coincides with the place that Dallas occupies in the ranking is that of the wide receivers.
The draft zone you’ll need to pick from can feature valuable talent. Just as CeeDee Lamb fell to the #17 pick, perhaps another prospect with potential could repeat that story. Although the big difference is the amount of options that there will be. That explanation means that a level WR can also appear the next day. The same thing happens with linebackers.
Possible targets with the global pick 24
Kenyon Green – Texas A&M – Guardia
A widespread option among college football experts to get to the Cowboys is the former Aggies. Green’s main characteristic is the great power that he uses to achieve effective blocks. One relevant area where he could contribute immediately would be the running game. There he is able to go up to the second level to collaborate in great advances in that way.
Although there is an element that adds a lot of interest to various franchises. The versatility he possesses could be the tool that convinces Dallas to select this offensive lineman. While he primarily excelled at guard, he provides the positional flexibility so valued in active roster building. Green has experience filling every position on the line except center.
Early 2022 NFL Draft crush: Kenyon Green (@K_Green_01), IOL, Texas A&M
????Listed at 6-4 325 pounds
????2020 All-SEC and All-American selection
????22 game starter in two seasons
????Former Five Star recruit out of Atascocita HS
????May move to OT as a true juniorYoung man is SPECIAL!!! pic.twitter.com/i1da7WumJ9
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) March 29, 2021
Zion Johnson – Boston College – Guard
The other possibility that fits the Cowboys’ requirements is this prospect. His ability to anchor properly makes him an invaluable piece of quarterback protection. He may not be as athletic as Green, but his power would make him a Day 1 starter. Another valuable item in his arsenal is that he has plenty of appearances under his belt at left tackle. He logically will not be his usual alignment. However, in case of emergency he could occupy that place for a limited time.
Boston College guard Zion Johnson enjoys pancaking dudes like this. He did it a few times vs Clemson. Dude is a block of granite. Big-time potential. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Hv95vSn6Q2
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) February 23, 2022
Tyler Linderbaum – Iowa – Centro
Undoubtedly, this young man has a lot of difference from the rest in his position. By a large margin he is the best center in the class. His speed to focus on his assignment after snapping the ball is perhaps his most outstanding attribute. The readings that he makes from his intelligence are an essential factor to have stood out. However, in this case there is a situation that harms him a lot by occupying only one position.
Linderbaum is also a little undersized to face dominant defensive tackles. While his successful past in wrestling helps him find a good balance, he could have drawbacks. The team that chooses it must ensure that it fits perfectly into their system. For that reason he may not be preferred by management, although he should not be discounted.
Tyler Linderbaum (C 65)
Everyone in Cincinnati’s dream draft pick and a very legitimate option at 31 imo for a couple reasons
NFL does not value centers as high as they should
And he is going to measure smaller than Billy Price
But he’s easily a top 10 player in my book pic.twitter.com/UGXJ44EF4s
— Draft Guy Jared (@DraftGuyJared) February 20, 2022
