Dallas is currently sitting on nine picks heading into next week’s draft. But in this mock exercise from NFL.com’s draft analyst Chad Reuter, the Cowboys deal away two picks in order to move up in the first round to get the prospect they really want.
Now with a total of seven hypothetical picks, the team still addresses their thinnest spots: wide receiver, edge rusher, and linebacker. And they double up on the offensive line with two new additions to their Great Wall rebuilding project.
From the Panther, the Bison, and the Rebel to the Badger and the Buckeye, all the way to a pair of Tar Heels late, here’s a look at who Reuter picks to be wearing new silver and blue uniforms at rookie minicamp.
Round 1, Pick 21: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Northern Iowa offensive lineman Trevor Penning (70) gets set for a play during an NCAA college football game against Southern Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Cowboys follow through on the hint dropped last week by owner Jerry Jones. They do, in fact, move up to get the player they want, but it’s not one of the wide receivers that many believe Jones to be coveting. Instead, it’s the versatile tackle from Northern Iowa, who they select over fellow linemen Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson. To get Penning, Dallas swaps first-round picks with New England and gives up a fourth- and a fifth-rounder (picks 129 and 178). But what they get is an “aggressive and athletic future right tackle” who also has experience on the left side, handy should Tyron Smith miss time.
Round 2, Pick 56: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Feb 5, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National Squad wide receiver Christian Watson of North Dakota State (1) runs with the ball in the first half against the American squad during the Senior bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Watson has breakaway speed and excellent route-running skills, checking two of the…