Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the Dallas Cowboys, I got together with Steven Mullenax of The Landry Hat. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"As the NFL Draft nears, it appears the Dallas Cowboys greatest need is at the cornerback position. At the start of the offseason, the answer would have been defensive line. But the signing of controversial free agent defensive end Greg Hardy and the Cowboys’ late first round selection make getting a premiere pass rusher in this draft less of a priority now. The unknown future of both Dallas’ corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne make the corner position the Cowboys biggest need now. Other positions of concern included running back, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety, and possibly quarterback. I believe Dallas will address their needs by selecting a cornerback, running back and defensive lineman in this first three rounds of this draft."
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2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The Cowboys have a recent track record of drafting Pro Bowlers in the first round. Other than cornerback Morris Claiborne, Dallas has drafted offensive tackle Tyron Smith, wide receiver Dez Bryant, center Travis Frederick and offensive guard Zack Martin the past five years. All of whom made the Pro Bowl last year. I think some fans believe the Cowboys must continue that streak for this year’s draft to be considered a success. I think that could be an unrealistic expectation considering Dallas selects 27th overall this year. But I do believe the Cowboys must land at least two defensive starters in this draft in order for it to be considered a success."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"There are many ways this draft could be considered a failure for the Cowboys. One way would be to sacrifice draft picks in order to move up to draft a particular player. Another way would be to draft a player high that is not considered a need, like they did in 2013 when they selected San Diego State tight end Gavin Escobar in the second round. But overall, this draft will be considered a failure if they don’t find at least two defensive starters in this draft."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"I believe the Cowboys will draft a cornerback and running back high in this draft. When those positions are drafted depends on which players are available when Dallas is on the clock. Although I believe the Cowboys could find an adequate running back as late as the fourth round, I also believe a cornerback will have to be taken within the first two. A surprise selection could be a quarterback as high as the third round, depending upon who is still on the board."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"Despite getting their defensive leader in linebacker Sean Lee back, the re-signing middle linebacker Rolando McClain, and the addition of three more free agent linebackers this offseason; Dallas could still draft a linebacker high in this draft. Lee’s injury concerns and McClain’s one-year deal still leave to door open for the Cowboys to add another impact player at that position in this draft. If linebackers like UCLA’s Erick Kendricks or TCU’s Paul Dawson are available at a certain pick, don’t be surprise to see Dallas pull the trigger."
For full Cowboys coverage, check out The Landry Hat.
Next: NFL 2-Round Mock Draft 2015