With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Defensive End. UTSA Roadrunners. Marcus Davenport. 19. player. 123.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to either franchise or re-sign star defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. It makes unequivocal sense to do, as Lawrence is 25 years old and racked up 14.5 sacks during his breakout season in 2017.

In an attempt to both create insurance and build what can be viewed as a championship-caliber defense, however, the Cowboys select Marcus Davenport at No. 19 overall.

Davenport could go much earlier than this, but he stays in the state of Texas with a franchise in need. If Lawrence comes back, he would face less of a learning curve and could conceivably make an immediate impact for a team that needs to find its identity on defense.

With Lawrence, Davenport, and David Irving all rushing the passer, the Cowboys could make a significant leap towards elite status.

Davenport bull rushes far too often, but he’s 6’7″, has long arms, and possesses the raw athleticism to make an impact in every game he plays. If Dallas teaches him the proper fundamentals, it could have a Pro Bowl level player on its hands.

Most importantly, it could learn from its division rivals and build what worked for both the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles in the pursuit of a championship: An elite pass rush.

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