Dallas Cowboys: Five options for first round of 2018 NFL Draft

As previously acknowledged, the Dallas Cowboys are in danger of losing either David Irving or DeMarcus Lawrence. Da’Ron Payne is a viable option to fill that void, but Washington Huskies star Vita Vea may qualify as the dream target.

A physically dominating defensive tackle who can consume multiple blockers, stuff the run, and get after the quarterback, Vea has an All-Pro ceiling.

Standing at 6’4″ and 344 pounds, Vea is a freight train working along the defensive line. He has a powerful lower body and the upper body to match it, a well as the quick bursts off the line to put guards and centers on their heels on a consistent basis.

Vea is admittedly still raw from the perspective of his fundamentals, but if upside is the discussion, then no one has more potential than he at this position.

Vea recorded 12.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks over the course of the past two seasons. Those aren’t awe-inspiring numbers, but he creates lanes for his linebackers and does a better job of getting after the quarterback than a raw player should at his position.

Drafting for potential is a dangerous approach, but if the Cowboys are looking at the best player available, it may end up being Vea.

Must Read: A healthy Andrew Luck is good for the NFL

Regardless of what the Dallas Cowboys do, they must ace the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft during an offseason that will heavily influence the direction of the organization.