Cowboys: 3 prospects to avoid in the 2021 NFL Draft

3. Levi Onwuzurike, IDL, Washington

The interior defensive line class in the 2021 NFL Draft is lacking any top-level talent. Dallas, needing a defensive tackle, might turn to the position in round two to find someone to get some heavy playing time on the defensive line. Looking at some of the top names: Christian Barmore, Levin Onwuzurike, Dayvion Nixon; the Cowboys have a lot of options to look at. A riser as of late has been Levi Onwuzurike, someone who might be available at the Cowboy’s second-round pick. They shouldn’t pick him.

Dallas does not need a gap shooting defensive tackle, they already have those on their roster. Looking at what the Cowboys do need on the interior, we can look to free agency. One of free agency’s biggest names was the one-technique from New York, Dalvin Tomlinson; someone Cowboys fans really wanted in Dallas. The Cowboys need that run-stuffing defensive tackle, not a gap shooter like Onwuzurike.

Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network breaks down the risk involving Onwuzurike:

"“Onwuzurike showed the ability to be a game changer at Washington, occupying blocks, penetrating the line of scrimmage, and even getting out in space to make plays. He comes with a large upside, but must finish his game to grab hold of the starting job in the NFL.”"

In the last two years, Dallas has drafted Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore, both guys who can rush the passer, but struggle against the run. Drafting Onwuzurike would add to that same mold and would be redundant. The Cowboys should target someone like Tommy Togiai or Alim McNeill instead.