Dallas Cowboys: 5 First-round targets in the 2018 NFL Draft at midseason

2. Maurice Hurst, DT — Michigan

While the idea of a massive player like Vea is enticing to fans, a guy like Michigan’s Maurice Hurst seems more likely to be picked by the Cowbys. Hurst is a talented defensive lineman, but he fits the same mold as every other defensive tackle on the roster.

Hurst is slightly undersized at 6-2 and 280 pounds and excels with his speed inside, evidenced by his career high five sacks during 2016. So far in 2017, he has yet to show the same ability to take down quarterbacks, but he’s on pace to have his best season in terms of tackles, which shows his growth as an overall player.

Dallas has also shown an interest in players who worked under Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. In 2017, they selected defensive end Taco Charlton in the first round and cornerback Jourdan Lewis in the third. Both were products of the Wolverines defense, and adding a third guy from that defensive unit may sound appealing to them.

The only downside to adding Hurst is he plays a similar spot to both Maliek Collins and David Irving. Those two players are still young and have shown enough promise to warrant continuing the investment in them.