Dallas Cowboys: 7-Round 2018 mock draft one week away

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 16: Calvin Ridley #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates his touchdown reception against the Colorado State Rams with Cam Sims #17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 05: Darius Leonard looks on after recieving his MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Award during the press conference for the 60th NFF Anual Awards Ceremony at New York Hilton Midtown on December 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Darius Leonard, OLB, South Carolina State

Now is the time to look at the defense in the latter half of Day 2 of the draft, and if available at 81st overall, there is no way the Cowboys could pass on adding an outside linebacker to their roster of players, especially one who is athletic and quick.

Leonard would fit in with the young Cowboys defense, and especially with the Cowboys losing Anthony Hitchens to free agency this offseason, there is a great need for a strong side linebacker on the roster and Leonard could be that man.

Donkey Marinas of CowboyWire.com wrote in-depth about Leonard, writing Leonard had a draft grade of third-to-fourth round, but also wrote as to why the Cowboys would draft him:

"“Averaging just over nine tackles per game in his four year career, Leonard did not miss any games and was as reliable as they come when it came to his game day availability.”"

Finding a reliable player to put on the roster this season, and one who can hopefully improve as the weeks go by, is something this young defense could really find useful. Don’t forget Leonard is a pretty solid player as well, finishing his final collegiate season with 114 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Of his 100-plus tackles, 12 were for a loss, and 4.5 of his sacks came in the final two games of the season.

Keep an eye on Leonard because he’ll make a difference on an NFL roster, and if still on the board in round three, he could be the next standout linebacker for the Cowboys.

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