Dallas Cowboys: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft goes heavy on defense
By Randy Gurzi
Round 5, Pick 165: Tony Pollard, RB, Memphis
Dallas knows they need to do something at running back behind Ezekiel Elliott. Last season, they hardly used backup Rod Smith, who had only 44 carries and nine receptions on the season. With Smith unsigned, the front office uses the draft to land a player who can replace him on the roster.
Once again with this pick though, the staff looks for someone who can help in more ways than one as they take Tony Pollard out of Memphis. Pollard was never the No. 1 back, but he made plays when given the ball and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. He was also great as a receiver and had 104 catches for 1,292 yards in three seasons.
While Pollard can really help as a change of pace back, his real value early on will be as a kick returner. During his time at Memphis, Pollard took seven kickoffs to the house. Dallas has been less than impressive in this area themselves, so adding some juice in the kick return game would be nice.
Round 7, Pick 241: Darius Harris, LB, Middle Tennessee State
After sitting out the sixth round, the Cowboys have one final pick in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. They use that selection on linebacker Darius Harris from Middle Tennessee State.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 238-pounds, Harris proved to be a smart player but didn’t stand out in terms of speed or athleticism. Where he wins is by understanding his job and being in the right place.
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Harris recorded a career-high 97 tackles, 12 for a loss, and five sacks as a senior. His path to the team would be through special teams but there’s space on the roster after seeing Damien Wilson sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.