Dallas Cowboys 7-round 2021 mock draft gives defense a major facelift

Back on the clock at No.  68, Dallas takes Israel Mukuamu from South Carolina. Mukuamu has been overshadowed by Jaycee Horn but is still a talented corner in his own right. The best trait Mukuamu possesses is his size as he’s listed at 6-3 and 205 pounds. He’s great in run defense as well and is never afraid to lay out the ball carrier.

All of the traits he possesses makes him an ideal fit as a safety at the next level and that’s what the Cowboys have in mind with this selection. Donovan Wilson has been emerging as of late and can play in the strong safety role, but Mukuamu looks the part of a play-making free safety.

The Cowboys end up with two picks in the third round, thanks to the compensatory formula. The Draft Network is estimating they end up with the 99th overall selection, which they use here on Georgia linebacker Monty Rice. An inside linebacker for the Bulldogs, Rice is listed at 6-1 and 235 pounds. He’s decent in coverage and solid in run defense, and that’s what the Cowboys need — players who are simply good.

Their linebacker play this season has been atrocious and one of their toughest decisions is going to be what to do with Jaylon Smith. Team owner Jerry Jones is still singing his praises but there’s no way Mike McCarthy and Mike Nolan like what they have been seeing. Landing Rice allows them to start rebuilding that linebacker corps, which is a must if Dallas wants to improve on defense.