Dallas Cowboys remain defensive in 7-Round NFL mock draft post-first wave free agency
By Randy Gurzi
LB. Purdue. Derrick Barnes. Scouting Report. 4. player. 848. Pick Analysis
(Comp pick): Dallas has a problem at linebacker, whether they want to admit it or not. Jaylon Smith is trending in the wrong direction and if Dan Quinn can’t get things turned around for him, they may need to have a serious conversation about moving on.
There’s also Leighton Vander Esch who looked fantastic as a rookie but has been struggling with health ever since. And when he is on the field, he’s been just another guy. His time could also be coming to an end soon.
That’s why Dallas needs to start looking for more depth at the position and it would be ideal to do so before the fourth round, but this front office still thinks way too highly of the players they have. That’s why they don’t take a linebacker until now, which is where we mock Derrick Barnes to them.
The 245-pound Barnes is a high-motor player who could be used in a pass-rushing role as well. Quinn has gotten a lot of production from linebackers in such a role and Barnes could be a nice piece for him on defense.
2390. Pick Analysis. WR. North Texas. player. Scouting Report. Jaelon Darden. 5
Wide receiver is far from a need for Dallas but they take one anyway as Jaelon Darden is looking for his NFL home. What makes Darden interesting is his ability to line up in the slot as well as in the backfield.
He’s one of those players who knows how to make defenders miss and could be a fun Swiss Army Knife for Kellen Moore.