Dallas Cowboys replace Tyron Smith in 2022 mock draft

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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 09: Brenton Cox Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators rushes the passer during the second quarter of a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 09, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

EDGE. Brenton Cox, Jr.. 2. 840. Scouting Report. Florida. player. Pick Analysis

Dallas Cowboys Round 2 pick: Brenton Cox, Jr., EDGE, Florida

Randy Gregory is a free agent after this season and is about to earn a huge payday. When he does, that could put the timer on DeMarcus Lawrence (assuming Dallas does re-sign Gregory). Lawrence has played in just one game this season and has just 11.5 sacks.

While he does a lot in the run game and generated pressures, the players who get the sacks get the money, and right now, that’s been Gregory. On top of that. Lawrence will be 30 in 2022 so it would only make sense to start developing a potential heir.

That’s where Brenton Cox, Jr. from Florida comes in. Cox has been best utilized in a two-point stance and while Dallas doesn’t operate in a 3-4, they are versatile with their looks upfront and even Gregory has been used in a stand-up role. That means this team won’t be passing up a solid pass rusher for an inferior player simply because of “scheme” — sorry to bring up the T.J. Watt vs. Taco Charlton thing but it still confuses me to this day.

Arguably the best thing about Brenton Cox on the edge is that he’s not just a pass-rusher. He can also hold his own in the run game making him a potential starter once he gets some seasoning.

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