Dallas Cowboys: 5 best options in Round 1 of 2022 NFL Draft

Dallas Cowboys Round 1 option No. 1: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

The top option for the Cowboys right now at No. 24 is none other than San Diego State defensive end Cameron Thomas. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 270-pounds, Thomas is a massive presence on the edge and while he’s not coming from a powerhouse program, he has all the tools to be a star.

Drae Harris of The Draft Network called him “unblockable” by a single person while also praising his ability to hold things down in the run game.

"“In the run game, he is heavy enough to hold the point on the interior, disengage, and get to the football. He has a relentless motor and is a constant threat on the backside of run plays. In the passing game, he has been dominant in the Mountain West Conference. He’s virtually unblockable with single blocks. He not only wins with pure hustle and motor, but combines it with very good hands and an understanding of leverage.”— Harris, The Draft Network"

If this wasn’t enough reason to get excited about Thomas, he’s also capable of sliding inside on passing downs, meaning the Cowboys could have a package with him, Randy Gregory, and DeMarcus Lawrence on the line and Micah Parsons rushing from the linebacker spot.

Of course, that dream scenario is contingent on Dallas being able to re-sign Gregory and find a way to keep Lawrence despite recent claims he could be released, but even if they had to lose one of their current ends, Thomas is more than capable of being their newest defensive building block.