Cowboys add multiple pass-catchers in 7-round 2023 mock draft

Round 4: Tavion Thomas, RB, Utah

As it stands now, the Cowboys are good at running back with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard under contract. However, Pollard is a free agent in the offseason and could be on the way out. The only way he stays is if Elliott is released to free up cap space.

No matter how things play out, one of their top runners should be gone by 2023. In order to make sure they stay strong on the ground, Tavion Thomas is added. The 6-foot-2, 221-pound Thomas started his career at Cincinnati before heading to Utah in 2021.

He ran for 1,108 yards with 21 touchdowns in his first season playing in the Pac-12. He’s a powerful runner but needs to prove he can help as a receiver since he entered this season with just five career receptions. Even if he doesn’t offer much in this area, he can still be an effective weapon on the ground and has proven to be decent in pass protection when picking up the blitz.

Round 5: Kendrick Duncan, Jr., S, Louisville

Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse are under contract in 2023 and Israel Mukuamu could end up taking over for Donovan Wilson who is set for free agency after this year. They could still be strong with their starters but need depth, which is why Kendrick Duncan, Jr. from Louisville is the pick with their first of two selections in Round 5.

At 6-foot-3 and 225-pounds, Duncan is a physical player who can do some of what Wilson brings to the table.