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

The Dallas Cowboys offense is a mess and the only way to fix it is to add multiple pass-catchers, which they do in this seven-round NFL Mock Draft

This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys front office tried to convince us all they could win with less talent than they had a year ago. They were proven incorrect out of the gate but will blame their issues on injuries as Tyron Smith (predictably) was lost for the year and Dak Prescott suffered a hand injury and will miss a couple of months.

Having said that, they’re not going to be able to hide their head in the sand forever. By the time this season ends, even the Jones family will have to admit they need more pass catchers. That’s where they focus early in this mock draft, which starts out by bringing in a Texas-born wideout who can help their offense in a big way.

Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock draft

Round 1: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Dallas had one of the best trios at wideout over the past two seasons, but then ruined it all by sending Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns. Throw in the fact that Michael Gallup is still recovering from a knee injury as well as Jalen Tolbert being unable to make his mark and this receiving corps is a mess.

In order to try and ensure it never gets this bad, they should target the position early in 2023, which is what happens here with the selection of Quentin Johnston from TCU. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 193-pounds, Johnston is a big target that has made some impressive catches in his career.

Lamb will continue to be the No. 1 target but adding someone who can take advantage of single coverage while also drawing attention from Gallup would be a great move. Johnston does exactly that — and can step up when injuries happen and thin the corps out.

Round 2: Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina

Dalton Schultz is playing this season on the franchise tag, and while he deserves a new contract, Stephen Jones will surely do all he can to avoid paying him. They were already far apart on extension negotiations, which led to Schultz leaving voluntary workouts.

In the end, he will likely leave and the Jones family will blame Dak Prescott by saying his contract forced them to make tough decisions. If they want to make sure to get back on his good side after this, they can pick up Jaheim Bell from South Carolina as a replacement.

Bell isn’t a typical tight end at 6-foot-3 and 230-pounds but what he lacks in size he makes up for in athleticism.

He’s used as a tight end and H-back by Carolina and was expected to do more with Spencer Rattler under center this season — but so far that hasn’t happened.

Rattler has been wildly inaccurate which has hurt Bell’s numbers but he showed off his skill with a 46-yard reception on Saturday against Georgia. In Dallas, he would work alongside Lamb, Gallup, Johnston (who was added in Round 1), and fellow tight end Jake Ferguson.

Suddenly, that doesn’t sound like a weak pass-catching corps and a player like Bell could cause some serious damage should he get lost in that mix.

Round 3: Javion Cohen, G, Alabama

Dallas used to have the best offensive line in the NFL, but that’s not the case any longer. Tyron Smith shouldn’t be counted on anymore — and in all honesty, should probably be let go in the offseason. Tyler Smith can take over in that spot but they need someone to fill in at left guard where Connor McGovern has only been okay.

That’s why their Round 3 pick brings in Javion Cohen from Alabama. Known as a mauler in the run game, Cohen is also a great pass protector, making him a great value pick at this spot.

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.

Round 5: Jake Moody, K, Michigan

Let them all laugh about drafting a kicker, as long as Cowboys fans won’t have to cry anymore due to missed field goals.

After a couple of years of struggling through Greg Zuerlein at kicker, the Cowboys tried to put their faith in undrafted rookie Jonathan Garibay. That was a mistake as he never even made it to Week 1 of the preseason and they eventually had to turn back the time and bring in Brett Maher.

While he’s been better as of late, they need to go ahead and add someone they trust. Enter Jake Moody who has been an incredibly accurate kicker for Michigan and has no problem going long.

There are videos of him casually knocking in 69-yarders and while it’s easier in practice than the games, his beg leg is enticing for a team that has needed some help there for years.

In recent years, the Bengals and Browns have both used mid-round picks on kickers and haven’t regretted the decision whatsoever. Dallas won’t either should they pull the trigger here.

Round 6: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M

The final pick for the Cowboys comes in Round 6, which is ends up being just their second defensive player in this mock. In recent years, they’ve been loading up on that side of the ball, which is why they can wait — but they do still end up with a good prospect late in Jaylon Jones from Texas A&M.

He has great size at 6-foot-2 and 205-pounds and often finds himself around the ball. The secondary is crowded in Dallas but he could find a role for himself.