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Dallas Cowboys mock draft: 7 rounds with a balanced approach

By Terence Watson

Dallas Cowboys mock draft: The Dallas Cowboys logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys mock draft: The Dallas Cowboys logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Brittain Brown #28 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates his touchdown with Jon Gaines II #57, to take a 7-0 lead over the Oregon Ducks, during the first half at Rose Bowl on October 23, 2021, in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Brittain Brown #28 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates his touchdown with Jon Gaines II #57, to take a 7-0 lead over the Oregon Ducks, during the first half at Rose Bowl on October 23, 2021, in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

*Trade Alert* – The Cowboys have sent the 163rd and 244th picks to the Cardinals and received the Cardinals 168th and 213th pick (Sixth Round)

With the No. 168th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Cowboys select:

Jon Gaines II, Guard/Center, UCLA

Height: 6’4  Weight: 303 lbs

Career Starts:  25 right guard, 3 center, 1 left guard, 1 right tackle

Yet another player with the ability to play multiple positions for the Cowboys, this time along the offensive line with Gaines II. He’s spent time at every position except for left tackle during his time at UCLA and the running game thrived no matter where he lined up for the Bruins. Drafting Gaines II is important for two reasons. First, you get a guard that came come in and competes for the starting left guard job, and secondly, you get a player that can take over at center if Tyler Biadasz goes down with an injury like last season or eventually leaves in free agency.

This move for the Cowboys effectively gives them cover now and in the future along the offensive line. A smart move for a team that knows just how important it is to have all your bases covered in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Dane Brugler Breakdown:

"Overall, Gaines’ inconsistent technique is a gateway to strength and balance breakdowns midrep, but his length, foot quickness and mental capacity give him intriguing upside. His position-versatile experience should help him find an NFL home as an interior backup."

NFL Player Comparison: Connor McGovern

With the No. 169th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Cowboys select:

Jerrod Clark, Defensive Tackle, Coastal Carolina

Height: 6’3  Weight: 334lbs

Career Stats:  105 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 3 passes defended

It’s taken the Cowboys a while to understand that having defensive tackles that weigh over 310 pounds is a good thing. When Johnathan Hankins arrived there was a noticeable improvement in their run defense and the Cowboys are looking to build on that success. Clark is a big-bodied defensive tackle that many would call a space-eater and he can do just that for Dallas.

Adding Clark and pairing him with Hankins on early downs would give the Cowboys two big physical defensive tackles with the ability to hold at the point of attack and take on two defenders allowing linebackers to stay clean and make plays on the football with more regularity.

Dane Brugler Breakdown:

"Clark relies more on his raw strength than technical skill to win trench battles, but his package of size, length and foot quickness is worthy project for an NFL defensive line coach. He has the tools to become a rotational NFL nose tackle."

NFL Player Comparison: Johnathan Hankins

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