The Dallas Cowboys got jumped in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills for Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid, but was a tight end in round one their top option anyway? The Cowboys may have been the likeliest to draft a tight end out of any team in the first round going into Thursday night’s action, but they wound up addressing their run defense instead. Dan Quinn has some serious pull in that draft room, doesn’t he?
The Cowboys landed former Michigan standout and athletic “freak” Mazi Smith. Smith was named the no. 1 player on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks” list due to his rare blend of strength and overall athleticism. Unfortunately, we don’t have a complete “RAS” (Relative Athletic Score) for Smith because he did not participate in the Scouting Combine.
Fortunately for the Dallas Cowboys, his 10-yard split isn’t going to make much of a difference as he’s occupying blockers, taking up running lanes, and making life easier for their pass rushers. So what do the Dallas Cowboys do next? Will the move to the offensive side of the ball?
I think there’s no question about it.
Dallas Cowboys Day 2 mock draft
58. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
I don’t know if the Dallas Cowboys can come away from Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft without a tight end. They passed on Michael Mayer with that 26th overall pick. They passed on Luke Musgrave. They passed on everyone not named Dalton Kincaid, who was already off the board.
At pick no. 58, there’s a decent chance at least one or two of the top five tight ends in this class could still be on the board and there for the taking. I think Tucker Kraft is considered a tier below guys like Musgrave and Mayer of course, but he’s still a very talented player who can stay on the field all three downs. He’s more dynamic athletically than what the Cowboys had in Dalton Schultz, and I think could have a massive impact in his rookie season if he lands in Dallas.
90. Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
The Dallas Cowboys made the brutally tough decision to say goodbye to Ezekiel Elliott after a great career with the team. The former first-round pick was outstanding in his time with Dallas, even if the early years are more fondly remembered than his recent contributions to the team.
With Tony Pollard coming off of a major injury in the playoffs, the Cowboys need to address the running back position and they stay in the state of Texas to do it. Kendre Miller has outstanding patience at the position and he knows how to explode through the hole and find that crease, a crucial skill as a running back.
He had 17 touchdowns last year for TCU in his first year as the workhorse, averaging almost 7 yards per carry on his 361 career totes. The Cowboys would get themselves some much-needed depth here.