Dallas Cowboys get steal of the Draft in Kiper-McShay Mock
We're officially one week away from the 2021 NFL Draft and it's easy to notice. Mock drafts are flying around social media with all kinds of scenarios including some with tons of trades that really don't make a lot of sense. But they're all, at least, fun. In a more serious mock draft from ESPN […]
We're officially one week away from the 2021 NFL Draft and it's easy to notice. Mock drafts are flying around social media with all kinds of scenarios including some with tons of trades that really don't make a lot of sense. But they're all, at least, fun. In a more serious mock draft from ESPN though, the Dallas Cowboys end up with what could be the steal of the Draft.
Two of the most relevant Draft gurus in the world put together a joint mock draft for ESPN. In it, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay alternated each pick. It's important to note that this mock draft was about what they would do with each pick instead of what they believe the teams will actually do next week.
At #10, Todd McShay mocks an unsurprising pick for the Dallas Cowboys. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II from Alabama. Surtain makes a lot of sense for the Cowboys, who desperately need to get Trevon Diggs some help.
But the real surprise comes in the second round. With the 44th overall pick, the Cowboys go back to the Alabama well and select Defensive Tackle Christian Barmore.
"Only three teams allowed five-plus yards per carry last year, and Dallas was among them. Barmore would help stop the bleeding in the middle of the defense." – McShay
The explanation for the pick itself makes plenty of sense. Finding Barmore in the second round would be a huge steal for the Dallas Cowboys. He's a player who lacks refined technique, but his raw talent makes him the consensus DT1 in this year's draft class.
His versatility to play anywhere along the interior defensive line makes him an even more attractive prospect. Plus, Barmore not only shines as a run defender but as a pass rusher. In 2020, his sole season as a starter, he finished the year with seven tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles.
When it comes to the Cowboys potentially drafting Barmore in the second round, it's not really a question about whether or not he's worth it. The question, in reality, is "will he actually be available there?"
If Barmore hadn't had such a poor Pro Day a few weeks ago, there would likely be little question about him being a first-round prospect. But even despite the hiccup, the Alabama product will likely benefit from a poor defensive tackle class. His potential will likely outweigh his inexperience in the eyes of more than a few NFL general managers.
According to Draft analyst Matt Miller, the league seems to like Barmore more than the media does.
Unfortunately, if the Dallas Cowboys want a shot at getting the steal of this year's Draft, the opposite might have to be true.
Featured Image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
