Five late-round draft prospects Cowboys fans should keep an eye on
If you're a draft fan, by now you are familiar with the top names in the NFL Draft. If you're a draft fanatic, you might be a bit more familiar with players through the middle rounds. But what about the Day 3 picks? When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, they are all too familiar […]
If you're a draft fan, by now you are familiar with the top names in the NFL Draft.
If you're a draft fanatic, you might be a bit more familiar with players through the middle rounds.
But what about the Day 3 picks?
When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, they are all too familiar with finding diamonds on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Players like DaRon Bland, Tyler Biadasz, Donovan Wilson, Dalton Schultz, and Dak Prescott have all carved out significant roles after being selected on Day 3.
With that being said, who are some potential gems they can select this year? Below are five late-round prospects Cowboys fans should get to know:
1.) Shedrick Jackson, WR, Auburn
This name sound familiar? It will if you had read my mock draft for the Cowboys.
Shedrick is the definition of a diamond in the rough.
He has only had one game where he produced over 100 yards, and he only scored one touchdown. It is also important to note who he had throwing him the ball in that time frame. Bo Nix, T.J. Finley, and Robbey Ashford. While Nix has found recent success in the collegiate landscape, that has come at Oregon; not Auburn. Shedrick tested as an elite athlete, his 40-yard dash time is the second-fastest in the draft. Oh, and did I mention he is Bo Jackson's nephew? An elite athlete with limited production (which is not his fault) who has legendary bloodlines is easily worth a late-round selection.
2.) Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State
Another name that should be familiar if you read my mock draft. Now you may argue that the Cowboys stay away from smaller school players. To that I would argue he started off at Florida State before transferring to Jackson State.
Also, look at who the coach at Jackson State has been. Deion Sanders. If Bolden is still on the board in the sixth or seventh round, it's not too far fetched to think that Deion calls up Jerry Jones and campaigns for one of his guys.
Bolden fits the Dan Quinn threshold, as he came in at 6'2 with 32" arms and he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash. Again another elite athlete, and one with traits the Cowboys love.
3.) Jake Andrews, iOL, Troy
Jake Andrews, for my money is one of the most criminally underrated players in this draft. The highest he has gone in a mock draft is Round 4, to the Vikings.
On tape, in my eyes Andrews is second round player. He does have short arms, but he keeps his pad level low, he has shown the ability to recover, has very good hand placement , and has very good footwork.
The Cowboys appear set at center with Tyler Biadasz, but with questions on backups at all three interior offensive line sports; Andrews might not be a bad option if he is sliding on day three.
The Cowboys have had success with players from Troy in the past. Maybe they try another one out.
4.) Nick Hampton, Edge, App State
The highest Nick Hampton has been mocked this calendar year is round three. More consistently, it has been rounds four to six.
He is yet another player who carries a second round grade from me.
Hampton has shown the ability to bend the edge, has a plethora of pass rushing moves, and has shown he can string them together. Attacks with a clear and concise plan, is a good lateral mover. The one area where he struggles is against the run.
Now the Cowboys have some star power and depth at edge. However, you can never have too much pass rush.
Adding someone like Hampton to come in and take snaps when Demarcus Lawrence, or Micah Parsons needs a breather is certainly not a bad plan.
5.) Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
Yet another player that was selected in my mock draft to the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have had surprising success with day three QB selections.
Tony Romo and Dak Prescott are both names who have gone on to find success after being selected (or not selected, but rather signed as a UDFA in Romo's case) on day three.
Cooper Rush started games this year when Dak Prescott went down with a hand injury and he provided them with valuable minutes. He was recently signed to a two-year deal, however there is a potential out in the deal following this year. Tune could add some ambiguity to the QB room.
They do have Will Grier at third string, who is not guaranteed to make the final roster. Cutting Grier for the younger Tune, could very much be an option.
