Now that the dust is starting to settle following the start of free agency, it’s time for another Dallas Cowboys mock draft.
The Cowboys have been very active this offseason, and many of the team’s acquisitions have impacted who they may select in the 2023 NFL Draft. Of course, there were also some departures that could be backfilled through the draft.
We’ll touch on all of that below. LAST UPDATED: March 24, 2023
SEE ALSO
- Dallas Cowboys 2023 Schedule
- Dallas Cowboys 2023-2024 Draft Picks
- Cowboys Free Agent Signings
- Dallas Cowboys Offseason Grades
Rd. 1, No. 26: Bryan Bresee, Clemson DT
Bresee has a massive frame at 6’5, 298-pounds and his ability to control the line of scrimmage will make him a high-value pick for the Cowboys. The defense was at its peak last season when they were successful at stopping the run, and that’s exactly what Bresee can help do.
Despite his size, Bresee is still explosive and his quick first step helps him get an edge on interior offensive linemen.
He needs some work to improve his pass rushing abilities, but learning under Dan Quinn can certainly get Bresee where he needs to be in that department.
Rd. 2, No. 58: Steve Avila, TCU G
The Arlington native is 330 pounds which helps in pass protection. But Avila is still athletic and can fire off the line of scrimmage to win blocks in the rushing attack.
In a pinch, Avila could also play C. At TCU, his career started at C and RT before playing the entirety of the 2022 season at G. That type of versatility could come in handy.
Connor McGovern started at LG for Dallas last year, but he’s already found a new squad in free agency. This makes G a position of need for the Cowboys in case Tyron Smith or Terence Steele suffer an injury, which would force Tyler Smith out of LG.
Rd. 3, No. 90: Tank Bigsby, Auburn RB
Despite the name, Tank isn’t a 250-pound FB. Rather, Bigsby is a 6’0, 210-pound back that provides power, speed and big-play ability.
Last season at Auburn, Bigsby lined up behind one of the worst offensive lines in the SEC. Despite this, he still averaged 4.2 yards after contact. He’s also a capable pass catcher who can make a play from scratch thanks to his impressive cutting ability.
Bigsby and Tony Pollard would make for an excellent 1-2 punch. Dallas already has three RBs on roster outside of Pollard, but only Tony and Ronald Jones have proven they can succeed in the NFL.
Rd. 4, No. 129: K.J. Henry, Clemson DE
At 6’4, 251-pounds, Henry has the size and strength to power through OTs in the NFL. He’s also shifty and quick which helps him shed defenders and wrap up RBs for a loss of yards.
In five seasons at Clemson, Henry racked up 13 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and 11 pass deflections. What keeps Henry out of the elite group of edge rushers in the draft is his rawness; he’ll need some work with Quinn to develop his skills as a pass rusher.
DeMarcus Lawrence is aging. The 30-year-old is entering his 10th NFL season in 2023. Dallas must prepare to replace him with young pass rushers like Henry and Sam Williams in the coming years.
Rd. 5, No. 169: Will Mallory, Miami TE
The Cowboys offense requires solid TE play to run efficiently. Last season, Dalton Schultz had the second-most catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
But Schultz joined the Houston Texans in free agency, leaving only two pass-catching TEs on the roster in Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot. Selecting Mallory gives Dallas a third playmaking TE.
Mallory had 42 catches for 538 yards and three touchdowns for Miami in 2022. He’s got great hands, can make tough catches and has a large frame at 6’4, 239 pounds. His 4.54 40-yard dash was the fastest among TEs at the 2023 NFL Combine.
Rd. 6, No. 212: Andrei Iosivas, Princeton WR
It’s not often you see an NFL Draft prospect coming from Princeton. But Iosivas (pronounced ‘yo-see-vosh’) is one of the most talented FBS players on the board.
He was an All-American heptathlete at Princeton, holding the quickest 60-meter dash time in NCAA history. So his best ability is speeding past defenders, but his 6’3, 205-pound build also allowed him to make contested catches.
In 2022, Iosivas had 66 catches, 943 yards and seven touchdowns.
Rd. 7, No. 244: Cameron Brown, Ohio State CB
The Cowboys’ acquisition of Stephon Gilmore moves CB down the list of positional needs. But last season we saw a few injuries hamper Dallas’ CB group in a major way, so it would be wise to add some depth through the draft.
Brown is 6’0, 199-pounds and he uses that size to jam WRs at the line of scrimmage. Then once downfield, he displayed the quickness and aggressiveness necessary to break up passes in the secondary.
One thing he needs to work on is his hands and ball tracking. In five seasons at Ohio State, Brown recorded just one interception.