Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: 2017 Four-Round Mock Draft

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4), running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) in the huddle in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are currently the best team in the league, but that doesn’t stop us from taking a look at the 2017 NFL Draft and who they may target to ensure long-term success…

With the Dallas Cowboys 11-1 and sitting atop the NFL rankings, they have become the first team in the league to clinch a spot in the playoffs. They are led by two rookies, QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott, who have transcended rookie norms and become the driving force behind America’s Team.

Elliott is the league’s leading rusher and appears to be a leader in the MVP race, while Prescott has garnered nationwide attention and is primed for every offensive award the NFL has to offer. Both highlight a Cowboys draft class that appears to be one of the best in recent memory.

Despite the success of these rookies, and the Cowboys in general, issues still remain that will need to be addressed in order to sustain long-term success. Mainly on defense, an extended focus on pass rush and the secondary could prove to be another building block in the journey to a dynasty in Dallas.

In this mock draft, we present a possible scenario where Dallas can bolster their roster while also addressing needed positions. With the 32nd (hopefully) pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) carries up the field against LSU Tigers defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

O.J. Howard

TE, Alabama

Entering the draft, you can be the Dallas Cowboys will be focused on defense. Their lack of pass rush and inability to create turnovers has put a ton of pressure on the offense to perform and prevents this team from being as balanced as they’d prefer. While Jerry Jones & Co. will look for these prospects early and often, the new regime has never reached for a player of need, opting for talent and value. There could be a run on pass rushers and cornerbacks early in the draft, forcing Dallas to look at alternatives. Tight end may not appears as a pressing need, but seeing how much this offense relies on them, finding Jason Wittens future replacement will be crucial. Witten is still playing at a high level, but Gavin Escobar has vastly underwhelmed and everyone else has yet to set themselves apart. O.J. Howard is easily the top in this class and a tremendous value at the back-end of the first round. Howard is a very talented and developed blocker, something that will immediately intrigue the Cowboys, but his size and athleticism will bring another dynamic piece to the Cowboys offense. While some may groan due to the lack of flash this pick brings, just know that Howard is worth this pick.Next: Second Round Pick

Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Solomon Thomas

DE, Stanford

The Cowboys’ lack of pass rush has been well-documented and displayed. Despite the defense playing well as a whole, it is a necessity for Dallas to get better at that position. In the second round, they find tremendous value in Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas. While his draft stock fluctuates, there is a strong possibility he is available when Dallas comes on the clock. Thomas’ size (6’3″, 275) allows him to be versatile as illustrated by his play all over the Cardinals defensive line. Thomas has the strength to bull rush while flashing the speed to get around the edge. He is a smart, tough football player and character-wise is “the right kind of guy”, who will fit right in to the environment Jason Garrett has established for the Cowboys.Next: Third Round Pick

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) rushes on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) and causes a fumble in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Chidobe Awuzie

DB, Colorado

Morris Claiborne is a free agent after this season and it’s unclear whether Dallas will dedicate the cap space to keep him, considering the other pending free agents and possible extension for Zack Martin. Regardless, finding improved depth will be critical and Colorado cornerback Chidobe Awuzie would be a nice addition. At 6’0″, 190 lbs, Awuize possesses the size and length of today’s NFL corners. While some may question the level of talent he faced in college, there’s no doubting his natural coverage ability and the potential he possesses in the right situation.Next: Fourth Round Pick

Nov 19, 2016; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Zay Jones (7) gets ready for a play during the third quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Navy defeated East Carolina 66-31. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Zay Jones

Wide Receiver, East Carolina

Wide receiver is one of the heavier roster changes we will see entering the offseason, as both Terrance Williams and Brice Butler will be free agents at the conclusion of the season. While both have flashed, it is uncertain who, if either, the Cowboys will choose to pay and if they will have the room to prevent teams from signing them away. This puts wide receiver towards the top of the list of positional needs. To find additional pieces, Dallas may head to familiar territory in East Carolina (Dwayne Harris was drafted from here). Zay Jones has been ultra-productive (1,746 yards and 8 touchdowns) and at 6’1″, 197 lbs possesses the size to become a solid factor in this offense. While his route running may need some developing, the rest is there for Jones.

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