Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: 5 Bold Predictions For The 2017 NFL Draft

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:05 a.m. ET

Fansided, Gil Alcaraz IV/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

If these bold predictions are any indication of how the Dallas Cowboys approach the 2017 NFL Draft, we'll be in for a treat next weekend.

In just a few days, the 2017 NFL Draft will get under way. Coming off a 13-3 season that fell flat in the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys will be rearing for an opportunity to make a few key upgrades to their roster in hopes of solidifying their contender status.

However, with their picks falling towards the end of each round, it's going to be all the more important for the Cowboys to be smart with who they select. Either that, or they should just go bold with their picks and hope for the best. It's not like they need all seven of their current choices to turn into superstars.

Following along with the "bold" theme, I've decided to put together a few predictions for the Cowboys. These push the limits of logic, instead focusing on addressing Dallas' needs in whatever way necessary. Or, in some cases, simply making a move that would otherwise be deemed out of the ordinary.

Realistically, it's all speculation at this point anyway. No one outside of the organization knows what the Cowboys will do on draft day. All we can do is make predictions and pretend like we have any clue what the club's plan of attack is.

So here they are — my five bold predictions for the Cowboys during the 2017 NFL Draft. Just remember that these aren't meant to be taken too seriously. Instead, take them for what they are and understand that predictions are nothing more than educated guesses.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cowboys Forced to Trade Up For Edge Rusher

It's no secret the Cowboys are looking to add an edge rusher during the 2017 NFL Draft. However, with only so many worthy of first-round consideration, it may not be easy for Dallas to get what it wants at No. 28 overall.

More from NFL Spin Zone

That could force the Cowboys to move up in order to acquire a pass rusher that fits their need. If that does end up being the case, I could see them targeting someone such as Tarrakist McKinley or Charles Harris. Luckily, I wouldn't see some monumental move up the order as a necessity — maybe just a few picks to leapfrog another team interested in upgrading the edge.

With such a small move, though, Dallas shouldn't be forced to part with too many assets. They could even opt to part with a 2018 draft pick in order to keep their current slew of picks intact. At this point, though, Jerry Jones and Co. need to do whatever is necessary to ensure the team's standing among the best in the NFC in 2017.

Grabbing a first-round pass rusher would certainly fit the bill when it comes to a "necessary" move. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, that means parting with other picks in order to get the guy they want. If drafting McKinley is the end result, though, it'll be a worthwhile investment.

Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dallas Grabs Wide Receiver in Round 2

We all know about the star of the show when it comes to the Dallas receivers. Dez Bryant is a freak of nature, and he has no problem shoving that fact in the face of anyone who is unfortunate enough to take him on.

Unfortunately, the depth behind him is far from impressive. Even after re-signing Terrance Williams this offseason, I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys targeted a pass catcher early during the 2017 NFL Draft. In fact, I'm predicting they'll do exactly that with the selection of Curtis Samuel in the second round.

The drafting of Samuel is about more than just adding depth at wide receiver, though. The offensive sparkplug is a nightmare for opposing defenses, bringing Percy Harvin-type talents to the table. He can excel at receiver, make plays out of the backfield or even put points on the board as a return man. Put simply, he does everything with a rare type of playmaking ability.

If Dak Prescott is to avoid the sophomore slump, the Cowboys need to surround him with as many weapons as possible. Samuel not only provides Ezekiel Elliott with a dangerous third-down complement, but he also gives the young quarterback a deadly target to throw to.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Teez Tabor Slides to Dallas in Round 3

Right now, Dallas could use a boost at cornerback. The losses of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne via free agency hurt, leaving the Cowboys in a hole at the position in terms of starting-caliber talent. Hence, the selection of a top prospect in the third round.

It gets better when you consider Teez Tabor was once seen as a potential first-round pick. However, after things went poorly at the NFL Combine, we could very well see him slide — especially considering the abundance of cornerback talent in the 2017 draft class. In this hypothetical situation, though, it turns out to be a blessing in disguise for Dallas.

Thanks to poor workout numbers and even worse interviews, Tabor has watched his stock tank. As we've seen in the past, though, the Cowboys aren't afraid to gamble on potential stars. They did so with Randy Gregory after his disastrous slide a couple of years ago. Why not roll the dice again with Tabor, who doesn't have the same type of character concerns?

It would be an excellent addition for Dallas, especially near the end of the third round. Tabor is a cocky, instinctive cornerback who has proven he make big plays when given the opportunity. Assuming he can get his head on straight, I don't see why the Florida product won't shine for the Cowboys.

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

2. Another Quarterback is Added in Fourth Round

By most accounts, quarterback is far from a significant need for the Cowboys. However, after looking at their depth chart, it's clear they could use another high-upside arm on the roster. Let's be honest — having only Kellen Moore behind Prescott isn't ideal.

So why not spend a mid-round pick on a quality quarterback prospect? There's a decent chance someone such as Brad Kaaya could still be on the board, and that's the player I'm predicting Dallas will draft. Could the Cowboys possibly strike gold in the fourth round for the second year in a row?

I don't see why not. Kaaya is an excellent signal caller who spent his entire career at Miami (FL) shredding opposing ACC secondaries. Although there are some concerns about his accuracy and instincts, the former Hurricane has the tools to be a playmaker at the next level. We have to remember that Prescott had several question marks coming into last year's draft.

Moore is a cheap, capable backup who can keep the Dallas offense afloat. However, Kaaya could up the ante as the No. 2 quarterback with the potential to develop into a trade chip down the line. It's a small price to pay for another potential-laden gunslinger who can significantly upgrade the depth on this roster.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1. Cowboys Trade Alfred Morris For Sixth-Round Pick

We all know the Cowboys have plenty of talent at running back. Between Elliott and Darren McFadden, they really don't need another capable starter on the roster. So why not send Alfred Morris elsewhere and get some late-round draft assets in return?

There was talk earlier in the offseason about Morris being traded. As you can probably guess, though, there wasn't much interest throughout the league for a one-dimensional runner with limited upside. However, once the well starts to dry up during the 2017 NFL Draft, I wouldn't be surprised to see some team get desperate for help at running back.

That's when the Cowboys will have the opportunity to pounce. By trading Morris, they rid themselves of the $2.137 million they owe him for 2017, and open a door for some young runners to get a shot in training camp. More than anything, Dallas unloads a solid running back who would likely spend most of the season wearing a clean jersey.

Especially after having to trade up on Day 1, the Cowboys could use an influx of late-round picks. The pick gives them an opportunity to add a potential contributor while saving some money and letting Morris try to keep his career alive elsewhere.