Dallas Cowboys

REDIRECT::2017 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Final 7-Round Mock Draft With Trades

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:25 a.m. ET

Fansided, Jimmy Long/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (25) sacks Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 2017 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, so we take a look at who the Dallas Cowboys might add with our final seven-round mock draft.

The Dallas Cowboys were the surprise no one saw coming a year ago. When Tony Romo went down and Dak Prescott was forced into action, no one could've foreseen that he'd be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. After going 13-3, though, the Cowboys now have a plethora of needs to fill in the 2017 NFL Draft if they're to try and replicate their success.

Never one's to not make headlines, the Cowboys are going to kick off this seven-round mock draft with a trade, so let's get straight into the action.

The San Francisco 49ers opted not to go with a quarterback with their first round selection, which leaves a huge void under center for them. Luckily, Patrick Mahomes started sliding and made it all the way to No. 28.

So, the Dallas Cowboys get on the phone and hold the 49ers hostage for two picks. Dallas has to back out of the first round, so they get a little extra value for skipping out on a fifth-year option. San Francisco parts with their second and third round choices and snags their quarterback.

Armed with four picks in the top 100, Cowboys are ready to make a splash. With heavy needs on the defensive side of the ball, Jerry Jones and the front office must be smart with their picks. Filling team needs while not reaching is a tough task, but they've been very good at it recently.

So, without any further ado, let's jump into the second round (since Dallas traded away their lone first rounder) and officially get this final seven-round mock draft for the Dallas Cowboys underway.

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (25) breaks up a pass to Oklahoma Sooners tight end Mark Andrews (81) during the second quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2, Pick 2: Cordrea Tankersley, CB – Clemson

With no premium edge rushers on the board, the Dallas Cowboys choose to address their vacant secondary with their first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Cordrea Tankersley fills a need, and is one of the best players remaining on the board. Not to mention, Dallas is very comfortable making this selection as they previously hosted the former Clemson Tiger on an official 30-visit.

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At 6-1 with 32-inch arms, the National Champion corner has the size that Will McClay and the Cowboys front office covet. On top of that, he also champions great speed on the field, running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Tankersley still has some room to improve technique-wise, but his playmaking ability speaks for itself. He grabbed nine interceptions in his final two seasons at Clemson. The Cowboys would gladly take half that production.

Round 2, Pick 28: ArDarius Stewart, WR – Alabama

Wide receiver isn't a need for the Dallas Cowboys, so this is truly a best player available argument. Some people may have Stewart graded lower than this, but I love the way this guy plays. He's a little small for an outside receiver, measuring in at 5-11, but that doesn't stop him from making big plays.

Stewart is the definition of the burner. He ran a 4.49-second 40 at the Combine, but on tape he plays much faster. He runs sharp routes, and is very dangerous with the ball in his hands. I consider him to be an upgrade over Terrance Williams.

Not to mention, with Brice Butler only a one-year deal, the Cowboys could stand to add a younger receiver. With his speed and elusiveness, he could make a living early on returning kicks. At Alabama, he was frequently used on jet sweeps, so he's a perfect candidate to take Lucky Whitehead's job.

Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Leon Allen (33) is stopped by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) down the field during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3, Pick 2: Sidney Jones, CB – Washington

Here we go again. The Dallas Cowboys use their extra third round selection obtained from the San Francisco trade to select another redshirt player. Some of you reading this are probably moaning and groaning about this pick, but with the recent good news concerning Jaylon Smith's recovery, Jerry Jones is more than happy to pull the trigger on another one of these guys.

Before his Achilles injury, Sidney Jones was a first-round lock. He was the best player in a loaded Washington secondary, and he'll fit right in with Dallas. Whenever he is available to play, Dallas is getting a first-round player at a third-round price.

Round 3, Pick 28: Xavier Woods, SS – Louisiana Tech

This pick may be a bit of a reach, but the Dallas Cowboys need help at safety. Free-agent signee Robert Blanton isn't going to scare any opposing offenses, so the Cowboys grab a thumper that will.

What Xavier Woods brings to the table is very similar to what former-Cowboy Barry Church brought to the table. He isn't the greatest in coverage, but he can hit. He misses a few more tackles than you would like, but that is easily corrected.

Woods makes plays on the ball as well, something sorely needed in the Dallas secondary. Through his starting career, he grabbed 14 interceptions, on top of forcing six fumbles. The Cowboys could use a playmaker like Woods and they are happy to add him.

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans offensive tackle Zach Banner (73) reacts during the 103rd Rose Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4, Pick 26: Zach Banner, G/T – USC

The Dallas Cowboys didn't envision needing an offensive tackle when the offseason began. But, with the news of Doug Free's potential retirement, tackle moved up a few spots on the need board.

So, to offset that loss, Dallas grabs Zach Banner from USC at the end of the fourth round. During his college career he played right tackle, but some draft experts are projecting him to slide inside to guard in the pros due to technique issues.

Luckily, Dallas has great players and coaches to mentor Banner and help him correct his technique. They also don't need him to play right away. After signing Byron Bell in free agency, the Cowboys are able to play a game without a huge void at tackle. Consider this a developmental pick with the likelihood of Banner starting in the 2018 season and beyond.

Before we move on to the next round, we have another trade to call in. Dallas didn't have any picks in Round 5, but when they went on the clock in Round 6, Washington called.

The Dallas Cowboys turn one late pick into two, and now head into the seventh round with four selections.

Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) is brought down by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Darius English (5) and South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Dante Sawyer (95) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7 Pick 2: Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE – Florida

The Dallas Cowboys have yet to address their need for a pass rusher, but that changes starting now. Muhammad is a project to say the least. He was suspended once in his college career and hasn't player football since 2015. The Cowboys are taking a gamble on potential here without expecting much in return. With a fairly complete roster, they have the luxury to do that.

Round 7, Pick 10: Darius English, DE – South Carolina

Again, the Cowboys gamble on a late-round edge rusher. English has the size you want from an edge rusher, at 6-5, but could stand to add more weight. The only complaint here is he lacks a variety of pass rush moves. Rod Marinelli should be able to mold this very raw player into a servicable pass rusher for the Cowboys. Hopefully, he could become something even better.

Round 7 Pick 17: Aaron Jones, RB – UTEP

The Cowboys bolster their running-back depth here, making Alfred Morris expendable. Aaron Jones is a guy who could fill the Lance Dunbar role. He projects best as a change-of-pace back, who has the potential to be highly productive in limited snaps.

Round 7 Pick 28: Gareon Conley, CB – Ohio State

After being accused of rape, which he denies (per TMZ), Conley is likely going undrafted. But with the extra seventh round picks, the Cowboys take a chance on Conley taking him on his claims that he isn't guilty. Worst case, they waste a pick that was a crapshoot at best. Best case, they get a first-round caliber player with one of the last picks in the draft.