With the 2020 NFL draft a little less than two weeks away, it’s the perfect time to take another stab at predicting each Dallas Cowboys draft selection.

As always, we will be using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Simulator to keep things as realistic as possible; therefore, if you’re upset a player is available at an unrealistic spot, then take it up with TDN — we are just making the best possible selections with the available players at each pick.

With that in mind, let’s dive into our penultimate Cowboys seven-round mock draft (the final one will publish draft week):

Round 1, Pick 17: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

While many Cowboys fans are hoping Florida’s CJ Henderson falls to pick No. 17, South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw is a darn good consolation prize.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds with massive 34 7/8-inch arms, Kinlaw is a giant human being who was built to destroy opposing offensive lines. Last season, Kinlaw’s dominance wasn’t adequately captured by traditional stats, as 35 tackles, six for loss, and six sacks aren’t truly indicative of Kinlaw’s play.

Kinlaw is the true embodiment of “disruption equals production,” as he was consistently wreaking havoc in opposing backfields before teammates would finish the job. Kinlaw utilized his size and absurd power to bludgeon opposing blockers with heavy strikes, which enabled Kinlaw to consistently reset the line of scrimmage against single blocks.

I think it's understandable to question why Javon Kinlaw doesn't have more sack production, but also I studied 3 games and saw at least 10 plays that were THIS close to being sacks. Here's 7 of them: pic.twitter.com/utga9hzTPR — Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) March 5, 2020

Kinlaw’s power at the point of engagement is only exacerbated by his heavy hands, which rock blockers on contact with consistency. Kinlaw does an excellent job playing through a blocker’s pads, using heavy clubs, bullrushes, snatches and slingshots to control and manipulate the weight distribution and balance of opposing linemen.

Even though power is the name of Kinlaw’s game, he does possess ample finesse as a counter. Kinlaw’s lateral quickness is surprising given his size, and in coordination with heavy hands, it helped Kinlaw amass the second-highest pass-rush win rate (18.1%) in this class among interior defenders, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Unfortunately, the real reason for Kinlaw’s lack of production in traditional terms is inefficient footwork and hand technique. Kinlaw has a nasty habit of false stepping out of his stance, which causes him to lose gap integrity and leverage upfront. Kinlaw’s base also has a tendency to narrow, making him susceptible to being displaced against angle blocks and horizontal double teams. It’s a big reason why Kinlaw projects better as a three-technique defensive tackle rather than a nose tackle.

Moreover, given his size, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Kinlaw’s pad level tends to swell for stretches throughout games, which can drain his power on contact. Kinlaw’s strike mechanics can be inconsistent too, as his elbow can flare out, leading to more power drain issues when engaged.

Still, even with those technical inefficiencies, Kinlaw was a dominant force who did his best against the highest caliber of competition. Alabama possesses one of the best offensive lines in the country, but Kinlaw gave them fits all afternoon.

If Kinlaw can clean up his technical inefficiencies, he has the ability to be a dominant force in the NFL, and Cowboys defensive line coach Jim Tomsula is the perfect candidate to maximize Kinlaw’s skill set. While the interior defensive line was arguably the weakest unit on Dallas’ defense, Kinlaw’s presence can turn the interior defensive line into a strength for the Cowboys moving forward.

Round 2, Pick 51: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

If the Cowboys strike out on cornerback in the first round, then they are left to pray that there’s a good one available in the second round, as the hope is that one of talented fringe-first round cornerbacks (Clemson’s AJ Terrell, Auburn Noah Igbinoghene, Utah’s Jaylon Johnson, LSU’s Kristian Fulton, Alabama’s Trevon Diggs and TCU’s Jeff Gladney) is available at pick No. 51.

Luckily for the Cowboys, Alabama’s Trevon Diggs was available in this simulation, giving the Cowboys a bonafide boundary cornerback of the future.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds with 90th percentile length (32 3/4-inch arms), Diggs possesses prototypical size and length to go with a bully mindset at the line of scrimmage.

Diggs uses his length to disrupt a receiver’s release at the line of scrimmage and the timing of his routes. He’s comfortable using two- and off-hand jams, which gives him the ability to change up his approach and keep receivers guessing at the line of scrimmage.

It's a shame that this play was invalidated because of an illegal substitution. Alabama CB Trevon Diggs does a great job sinking to defend the corner route. Doesn't get too hung on the underneath stuff. Very nice. pic.twitter.com/xAxbo0u6N3 — John Owning (@JohnOwning) April 1, 2020

Outside of his press ability at the line of scrimmage, Diggs is most comfortable in zone coverage, where his football intelligence truly shines. Despite his inexperience at the position — he started his college career at wide receiver before transitioning to cornerback in 2017 — Diggs processes information from zone coverage like a veteran. Diggs doesn’t get fooled by route combinations and shows awesome anticipation when the QB is in his line of sight.

Diggs tends to get in trouble in man coverage where he’s forced to turn his back to the QB. This is where Diggs’ inexperience comes to play, as he often looks uncomfortable playing the ball with his back turned toward the QB. Moreover, Diggs’ lack of deep speed comes into play here, as faster receivers can separate from the Alabama product when he can’t disrupt the route at the line of scrimmage. This is a big reason why Nick Saban, who typically favors single-high safety coverages, played a higher frequency of two-high coverages, as he appeared fearful of getting beat deep on vertical routes outside the numbers.

Because of this, the Cowboys wouldn’t be drafting Diggs for what he is now, but instead for what he can become down the road, as Diggs’ profile is dripping with upside. If Diggs can become more effective in pure man coverage, then he will prove to be a steal for the Cowboys in the second round.

Round 3, Pick 82: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming

While there are more glaring needs elsewhere, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys look to improve their LB corps in the middle of the draft, and one of the better mid-round options this year is Wyoming’s Logan Wilson.

The Cowboys have shown a good amount of interest in Wilson through this unique pre-draft process. According to the NFL Network’s Bobby Belt, Wilson had a formal visit with Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy at the NFL combine and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan spent a lot of time with him at his Wyoming pro day (Wyoming was one of the only schools able to put on a pro day before the COVID-19 pandemic).

Turn on Wilson’s film and it’s easy to see why the Cowboys are so interested in the Wyoming product, as he truly stands out among the small-school competition. Wilson was incredibly productive for four years at Wyoming, posting four straight seasons with 90-plus tackles and seven-plus tackles for loss on top of accumulating 14 PBUs and 10 INTs during his collegiate career.

Wilson is a good athlete with impressive instincts for the position, which is why he was constantly around the ball during his college career. Moreover, Wilson appears comfortable at taking on and defeating lead blockers, which is a big reason why Wilson projects favorably to a Sam LB role in Dallas’ presumed 4-3 defense.

Wyoming LB Logan Wilson can play. Well-rounded skill set, as he's effective against the run, when blitzing and in zone coverage. As a converted safety, Wilson was highly productive in pass coverage, posting 4 INTs and 7 PBUs in 2019. pic.twitter.com/zcTOAmCBBm — John Owning (@JohnOwning) April 9, 2020

In coverage, Wilson is extremely effective in zone coverage where he displays impressive anticipation and spatial awareness. Wilson trusts his eyes, as he has a habit of making plus-breaks on passes, which is a big reason why his ball production was so high despite being an LB.

Wilson is also an effective blitzer. Although he’s not the type who is going to utilize a slick pass-rush move to beat an offensive lineman one-on-one, Wilson is extremely effective at generating pressure when he gets a one-on-one with an RB in pass protection, making him extremely effective on “green dog” blitzes, where a defender rushes the QB once his man coverage responsibility stays in to pass protect (above clip).

Man coverage is largely a question mark at this point, as Wilson didn’t have many snaps where he played with his back to the ball. Luckily, he shouldn’t have to do that much initially anyway, so he will have ample time to improve his comfort in man coverage once he gets to the NFL.

Ultimately, Wilson would be a solid selection to deepen Dallas’ LB corps. Given than Sean Lee and Joe Thomas struggled a bit when deployed at the Sam LB position, Wilson could slide into a decent-sized role on defense. Moreover, Wilson’s size, speed and temperament should lend themselves well to special teams — an area where Wilson should immediately thrive in the NFL.

Round 4, Pick 123: Bradlee Anae, DE, Utah

Athleticism matters, especially at the defensive end position. However, the fourth round is the ideal spot to take a chance on someone such as Utah’s Bradlee Anae.

Typically, teams wouldn’t want to touch someone who tested into the 11th percentile among NFL edge defenders with a 10-foot pole, which is likely why Anae was still available in the fourth round in this simulation (the sixth percentile arm length isn’t helping either). However, Anae’s technique, footwork and pass-rush intelligence are too much to pass on at a position of need this late in the draft.

Tough to overstate how effective Utah's Bradlee Anae was as a pass-rusher during the Senior Bowl. Manipulative footwork on top of violent, accurate and timely hands. pic.twitter.com/lUkg22VIb3 — John Owning (@JohnOwning) April 12, 2020

If you have any questions as to Anae’s ability to transition to the NFL, just go look at his dominance during the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he accumulated three sacks and five other pressures on just 16 snaps, meaning Anae had a sack or a pressure on one out of every two pass-rush snaps against the best senior offensive linemen this class has to offer.

Despite being a likely mid-rounder, Anae has some of the most developed pass-rush hand technique and footwork in this class. Anae is equally capable of winning with his first or second move, as Anae will seamlessly sequence his hand technique in an effort to clear the blocker’s hands and hands, showing off the coordination between his hands and feet.

If a player lacks athleticism as a pass-rusher in the NFL, it’s paramount that he has the hand technique, footwork and knowledge of rush angles to compensate, which Anae has in full.

Love the initial footwork from Bradlee Anae to maintain his gap integrity, which prevents him from being hooked by 73. This enables him to penetrate the backside B-gap behind the pulling LG and help finish the tackle behind the LOS.



Also, Fotu 👀 pic.twitter.com/25DQ1KsMrw — John Owning (@JohnOwning) February 24, 2020

Anae’s technical savvy translates to the run game, as he does an excellent job maintaining his gap integrity with his initial footwork on top of playing with the appropriate leverage and base to set an edge in the run game.

Unfortunately, despite his technical savvy, Anae can get overwhelmed by double teams and more powerful run blockers, as his lack of length can be evident in his inability to play with enough extension to get bigger blockers off his frame. Moreover, Anae’s lack of athleticism really hurts him when teams are able to isolate him in space, and NFL teams will likely look to take advantage of that with zone reads aimed at isolating Anae in space.

Because of this, Anae projects most favorably as a pass-rush specialist initially, as he will need to bulk up a bit before he can be trusted against the run.

Round 5, Pick 164: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas

It was surprising to still see Texas’ Devin Duvernay still available in the fifth round during this simulation, but the rest of the NFL’s loss is the Cowboys’ gain at this point, as they secure an exciting slot option on Day 3.

Listed at 5-10 and 200 pounds, Duvernay is a bowling ball who does his best work with the ball in his hands in space. Duvernay ran an unsophisticated route tree at Texas. A lot of production was schemed up through screens and quick-hitters in the passing game.

Remember when Devin Duvernay was snubbed from the major postseason awards?



His highlight reel tonight against Utah: pic.twitter.com/B7P1r58rk1 — Jake García (@Jake_M_Garcia) January 1, 2020

For what Duvernay lacks as a route runner, he makes up for in ball skills during contested-catch situations. Duvernay possesses impressive body control and strong hands to haul in tough catches in traffic, as he went 8-for-11 in contested catch situations 10+ yards downfield, per PFF.

Duvernay has an intriguing blend of power and elusiveness with the ball in his hands, which is a big reason why he broke 25 tackles in 2019 — fifth-most among WRs with at least 50 targets, per PFF. This blend makes Duvernay extremely potent when he’s schemed touches in space, which is why Duvernay would be the perfect candidate to replace Tavon Austin’s role on jet sweeps and bubble screens in the Cowboys offense.

Ultimately, Duvernay’s playmaking skill set would enable him to be a more powerful version of Tavon Austin’s role in the Cowboys offense last season with the hope that he can grow into Randall Cobb’s role as the every-down slot option as he becomes a more refined route runner.

Round 5, Pick 179: Tanner Muse, S, Clemson

While the Cowboys re-signed Darian Thompson and signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in free agency, the Cowboys don’t possess anyone with a traditional box safety skill set, which is where Tanner Muse enters the equation.

Listed 6-2 and 227 pounds, Muse is a giant safety whose size and play style could enable him to even transition to LB if need be in the NFL. Nevertheless, one thing is for certain whether he plays linebacker or safety, Muse’s best play tends to come from the box, as his size, linear athleticism and football IQ enable him to be effective from the shallow alignments in the box.

Tanner Muse is too stiff to play deep, but a hybrid LB role where he takes RBs, TEs, and handles underneath zones could work for him.



Playing in the middle of cover-2. Following Burrow's eyes to Justin Jefferson's over route & runs underneath it. Burrow takes a sack. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/oB7REfZK2U — Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 8, 2020

In coverage, Muse gets in trouble versus shiftier backs and wide receivers, but he tends to hold up well against the slow-footed tight ends, as Muse has the size and physicality to combat tight ends and limit separation in coverage. He’s capable in short-to-intermediate zones, where his football IQ stands out, as he can read the QB’s eyes and relate to receivers entering his zone.

I can’t stop thinking about how incredible and important this play by Tanner Muse was. Not only did it keep Clemson within striking distance, but it gave them momentum. There was a lot of big plays in the game, but this in my opinion was the biggest. #OSUvsCLEM pic.twitter.com/FF12n8EgtQ — Ben Parsons (@BenParsons7) December 29, 2019

On top of that, Muse’s motor never runs cold, as he’s been known to limit big runs by chasing down ball carriers from behind.

Ultimately, Muse’s biggest NFL impact will likely come on special teams, where his effort, physicality and tackling ability will be on full display. If drafted, there’s no question that he will become one of special teams coordinator John Fassel’s favorite players.

Round 7, Pick 231: Luqman Barcoo, DB, San Diego State

In the seventh round, teams are just looking for traits to take a chance on. Well, how about a 6′ 1″ DB with 32-inch arms who led all of college football in interceptions (9) and passes defensed (16) in 2019?

San Diego State’s Luqman Barcoo is one of the most intriguing late-round sleepers in this class, and he could provide Dallas when a DB to groom for the future, whether that’s on the backend of the roster or on the practice squad. In 2019, Barcoo was voted a third-team All-American and first-team All-Mountain West on top of being a Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back) semifinalist.

San Diego State's Luqman Barcoo is an intriguing late-round DB in this class. Plays predominately off-coverage and shows well from a half-turn. Some deep speed concerns and he's still raw in his transitions, but at 6-1 with 32-inch arms, there's enough to take a chance on imo. pic.twitter.com/6jTQT5OMRK — John Owning (@JohnOwning) April 12, 2020

Barcoo played predominately in off-zone coverage at San Diego State, where he showcased impressive anticipation skills, which led to his phenomenal ball production during his senior season. He’s extremely comfortable playing from a half-turn, as it puts him in position to drive forward or gain depth on the route concepts headed his way. He does an excellent job of maintaining his presnap leverage from off coverage, which puts him in position to anticipate and blanket breaking routes from depth.

Moreover, as his production can attest, Barcoo possesses likable ball skills to contest the catch point.

Barcoo is thin and can get overwhelmed by blockers, but he's not afraid to throw his weight around in run support. With more size and more assertive hands against blocks, I can see him developing nicely here. pic.twitter.com/xAla8nk0lz — John Owning (@JohnOwning) April 12, 2020

Barcoo is rail-thin (listed at 180 pounds) but that doesn’t stop him from throwing his weight around in the run game. He does need to add some bulk to better take on blocks and be more physical at the tackle point, but the willingness is there, which is exactly what you want to see from a thin college CB.

Unfortunately, Barcoo is still extremely raw for the position. Barcoo’s transitions are choppy, causing him drift upfield and be slow when changing direction in coverage. Moreover, he likes patience and often gives soft edges in press coverage. The biggest concern regarding Barcoo is his deep speed, as he allowed a few small-school receivers to create deep separation on vertical routes. If Barcoo is forced into action early in his NFL career for some reason, defensive coordinators will need to provide him with safety help over the top in an effort to limit vertical shots vs Barcoo.

Given his frame, comfort in off-zone coverage, struggles in man coverage and ability to provide run support, many think Barcoo’s best position in the NFL is at free safety. However, he will need to bulk up significantly before there’s any thought to playing him at the safety position.

Nevertheless, Barcoo is exactly the kind of prospect worth taking on shot on in the seventh round, as he has the frame, zone coverage profile and ball production that is worth developing over the next couple of years.

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