The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

IT is the last week in February, and so it’s not too soon for a NFL Mock Draft. Let’s see who the Cowboys like!

The team doesn’t have any regrets about the trade that brought Amari Cooper to town, but it will tie their hands slightly in April.

The Cowboys are also without a sixth-round pick due to the move for Bene Benwikere at the beginning of last season.

The loss of both selections makes it less likely that the Cowboys will try to make a big move up the draft board with only six picks.

Round 2: Zach Allen,

EDGE, Boston College

There was a time early in the season where it looked like Allen had a chance to be a first-round selection.

Sadly, he didn’t enjoy a great final season at Boston College, but when you watch him on tape it’s easy to see how his game will effectively translate to the next level.

The one question about Allen’s game is whether or not he has enough athleticism to really rush the passer consistently against top-tier NFL tackles.

The effort is obviously there, he plays the game the right away.

However, he lacks exceptional bend and speed around the corner.

On the other hand, he does project to be a solid player against the run. He can set a physical edge and turn plays back inside.

That makes him well suited to be a DE2, but he shouldn’t be drafted with the idea that he’s going to be the Cowboys’ premier edge rusher.

Round 3: Dax Raymond,

TE, Utah State

Dax Raymond might not be a name you’re familiar with.

But please make no mistake about it, the Utah State tight end has a chance to become a really solid NFL player.

Raymond doesn’t show a ton of physicality in the run game on field.

He’s a classic H-back.

What Raymond does show on film is the ability to run intermediate routes down the field to bother opposing secondaries.

The Cowboys really need to add at the tight end position.

The Rico Gathers experiment is apparently over!

So Raymond makes sense here. It might take him a year or two to develop into a consistent starter, but the Cowboys can afford to be somewhat patient.

Plus, Dak to Dax touchdown definitely has a ring to it.

Round 4: Daylon Mack,

DT, Texas A&M

Mack arrived in College Station with a lot of expectations as a five-star recruit.

He was an impactful player during his career with the Aggies, but he never developed into the player he was projected to be.

There’s still a lot to like about the 6-foot, 320-pound interior lineman.

He’s not going to rush the passer at an elite level, but he should be able to plug up the middle right away.

That’s going to push his draft stock down some, but the Cowboys should jump on the chance to take him in Round 4, and he’s a player that can push Maliek Collins and Antwaun Woods for playing time right away.

Finding a player of this calibre on day three of the draft would be a coup for the Cowboys.

Round 5: Beau Benzschawel, OL, Wisconsin

The Cowboys were plagued by injuries to every portion of the offensive line.

In particular, the interior group really was hit hard.

There’s a lot of optimism that Travis Frederick can return and enjoy a healthy 2019 season.

But Dallas should acquire a little depth late in the draft for insurance purposes.

Benzschawel isn’t going to develop into a Pro Bowler anytime soon, but he can push strong defensive tackles out-of-the-way on running plays.

That’s enough upside to shoot for in Round 5 of the draft.

Round 6: Traded for

Bene Benwikere

Round 7: Mike Bell,

S, Fresno St

Finding a guy in round 7 who shows multiple quality skills that should translate to the next level makes for a great selection.

Bell’s ability to use his length to knock balls away in the final third of routes is impressive.

If the Cowboys are lucky enough to snag a player of his calibre this late in the draft they should celebrate in the War Room.

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