The Dallas Cowboys are without three more selections in the 2023 NFL Draft after making win-now trades for veterans Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore.
These two moves will help in the short term. But it’s now up to owner Jerry Jones and Co. to find other immediate contributors in the draft as they look to keep their Super Bowl window open.
Before diving into our Cowboys mock draft, here’s a rundown of Dallas’ draft picks and needs in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated 2023 NFL mock draft
Here is a list of the Dallas Cowboys’ draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our Cowboys mock draft.
Related: Dallas Cowboys 2023 NFL free agency grade
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could use some help in his hybrid 3-4 scheme. The Cowboys’ preference would to be add an immediate starter-caliber player who can suit up at multiple positions.
Bresee fits this mold big time. He can play the 5-tech and line up with his head down opposite tackles. Last season with Clemson, the 6-foot-5, 298-pound lineman recorded 17 quarterback hurries, four hits and three sacks. He has only helped himself during the pre-draft process, too. This would a home run pick for Dallas.
The loss of Dalton Schultz in NFL free agency hurts Dallas big time. Primarily, he was a go-to target for quarterback Dak Prescott on third downs. While the ‘Boys like what they have in youngsters Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they exhausted a high pick on this position.
LaPorta comes from “TE U” and displayed flashes of brilliance for Iowa as a senior last season. That included catching 58 passes for 657 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, he also broke an absurd 20 tackles. Imagine him lining up with CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks on offense. That’s lethal.
Related: Updated 2023 NFL Draft rumors
Even after acquiring the aforementioned Cooks in a trade with the Houston Texans, wide receiver is still a mid-round priority for the Cowboys. Here, they pick up a talented youngster in Dell who has received rave reviews during the pre-draft process.
Dell (5-foot-8 and 165 pounds) seemingly fits Dallas’ need for a slot guy. He caught 108 passes for 1,309 yards and 17 touchdowns last season for Houston. He could initially be an offensive weapon in the mold of someone like Deebo Samuel while lining up all of the field, including the backfield. He brings short-area quickness to the table and is electric with the ball in his hands.
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