You may have forgotten with all of the coronavirus stuff going on right now, but the 2020 NFL Draft is now just a few weeks away. Before you know it Draft Day will be here and the Dallas Cowboys will be on the clock. But, who will they draft?
Unfortunately, we don't have the answer to that. With Pro days, pre-draft visits, and private workouts all but being shut down because of the coronavirus we don't have the normal information about potential Dallas Cowboys targets like we usually do. We can of course speculate, but I thought I'd share with you my personal “pet cats” instead.
Back in January I shared with you my way-too-early “pet cats” for the Dallas Cowboys and I thought I'd share with you my final version today. Below I've identified one player from each position who I'd like to see end up with the Cowboys.
Let's take a look…
Bryce Perkins, QB, Virginia
Previous pick: Cole McDonald, Hawaii
Bryce Perkins is probably late round prospect or a priority free agent, but he's someone I'd really like the Dallas Cowboys to bring in as a developmental QB. There's a lot of talk around Cowboys Nation about drafting Jalen Hurts for that purpose, but Perkins provides the same kind of dual threat ability and skill set much later in the draft. He needs to improve his accuracy and learn to get through his progressions quicker, but he could be the future QB2 in a year or two.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis
Previous pick: Same
Antonio Gibson is the only player who I've carried over from back in January till now. If you've followed me at all throughout the draft process, you know I'm a big Gibson fan. I love the versatility he would bring to the Dallas Cowboys offense. I think he's a bigger, faster version of Tony Pollard. He would add much-needed depth at not only running back, but also at wide receiver. He'd also be a factor on special teams as well as a return specialist.
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Previous pick: Quartney Davis, Texas A&M
The 2020 WR draft class is without a doubt a deep one, but one of my favorite prospects for the Dallas Cowboys this year is Chase Claypool. His rare combination of size (6'4″, 238) and speed (4.42 40 yd dash) is something I think OC Kellen Moore and QB Dak Prescott would salivate over in the passing game. He could be Randall Cobb's replacement in the slot, play outside, or be utilized as a move tight end when/if needed.
Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
Previous pick: Cheyenne O'Grady, Arkansas
Dalton Keene has quickly become one of my favorite tight end prospects in the 2020 draft class. He was vastly underutilized during his time at Virginia Tech, despite playing a variety of roles on offense. He performed as an in-line blocker, a wingback, a slot receiver, a running back, a fullback, and even as a personal pass protector. His versatility is what I find really intriguing and I think he could carve himself out an offensive role with the Cowboys as a rookie.
Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
Previous pick: Mekhi Becton, Louisville
The Dallas Cowboys have their starting tackles in Tyron Smith and La'el Collins, but Saahdiq Charles is someone I like as the swing tackle and potential replacement for Smith down the road. At times he looks like a top OT prospect on film, but others he looks like in an undraftable player. He also has some off the field issues that need to be addressed as well. As a mid-round developmental prospect though the risk/reward is worth the gamble.
Keith Ismael, IOL, San Diego State
Previous pick: Robert Hunt, Louisiana
Keith Ismael is probably not a name many of you have heard of, but it's time to rectify that. He'll probably end up being a late-round draft pick or undrafted free agent, however I think he could end up being a steal. He has guard/center flexibility, although his best position is probably the latter. He is at best as a move blocker in a zone blocking scheme because he struggles a bit anchoring down against power. He provides much-needed depth on the interior with starting potential.
Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
Previous pick: Darrell Taylor, Tennessee
For all of you who are wanting the Dallas Cowboys to draft K'Lavon Chaisson in the first-round at 17, let me introduce you to Julian Okwara. Okwara is nearly identical to Chaisson as far as size and skill set is concerned, but unfortunately he's being criminally underrated in this year's EDGE draft class. With the risk the Cowboys are taking at RDE – Tyrone Crawford (2019 hip injury/surgery), Randy Gregory (suspended), Aldon Smith (suspended) – Okwara provides valuable insurance and much-needed depth.
Jordan Elliott, IDL, Missouri
Previous pick: Davon Hamilton, Ohio State
The Dallas Cowboys have been able to upgrade the defensive line with the free agent additions of Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe, but in no way should they stop there. If it was up to me, I'd do my best to draft Jordan Elliott to help add depth and upgrade the interior defensive line. He can play the one or three-technique, which could be invaluable down the road when injuries start to become a concern. I think he's going to have a long career and be a future star in the league.
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Previous pick: Patrick Queen, LSU
The Dallas Cowboys currently have the same group of linebackers under contract as he did in 2019, but that doesn't mean they won't target a LB at some point in the 2020 NFL Draft. If they do, Logan Wilson is a player to keep an eye on. They had a formal visit with him at the Combine and for good reason. Wilson is an up-and-coming LB prospect who reminds me a lot of 49ers LB Fred Warner. He has Day 1 starting potential, but would provide valuable depth as a rookie for the Cowboys.
Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Previous pick: Jeff Gladney, TCU
There are a lot of cornerbacks I like in this year's draft class, but Cameron Dantzler is somebody I think a lot of people are sleeping on. When you watch his film he looks like a top prospect, but unfortunately his draft stock took a little bit of a hit after running a 4.64 40 yard dash at the Combine. At 6'2″, 188, he reminds me a lot of Al Harris, who just so happens to be one of the new coaching hires for the Dallas Cowboys this year. If anybody can tap into his potential, Harris can.
Kenny Robinson, S, XFL/West Virginia
Previous pick: Lamar Jackson, Nebraska (hybrid CB/S)
Kenny Robinson is a Top 5 safety prospect in this year's draft class in my opinion. He may have taken the unconventional route to get to this point – kicked out of West Virginia due to academic issues to up-and-coming XFL star to draftable NFL hopeful – despite the hurdles he's had to overcome. He is a playmaker capable of playing FS or SS and has a nose for the ball as evidenced by his nine total interceptions (7 in 2 years at West Virginia, 2 in 5 games in the XFL).
