Cowboys Mock Draft: Dallas Goes D with First 3 Picks

The Cowboys have position concerns on both sides of the ball but could use the NFL Draft to shore up defense first.

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys enter this offseason with the hopes of improving on both sides of the ball after a disappointing exit from the playoffs last month.

One opportunity for improvement will be in April's NFL Draft. 

As that time approaches, Cowboys personnel people are prioritizing positions and putting together their draft boards. 

It's also time for media outlets to do the same, and USA Today recently offered their three-round mock draft for the Cowboys.

With Dallas' first pick at No. 26, USA Today thinks the Cowboys go defense:

26. Dallas Cowboys | Arkansas LB Drew Sanders

Free agency could leave the Cowboys having to replace all of their starters at linebacker, and this scenario gives them the chance to reload. Sanders is a versatile playmaker who can line up on the edge or off the ball, giving Dallas yet another weapon to pair with Micah Parsons in the front seven.

Dallas then stays on the defensive side of the ball with the No. 58 pick:

58. Dallas Cowboys | USC DL Tuli Tuipulotu

Pass rushers are always at a premium in the NFL and Tuipulotu was the statistical best at sacking the quarterback in 2022, leading FBS with 13.5 on the year. The Cowboys already have the riches of Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams and more to create pressure, so Tuipulotu would add to the nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Coming in at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, he’s already a large specimen at the edge position, which could boost his production early in his career.

With the possible departure of Anthony Brown in free agency, Dallas could go cornerback at some point to play opposite Trevon Diggs. And USA Today thinks that's the case with the No. 90 overall pick:

90. Dallas Cowboys | Michigan CB DJ Turner

The cornerback position could be one of the most contested in Dallas in 2023. While Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland have secured their spots, it’s a war for the third corner position. Israel Mukuamu was a surprise candidate in the playoffs while Anthony Brown could be on his way out in free agency, so drafting Turner would present an early competition along with the returning-from-injury Jourdan Lewis.

If Dallas decides to shore up the defense with its first three overall picks, we could expect the Cowboys to work free agency for some offensive pieces. Offensive line, wide receiver, and tight end could be positions Dallas targets.

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