This is our final Cowboys simulated seven-round mock draft and our last shot to get this right. For this mock, we used Pro Football Focus’ draft board rankings and did not make any trades.
There were some tough decisions to make.
Here. We. Go.
Related:2024 NFL draft central: How to watch, what to know as Dallas Cowboys make their selections
First round
No. 24: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C/G, Oregon
There were some talented corners (Nate Wiggins of Clemson and Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama) who were available. There also was LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Imagine, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Thomas for Dak Prescott. Wow. There was inside linebacker Payton Wilson (North Carolina State) for the taking. We thought this was a little too high for him. So we went with the center in Powers-Johnson. There are health concerns for Powers-Johnson from concussions and hip issues. He pulled out of the Senior Bowl with a hamstring problem. He’s falling in some mock drafts, but we think he’s fine right here.
Second round
Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper ran a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/The Associated Press)(Michael Conroy / AP)
No. 56: Edgerrin Cooper, ILB, Texas A&M
Yes, we wanted Wilson but he was gone. To fill the inside linebacker spot we went to the SEC. Cooper (6-2, 230 pounds) had a monster year for Texas A&M — first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC. He also had 84 tackles with an impressive 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Cooper brings youth to a position where all three players (Micah Parsons, Damone Clark and DeMarvion Overshown) are under 25. Pass rushers Jonah Elliss (Utah), Chris Braswell (Alabama) and Darius Robinson (Missouri) were available. We thought about Washington State safety Jaden Hicks (25 games the past two seasons) as a selection. We just thought Cooper was better.
Third round
No. 87: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
With such a distance between the third- and fifth-round picks, it was our last chance to fill a need. Davis, who played at Temple and Vanderbilt, rushed for 1,129 yards with 14 rushing and seven receiving touchdowns last season. He’s the three-down back you need. We bypassed cornerback Renardo Green (Florida State), edge rusher Javon Solomon (Troy) and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the linebacker from Clemson. Yes, his dad played for the Eagles. There was something about South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler being at the top of our board that made us think about a few things.
Fourth Round (No picks)
Fifth round
Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson was tackled by Michigan defensive end Braiden McGregor during the second half on Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (David Dermer/The Associated Press)(David Dermer / AP)
No. 174: Braiden McGregor, Edge, Michigan
OK, we understand the fear of drafting another player from Michigan. McGregor might be a reach here but we like his size (6-5) and would like to see him pick up a few more pounds (257). He produced 4½ sacks with three pass breakups and 26 tackles in 15 games last season. Arkansas center Beaux Limmer and Tennessee corner Kamal Hadden were available, too. Hadden, five INTs last two seasons, dealt with some health problems so we let him go.
Related:Does Cowboys’ middle-round pick drought leave talent on the table entering 2024 NFL draft?
Sixth round
No. 216: Joshua Cephus, WR, UTSA
He met with team officials at his pro day and didn’t test well. But Cephus was the offensive MVP in the Frisco Bowl with seven catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. You wonder if he has the speed to perform on the next level. At this spot, we don’t mind trying to find out. We apologize to TCU running back Emani Bailey (Denton Ryan), who was a Dallas Day visit and someone we followed around at the Big 12 pro day. A pair of safeties, Dominique Hampton (Washington) and James Williams (Miami), were high on our board.
Seventh round
Texas defensive back Ryan Watts runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(Michael Conroy / AP)
No. 233: Justin Rogers, DT, Auburn
You can never have enough depth in the interior. Rogers is 6-3, 346 pounds and has the potential to clog the middle. Pittsburgh receiver Bub Means was waiting for us but we declined. Quarterbacks Carter Bradley (South Alabama) and Austin Reed (Western Kentucky) were interesting. The Cowboys already have three quarterbacks on the roster. At least right now.
No. 244: Ryan Watts, CB, Texas
Getting a cornerback was something we sought throughout this process. Watts was perfect. We bring the Little Elm kid back home. Over the last two seasons in Austin, he made 23 starts. He should work well in special teams. Daequan Hardy, a Pittsburgh kid whom Mike McCarthy would love, was available. The Penn State corner ran a blazing 4.38 40 at the combine. We stayed close to home to make this selection. Inside linebacker Nathaniel Watson (Mississippi State) and center Dylan McMahon (N.C. State) also were there for the taking.
