The Dallas Cowboys effectively sit out free agency every season, so NFL Draft prospects are all Cowboys fans have to look forward to — and 2022 is no exception. The Scouting Combine isn’t as illustrious after the pandemic because many prospects will now wait to test until they can be in a controlled environment at their pro days. Some of the players on this list may drop out of testing, but their interviews and medical checks are still incredibly important.
NFL Draft prospects the Dallas Cowboys should be watching
The Cowboys’ needs are well established. Amari Cooper will probably be in a different uniform in 2022, and there’s a chance that both Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson are as well. Additionally, re-signing Dalton Schultz is not a guarantee, so tight end is a sneaky potential need. Left guard, linebacker, nose tackle, and safety could also use reinforcements.
1) Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Do I believe there’s a good chance that Treylon Burks falls to No. 24? Absolutely not. But we didn’t think that CeeDee Lamb would fall to pick 17 or that Trevon Diggs would be there at No. 51.
Burks is going to dominate the measurements. But the biggest reason to watch him is that he at least committed to doing all the athletic testing. He wouldn’t give any predictions during his interview period, but if he tests well in his agility drills, the Cowboys could probably kiss him goodbye. But with such a bunched-up group of receivers all offering different skill sets, Burks may not be a team’s favorite flavor.
2) Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
Kenyon Green is a powerful blocker. That is evident on his tape. Therefore, we can practically throw out the bench press. It does not matter. There aren’t many testing measures important to interior linemen. However, a few mean more than others.
Nobody cares how fast a lineman runs 40 yards. They’ll do it maybe twice a season, if at all. But the 10-yard split can provide insight into their explosiveness, and the broad jump can do the same.
Green is one of the most mocked players to Dallas at No. 24. They’d be getting a powerful interior blocker, which is all Cowboys fans have asked for since they drafted Connor Williams.
3) Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Center wasn’t listed as a need, but that shouldn’t stop the Cowboys from drafting Tyler Linderbaum if he’s the best player available at No. 24. He’s arguably one of this class’ top 10 2022 NFL Draft prospects. So how could he fall so far?
Frank Ragnow and Billy Price were the last centers drafted in Round 1. Creed Humphrey had great tape for three seasons at Oklahoma and then tested as the most athletic center ever. But because he was left-handed, he lasted until pick 63.
Linderbaum was listed at 290 pounds at Iowa. Maybe he gained weight just for the Combine, but the NFL won’t like his size. Unfortunately, he won’t test due to a mid-foot sprain, opting to wait till his pro day. If he doesn’t test like an elite athlete, he could slide out of Round 1. That would be a mistake by the league, but we know they aren’t perfect.
4) George Pickens, WR, Georgia
George Pickens said Wednesday that he’d run and do the vertical jump Thursday. Being just 10 months removed from a torn ACL, it was impressive to see him play in the College Football Playoff. If he runs in the 4.3-4.4 range as predicted, he could be in play at No. 24.
He makes some of the most acrobatic catches in the class and has legitimate WR1 traits. If Pickens measures in at close to his listed 6-foot-3 and weighs over 205 pounds, a 4.4 40-yard dash is a very respectable time.
5) Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Boye Mafe probably won’t be drafted as high as the four prospects above, but pass rusher isn’t as big a need for the Cowboys if they re-sign Randy Gregory and retain DeMarcus Lawrence. They’d be hurting the team if they choose not to.
Mafe measured with better arm length than expected and a massive 81-inch wingspan for the Senior Bowl. Now he gets to show off the impressive athletic traits he possesses should he choose to participate in Combine testing. He should firmly be a Day 2 option for Cowboys DC Dan Quinn and DL coach Aden Durde to mold.
6) Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Opinions on Daxton Hill seem to be all over the place, but he holds a place near and dear to my heart. In my six years watching college prospects, I’ve never seen someone click and close the way Hill can. His explosiveness may be quantifiable through testing, but it still doesn’t seem real.
He should have an outrageous 10-yard split, and his agilities should also be good. Hill may have a lean frame, but he throws his body around like a 210-pound safety. He can play in the slot or as a free safety at the next level, and I’d implore the Cowboys to consider the latter if he somehow slides to pick 56.
7) Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
Connecticut doesn’t have a rich history of producing NFL talent, but Byron Jones was a freak athlete who played for the Huskies. The Cowboys still need a physical presence on the defensive interior, and Travis Jones could be that guy.
At 330 pounds, he could also test his way into practically guaranteeing himself a Round 2 selection. If he tests and shows good explosive numbers and acceptable agilities, he may not be there even at the 56th pick. Jones is one of my favorite 2022 NFL Draft prospects, but I’m also partial to big run-stuffing nose tackles.