It would not be the Dallas Cowboys without underachieving in the playoffs with a talented roster. The Cowboys’ 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers shouldn’t be on head coach Mike McCarthy; it goes throughout the coaching staff and the players for being completely unprepared to face the complex front of the 49ers. They will be losing players and they might need to make some big cuts if they want to take another shot at a Super Bowl title with this talented roster. There will be some big decisions in free agency, but they will need to knock out some questions marks on their team in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. They nailed their last first-round pick by selecting potential NFL Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker Micah Parsons, in the 2021 NFL Draft. Dallas owner/general manager/decision-maker Jerry Jones strives to develop their team before their Super Bowl window closes. Here are some top Cowboys 2022 draft prospects that the team should certainly look into.
Top Dallas Cowboys 2022 Draft Prospects to Consider
Defensive Tackle Jordan Davis (Georgia)
The defensive line for the Cowboys found themselves bullied throughout the game versus the 49ers. This was just the latest from the interior defensive line all season. The defense for the Cowboys ranked 17th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (112.8), as they also allowed an average of 4.5 yards per rush. Defensive tackle/end Carlos Watkins also becomes a free agent this off-season. If they decided to beef up the interior defensive line, there is no better place to start than Georgia’s Jordan Davis. He was one of the most dominating interior defensive linemen in college football. Measuring in at 6’6″ and 340 pounds, Davis is a tough defender to overpower at the line of scrimmage. Davis ranks 24th on CBS Sports’ prospect ranks and there isn’t a huge desire for nose tackles this draft season.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean (Georgia)
If the Cowboys cannot keep linebackers Keanu Neal or Leighton Vander Esch, they might look for their replacement in the first round. The Bulldogs could be able to pick a fellow teammate of Davis in Nakobe Dean. He was one of the main impact players for Georgia’s second-ranked rushing defense this season. The Butkus Award winner accounted for 72 total tackles, 36 solo tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Dean can be reliable in zone coverage schemes, man coverage against an extra tight end, and efficiently recognize the run game. Linebackers are a position that slips in the Draft. If Dean is there at 24th overall, it would be a steal, just as Micah Parsons was last year with the 11th overall pick.
Offensive Guard Kenyon Green (Texas A&M)
Dallas may decide to vamp up their offensive line, who had their worst performance in the loss to San Francisco. One of the worst performances was left guard Connor Williams, a free agent this off-season. The Cowboys found inconsistent performances in their rushing offense as it was completely pedestrian late in the season. One player who could become an instant contributor to the Cowboys’ top-ranked scoring offense is Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green. He was one of the most consistent run-blocking and pass-protecting guards in college football. He will be an instant contributor to an offense that looks for stabilization in the run game.
Safety Daxton Hill (Michigan)
Out of the positions in the secondary, safety is the biggest area of concern for the Cowboys defense. Dallas allowed too many big plays in the deep passing game and did not recognize the run plays. The Cowboys could be in a position to select the best 2022 all-around safety prospects after Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton. Dallas’s defense finished the 2021 season with the 20th ranked pass defense, allowing 238.2 passing yards per game. Hill has the talent and playmaking abilities to move around the secondary and even play nickel cornerback. The Cowboys underachieved at the nickelback position throughout the season. This was evident in the game against the 49ers when they couldn’t cover against the dynamic passing schemes.
Defensive End Travon Walker (Georgia)
The Cowboys has several key edge rushers set to become free agents this off-season. This season, the Cowboys accounted for 41 sacks in a lineup that featured several impact players out. They needed an inside linebacker in Micah Parsons to play at the edge. They need more youth and consistent playmakers that will solidify the edge. Georgia defensive end Travon Walker plays as one of the best well-balanced defensive ends in this draft. He has the consistency to create pressure in the backfield and potentially disrupt the pass and close running lanes for the running backs. Walker would be a safe but solid pickup if the Cowboys were to look at a permanent option at the defensive end.
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