Cowboys’ 7-Round Mock: Why Emeka Egbuka could be in play at No. 12 and what if RB waits until day three?
The NFL Draft is a month away, as the Dallas Cowboys prepare to fill their remaining roster spots with an intriguing draft class.
With Pro Days wrapping up in the next couple of weeks and facility visits on the horizon, let’s take a look at a potential seven-round mock draft for the Cowboys that addresses all of their needs heading into training camp.
For this mock draft, Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator was used to determine available prospects at each selection for the Cowboys. Of note, there were no trade back options accepted, keeping Dallas at its 10 scheduled selections.
First Round (No. 12), WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
A nightmare scenario for Cowboys fans would see wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, running back Ashton Jeanty and wide receiver Matthew Golden all off the board before their No. 12 apick and no trade back partner available. Well, that’s exactly what happened here.
Fortunately, a more than capable receiver talent in Emeka Egbuka was available. A player who has been the second option behind various Ohio State receivers such as Jeremiah Smith and Marvin Harrison Jr. throughout his time with the Buckeyes would slide in perfectly as a second option to CeeDee Lamb. Despite never being the clear No. 1 receiver in college, he set an Ohio State record for career yardage.
Second Round (No. 44), CB Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)
Getting a cornerback early in the draft became very important when Jourdan Lewis departed for Jacksonville, and Maxwell Hairston comes in with the potential to start either on the outside or in the slot at nickel where Lewis vacated. His 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine was the fastest of all defensive players in attendance, and that elite speed pairs with a physicality in the secondary that can match him up against any type of receiver.
Third Round (No. 76 overall), DT Alfred Collins (Texas)
Another nightmare scenario has the majority of the day two running back talent off the board at No. 76. The Cowboys ride into day three looking for their complementary piece to Javonte Williams.
Instead, they address a depth issue at defensive tackle in grabbing Alfred Collins. One of the strongest interior linemen in the class who carries a sudden twitch that translates beautifully in the run game, Collins has the upside to be a starter at either defensive tackle spot. At the least, he can be a reliable run defender in the middle, something Dallas desperately needs.
Fifth Round (No. 149 overall), QB Quinn Ewers (Texas)
While Quinn Ewers is not expected to fall this far on draft weekend, he did just that in this exercise. Inconsistency and injuries during his time at Texas limited his previously skyhigh ceiling going into college, but the upside still exists as he makes the next jump to the NFL.
The Cowboys have shown preliminary interest in the Southlake Carroll High School graduate and are expected to host him for a facility visit in the coming weeks. With a need for a reliable backup behind Dak Prescott after Cooper Rush’s departure, can Ewers be the long-term solution?
Fifth Round (No. 171 overall), RB Jordan James (Oregon)
Things got scary at running back and it was reminiscent of how the draft played out in 2024 when the Cowboys didn’t select a player at the position, but taking Jordan James in the late fifth feels like a steal. A back that has shown success in multiple schemes, James would be the perfect early down ballcarrier that can provide reliable yardage on first and second down before Javonte Williams comes in on pass-catching and pass-blocking downs.
James’ 1,268 yards for Oregon this past season helped power the Ducks offensively into the College Football Playoff and has his name among the most productive backs in the class.
Fifth Round (No. 174 overall), OL Jonah Monheim (USC)
A player who played four of the five offensive line positions during his time at USC, Jonah Monheim could provide reliable depth at multiple spots up front. The Cowboys probably need to get younger behind the starting five, and Monheim would be able to provide that, specifically at center and guard.
While his limited length most likely keeps his best position at center at the next level, being behind Cooper Beebe to allow Brock Hoffman to flourish at guard could entice the Cowboys to select one of the higher football IQ players in the draft class.
Sixth Round (No. 204 overall), DE Fadil Diggs (Syracuse)
The Cowboys did enough in free agency to fill the void left by DeMarcus Lawrence’s departure in acquiring Dante Fowler Jr. and Payton Turner, but they still could use a young defensive end in the room to start building more for the future. A physical player off the edge that stands at 6-foot-4 257 pounds, Diggs has some twitch in the pass rush department that allowed him to tab 7.5 sacks last season, but he could be more consistent in the run game. It’s why he sits as a consensus day three option.
Sixth Round (No. 211 overall), LB Smael Mondon Jr. (Georgia)
Taking a day three flier on a player as physically and athletically talented as Smael Mondon Jr. doesn’t come around often, but it could be something that presents itself for the Cowboys on day three. At his best, his ability to fill running lanes and make tackles in space made him one of the best defenders in the SEC last season. At his worst, he finds himself out of place and a liability in the second level. If the negatives can catch up to the positives, Mondon has starter upside, which is a no-brainer this late in the draft.
Seventh Round (No. 239 overall, OL Clay Webb (Jacksonville State)
Once thought of as a potential first-round pick last summer, Clay Webb has the experience and physicality from his days as a state champion wrestler in Alabama to be a potential starter up front in the right development. His progress in pass protection will need improvement, as being on the smaller side around 300 pounds may allow bigger defensive tackles to get through Webb. Nevertheless, for the Cowboys he could provide depth in the interior.
Seventh Round (No. 247 overall), TE Oronde Gadsden Jr. (Syracuse)
Double-dipping on Syracuse products was not on the bingo card, but a receiving talent like Oronde Gadsden Jr. is too fun to pass up late in the draft. Gadsden entered college as a highly recruited receiver, but his size was maximized inline in the ACC. In the NFL, he could line up anywhere to hunt mismatches, but it would have to be in situations where they can allow Gadsden to run straight-line routes, as he doesn’t have much flexibility.
With John Stephens Jr. coming off back-to-back ACL tears, increasing competition for the receiving-type tight end with a player like Gadsden could provide some help.
