The draft is an inexact science, which makes accurate mocking an exercise in futility. But one of the most interesting parts of the process is how taking a position early impacts the availability of other talent wells later on.
The Cowboys have been one of the best teams in the league at nailing first-round pick in the NFL draft under the direction of Will McClay. McClay was the director of football research when Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick were drafted, and the man in charge of the selections of Byron Jones, Zack Martin, Ezekiel Elliott, Leighton Vander Esch, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and Tyler Smith. Every player listed has reached All-Pro status for the Cowboys.
Dallas has struggled in the second rounds, however, with far more busts than All-Pros (3). The third round has been a struggle, too, with just one All-Pro. No player from the past two drafts have made a significant impact yet, but to turn things around after a disastrous 2024, Dallas will need that from their top 100 selections.
Here are some combinations they could draft on Day 2 that could start to restock this roster with All-Pro-capable talent.
Pairing North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton with…
Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) with the ball in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
All-purpose back Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina would make a great selection at No. 44. Hampton will fit any style of rushing attack as he can be physical inside or make people miss, get wide, and break a big play.
He had over 1,500 yards rushing in the last two seasons at UNC, averaging six yards per attempt and scored 15 touchdowns each year. He never has to leave the field as he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, catching 67 passes for nearly 600 yards and three touchdowns in that time. Dallas would have their new workhorse back in Hampton for the next few years.
… Utah State WR Jaylon Royals
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) runs the ball for a touchdown against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas would then look for a receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, selecting Jaylon Royals from Utah State the third round.
Just like Lamb, Royals can play outside or in the slot. He isn’t an explosive athlete; winning with savvy and anticipation over suddenness and route running. He will find holes in zones and shield off defenders in man so he can give an open target to his quarterback.
Royals is a possession receiver but has an ability to break tackles to add yards after catch. He was a production machine in both 2023 and 2024. He caught 71 passes in 2023 for 1,080 yards and 15 scores. He only played in seven games in 2024 but was on pace for 102 receptions for 1,548 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Pairing Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor with…
Nov 16, 2024; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) catches a pass in warmup before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
If Dallas skipped the running back position on Day 2, they could look to fill their other two major roster holes with a weapon to pair with Lamb and a defensive tackle to pair with Parsons.
Elic Ayomanor could be an option at No.44 to fill a giant need at receiver. Ayomanor has the size and hands to be a possession receiver on the outside. He can win on back shoulder throws or 50-50 deep balls to create big plays, but he also has the athleticism to win by making people miss on a slant and taking it for a touchdown. Defenses would have multiple concerns defending Ayomanor, opening up the field for Lamb to create havoc.
… Tennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott
Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott (55) celebrating after a play during the NCAA college football game against Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 in Knoxville, Tenn.
In Round 3, Dallas could get the big-bodied defensive tackle with pass-rush upside they love to try to develop in Omarr Norman-Lott. Norman-Lott is a nose tackle-size DT at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, with the anchor to hold ground in the run game.
His change of direction ability and motor at his size make him unique. He can be seen on tape chasing plays 10 yards or more up the field, and Matt Eberflus needs a four-man pass rush for the defense to be at its best. Norman-Lott gets penetration with explosion enough at his size to see the upside in that area. Norman-Lott has limitless upside if the new defensive coaching staff can unlock his potential.
Pairing Michigan DT Kenneth Grant with…
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) reaches out to sack Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, January 8, 2024.
If Dallas lands their offensive playmaker at N0. 12, Eberflus might get the next two picks to reload his defense, which could begin with defensive tackle Kenneth Grant out of Michigan.
Grant is the best run-stuffing DT prospect in the draft. He is nearly immovable inside with an elite anchor, but he is not a trash-can-full-of-dirt player. Grant can move, averaging six tackles for a loss, over three sacks, and five pass deflections in the last two seasons at Michigan. He had a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 87.5 against the run and a true pass rush grade over 77. Grant knew how to step up in the moment, making plays at crucial times on the national championship team like Lawrence has for Dallas for the last decade.
… Ole Miss LB Chris Paul Jr.
Nov 29, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (11) runs the ball after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first quarter at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
In Round 3, Dallas looks to cover their injury concern with DeMarvion Overshown at linebacker by drafting Chris Paul, Jr. from Ole Miss.
If Paul, Jr. weren’t a smaller-sized linebacker, he’d probably be a first-round pick based on his ability. His instincts are top-notch, typically seeing the play before his teammates and using his athleticism to get him sideline-to-sideline to make plays. He doesn’t miss tackles when he gets to the ball carrier. His PFF tackle grade was over 85, and his run defense grade was over 88. He had a PFF grade of over 80 in every significant category, including over 90 in coverage and overall. The stage won’t be too much for him in Dallas. He is the son of NBA great Chris Paul, so he knows about the spotlight sports put on a person and how to deal with it.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or Bluesky @mike-crum-cdpiglet.bsky.social
