While the Dallas Cowboys have been mainly linked to offensive lineman and defensive backs in most of the mock drafts circulating around the interwebs, the Cowboys free agency splurge may have changed their plans.
In the latest mock draft from SI.com, Don Banks has Dallas looking at North Carolina DE Quinton Coples:
Even with the Brandon Carr signing in free agency, the Cowboys could opt for another cornerback like Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore or North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins. But as a potential top-10 pick in the eyes of many draft analysts, Coples is simply too high to pass on. His inconsistency aside, Coples has pass rush skills, and you can't find those in the middle of the first round.
Coples, a 6'6 290 defensive end with elite athleticism, is one of the most talented players available in the draft, but he has been dogged by whispers about his effort level and motor in college.
However, he would be the perfect fit in Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme as an end or a tackle, and if Dallas believes they can tap into his vast potential, he could become one of the steals of the first round.
A video breaking down game film from his junior season:
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