The newest NFL mock draft from SB Nation is in, and the Cowboys are once again projected to select DE/LB Robert Quinn. After a few weeks of seeing Nebraska corner Prince Amukamara fall to Dallas, we see him go at No. 7. This is notable not only because of Amukamara, but some mock drafts have Patrick Peterson sliding into the middle of the top ten (poor Wonderlic?). Rather than being a possible trade partner for the Cowboys, the 49ers appear to be competition for the best corner on the board.
As for Quinn:
9. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina. Dallas is a prime spot to entertain the idea of a trade, because their needs don’t match up with the talent likely available to them. A BPA route may be in order if they stand pat, and Quinn is arguably that here.
For those of us who bemoaned the Week 17 victory over the Eagles that dropped the Cowboys from six to nine in the draft, this is not welcome commentary. Instead of being almost certain of having one of the two elite corners available – and possibly both – and one of the top front seven talents, such as a Nick Fairley or Von Miller, Dallas is likely to be tempted to trade down. And I can guarantee that that would be received with audible groans from the fan base, particularly given all of the recent rumblings that Jerry Jones is looking to save money.
Among other picks of interest in the mock draft, Cam Newton is projected to be taken No. 1 overall by the Panthers, and Blaine Gabbert is projected at No. 4 to the Bengals. A.J. Green, whose stock has been slipping a bit as Julio Jones catches him on draft boards, falls past Dallas to the Redskins at No. 10. With Nate Solder’s weak showing at the combine (particularly on the bench press), Tyron Smith is now the top offensive tackle on the board. He’s projected at No. 13 here, well within distance of the Cowboys, with a month of movement still remaining.