Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both updated their Insider mock drafts Wednesday and continue to see USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith as the right fit for the Cowboys, who pick ninth. Kiper notes that Smith has moved up to No. 9 on his “big board” and calls it a need pick but one that could help soon.
Both mocksters project Patrick Peterson to fall to the seven slot despite his high ranking, a tough pill to swallow for some Cowboys fans who saw their team fall from six to nine in the draft order with a meaningless win against the Eagles on the last day of the season. Kiper and McShaw also agree on spots for both of the elite QBs in the draft, with Cam Newton projected as the top pick and Blaine Gabbert tabbed to go fifth to the Cardinals.
In fact, their top fives match entirely, as both have Alabama DT Marcell Dareus second, Texas A&M’s Von Miller third and Alabama WR A.J. Green fourth. The second corner in the draft, Prince Amukamara of Nebraska, is slotted at No. 13 on each draft.
These are three-round mock drafts, and both guys see Dallas loading up with defensive backs in the second and third rounds. Kiper projects Miami corner Brandon Harris, who has been in some first round projections, and North Carolina safety Da’Norris Searcy. McShay goes with Texas corner-safety Aaron Williams and WVa corner Brandon Hogan. Williams would be an interesting fit, since he looks to be able to play both corner and free safety, both positions where Dallas could get him on the field.