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With the Dallas Cowboys switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, they need to reshape their front seven, particularly on the defensive line. They could also, like most teams, use some help on their offensive line to match their talent at the skill positions.
It's no surprise then that ESPN's Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have the Cowboys drafting linemen in their latest mock draft updates. However, they differ on which side of the ball the Cowboys should address with the 18th overall pick.
McShay has the Cowboys selecting Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson:
Richardson fills a top need and is a perfect fit as 3-technique in the 4-3 scheme of new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. He lacks ideal size and strength, but Richardson has elite first-step quickness, change-of-direction skills and range to penetrate and disrupt plays.
Kiper, meanwhile, has the Cowboys addressing the other side of the trenches and taking Alabama guard Chance Warmack:
Follow my Big Board week to week and you're probably surprised I could fathom a situation where Warmack is still around at No. 18. But remember, the mock also takes into account where I hear teams are valuing guys, and in the case of a player like Warmack, the positional value aspect hurts him as a guard. Make no mistake, he's a stud, a dominant guard who makes your offensive line better the second he signs his contract. But he's staying inside, period, limiting his shot at the top 10. Dallas could certainly use an upgrade at guard, and I don't think the Cowboys can pass up Warmack at this spot on the board if he's available.
SB Nation's Dan Kadar released his latest mock draft on Monday, and he has the Cowboys taking another offensive lineman in Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson.