Cowboys

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys get safety help in Todd McShay's latest mock draft

The ESPN analyst has Dallas targeting Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro with the 18th pick.

By Patrick Vint Apr 10, 2013, 10:54pm CDT

The latest mock draft from ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has the Dallas Cowboys selecting Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro with the 18th pick in this month's draft. At 6' tall and 215 pounds, Vaccaro has the size to step into the Dallas defensive backfield in his first practice, and the Cowboys are in desperate need of help in the secondary.

Vaccaro is known as a vicious run defender, and is capable when called upon in coverage. He was a three-year starter for the Longhorns, recording a staggering 245 tackles in that time, including a career-best 107 stops as a senior. He also picked off two passes and forced a pair of fumbles for the team. Vaccaro was born and raised in Brownwood, Texas, just 185 miles from Dallas.

McShay also points out Dallas' deficiencies on the defensive line, suggesting they might look at defensive tackle Sylvester Williams or defensive ends Barkevious Mingo and Bjoern Werner, if they slip into the middle of the first round.

SB Nation's most recent mock draft notes Dallas' need for a safety, but with Vaccaro already off the board, has the Cowboys opting for guard Chance Warmack from Alabama.