As the NFL Draft approaches in just over two weeks, the draft buzz is intensifying, with teams starting to solidify their strategies. The lead-up to the event presents an intriguing paradox: while teams are keeping their intentions close to the chest, reliable insiders are starting to share crucial information since the draft is nearly upon us.
This duality creates a sense of anticipation, as fans and analysts alike try to decipher what teams like the Dallas Cowboys will do with their picks.
On Tuesday, Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft, which included projections for the first two rounds. The Dallas Cowboys hold the 12th and 44th overall picks, providing them with significant opportunities to add impactful players. The first-round pick, in particular, is where Kiper believes the Cowboys will focus on bolstering their offense, with a name that has already been tied to the team: North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.
Cowboys Select Running Back Omarion Hampton Despite Need for Receiver
Kiper suggests that the Cowboys could use their 12th pick to select Omarion Hampton, a powerful 221-pound running back from North Carolina. While there has been some debate about the Cowboys’ need for a running back after acquiring Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, Hampton brings explosive playmaking ability that could boost the team’s run game.
Cowboys’ Draft Strategy (NFL)Despite the team’s previous additions, Kiper believes Dallas may still look to strengthen the position, considering their run game last season struggled with low yardage and touchdown production.
Selecting a running back early in the draft, especially in the first round, often sparks debate. While running back may be a position of need, many question whether the Cowboys should prioritize a wide receiver instead, especially since the team still lacks a strong No. 2 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb.
Kiper notes that players like Matthew Golden and Tetairoa McMillan could be options at wide receiver, but he isn’t sure if they’ll go as early as the 12th pick. This decision becomes particularly bold, as the Cowboys might opt for a player like Hampton over McMillan, despite the latter being viewed as a potential star who could still be available at that pick.
Cowboys Strengthen Secondary with Cornerback Trey Amos in Round Two
In the second round, Kiper has Dallas selecting cornerback Trey Amos from Ole Miss, addressing a critical need in the secondary. While Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland have shown potential in the past, both struggled with consistency and injury issues last season.
The Cowboys also lost Jourdan Lewis to free agency, and while they traded for Kaiir Elam, cornerback depth remains a concern. Amos, who had three interceptions and 15 pass breakups last season, would help strengthen the outside cornerback position and provide valuable depth. Given the Cowboys’ vulnerabilities in the secondary, adding a player like Amos could be crucial for their defense moving forward.
Kiper’s two-round mock draft provides insight into how the Cowboys could approach the upcoming draft, with a focus on both offensive and defensive improvements. While selecting a running back in the first round may seem like a bold choice, the Cowboys have a clear need for more explosive playmakers, whether at running back or wide receiver.
The second-round pick, focusing on cornerback Trey Amos, also makes sense given the uncertainties in the secondary. Ultimately, Kiper’s mock draft reflects the Cowboys’ potential to address both sides of the ball, ensuring they remain competitive in the NFC.
