After the first round, there are tons of prospects remaining for the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas surprised the NFL world by drafting Mazi Smith over players like Michael Mayer, Steve Avila, and Joey Porter Jr. Dallas had a chance to fill a need with Mayer at tight end, but instead opted to bolster the defensive line with Smith. As day one closes there are plenty of prospects left that could make an impact for the Cowboys in 2023.
Top 7 Remaining Prospects for the Dallas Cowboys
Tight End
Dallas lost Dalton Schultz this offseason in favor of free agency. Schultz signed as a free agent with the Houston Texans. The Cowboys should look to the draft to fill this vacated position. There are several great tight ends still available.
TEs with 80+ grades as a receiver & run blocker in 2022:
☘️ Michael Mayer
🐶 Darnell Washington pic.twitter.com/hLzWOusQPS— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 25, 2023
Some of the remaining tight ends include Michael Mayer, Luke Musgrave, and Darnell Washington. Mayer is a tight end from Notre Dame. In 2022 Mayer racked up 809 yards on 67 receptions and nine touchdowns. He was an athletic pass-catcher versatile enough to run and pass block when called upon.
Another tight end on the Cowboys radar is Luke Musgrave. Musgrave is a senior tight end from Oregon State University. He is a long and lanky receiver proving to be a mismatch with linebackers. Musgrave needs to add strength and size to his frame and work on his blocking before becoming an immediate impact player. However, he should absolutely find a home on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The next tight end is Darnell Washington. Washington is a massive junior tight end from Georgia University. He measures 6’7” and 270 pounds. With his frame, he is able to compete for 50/50 balls and block out defenders in order to secure the catch. Washington is also an excellent blocker thanks to his size and strength. He lacks refined footwork and crisp route-running leading some to believe he could become an offensive lineman in the future.
Running Back
After releasing Ezekiel Elliott the Cowboys could look to the draft to increase depth at the running back position. Dallas placed the franchise tag on Tony Pollard and signed Ronald Jones earlier this offseason. With Jones struggled with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas would greatly benefit from drafting another running back to push Tony Pollard.
UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced
PFF's 3rd highest graded RB last season🐻 pic.twitter.com/zwFrXt2dq1
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 16, 2023
The next two best running backs are Zach Charbonnet and Devon Achane. Charbonnet is a senior running back with 4.53 speed and great size. He started his collegiate career at the University of Michigan with 726 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. After a suspect workload, Charbonnet transferred to UCLA where he racked up 1,137 rushing yards on 203 carries and 13 touchdowns. He followed up his 2021 performance with a stronger 2022 season. He doubled down on his draft stock with 1,359 yards on 195 carries and 14 touchdowns. Charbonnet is a downhill and powerful runner. He falls forward and is considered a power running back. His primary concerns are his average acceleration, indecision, and lack of quickness during cuts.
Achane is a junior running back from Texas A&M with blazing 4.32 speed. He has obvious size concerns at 5’8” and 190 pounds. During his 2022 campaign, he ran for 1,102 yards on 195 carries and eight touchdowns while missing two games due to a foot injury. Achane has unrivaled burst and speed with great route-running and pass-catching ability. Outside of his obvious issues standing only 5’8” he could be a dangerous homerun threat in the NFL. He is an interesting prospect every team should keep their eyes on.
Offensive Lineman
Dallas has used the draft to rebuild its offensive line in years past. With Tyron Smith continuing to age, there are potential holes on the offensive line. Steve Avila is another great NFL draft prospect the Cowboys could target. Avila is a redshirt senior offensive guard from Texas Christian University. Avila hangs his hat on his versatility, athleticism, and strength. He should become a starter and impact offensive lineman immediately in the NFL and should be on every team’s draft board.
TCU Guard Steve Avila in pass protection last season:
🐸 540 Pass Block Snaps
🐸 Zero Sacks Allowed
🐸 83.6 Pass Block Grade pic.twitter.com/0AluM9F6bD— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 26, 2023
Matthew Bergeron is another interesting name to consider for the Dallas Cowboys. Bergeron is a senior offensive tackle from Syracuse. He earned a starting role starting his freshman season and would eventually earn second-team all-conference in the ACC. Bergeron boasts experience, great technique, and quickness, and has the demeanor required to play offensive tackle in the NFL.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
