ESPN mock draft predicts first, second round picks for Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have draft picks in all but one round currently for the 2023 NFL Draft.
They have one pick in the first round at No. 26 overall and another in the second round at No. 58. ESPN’s latest two-round mock draft from Matt Miller reveals who the Cowboys might snag at those spots.
Miller predicts Dallas will grab one player on offense and one on defense early in the 2023 NFL Draft, which commences on April 27.
Round 1, Pick No. 26 – O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
At pick No. 26, Miller has the Cowboys selecting a formidable addition for the offensive line. Although there have been plenty of calls for the team to add offensive weapons for Dak Prescott, giving him additional OL support is also a high priority.
Guard Connor McGovern is nearing free agency in March, meanwhile, arguably the league’s top right guard, Zack Martin, turned 32 in November.
“One of the top performers during Senior Bowl week was (O’Cyrus) Torrence, my top-ranked player in Mobile,” Miller writes. “The 6-5, 337-pound right guard was dominant in one-on-one drills throughout the week, showing an aggressive ability in the run game. But what was most impressive during the week was his ability in pass protection, where his length showed up as pass-rushers were unable to consistently get around him.
“The Cowboys’ offensive line is in flux, but the addition of Torrence would allow Tyler Smith to play left tackle full-time while improving the team’s overall offensive line play. The Gators big man allowed just one sack in 2022.”
Round 2, Pick No. 58 – Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Another area Dallas could use more depth is in the secondary. Injuries took a toll in 2022 and exposed a weakness in the team’s otherwise strong defense.
“Finding a starting outside cornerback opposite Trevon Diggs — standout rookie DaRon Bland played primarily in the slot — should be on Dallas’ short list for the offseason,” Miller writes. “(Clark) Phillips had six interceptions in 2022, and he has the toughness and instincts to excel playing inside or outside cornerback at 5-10 and 183 pounds.
“No, he doesn’t have ideal NFL size, but his on-the-ball production over the past two seasons proves he can make an impact.”
Phillips, a California native, is ESPN’s No. 5 best-available corner for this year’s draft.