Todd McShay's latest mock draft: If I ran the Cowboys I'd draft a QB, but … – Dallas Morning News
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Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys calls a play in the first quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay came out with his latest mock draft on Thursday and still has the Cowboys projected to take Joey Bosa, but he says that’s not how he’d draft if he ran the team.
“If I was running the Cowboys, I’d draft a quarterback. With Tony Romo turning 36 this offseason, now is the time to start planning for the future at the game’s most important position. But this is a projection, and all indications are that Dallas will pass on a QB at No. 4.”
So why does he have Bosa going to the Cowboys?
“Yes, I know Bosa doesn’t have elite speed off the edge, but he has shown the ability to be dominant — even when fighting through double- and triple-teams. He has been the top player on my board since August.”
But that’s not all. McShay says he could still see the Cowboys using the fourth pick on a running back.
“I wouldn’t rule out RB Ezekiel Elliott, even after Dallas signed Alfred Morris earlier this week, but the Cowboys have a more dire need at pass-rusher.”
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McShay has said in the past that he would take California quarterback Jared Goff as a long-term investment, but he understands the Cowboys are looking at a short championship window with Tony Romo under center.
Other notable picks and notes from McShay’s latest mock draft:
1. Tennessee Titans: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi
2. Cleveland Browns: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota St.
3. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
7. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Goff, QB, California
13. Miami Dolphins: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
20. New York Jets: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
21. Washington Redskins: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Billings has a shorter frame (6-foot-1), but his outstanding combination of quickness, athleticism and power helps him wreak havoc on the interior. This is a dominant and versatile run-defender who would give the Redskins more depth along the defensive front. Additionally, with a need at center, I wouldn’t be surprised if Scot McCloughan considered Alabama’s Ryan Kelly here.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
With exceptional leaping ability (41-inch vertical) and huge hands (10 inches), Doctson is the best WR in this class when the ball is in the air. And he shows the speed on tape to create late separation in contested-catch situations. Teddy Bridgewater needs another weapon on the outside after Mike Wallace was sent packing.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
Coming from Baylor’s spread offense, Coleman still needs work as a route runner. But make no mistake, this is an explosive athlete with game-breaking ability on offense and in the return game. While Coleman is a little undersized at 5-foot-11, he can change directions on a dime, which gives him a lot of upside in the NFL. The Bengals are in dire need of a No. 2 WR after both Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones left in free agency.
30. Carolina Panthers: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Standing 6-foot-6, weighing 324 pounds and blessed with incredible 36-inch arms, Ifedi was born to play offensive line. The only times I saw him get beat in pass protection came when he faced elite speed rushers with great hands to negate his long arms. Ifedi’s technique, particularly in the run game, could use some work, but his upside is undeniable.
49. Buffalo Bills: Sterling Shepard, WR Oklahoma
Shepard is a highly instinctive slot WR with good route-running ability and a history of showing up in big moments. His athleticism was readily apparent at the combine (4.48 40, 41-inch vertical).
62. Carolina Panthers: Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
Big, thick and country strong, Ridgeway is a load to move up front. While he has the natural ability of a first-rounder, durability issues and conditioning concerns will likely cause him to fall.