Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock draft

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2015 season has fallen way short of expectations, but there could be hope for the future with some solid picks in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Dallas Cowboys finally seemed to “get it” a couple of seasons ago, meaning they now understand what it takes to be a consistent contender in the NFL, you have to hit on draft picks. Gone are the days of signing big checks to players like cornerback Brandon Carr (who still has one more year left on his ridiculous salary) and receiver Roy Williams and Terrell Owens.

Now this team builds through the draft, and they have seen the fruits of that labor pay off in a couple of ways. The first being that often-maligned owner and general manager Jerry Jones was awarded the NFL Executive of the Year Award for his work in the 2014 season.

Another way it has paid off, is the team has been able to keep the young talent they have drafted. Without over-inflated contracts going to entitled vets like T.O. and Williams, the team has been able to keep their core players around. Within the past few seasons they have re-signed left tackle Tyron Smith, quarterback Tony Romo, linebacker Sean Lee, kicker Dan Bailey, receiver Dez Bryant and defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford.

Of course the team is looked down upon for not being able to keep running back DeMarco Murray, but the Cowboys stayed financially prudent, which is another reason for optimism in Big D. Financial prudence has never been one of Jones’ strengths, so despite the team’s offensive struggles (which is probably more due to Romo being injured than Murray leaving) this was actually a win for Dallas.

Whether it has been the financial help of his son and executive vice president of football operations, Stephen Jones, or the draft guidance of director of player personnel, Will McClay, there is reason to believe 2015 is a simple hiccup for Dallas. A solid draft would help put this lost season behind them and get back to what they had on the field during their 12-4 season in 2014.

Many are clamoring for a new quarterback due to the recent rash of injuries to Romo. Others are praying for a running back to replace the production that left with Murray. The team however seems to stick to their board in recent years and won’t reach for a player simply out of need.

With that in mind, let’s look at how things could play out after the Cowboys make their five selections (they traded away their 5th and 7th round picks) in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: Round 1