Post-Super Bowl NFL Mock Draft 2016

DE. Oregon. DeForest Buckner. 4. player. 123. <p>The Cowboys <em>really</em> need a linebacker to build around for the future, and that has forced some folks into projecting UCLA’s Myles Jack in this spot. In addition, there is some traction for Dallas and a potential pick of a quarterback (Carson Wentz?), but it is very difficult to justify either choice with the number four overall pick, and DeForest Buckner fits the best overall player quotient at a position the Cowboys can use.</p> <p>Greg Hardy’s future is, as always, very much up in the air, and Buckner would be a perfect heir apparent or compliment should Hardy remain in Dallas for the long haul. The 6-foot-7, 290-pound defensive lineman was a terror during his time at Oregon, consistently beating double teams to the tune of double-figure sacks in 2015, and he has the ideal size and motor for the position.</p> <p>The Cowboys look for “flash” in the draft at times under the direction of Jerry Jones, and this isn’t the flash pick. However, Buckner is probably the safest choice that the Cowboys could possibly make without a trade in either direction of the draft, and he profiles as an All-Pro type player in the future given his body and skill set.</p>