Dallas Cowboys 2018 full mock draft

Round 3 – Pick 81

Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State

Dallas may not have signed a big name free agent from outside the building until Hurns but the beginning of free agency provided an impact. It started with placing the franchise tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. Keeping the team’s leader in sacks and ascending player was worth any price. They also tendered a second round price on defensive tackle David Irving. Despite playing in half of the team’s games, he registered seven sacks. He is a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line.

With Irving and former second round pick Maliek Collins under contract, the defensive tackle need is less glaring than it was before free agency. That being said, the team needs to prepare for the possibility that Irving is gone after this one year deal expires. Nathan Shepherd is the perfect pick in the third round.

Coming from Fort Hays State may raise concerns but let me assure you, Shepherd is an NFL level talent. His play at the Senior Bowl cemented that fact as he ragdolled power five blockers all week. He is a raw athlete from a small school, so sporadic playing time would be worth while for him to gain experience. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Shepherd is a big man with some room to grow once he hits an NFL weight room. He also fits the mold of what Dallas is looking for in a 1-technique player with 3-technique traits. His explosion and hand usage, despite his inexperience makes him a solid investment with a top-100 pick.