2019 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones greets his players prior to a NFL playoff football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, January 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) /

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – NOVEMBER 10: Boston College Eagles defensive end Zach Allen (2) gets past the offensive line. And tries to do some damage in the backfield. During the Boston College game against Clemson at Alumni Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Chestnut Hill, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 2: Zach Allen, EDGE, Boston College

There was a time early in the season where it looked like Allen had a chance to be a first round selection. He didn’t enjoy a great final season at Boston College, but when you watch him on tape it’s easy to see how his game will effectively translate to the next level.

The one question about Allen’s game is whether or not he has enough athleticism to really rush the passer consistently against top-tier NFL tackles. The effort is obviously there. This guy plays the game the right away. He’s just not blessed with exceptional bend or speed when he’s trying to come around the corner.

On the other hand, he does project to be a solid player against the run. He’s not a lightweight who will get blown off the ball in the ground game. He can set a physical edge and turn plays back inside. That makes him well suited to be a DE2, but he shouldn’t be drafted with the idea that he’s going to be the Cowboys’ premier edge rusher.

To put it more plainly, drafting Allen is a move that Dallas should make if they’re able to keep Lawrence on the team. Otherwise, they might be better suited to roll the dice on an edge rusher with a little more upside. Allen will be a solid starter for the better part of his career, but he’s unlikely to ever develop into a Pro Bowler.

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