2. The Cowboys could wait for Tyson Campbell to fall
Campbell isn’t in the same class as a prospect like Surtain and Horn, but he’s a cornerback with the athletic profile required to become a starter in time. In particular, Campbell’s ability to hold up against elite receivers in press coverage makes him an intriguing fit for the Cowboys.
It would be a mild surprise if Campbell isn’t still on the board when Dallas goes on the clock. His lack of playmaking ability in zone coverage schemes does depress his value for some teams. To put it bluntly, Campbell has Round 1 athleticism combined with something akin to mid-round feel for the position.
That’s why he should represent the floor for what Dallas can do with the No. 44 pick. He’s not going to become a star at the next level, but he can develop into a quality starter opposite Trayvon Mullen in Dallas. That would represent solid, but not spectacular value for the Cowboys at this point in the draft.
Making a pick based on need in Round 2 isn’t the best draft strategy in the NFL, but Campbell represents a nice marriage of need and value in the 40s. Cowboys fans should be satisfied if he’s the pick when they go on the clock during Day 2.