2022 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock

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BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 2: Linebacker Drake Jackson #99 of the USC Trojans rushes the edge on defense against the Colorado Buffaloes during a game at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft – Second Round

USC. 56. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Drake Jackson. 123. EDGE

Dallas went defense-heavy in the 2021 draft and the moves paid off as a historically bad unit became a strength for the Cowboys. There are still a few major needs for Dallas on the defensive side of the ball, with edge rusher ranking high among them, making USC’s Drake Jackson a solid choice here.

Jackson was a huge pass-rushing threat for the Trojans, wreaking havoc on Pac-12 offenses throughout the 2021 campaign. Scouts are drooling over some of Jackson’s physical tools, particularly his speed and acceleration that can cause problems for bigger offensive tackles.

There are areas of Jackson’s game that could stand to be improved, particularly in terms of defending the run. Jackson also needs to fill out his frame to compete better against contact, which he will run into more against NFL-caliber starting tackles.

The Cowboys do have some solid edge-rushers already, which allows them to take Jackson here with eyes on using him in a situation role as a rookie. That time will allow Dan Quinn and the Dallas defensive staff to work with Jackson on his technique, potentially developing a pass-rushing monster in the coming years.

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