Fansided

5 players Cowboys should draft in the first round

By Mike Phillips

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 05: A detailed view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Cowboys 31-24. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 05: A detailed view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Cowboys 31-24. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 4: Head coach Mark Farley of the Northern Iowa Panthers co0aches offensive lineman Trevor Penning #70 of the Northern Iowa Panthers on the sidelines in the first half of play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 4, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 4: Head coach Mark Farley of the Northern Iowa Panthers co0aches offensive lineman Trevor Penning #70 of the Northern Iowa Panthers on the sidelines in the first half of play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 4, 2021, in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

3. Players the Dallas Cowboys should draft in Round 1 – Trevor Penning

The offensive line has been a strength of the Cowboys for years after smart decisions to take Tyron Smith and Zack Martin in the first round built an elite unit. Excellent line play has been a key to Dallas’ regular-season success but the unit does need some fortification with age concerns as well as potential to upgrade at guard.

One player who could fit this mold nicely is Trevor Penning, a 6-foot-7 behemoth from Northern Iowa. Despite his massive size, Penning is actually quite quick on his feet, allowing him to use his massive frame to become a bowling ball that can knock opposing defenders to the ground.

There is a bit of developmental work to do with Penning since he didn’t face a ton of Division I competition in college, but Penning’s skills should allow him to slide in as a Day 1 starter at guard. This move would be a clear upgrade over Connor Williams, who is set to test free agency and is easily replaceable for Dallas.

The long-term potential of this move is exciting since Penning could be groomed as the Cowboys’ future left tackle with Smith now 31 years old and having dealt with significant injuries over the past few years. Smart teams plan ahead to keep their offensive line strong and taking Penning at No. 24 would qualify as a smart pick by Dallas.

Home/Dallas Cowboys