NFL mock draft 2023: Cowboys 7-round projection after Brandin Cooks trade
Pick Analysis. 123. 4. player. Scouting Report. LB. Tulane. Dorian Williams
Cowboys can land an elite coverage linebacker in Dorian Williams
Retaining Leighton Vander Esch is key for the Dallas defense under Dan Quinn, especially if he can replicate his 2022 performance. What’s more, keeping Donovan Wilson and Jayron Kearse sticking around as the safeties helps some with coverage. But as a whole, the linebacker group leaves a lot to be desired in coverage. As such, they need to grab a player like Dorian Williams who can suit up and help in that capacity.
Though a bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Williams was one of the best coverage linebackers in college football this past season. He’s extremely quick with good top-end speed to shadow players out of the backfield or tight ends moving across the line. Williams could be a true plus asset that gives the Cowboys defense something it, frankly, lacks in its current form.
5. 123. Scouting Report. DL. Kobie Turner. Wake Forest. player. Pick Analysis
More beef and burst coming to the Cowboys D-line with Kobie Turner
After taking an undersized tweener in the second round, the Cowboys add a little more beef to the defensive line with a player like Kobie Turner.
The Wake Forest product is one of the hidden gems of the 2023 draft class. Though still not huge at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, he has the build and burst to put on some more weight and beef up. What stands out the most though is his performance and how it fits in Dallas.
Turner proved to be an all-around menace with the Demon Deacons as a plus run defender in addition to rushing the passer well. When you look at guys like Osa Odighizuwa and Neville Gallimore, they don’t have the games to be consistent three-down presences yet. Putting someone like Turner into the mix is going to make the front seven stronger with quality depth.