Defensive Ends that Could be on Cowboys Draft Board

The NFL Scouting Combine is in the bag and now everyone has the measurables along with game tape to evaluate further. A lot of the work has been done by the Cowboys’ scouts, but now the Cowboys will zero in on who fits their schemes and needs the best.

Without a doubt, the Cowboys weakest link is the defensive line. The Cowboys have spent the past few drafts bolstering the offensive line, so now the attention will need to be on the defensive line if we plan on making another playoff run. We have some cornerstone pieces with Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence, but more work is needed at the left end and perhaps the 1-tech defensive tackle.

The Combine solidified what we already knew about several of the familiar names, but it also shined the light on some guys to keep an eye on.

I broke down the defensive end prospects from the Combine and assembled a list of players that stood out and could be on the Cowboys draft board. I did not include Dante Fowler or Shane Ray as they’ll be long gone by the time the #27 rolls around.

The measurables I focused on were speed, height, strength, and explosion in the vertical/broad jump. I omitted the shorter players 6-2 and below and short arm players 32 and below as those types have not been the Cowboys’s M.O. Here are the players to watch:

Vic Beasley had a monster Combine and probably moved up everyone’s boards. Along with Fowler and Ray, Beasley could have moved out of the Cowboys range.

Bud Dupree has all the numbers you would want from a defensive end, and there’s an outside chance he could still be there at #27, but with his solid Combine numbers, a trade up may be needed to assure his services in Dallas.

Randy Gregory draft stock is pretty rangy from all the mock drafts I have seen online, so he could be there for the Cowboys at the bottom of the 1st round too. He put in good numbers as well.

Owa Odighizuwa is an interesting prospect, he has the speed and explosiveness you want in a DE, but his two hip surgeries will deter a few teams, so the Cowboys job will be to take a closer look at his medicals and check if his hips are chronic, degenerative, or just injuries that will no longer linger.

Eli Harold will be the guy to get familiar with as we head deeper into the draft season. His numbers were solid; however, it’ll be interesting if he is able to bulk up more by the time his pro day comes around. His pro day will be big, and we’ll get his bench press from that as well.

Danielle Hunter from LSU showed some flashes, his measurements will be intriguing. Did not have high sack production in his Junior and Senior years, but can penetrate and play run defense.

Preston Smith is a player I like when watching him play, and he had a nice Combine to back up his play. For me, adding Smith would be an instant upgrade and slotted at the left end. Smith also has versatility to move inside, much like Jeremy Mincey did in certain nickel packages.

Obum Gwacham from Oregon State put in some nice numbers, he’ll be a project if drafted. He was recruited as a wide receiver / cornerback, and made the switch to defensive end in 2014. Sleeper pick status.

Ryan Russell from Purdue another possible sleeper pick from Purdue.

Honorable Mentions:

Nate Orchard, DE, Utah (6-3, 250)

Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami (6-3, 267)

Za’Darius Smith, DE, Kentucky (6-4, 274)