Linebackers is a position that has lost steam in most mock drafts, but it should not be forgotten for the #27 pick. The Cowboys have been very diligent in the players they have had interest in, including linebacker dating back to the 2014 draft with high interest in Ryan Shazier.
One player that seems to be higher on the Cowboys board than most would think is Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
Over the past few weeks the Cowboys have attended McKinney’s pro day, they invited him to Valley Ranch, and then they recently sent an assistant coach up to McKinney for a workout. I’m not saying the Cowboys have not done this with their other prospects, but they clearly have high interest in this particular player.
The one interesting note from the Cowboys latest workout with McKinney is this:
Dallas Cowboys working out Benardrick McKinney/Miss St today. Interesting they are sending a d-line coach to workout http://t.co/ozp1Dg7ksq
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 24, 2015
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I looked around, but did not see anything to confirm this was indeed a defensive line coach, but I wonder if it was Ben Bloom. Bloom is listed as the Cowboys Assistant Defensive Line/Defensive Ends. My guess is the Cowboys want to see how versatile McKinney could be, and possibly see how he does in some pass rushing drills. Bloom is a protégé of Matt Eberflus, so it could have just been more linebacker work.
Either way, you have to wonder where the Cowboys would draft a player like McKinney. We know the Cowboys also worked out Eric Kendricks, Paul Dawson, and Gabe Martin even as the Cowboys were negotiating a 1-yr deal with Rolando McClain.
And if you’re looking for the Cowboys to possibly trade out of the 1st round and accumilate picks, then the Cowboys high interest could spark a trade from the Rams.
Back on February 20th I posted the St Louis Rams would target linebackers early in the draft. One linebacker the team loves is Benardrick McKinney of Mississippi State. The team worked out McKinney last week and came away very impressed. The tenth pick of round one is too early for McKinney which lends many to believe the Rams could trade down in the first round or trade up from the second round to secure McKinney. (DraftInsider.Net)
I know it’s a stretch, but this is the type of scenario the Cowboys could face come draft day, whether it’s the Rams or another team, so it should not be completely dismissed. If the Cowboys miss out on their running backs and cornerbacks, they may see more value in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, something a team like the Rams would have to give up to move up that high back into the 1st round.
Five more days!
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