Many people were perplexed by the Dallas Cowboys’ approach to free agency. The team now finds itself in a situation where Will McClay and company must select numerous starters with limited picks in the upcoming draft.
Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz’s departure decimated the offensive line, leaving Dak Prescott—who was sacked 39 times in his career—with gaps in his defence.
Given the abundance of talented players in the class, most would consider selecting an offensive lineman in the first round as the “obvious” pick. However, in the most recent mock selection by CBS Sports, Dallas selects Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell, a deep threat, rather than strengthening Dak’s defence.
“There are more pressing needs for the Cowboys (offensive tackle), but the draft board played out where Dallas can’t pass up on Mitchell,” says CBS Sports. “His deep-ball tracking ability opens up the slot for CeeDee Lamb, making the passing game even more explosive in what could be Dak Prescott’s final season in Dallas.”
The Texas standout gives the Cowboys offence something they didn’t have consistently last season: a big, physical, deep threat at the receiver position, provided that Prescott has enough time and protection to use Mitchell.
Dak has a good chance of scoring enough points to win games the following season thanks to the 6-4, 196-pound Mitchell, who also typically completes the catch when targeted. Mitchell will be a useful target for Prescott because, according to PFF, he drops passes just 2.2% of the time (55 receptions, 845 yards, 11 touchdowns).
This selection by CBS seems a little unlikely given Dallas’ obvious offensive line problems, but then again, the Cowboys’ entire offseason has been strange. Therefore, at this point, nothing would surprise Cowboys Nation.
The Cowboys add a physical receiver to their already potent offence in what may be Prescott and McCarthy’s last season together.
