Dallas Cowboys 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Adding defensive help

Round 2

The Dallas Cowboys got arguably another first-round value with this selection and they should be thrilled. Ross Blacklock doesn’t come as a need to this team, but man can this kid play.  Once again the Cowboys followed their board and drafted a defensive tackle. I would have liked a corner here, but once again the value wasn’t there.

Blacklock instantly gives the Cowboys some position versatility along their line. He can play multiple different spots, from a true nose tackle to a three-technique. He has an elite bend to his game and has aggressive hands. He dominates inside with the way he can shed blocks with slapping guards hands down or just bullying them back into the quarterback’s lap.

Blacklock may not have the sack numbers that “wow” teams and fans but, he is a player that every coach wants on their team as he does the dirty work inside. If Blacklock can improve his technique at the next level the Cowboys just stole one.

Blacklock is an outstanding player with his hustle and his willingness to do what the scheme suggests. There were countless times I watched him twist and stunt to free his teammates. Blacklock also has arguably some of the best hand usage in the 2020 NFL Draft class.

Round 3

The Dallas Cowboys finally found the right value in the draft for the much-needed cornerback. A lot of people may be surprised I went Pride in the third-round as many scouts have him as a fourth-round grade. From the tape I have watched I believe Pride comes in and helps round out this Cowboys secondary.

Pride allows the Cowboys to have multiplicity to their secondary, as he can play outside or move inside and cover slot receivers. Pride also can keep up with speed receivers as well, posting a 4.40 40 yard dash time at the NFL Combine in February.

If the Cowboys secondary, coached by Al Harris, can put Pride in the right situations as a rookie, I think he can be an impact player for this ball club. Pride needs to trust his eyes and have better ball awareness. He also needs to do a better job with route combos within the play, but he will still be a major upgrade at the position.

Pride has a ton of potential, which is a theme to this draft. That’s why you need to have a good system in place to make these players flourish. He has the ability to cover elite speed receivers down the field and small shifty receivers in the slot. That combo will get him playing time early in Dallas.