2020 NFL Draft: Late-round sleeper targets for the Dallas Cowboys

3. Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte

The Dallas Cowboys in all likelihood would select an edge rusher earlier in the draft, but that shouldn’t prevent them from taking Alex Highsmith on day three of the 2020 NFL Draft. Dallas does not have their sixth-round pick after trading it to Miami last season for Robert Quinn, but they do have two fifth-round selections that they can use on Highsmith.

Highsmith is a speed, finesse rusher that has a very good “bend” off the edge but also has a nice counter move to the inside. He won’t blow anyone away with his power, but that’s not his game. He’s very agile in his attack off the ball with the ability to slip or avoid blocks. However, he’ll need to gain some strength as he as a hard time fighting off blocks when he’s engaged.

Highsmith had his numbers suddenly spike after totaling only six career sacks in three years he finished with fourteen in 2019. He also totaled 75 tackles and one forced fumble in his final season at Charlotte.

4. Josiah Scott, Cornerback, Michigan State

The Dallas Cowboys are in need of defensive backs and Michigan State cornerback Josiah Scott has high upside as a nickel in the NFL. He may be a bit undersized at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds but has the ability to frustrate slot receivers to no end.

Scott’s speed and athleticism are on par with NFL nickels so his transition inside shouldn’t be a problem. He could be a liability if matched up against bigger slot receivers so adding some strength should be a priority for Scott. He should be available in the fifth round but has the chance to go a tad sooner. In the case that Scott is still there for Dallas in the fifth, they shouldn’t hesitate to select him.

5. K’Von Wallace, Safety, Clemson

K’Lavon Wallace is a big-hitting safety who can also play some nickel. He won’t be tossed around by bigger receivers and will unleash a hard hit when possible. The Dallas Cowboys could use a player with Wallace’s ferocious playstyle.

Wallace is a very effective blitzer as he finished with two sacks for the 2019 season. He also has the ability to create turnovers causing two forced fumbles and five interceptions for his career at Clemson. The Cowboys have lacked attitude on the defensive side of the ball and Wallace could provide that immediately. He’ll likely start as a special teams player, but Wallace does have the potential to play in sub-packages as a big nickel.