Dallas Cowboys 2021 Mock Draft: Addressing defense early and often

While the biggest question for the Dallas Cowboys along the defensive line might be addressing the nose tackle/1 technique, but value may determine that it’s addressed later in the draft. Finding a running mate opposite DeMarcus Lawrence might not be as big a priority, but getting more pressure up front will help what figures to be a young secondary.

There are a plethora of defensive ends/outside linebackers to take a look at on day two of the 2021 NFL Draft, and one of those is Wake Forest’s Carlos Basham Jr. Basham has been forgotten in the class as others made waves in the last year, but there’s talent there to play a role on the edge.

Basham has the versatility to play a 4 technique in a 3-4 defense or defensive end in a 4-3. He’s a powerful rusher who uses his hands effectively on his initial strike to get initial leverage. Basham plays with good pad level and has the ability to collapse the pocket and get offensive linemen off balance.

In a league that continues to stress the quick passing game, having a player who can collapse the pocket quickly rather than trying to win around the arc may have some more merit than before.