Dallas Cowboys focus on defense in 2021 seven-round NFL mock draft
By John Blair
Dallas Cowboys mock draft: Round 2, 44th overall
player. Pick Analysis. UCF. S. Richie Grant. 2. 123. Scouting Report
After taking the top corner in the 2021 NFL Draft in the first round, the Dallas Cowboys turn around and takes the top safety in the 2021 NFL Draft in the second round. This is a need for the Cowboys as they lost 2020 starter, Xavier Woods, to the Vikings this offseason and also struggled at this position last year.
The team did go out and sign several free-agent safeties this offseason in Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, and Jayron Kearse but all of these players agreed to one-year deals.
One of the reasons Dallas would love to get Grant with this pick is he has the ability to play either strong or free safety in the NFL. In pass coverage, he came away with 10 interceptions in his last 34 games and shows the speed to hold up in coverage. When it comes to supporting the run he plays a physical style of football and finished his college career with 290 tackles.
He would likely start his career with the Dallas Cowboys as a backup. However, he would likely earn a starting role in 2022 when the team sees several of its safeties become free agents again. He would also be another key component of the Cowboys young secondary.