Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota linebacker Boye Mafe (LB23) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Cowboys addressed their need at tackle in Round 1, but Dallas still has a lot of work to do in Day 2 to get its roster ready for the regular season.
Selecting Tyler Smith at No. 24 wasn’t the most exciting selection of all time, but it did fill a big need for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones and the front office need to continue their work on Day 2. This roster still has noticeable holes that need to be filled before Week 1.
The most glaring need that still needs to be filled is at edge rusher. Dallas required Micah Parsons to carry way too much of their pass-rushing load as a rookie. It would be a big surprise to see the Cowboys exit Day 2 without a potential starter at defensive end. Cowboys fans should keep a particularly close eye on these prospects at No. 56.
NFL Draft 2022: Who should Cowboys target on Day 2?
Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota
Some scouts believe Mafe is going to need some time to develop before he’s ready to make an impact at the NFL level, but there’s no doubt about his physical tools. The Cowboys would do well to add a pass rusher with such a high ceiling in Round 2.
At the very least, Mafe should be ready to rush the passer on obvious passing downs as a rookie. After that, he can grow into a hybrid edge/outside linebacker that can play every down for Dallas.
Troy Andersen, Linebacker, Minnesota State
Andersen wouldn’t fill the Cowboys’ need at edge rusher, but he would help them get a lot more athletic at the linebacker position. Adding him to the mix would free up Parsons to continue in last year’s role as the team’s primary edge rusher on clear passing downs.
Josh Paschal, Edge, Kentucky
Paschal may not be a classic speed rusher on the outside, but his versatility could be attractive to the Cowboys’ coaching staff. He’s the sort of defensive lineman who could line up outside on early downs before rushing the passer from the interior on third down.
The former Kentucky star had some buzz as a potential late Round 1 pick so it’s possible he won’t fall to Dallas at 56. If he does, look for the Cowboys to give him a long look.
Drake Jackson, Edge, Southern Cal
Jackson is a quintessential speedy edge rusher at this stage in his development. He struggles to handle physical offensive lineman who can really get their hands on him. He’s still young enough to add power to his game as the years progress though. His long-term potential makes him an intriguing option for the Cowboys on Day 2.
