The Dallas Cowboys will be busier than usual when the NFL Draft rolls around in April. For the first time since 2005, America’s Team will pick twice in the top-20 of the draft.
While there’s still plenty to be determined over the next few months, draft experts are already trying to peg where the Cowboys could turn with the 12th and 20th overall picks.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic released a new mock draft on Thursday based on “early buzz” from conversations with people from around the league. It features the Cowboys making an intriguing selection with their first pick.
Scouting Report on Styles: ‘He Doesn’t Miss Tackles’
Brugler projects the Cowboys going back-to-back on defense, starting with Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 12.
“At 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds with 4.5 speed, Styles is a freak of nature,” Brugler writes. “He doesn’t miss tackles, and his read-react skills get better with every game.”
A fixture on Ohio State’s star-laden defense, Styles — who declared for the draft on Wednesday — recorded a team-high 83 tackles (46 solo) with one sack, one fumble recovery and an interception this season. Styles was First Team All-Big Ten and one of five Buckeye defenders to earn AP All-American honors, landing on the second team.
The season before, Styles had 100 tackles as Ohio State won the national championship.
With 20th pick, Brugler has the Cowboys selecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.
Another Mock Draft Has the Rams Landing Styles
Simply put, Styles is one of the most coveted prospects in this year’s draft.
ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest draft board ranks Styles as the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 2 draft-eligible linebacker.
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald have Styles landing with the Los Angeles Rams with the No. 13 pick in their most recent mock.
“Styles has an element of speed and range to his game that the Rams could really use, and he would give them a much sturdier front seven than the boom-or-bust one they have,” they wrote.
Cowboys Predicted to Add ‘Freak of Nature’ Linebacker in Expert’s Latest Mock Draft