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2015 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

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By @BZarp

NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

Jason Garrett
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The Dallas Cowboys got a relatively big monkey off their back in 2014, winning the NFC East and coming awfully close to reaching the NFC Championship Game. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement for the Cowboys, and several needs they’ll have to address in the 2015 NFL Draft. Here’s a mock draft of what the Cowboys could do in the draft.

First Round - Eddie Goldman, Defensive Tackle, Florida State

Eddie Goldman Florida State
Tim Heitman - USATODAY Sports

First Round - Eddie Goldman, Defensive Tackle, Florida State

Eddie Goldman Florida State
Tim Heitman - USATODAY Sports

Dallas is strong on the offensive line, but now it needs to strengthen its defensive line. Goldman was a big part of Florida State's success the past three seasons and is one of the best defensive linemen available in this year's draft. He has a great combination of size and power, and even if he doesn't put up impressive numbers, he'll help open up his teammates to make plays, giving the Dallas front-four a considerable boost.

Second Round - DJoun Smith, Cornerback, Florida Atlantic

D'Joun Smith Florida Atlantic
Michael Thomas Shroyer - USATODAY Sports

Second Round - DJoun Smith, Cornerback, Florida Atlantic

D'Joun Smith Florida Atlantic
Michael Thomas Shroyer - USATODAY Sports

The Cowboys need help at cornerback, especially after missing on Morris Claiborne a couple years ago, and Smith has the tools necessary to be a solid cover corner in the NFL. He doesn't have ideal size, but he does have great speed, good technique and the hip flexibility that NFL corners need to have. He's not a high-ceiling corner, but he's a fairly safe bet to help out the Dallas secondary.

Third Round - Za'Darius Smith, Defensive End, Kentucky

Za'Darius Smith Kentucky
Mark Zerof - USATODAY Sports

Third Round - Za'Darius Smith, Defensive End, Kentucky

Za'Darius Smith Kentucky
Mark Zerof - USATODAY Sports

DeMarcus Lawrence was a great pickup in last year's draft, but the Cowboys need another quality pass rusher on the other side of the defensive line. Smith is a little lean for an NFL defensive end, but he has a great burst and an array of pass-rushing moves that can help him put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He also plays with great effort that helps him make up for his deficiencies, making him a solid pass rusher in the pros.

Fourth Round - Cameron Artis-Payne, Running Back, Auburn

Cameron Artis-Payne Auburn
Mark Zerof - USATODAY Sports

Fourth Round - Cameron Artis-Payne, Running Back, Auburn

Cameron Artis-Payne Auburn
Mark Zerof - USATODAY Sports

DeMarco Murray may not be back next year, and it's not like the Cowboys have a lot of good options behind him. Sooner or later, they're going to have to draft a running back. Artis-Payne had a productive year in 2014 and has a well-rounded skill set. He probably won't be a feature back in the NFL, but he'll be a nice addition for the Cowboys, who will probably need to use several backs in 2015 to replace Murray.

Fifth Round - Anthony Jefferson, Safety, UCLA

Anthony Jefferson, Safety, UCLA
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

Fifth Round - Anthony Jefferson, Safety, UCLA

Anthony Jefferson, Safety, UCLA
Mark J. Rebilas - USATODAY Sports

The Cowboys are quite weak at safety, so they're going to need to add some help there during the draft. Jefferson has nice size and great coverage skills for a safety, which could enable him to play some cornerback. He has plenty of flaws, which is why he's a Day 3 pick, but most of his deficiencies are coachable and his hard work ethic should help to make up for his weaknesses.

Sixth Round - Kenny Bell, Wide Receiver, Nebraska

Kenny Bell Nebraska
Kirby Lee - USATODAY Sports

Sixth Round - Kenny Bell, Wide Receiver, Nebraska

Kenny Bell Nebraska
Kirby Lee - USATODAY Sports

It never hurts to add an offensive weapon, and Bell will be a nice addition for the Cowboys this late in the draft. He's a little slender, so he could struggle against physical corners, but he's a polished receiver who runs good routes and does a lot of the little things asked of a wide receiver, such as blocking downfield. Bell should be able to be a nice complementary receiver in the NFL for many years.

Seventh Round - Chucky Hunter, Defensive Tackle, TCU

Chucky Hunter, Defensive Tackle, TCU
Kevin Jairaj - USATODAY Sports

Seventh Round - Chucky Hunter, Defensive Tackle, TCU

Chucky Hunter, Defensive Tackle, TCU
Kevin Jairaj - USATODAY Sports

It won't hurt Dallas to add a little more depth along the defensive line late in the draft. Hunter still has some developing to do to have success in the pros, but he moves well for a player his size and has a quick first step. He doesn't project as an impact player, but after being a three-year starter in college, Hunter should be a viable backup in the NFL.

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