The Dallas Cowboys had a very disappointing 2015 season, with injuries to some key players derailing any preseason hope for a playoff berth. As the process leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft rolls forward, here are five prospects the Cowboys should have on their radar.
5. UCLA LB Myles Jack
Getty ImagesJack is a popular mock draft pick for the Cowboys at No. 4 overall right now, and they do need to add some youth to their linebacker mix. Exactly who Jerry Jones will become enamored with between now and draft time is unpredictable, but Jack is a good fit for Dallas.
4. Colorado State WR Rashard Higgins
Christian Petersen Getty Images
A big junior season (96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns) put Higgins on the NFL radar, but without 2015 draftee Garrett Grayson under center his production dropped last season (75 catches for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns). The Cowboys need to add talent opposite Dez Bryant, but with other needs taking priority early in the draft, Higgins is a solid mid-round target.
3. North Carolina State QB Jacoby Brissett
Jeff Gammons Getty ImagesTony Romo's injury-riddled 2015 campaign exposed the Cowboys' lack of good options behind him, and more importantly as he nears 36 years old they don't have a plan under center beyond the end of his career. Brissett brings good size (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) and mobility to the table. While he has some development to do, taking him in the middle rounds would allow Dallas to sit him for a season or two.
2. Houston CB William Jackson
Bob Levey Getty ImagesThe Cowboys had just eight interceptions last season, and they have a significant need for an impact corner. Jackson is big (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and all-around productive (43 total tackles, 23 pass breakups and five interceptions in 2015), so as long as the unspecified injury that kept him out of the Senior Bowl is not a lingering issue, Dallas should be taking a long look at him.
1. Utah RB Devontae Booker
Jennifer Stewart Getty ImagesDarren McFadden had a solid season as the Cowboys' lead back in 2015, with over 1,000 rushing yards and 40 catches, but his age (29 in August) and injury history makes relying on him next season tough to do. A torn meniscus ended Booker's 2015 season early, but his production before being injured (1,261 rushing yards, 37 receptions and 11 rushing touchdowns) was a nice followup to his breakout 2014 (1,512 rushing yards, 43 catches and 12 total touchdown). Advanced age (24 in May) is a concern, but as long as he's healthy, Booker looks like an immediate contributor.
