Throw a dart these days and you’re bound to hit a mock draft of self-proclaimed “experts," well, throwing darts.
Truth is, nobody knows what’s going to transpire Thursday night in Chicago during the first round of the NFL Draft. Not even Jerry Jones.
Last year, for a recent example, the Cowboys were salivating at taking Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier with the 15th pick, only to have the Steelers nab him one slot before. That sad surprise, of course, left Dallas the “consolation” prize of Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin.
With the 27th pick Thursday will the Cowboys’ braintrust of Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay and Jason Garrett be able to take a running back like Melvin Gordon, a cornerback like Kevin Johnson or a linebacker like Eric Kendricks or … Will they even wind up with the 27th pick at all?
History, fueled by Jones’ antsy DNA, says no.
Since Bill Parcells left and Jones regained his autonomy in the Valley Ranch war room, staying put went out of style faster than terse press conferences and New York Giants’ retreads.
What will Jerry do this year?
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He might trade up, like he did to get DeMarcus Lawrence (2014), Morris Claiborne (2012), Dez Bryant and Sean Lee (2010), and Mike Jenkins (2008).
He might trade down, like he did to get Terrance Williams (2013) and Felix Jones (2007).
Or, as was the case in 2009, he might fold his draft cards and totally trade out of the first two rounds.
So mock the draft all you want. The safest bet is that the Cowboys won’t stay at No. 27 and won’t draft a name you’re regularly hearing from the experts.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
