Kiper: ‘Boys Land UNC DT Williams at 18

ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. published his "Grade A" Draft on Thursday

ESPN Draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr. published what he calls his “Grade A Draft” on Thursday, a week away from the 2013 Draft itself. This isn’t a traditional mock draft. This is Kiper picking who he’d pick if he wielded that power for each team in the NFL.

Somewhat interestingly, Kiper has the Dallas Cowboys addressing their aging defensive front in the first round, and waiting until the second to go after an offensive lineman. For some time now, it’s been thought that Dallas would go offensive line in the first round or, failing that, safety.

With the No. 18 overall pick, in round one, Kiper has Dallas landing North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams. In round two, 47th overall, he has Dallas getting some much-needed interior line help in the form of Kentucky guard Larry Warford.

Then--even more interesting--Kiper has Dallas going back to the defensive line in the third round, and selecting Utah defensive end Joe Kruger.

Of course, it’s not that Dallas sees the defensive line as a greater priority than the interior O-line or even safety. It’s just that the two guards they’re most interested in--North Carolina’s Jonathan Cooper and Alabama’s Chance Warmack--are almost assuredly going to be long gone by No. 18. The Cowboys would also be thrilled to land Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro with their top pick but he, too, will most likely be off the board.

Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe, text HELP for more info, and text STOP to end the subscription. Message and data rates may apply.Read more about it here.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us