Cowboys 2022 NFL Draft Projections & Mock Draft

Dallas Cowboys 2022 Draft

Things got a little bit hairy at times for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, but they found their way at the end of the season, they closed by winning five of their final six games to claim the NFC East crown since the 2018 season. Dallas, however, ended the season as all of its postseasons have ended since they won Super Bowl XXX with a crushing disappointment.

The Cowboys finished 12-6, including their 23-17 Wild Card loss to San Francisco. While this would seem to be an improvement for a team that missed the postseason the previous year, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy is already on the hot seat after two seasons. The Cowboys are also hoping to see Dak Prescott take the next step and lead them to a Super Bowl.

Looking to strike while they think they have the roster for a deep run led to Dallas restructuring a number of contracts to clear cap space. The Cowboys will have $21 million available to maneuver during the offseason. Dallas will be a motivated group to get things done because a step backward could be costly for the coaching staff and players who aren’t able to deliver.

Players Leaving the Dallas Cowboys

Kick Greg Zuerlein became a salary cap casualty partially to save money and a large part due to performance. While Zuerlein made a game-winning kick against the Los Angeles Chargers, those moments proved to be few and far between for the veteran kicker. He converted 82.9 percent (29-of-35) of his field goals but had key misses in three of Dallas’ losses. Releasing Zuerlein saved the Cowboys $2.25 million.

Tight end Blake Jarwin couldn’t catch a break during his final two years with the Cowboys. In 2020, he tore his ACL and was limited to one game. Jarwin similarly struggled with injuries in 2021 and caught 17 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. He was only able to appear in 11 games. Following a hip surgery this offseason, Dallas decided to move on from the veteran tight end.

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson signed a three-year, $22.8 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Wilson caught a career-high 45 passes for 602 yards and six touchdowns last season for Dallas. He made his first four career starts in 2021 in his third year with Dallas.

The Cowboys dealt wide receiver Amari Cooper to Cleveland for several draft picks. Cooper, who is 27, caught 68 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns last season. In the previous two seasons, he had topped 1,000 yards receiving. Dealing Cooper allowed the Cowboys to create $16 million in cap space.

Positions Needed by the Dallas Cowboys

With the departures of Wilson and Cooper, Dallas will need to find some help at wide receiver. The Cowboys were able to convince Steelers wide receiver James Washington with the team. However, Washington was mostly a down-the-lineup guy and will need to prove that he deserves more playing time. Dallas will likely try to target another playmaker in the draft.

The Cowboys could use more depth on the defensive line. Dallas’ defense ranked 19th in total yards allowed last season, giving up 351 yards per game. They allowed teams to rush for 112.8 yards per game, which ranked 16th in the league.

Dallas will also be looking for help at linebacker. Micah Parsons was an outstanding pass rusher for Dallas last season, but they need some more options behind him. The Cowboys signed Luke Gifford to a one-year deal. But his position may not be secure and Dallas may be seeking someone to fill that spot.

Dallas will also be looking to add depth on the offensive line. The Cowboys saw both of their tackles miss time due to injuries last season. Dallas could also use some competition at the center and guard spots.

Dallas CowboysMock draft

Dallas has nine selections in the 2022 draft and will want to make the most of them. In the first round, the Cowboys will be able to add some help up front. Dallas can stay in the Lone Star state and grab Texas A&M lineman Kenyon Green. Green, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound junior offensive lineman accrued a long list of awards with the Aggies.

Green was chosen first-team All-American by two different groups and was named All-SEC first team. The Aggies finished 8-4, highlighted by an upset victory over No. 1 Alabama. In the second round, the Cowboys could make a run at Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce. Pierce was a top target for the Bearcats last season.

Pierce recorded career-highs by catching 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. The senior wide receiver caught 13 touchdowns in the three years he appeared in games for the Bearcats and always averaged 17 yards or more per catch.

In the third round, Dallas could grab guard Ed Ingram out of LSU. Ingram, a 6-4, 320-pound lineman, started all four years for the Tigers. As a senior, Ingram was chosen as second-team All-SEC player in a year where LSU struggled through the final, tumultuous year under coach Ed Orgeron.

In the fourth round, Dallas could add some depth to the defensive line. Defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia recorded two sacks and 27 tackles, 15 of which were solo stops for UCLA last season. He also defended two passes, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble. Ogbonnia was a consistent player for all four of his years at UCLA. Check Cowboys’ NFL Draft odds and NFL Odds.

2022 NFL Draft Event Information

Date: Thursday, Apr. 28th (Round 1) | Friday, Apr. 29th (Rounds 2-3) | Saturday, Apr. 30th (Rounds 4-7)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Thursday) | 7 p.m. ET (Friday) | Noon ET (Saturday)
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
TV Channel: ABC | ESPN | NFL Network
NFL Draft Live Streaming: NFL Game Pass