Four-round mock draft: Cowboys grab QB Wentz at No. 4
By Chad Reuter
Draft analyst
Published: Jan. 29, 2016 at 04:37 p.m.
Updated: Jan. 30, 2016 at 11:14 a.m.
Putting together a four-round mock draft is like someone giving you 150 pieces for a 127-piece puzzle ... and you have to figure out which ones don't fit.
The reason I went through this exercise so early in the draft process is to display the sheer depth of talent in this year's class -- thanks mostly to the 107 high-quality players that submitted for early entry despite still owning one or two years of collegiate eligibility.
There is a good chance that some of the players I project in the second round will be picked in the first. Several prospects listed in the third or fourth rounds could wind up being second-round picks after the draft process has run its course.
1. Tennessee Titans
Laremy Tunsil - OT, Ole Miss
Adding Laremy Tunsil will allow former first-round pick Taylor Lewan to man the right side, giving Marcus Mariota two excellent tackles to keep defensive ends off his back.
2. Cleveland Browns
Jared Goff - QB, Cal
The Browns' new front office brings in Jared Goff to jump-start a moribund franchise with just three winning seasons since returning to Cleveland in 1999.
3. San Diego Chargers
Ronnie Stanley - OT, Notre Dame
Philip Rivers needs to be protected if he is to compete for an AFC title before he retires, and Ronnie Stanley's just the man to do the job.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Carson Wentz - QB, North Dakota State
Tony Romo is undergoing surgery this off-season, and is already 35 years old. The Cowboys coached Carson Wentz at the Senior Bowl this week, so they'll find out all they need to know if they want to take him here.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jalen Ramsey - CB, Florida State
Play Jalen Ramsey at corner, play him at safety ... he'll make an impact in either spot.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Joey Bosa - DE, Ohio State
Terrell Suggs is near the end and Courtney Upshaw is a free agent. Joey Bosa might not be quite as explosive as Suggs once was, but he's a damn fine player who will wreak havoc and play assignment-sure.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Laquon Treadwell - WR, Ole Miss
Chip Kelly finds a superstar in Laquon Treadwell to help out Colin Kaepernick return to his early career form.
8. Miami Dolphins
Shaq Lawson - DE, Clemson
Miami struggled to get a consistent pass rush this season, averaging less than two sacks per game. Shaq Lawson can help in that respect, and could take Olivier Vernon's spot if he leaves via free agency.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vernon Hargreaves III - CB, Florida
The Buccaneers find a playmaker in the secondary ... throw Vernon Hargreaves III's way at your own peril.
10. New York Giants
DeForest Buckner - DE, Oregon
Building talent up front is a hallmark of the Giants, so grabbing a versatile defender like DeForest Buckner here makes a lot of sense.
11. Chicago Bears
Myles Jack - LB, UCLA
The Bears can play the athletic and tough-minded Myles Jack in any spot in their linebacking corps.
12. New Orleans Saints
Andrew Billings - DT, Baylor
The Saints begin the revamping of their defense with Andrew Billings, a load in the middle who will also collapse the pocket as a pass-rusher.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
A'Shawn Robinson - DT, Alabama
If new coordinator Jim Schwartz changes the Eagles' defensive front to his typical 4-3, A'Shawn Robinson should bolster the unit's interior, even allowing the athletic Fletcher Cox to play outside on early downs.
14. Oakland Raiders
Jaylon Smith - LB, Notre Dame
The Raiders simply take the best defensive player on the board, betting that Jaylon Smith will return from injury without an issue.
15. Los Angeles Rams
Paxton Lynch - QB, Memphis
A new town for the Rams (same as the old town) means the need for a new strong-armed, agile gunslinger at quarterback such as Paxton Lynch.
16. Detroit Lions
Taylor Decker - OT, Ohio State
Taylor Decker joins fellow former Big Ten star lineman Riley Reiff on the Lions' O-line, with the hopes that it helps in pass protection (44 sacks allowed in 2015) and the consistency of the bottom-ranked rush offense in the league.
17. Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Dodd - DE, Clemson
The Falcons had 19 sacks in 16 games, making them the least potent pass rush in the NFL. Kevin Dodd will be a much-needed shot in the arm.
18. Indianapolis Colts
Jack Conklin - OT, Michigan State
Andrew Luck will see his team picking the tough-minded tackle in Jack Conklin and say, "yes, please."
19. Buffalo Bills
Darron Lee - LB, Ohio State
Darron Lee's potential is sky high. With Nigel Bradham a free agent and Manny Lawson on the other side of 30, it makes sense for the Ryan brothers to add another athletic linebacker into the mix.
20. New York Jets
Reggie Ragland - LB, Alabama
Demario Davis is a free agent, so if he doesn't return, the Jets would love to plug in Reggie Ragland next to David Harris in the middle of their defense.
21. Washington Redskins
Mackensie Alexander - CB, Clemson
Washington finds another playmaker for the secondary with Mackensie Alexander, who happens to be a former teammate of current starter Bashaud Breeland.
22. Houston Texans
Ezekiel Elliott - RB, Ohio State
Since there aren't any quarterbacks worth the value of this pick, the Texans take Ezekiel Elliott as they look to replace the 30-year-old Arian Foster, who is coming off a torn Achilles and is due a large salary in 2016.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Josh Doctson - WR, TCU
Josh Doctson's wrist probably won't keep him out of the first round, allowing the Vikings grab him as a legit deep threat for blossoming passer Teddy Bridgewater.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Braxton Miller - WR, Ohio State
Braxton Miller's still learning the position, but his athleticism and natural hands will earn him high grades. Combining A.J. Green and Miller on the outside will only make Tyler Eifert more dangerous ... and Andy Dalton more comfortable.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
Eli Apple - CB, Ohio State
Three of the Steelers' top four corners are free agents, and Cortez Allen is coming off an injury. Eli Apple, coming off his redshirt sophomore season, is just scratching the surface of his potential.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Sheldon Rankins - DT, Louisville
Sheldon Rankins' get-off and motor bolsters an interior defensive line in need of bodies right away, as free agents Ahtyba Rubin and Brandon Mebane may or may not return in 2016.
27. Green Bay Packers
Jarran Reed - DT, Alabama
It's unclear whether the Packers will re-sign either of their free-agent nose tackles, B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion. Jarran Reed's power up front will be needed, and he's able to test guards with more quickness than you'd expect.
28. Kansas City Chiefs
Jonathan Bullard - DE, Florida
Jonathan Bullard gives the Chiefs a versatile performer on the defensive line, as he's able to hold his own between the A-gaps but also step outside to challenge tackles with a quick first step.
29. Arizona Cardinals
Leonard Floyd - LB, Georgia
Leonard Floyd can help the Cardinals building the pass rush, which is crucial to stay ahead of the Seahawks in the NFC West.
30. Denver Broncos
Vadal Alexander - OG, LSU
The Broncos' offensive line needs to be upgraded with a player such as Vadal Alexander if Brock Osweiler is to be successful taking over from Peyton Manning in 2016.
31. Carolina Panthers
Darian Thompson - S, Boise State
A versatile defender in the mold of Pro Bowl linebacker Thomas Davis, coach Ron Rivera could use Darian Thompson to replace veteran free agent Roman Harper in 2016 and move him inside whenever Davis retires.
Round 2
32. Cleveland Browns: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
33. Tennessee Titans: Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
34. Dallas Cowboys: Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
35. San Diego Chargers: Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
36. Baltimore Ravens: Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
37. San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
38. Miami Dolphins: Scooby Wright III, ILB, Arizona
39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
40. New York Giants: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
41. Chicago Bears: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
43. Los Angeles Rams: Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
44. Oakland Raiders: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
45. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
46. Detroit Lions: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
47. New Orleans Saints: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
48. Indianapolis Colts: Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
49. Buffalo Bills: Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
50. Atlanta Falcons: Kentrell Brothers, ILB, Missouri
51. New York Jets: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
52. Houston Texans: Jacoby Brissett, QB, North Carolina State
53. Washington Redskins: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
54. Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
55. Cincinnati Bengals: Su'a Cravens, S/OLB, USC
56. Seattle Seahawks: Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
57. Green Bay Packers: Antonio Morrison, ILB, Florida
58. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
59. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremy Cash, S, Duke
60. New England Patriots: DeAndre Houston-Carson, DB, William & Mary
61. Arizona Cardinals: Adolphus Washington, DE, Ohio State
62. Denver Broncos: Devon Cajuste, WR, Stanford
63. Carolina Panthers: Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
Round 3
64. Tennessee Titans: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
65. Cleveland Browns: Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
66. San Diego Chargers: Joshua Perry, OLB, Ohio State
67. Dallas Cowboys: Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
68. San Francisco 49ers: Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
69. Miami Dolphins: KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
71. Baltimore Ravens: Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
72. Chicago Bears: Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
73. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jordan Jenkins, DE, Georgia
74. New York Giants: Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
75. Oakland Raiders: Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
76. Los Angeles Rams: Jack Allen, C, Michigan State
77. Philadelphia Eagles: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
78. New Orleans Saints: Deion Jones, OLB, LSU
79. Philadelphia Eagles: Landon Turner, OG, North Carolina
80. Buffalo Bills: Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
81. Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Mills, S, LSU
82. Indianapolis Colts: William Jackson III, CB, Houston
83. New York Jets: Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
84. Washington Redskins: Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
85. Houston Texans: Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
86. Minnesota Vikings: Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
87. Cincinnati Bengals: Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
88. Green Bay Packers: Thomas Duarte, TE, UCLA
89. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
90. Seattle Seahawks: Willie Beavers, OT, Western Michigan
91. Kansas City Chiefs: Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers
92. New England Patriots: Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
93. Arizona Cardinals: Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
94. Denver Broncos: Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
95. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina
Round 4
96. Cleveland Browns: Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
97. Tennessee Titans: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
98. Dallas Cowboys: James Cowser, DE, Southern Utah
99. San Diego Chargers: Hunter Sharp, WR, Utah State
100. Miami Dolphins: Joe Thuney, OG/OT, North Carolina State
101. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
102. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State
103. San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Adams, Jr., QB, Oregon
104. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas
105. New York Giants: Denver Kirkland, OT, Arkansas
106. Chicago Bears: Juston Burris, CB, North Carolina State
107. Los Angeles Rams: Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin
108. Detroit Lions: Rashad Higgins, WR, Colorado State
109. New Orleans Saints: Bryce Williams, TE, East Carolina
110. Philadelphia Eagles: Jayron Kearse, SS, Clemson
111. Oakland Raiders: Kevon Seymour, CB, USC
112. Atlanta Falcons: Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State
113. Indianapolis Colts: Deon Bush, S, Miami (FL)
114. Buffalo Bills: Connor McGovern, OG, Missouri
115. New York Jets: Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
116. Houston Texans: Tech Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State
117. Washington Redskins: Dominique Alexander, ILB, Oklahoma
118. Minnesota Vikings: Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas
119. Cincinnati Bengals: Taveze Calhoun, CB, Mississippi State
120. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
121. Seattle Seahawks: Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan
122. Green Bay Packers: Spencer Drango, OG/OT, Baylor
123. Kansas City Chiefs: John Theus, OT, Georgia
124. New England Patriots: Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida
125. Arizona Cardinals: Max Tuerk, C, USC
126. Baltimore Ravens: Cre'von LeBlanc, CB, Florida Atlantic
127. Carolina Panthers: Harlan Miller, CB, Southeast Louisiana
Prospects worthy of selection in Rounds 1-4
» Damontee Kazee, CB, San Diego State
» Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota
» Zach Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma
» Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State
» Kamalei Correa, DE/OLB, Boise State
» Antwaun Woods, DT, USC
» Matt Ioannidis, DE, Temple
» Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
» Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford
» Tyler Matakevich, ILB, Temple
» Kyle Murphy, OG/OT, Stanford
» Rees Odhiambo, OG/OT, Boise State
» Yannik Ngakoue, OLB, Maryland
» Terrance Smith, OLB, Florida State
» Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
» Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
» Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
» Elijah Shumate, S, Notre Dame
» Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
» Darion Griswold, TE, Arkansas State
» Kenny Lawler, WR, California
» Paul McRoberts, WR, Southeast Missouri State
» Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
» Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass
» De'Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State