NFL Combine: Potential prospects to watch out for

Today is the last day of the NFL 2018 Combine, so why not take some time out to highlight some players the Dallas Cowboys could be eyeing for their first pick for the upcoming draft?

Wide Receivers

At the combine this weekend, Jerry Jones was quoted as saying yes on whether he expects Dez Bryant to be on the team next year. Despite that, there has been much speculation about Bryant and whether he’ll be willing to take a pay cut this season.  The possibility of losing Dez coupled with the fact that Brice Butler is a free agent and will most likely jump ship, is an indication that Dallas will be in need of a wide receiver.

Calvin Ridley (Alabama)–  Despite his 4.43 40-yard dash, Ridley had a somewhat lackluster performance at the combine this weekend which was highlighted with his 31-in vertical and 9’2″ broad jump. He may not go in the top 10 which gives Dallas a chance at getting him with their 19th pick.

D.J. Moore (Maryland) – Prior to the combine, Moore was expected to be drafted in the 2nd round. His performance this weekend caused his stock to rise. First, he measured 2 inches taller (6 ft) than anyone expected. Second, he runs a 4.42 40- yard dash. The last time the Cowboys drafted a WR with that good of a time was in 2011. He also showed that he can jump with a vertical of 39.5 in. Keep your eye on Moore.

Offensive Line

Injuries plagued our offensive line last season. Left tackle Tyron Smith and right tackle La’el Collins both were sidelined because of injuries. It’s imperative that Dallas pick up another lineman.

Will Hernandez (UTEP)– At 6’3, 330 lbs, Hernandez would be a force to reckon with. He was a standout at the Senior Bowl and was ranked by CBS sports as 2nd best guard in the 2018 draft class. He clocked a nice 5.15 40-yard dash after pushing up 225 pounds 37 times on the bench press.

Linebackers

We all felt the pain when Sean Lee was out a couple of games last season due to an injury, and who’s to say that he won’t get hurt again?  Teammate Jaylon Smith played all season but I wouldn’t necessarily say he had a standout season. All of this combined with the possibility that Anthony Hitchens could go t0 another team as a free agent, indicates that a linebacker could be a good choice for the 19th pick.

Roquan Smith (Georgia) – Was awarded the Butkis Award for being the nation’s top linebacker and was named MVP in the 2017 SEC Championship game. Chance are Smith will be snatched up before Cowboys pick.

Leighton Vander Esch (Boise State)– Leighton was a walk-on, was red-shirted and spent two seasons practicing and developing his body and skill. He shows a lot of potential. It should also be noted that in the past, Dallas has drafted three former defensive Boise State players (Orlando Scandrick, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Tyrone Crawford). Perhaps Dallas coaches like what they see coming out of Boise.