2018 Dallas Cowboys game-by-game predictions
8:01 AM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

The Dallas Cowboys will hope to keep their even-year playoff streak alive in 2018. They made the playoffs in 2014 and 2016, when expectations were not very high, and will not be considered one of the top contenders as they begin 2018. Is it in the cards to get back to the postseason?

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, at Carolina Panthers, 4:25 p.m. ET

Thankfully the Cowboys do not have to see the New York Giants in the season opener, but they will have to be ready for Cam Newton and a Panthers offense led by former Cowboys coordinator Norv Turner. Perhaps that's a good thing for the Cowboys defense to have Newton and Turner still feeling each other out. Record: 1-0

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, vs. New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. ET

Will Dez Bryant be on the other sideline? That would certainly add to the drama, but the Cowboys have found a way to bottle up Eli Manning even if they are just 2-2 against him the past two seasons. The Cowboys' young secondary makes some plays and the Cowboys get the big NFC East win, Dez or no Dez. Record: 2-0

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Seahawks are going through a transition. No Richard Sherman. No Michael Bennett. Kam Chancellor is a question. The Cowboys have Seattle's old coordinator, Kris Richard, and maybe they pull off a trade for Earl Thomas in the draft. Still, the last time they went to Seattle in September, they were hammered. Record: 2-1

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET

The Lions have a new coach in Matt Patricia with his trusty No. 2 pencil tucked behind his ear. More importantly, they will have Highland Park native Matthew Stafford chucking the ball all over the yard. This feels like a game in which Ezekiel Elliott breaks out. Record: 3-1

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 7, at Houston Texans, 8:20 p.m. ET

Is this where Bryant signs? Deshaun Watson was setting the league on fire last season before he was injured. J.J. Watt will be back from injury. Bryant would be a good addition to this offense with his big-play ability. Stopping Watson will be more of the issue. Record: 3-2

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 14, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:25 p.m. ET

The last time the Jaguars visited AT&T Stadium in 2010, David Garrard had a near-perfect passer rating of 157.8 as the Jaguars blew out the Cowboys. That was Wade Phillips' final home game as head coach. The Jaguars will be a chic pick to be an AFC champion based off what they did last season, but the Cowboys will answer the bell to stay above .500. Record 4-2

Week 7: Oct. 21 at Washington Redskins. 4:25 p.m. ET

The Cowboys have won five straight games at FedEx Field. Kirk Cousins is gone, replaced by Alex Smith. He doesn't have the weapons he had with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys make it six in a row at FedEx Field. Record: 5-2

Week 8: Bye.

Week 9: Nov. 5, vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 p.m. ET

The Titans made the playoffs last season but fired their coach anyway and hired Mike Vrabel. They have some quality pieces on both sides of the ball, including mobile quarterback Marcus Mariota. They will rely on running back Derrick Henry now that they have moved on from former Cowboy DeMarco Murray, but that won't slow down the Cowboys. Record 6-2

Week 10: Nov. 11, at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Cowboys have found Lincoln Financial Field to their liking in recent years, including that thrilling 6-0 defeat of the Eagles to close last season that guaranteed the Cowboys back-to-back winning records for the first time since 2007-09. Of course, that meant nothing and cost the Cowboys draft positioning. Oh, Carson Wentz will be healthy and the Eagles will be able to slow down the Cowboys. Record: 6-3

Week 11: Nov. 18, at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET

The low point of last season was the debacle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Dak Prescott was sacked eight times. Adrian Clayborn had six sacks and should have sent part of his signing bonus as a free agent to the Cowboys as an appreciation. This time Tyron Smith is healthy. This time the Cowboys leave with a win. Record: 7-3

Week 12: Nov. 22, vs. Washington Redskins, 4:30 p.m. ET

Is Dez Bryant on this team? The Cowboys have lost four of their past six games on Thanksgiving. So much for the home-field advantage. Let's give the Redskins the W here as Daniel Snyder's team spoils Jerry Jones' holiday. Record: 7-4

Week 13: Nov. 29, vs. New Orleans Saints, 8:20 p.m. ET

This is the third straight year the Cowboys will have played back-to-back Thursday games, so the NFL likes the idea. Saints coach Sean Payton will like it too. So will Drew Brees. Is Bryant on this team? The Saints have enough firepower to make it work without Bryant. Record: 7-5

Week 14: Dec. 9, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Cowboys will have 10 days to get ready for Philadelphia, and that is a good thing. They'll need it. Prescott gets his revenge on Wentz as the Cowboys get a must-win for their playoff hopes. Record: 8-5

Week 15: Dec. 16, at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET

Will Andrew Luck still be Andrew Luck? If so, then this game will be a little more difficult. The last time the Cowboys played at Lucas Oil Stadium, Sean Lee intercepted a Peyton Manning pass and returned it for a touchdown in 2010. He'll do the same against Luck. Record: 9-5

Week 16: Dec. 23, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET

The Buccaneers seem to have talent but can't seem to put it all together. Will Dirk Koetter still be the coach? If not, then that means the Bucs' season is in a tailspin. They will put up a fight, but the Cowboys will get to 10 wins in a pivotal season for coach Jason Garrett. Record: 10-5

Week 17: Dec. 30, at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

The Cowboys will need a win to make the playoffs for the third time in five seasons. They have faced this winner-take-all scenario three other times in the Garrett era and come up short. They will come up short here, too. Dez Bryant throws up the X for the game-winning touchdown. Record: 10-6

https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/4/21/17266364/controversial-ex-nfl-player-greg-hardy-to-make-pro-mma-debut-on-ufcs-contender-series

didnt expect Davenport to be there - but this might make sense. No way we keep paying DLaw the tag type money. Hes really good but not really great. Gives us a year to see if Davenport can do the job before we fork out the big bucks. And to have DJ and Dallas sitting there at 2 and 3... I think I could live with this draft

19: R1P19
EDGE MARCUS DAVENPORT
UTSA

50: R2P18
WR D.J. MOORE
MARYLAND

81: R3P17
TE DALLAS GOEDERT
S DAKOTA ST

116: R4P16
LB MALIK JEFFERSON
TEXAS

137: R4P37
DL POONA FORD
TEXAS

171: R5P34
RB ROC THOMAS
JACKSONVILLE ST

192: R6P18
S SIRAN NEAL
JACKSONVILLE ST

193: R6P19
OT TOBY WEATHERSBY
LSU

208: R6P34
G SAM JONES
ARIZONA ST

236: R7P18
CB MICHAEL JOSEPH
DUBUQUE

Cowboys exercised DB Byron Jones' fifth-year option for 2019.
Assuming he is not extended before then, Jones will earn $6.266 million in 2019. The salary is guaranteed for injury only. Jones has primarily played safety each of the last two seasons, but he is expected to move to corner this year.
Source: ESPN
Apr 23 - 9:05 AM

ex cowboy stuff; Cardinals signed DE Benson Mayowa, formerly of the Cowboys, to a one-year contract.

not much of a market for him

This is who the receiver hungry Ravens signed instead of Dez Bryant:

Ravens signed Willie Snead, formerly of the Saints, to a two-year, $7 million contract. The deal includes a $2 million signing bonus. Since Snead was a restricted free agent, the Saints had the option to match his offer sheet, but they declined. Snead was foiled by a suspension, injuries, and a lack of playing time last season, but he was a consistently productive part of New Orleans' passing attack in 2015 and 16, racking up 141 catches for 1,879 yards and seven touchdowns those two seasons. He is a good get for a team which needs as much help in the passing game as they can find.

That's pretty damning for Dez.

Assassin said:

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This is who the receiver hungry Ravens signed instead of Dez Bryant:

Ravens signed Willie Snead, formerly of the Saints, to a two-year, $7 million contract. The deal includes a $2 million signing bonus. Since Snead was a restricted free agent, the Saints had the option to match his offer sheet, but they declined. Snead was foiled by a suspension, injuries, and a lack of playing time last season, but he was a consistently productive part of New Orleans' passing attack in 2015 and 16, racking up 141 catches for 1,879 yards and seven touchdowns those two seasons. He is a good get for a team which needs as much help in the passing game as they can find.

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Really excited to see what Byron Jones can do at CB. Probably playing out of position at S as we were S poor. We could end up with one of our better CB rotations ever if he works out.

If you like drama, go check out David Irving's Twitter account. His ex-GF hacked it and is going crazy on him.

https://twitter.com/Caliboy_95

Franko said:

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If you like drama, go check out David Irving's Twitter account. His ex-GF hacked it and is going crazy on him.

https://twitter.com/Caliboy_95

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Theatrics! Dramatization! I hope this doesn't derail the convoy to the super bowl.

ABC Dallas reports Cowboys DL David Irving is being investigated for domestic violence.
Irving was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend in what he called a social media "hack," but Frisco, Tex. police are taking the matter seriously enough to launch an investigation. Irving signed his restricted free agent tender just last week. He notched seven sacks in eight games in 2017. Irving served a four-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy last season, and is now looking at something much more serious.
Source: Jobin Panicker on Twitter
Apr 23 - 3:22 PM

I would take the draft and laugh all the way to the bank:

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/23/17267508/dallas-cowboys-2018-mock-draft-the-wide-receiver-route-calvin-ridley-dj-moore-courtland-sutton

BearForce said:

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I would take the draft and laugh all the way to the bank:

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/23/17267508/dallas-cowboys-2018-mock-draft-the-wide-receiver-route-calvin-ridley-dj-moore-courtland-sutton

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Lots of good stuff there... however if DJ Moore is around at 19, I'm leaning toward him.

Played with eight below avg to avg quarterbacks over three seasons and still the focus of opposing defenses. Teammates and coaches loved him. Lined up all over the field in slot, out wide, in motion and even in the backfield. Returned kicks and punts effectively. Effective on end-arounds, reverses and even direct handoffs 17-125-1 career rushing. Used as occasional passer 3-for-5 passing for 36 yards over his three seasons.

Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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I would take the draft and laugh all the way to the bank:

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/23/17267508/dallas-cowboys-2018-mock-draft-the-wide-receiver-route-calvin-ridley-dj-moore-courtland-sutton

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Lots of good stuff there... however if DJ Moore is around at 19, I'm leaning toward him.

Played with eight below avg to avg quarterbacks over three seasons and still the focus of opposing defenses. Teammates and coaches loved him. Lined up all over the field in slot, out wide, in motion and even in the backfield. Returned kicks and punts effectively. Effective on end-arounds, reverses and even direct handoffs 17-125-1 career rushing. Used as occasional passer 3-for-5 passing for 36 yards over his three seasons.

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Agree

DJ Moore > Calvin Ridley

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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I would take the draft and laugh all the way to the bank:

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/23/17267508/dallas-cowboys-2018-mock-draft-the-wide-receiver-route-calvin-ridley-dj-moore-courtland-sutton

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Lots of good stuff there... however if DJ Moore is around at 19, I'm leaning toward him.

Played with eight below avg to avg quarterbacks over three seasons and still the focus of opposing defenses. Teammates and coaches loved him. Lined up all over the field in slot, out wide, in motion and even in the backfield. Returned kicks and punts effectively. Effective on end-arounds, reverses and even direct handoffs 17-125-1 career rushing. Used as occasional passer 3-for-5 passing for 36 yards over his three seasons.

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Agree

DJ Moore > Calvin Ridley

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I don't think I would take either of them at 19. Too many needs on defense, and neither of these guys strike me as can't miss, first round talent. I think you can get similar quality later in the draft.

Franko said:

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BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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BearForce said:

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I would take the draft and laugh all the way to the bank:

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2018/4/23/17267508/dallas-cowboys-2018-mock-draft-the-wide-receiver-route-calvin-ridley-dj-moore-courtland-sutton

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Lots of good stuff there... however if DJ Moore is around at 19, I'm leaning toward him.

Played with eight below avg to avg quarterbacks over three seasons and still the focus of opposing defenses. Teammates and coaches loved him. Lined up all over the field in slot, out wide, in motion and even in the backfield. Returned kicks and punts effectively. Effective on end-arounds, reverses and even direct handoffs 17-125-1 career rushing. Used as occasional passer 3-for-5 passing for 36 yards over his three seasons.

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Agree

DJ Moore > Calvin Ridley

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I don't think I would take either of them at 19. Too many needs on defense, and neither of these guys strike me as can't miss, first round talent. I think you can get similar quality later in the draft.

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I would agree with you if one of the coveted OGs were there at 19 but I don't buy the LB out of Boise St that high.

Ridley's ceiling and age (already 23) are what make me prefer Moore.

Anyone else see a 2-4 start with that schedule?

Keep in mind I predicted 8-8 coming off of 13-3.

Assassin said:

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ABC Dallas reports Cowboys DL David Irving is being investigated for domestic violence.
Irving was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend in what he called a social media "hack," but Frisco, Tex. police are taking the matter seriously enough to launch an investigation. Irving signed his restricted free agent tender just last week. He notched seven sacks in eight games in 2017. Irving served a four-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy last season, and is now looking at something much more serious.
Source: Jobin Panicker on Twitter
Apr 23 - 3:22 PM

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Psyche?

boognish_bear said:

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Assassin said:

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ABC Dallas reports Cowboys DL David Irving is being investigated for domestic violence.
Irving was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend in what he called a social media "hack," but Frisco, Tex. police are taking the matter seriously enough to launch an investigation. Irving signed his restricted free agent tender just last week. He notched seven sacks in eight games in 2017. Irving served a four-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy last season, and is now looking at something much more serious.
Source: Jobin Panicker on Twitter
Apr 23 - 3:22 PM

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Psyche?

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Yes, her psyche is psycho

Dear Lord!!!! Crazy

Per NFL Network's Jane Slater, the Cowboys envision Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch as "(Brian) Urlacher 2.0."
It's an aggressive comparison to the first-ballot Hall of Famer, but not an uncommon one. NFL draft insider Tony Pauline passed along rumors Vander Esch was drawing Urlacher comparisons from scouts shortly after the college season. In addition to wide receiver, the Cowboys have a big need at linebacker. They want to keep Sean Lee on the weak side, move Jaylon Smith to the strong side, and find a true three-down "Mike."
Source: NFL.com
Apr 23 - 5:06 PM

According to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, the Cowboys are considering waiting until next offseason to acquire Thomas if he becomes a free agent.

Quote:

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"Try as he might, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll can't make the Earl Thomas trade rumors disappear. Although the home-state Cowboys have been the team most connected to the All-Pro safety, NFL Network's Jane Slater suggested the team might opt to wait a year before pursuing Thomas in free agency. Considering the cost in salary and draft capital Seattle's asking price is reportedly a first- and third-round pick a draft-day trade no longer seems likely for Thomas."

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The 28-year-old is currently in the final year of his four-year, $40 million deal that has put his long-term future at the forefront of the franchise.

The old BPA (Best Player Available) draft and why it never happens. That was just a load of crap Coaches and GMs put out so they didnt have to tell you who they liked.

Real simple - took the best player available in the list. Starts out pretty good, but then..,.

19: R1P19
DL DA'RON PAYNE
ALABAMA

50: R2P18
S RONNIE HARRISON
ALABAMA

81: R3P17
QB LOGAN WOODSIDE
TOLEDO

116: R4P16
S TERRELL EDMUNDS
VIRGINIA TECH

137: R4P37
S QUIN BLANDING
VIRGINIA

171: R5P34
QB J.T. BARRETT
OHIO STATE

192: R6P18
QB MIKE WHITE
WESTERN KENTUCKY

193: R6P19
OT COLE MADISON
WASHINGTON STATE

208: R6P34
S KYLE QUEIRO
NORTHWESTERN

236: R7P18
K DANIEL CARLSSON
AUBURN

Assassin said:

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The old BPA (Best Player Available) draft and why it never happens. That was just a load of crap Coaches and GMs put out so they didnt have to tell you who they liked.

Real simple - took the best player available in the list. Starts out pretty good, but then..,.

19: R1P19
DL DA'RON PAYNE
ALABAMA

50: R2P18
S RONNIE HARRISON
ALABAMA

81: R3P17
QB LOGAN WOODSIDE
TOLEDO

116: R4P16
S TERRELL EDMUNDS
VIRGINIA TECH

137: R4P37
S QUIN BLANDING
VIRGINIA

171: R5P34
QB J.T. BARRETT
OHIO STATE

192: R6P18
QB MIKE WHITE
WESTERN KENTUCKY

193: R6P19
OT COLE MADISON
WASHINGTON STATE

208: R6P34
S KYLE QUEIRO
NORTHWESTERN

236: R7P18
K DANIEL CARLSSON
AUBURN

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Should make for an entertaining QB room, all getting expert tutelage under the brilliant KLess

BearForce said:

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Assassin said:

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The old BPA (Best Player Available) draft and why it never happens. That was just a load of crap Coaches and GMs put out so they didnt have to tell you who they liked.

Real simple - took the best player available in the list. Starts out pretty good, but then..,.

19: R1P19
DL DA'RON PAYNE
ALABAMA

50: R2P18
S RONNIE HARRISON
ALABAMA

81: R3P17
QB LOGAN WOODSIDE
TOLEDO

116: R4P16
S TERRELL EDMUNDS
VIRGINIA TECH

137: R4P37
S QUIN BLANDING
VIRGINIA

171: R5P34
QB J.T. BARRETT
OHIO STATE

192: R6P18
QB MIKE WHITE
WESTERN KENTUCKY

193: R6P19
OT COLE MADISON
WASHINGTON STATE

208: R6P34
S KYLE QUEIRO
NORTHWESTERN

236: R7P18
K DANIEL CARLSSON
AUBURN

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Should make for an entertaining QB room, all getting expert tutelage under the brilliant KLess

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But at least we can feel S...

Noah Brown is 6'2, 225. While he is never gonna grow two or three more inches, he could probably add 20 lbs in the offseason and drop right into the TE rotation in 2019 when Swaim's contract expire and/or Witten retires. He's tough as nails and the coaches love his openfield blocking.

As a Baylor guy I want Rico to be in the mix but the scuttlebutt is that the jaw/neck issues from the concussion play that knocked him out are still an issue. that leaves a 36ish year old Witten and Swaim who they like more as a mobile blocker. Guessing that TE will be something they address in the draft.

Outside of Hurst and Goedert and maybe Andrews, I would lean toward working Brown at TE over the rest of the top 10 TEs (with projected rounds courtesy Walter Football)

Hayden Hurst*, TE, South Carolina
Projected Round (2018): 1-2.

Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Projected Round (2018): 2-4.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Projected Round (2018): 2-4.

Jordan Aikens, TE, Central Florida
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.

Chris Herndon, TE, Miami
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.

Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.

Mark Andrews*, TE, Oklahoma
Projected Round (2018): 3-5.

Dalton Schultz*, TE, Stanford
(2018): 3-5.

Durham Smythe, TE, Notre Dame
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.

Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin
Projected Round (2018): 4-6.

Folks that could drop in the draft that the Cowboys would probably jump on - over those we've spoken ofL

S Derwin James - really moreso because of position. But a run on QBs could move him back

LB Roquon Smith - hard to tell what folks like with OLB, But he's 6'1, 236 so not the biggest LB

OT Mike Mclinchey - not a super draft for OTs, if he falls to 19, not sure but that the Cowboys wouldnt take a looksee

S Minkah Fitzpatrick - He is probably a top 12 guy. But a QB run could drop him to us.

Pats are really looking to move up. If we can get their 23 plus something sweet, that would be something I would be pretty stoked with assuming we have several folks on our board that we like. They would only move up for QB which is not high on our list of needs. Another body to us

May be Dallas just putting out a smoke screen but I am hearing a lot of people say that Dallas does not like Cameron Ridley's game at all.

I just hope we go with BPA and avoid the mistake we made last year.

Cowboys legend Bob Lilly will announce Dallas' second round pick. Travis Frederick will announce the Cowboys' third-rounder

I really hope there is a run on QBs that includes Lamar Jackson going before 19. I hope there is also a run on WRs like Ridley, Moore and Sutton before pick 19. That could push a defensive player like Vea, Davenport, Derwin James, Da'ron Payne, or Roquan Smith down to Dallas.

Franko said:

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I really hope there is a run on QBs that includes Lamar Jackson going before 19. I hope there is also a run on WRs like Ridley, Moore and Sutton before pick 19. That could push a defensive player like Vea, Davenport, Derwin James, Da'ron Payne, or Roquan Smith down to Dallas.

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Thinking Payne will probably be there as will Vea. Smith or James would be a gold ticket. Either could end up a starter right off the bat.

Not sure that Sutton is top 25 - could drop to the early 2nd.

BTW - my Magic 8 Ball says Lamar Jackson will not make it in the NFL longterm.

Gust Avrakotos said:

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May be Dallas just putting out a smoke screen but I am hearing a lot of people say that Dallas does not like Cameron Ridley's game at all.

I just hope we go with BPA and avoid the mistake we made last year.

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Great route runner with good body control but meh speed and is already 23 years old so I think he is close to his ceiling already.

Franko said:

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I really hope there is a run on QBs that includes Lamar Jackson going before 19. I hope there is also a run on WRs like Ridley, Moore and Sutton before pick 19. That could push a defensive player like Vea, Davenport, Derwin James, Da'ron Payne, or Roquan Smith down to Dallas.

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I just can't see Roquan falling that far, but if he did that is my pick.