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Mel Kiper gives Cowboys two new weapons for Dak Prescott in latest two-round mock draft

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle04/11/23

NikkiChavanelle

Mel Kiper gives Dallas Cowboys two additional weapons for Dak Prescott in latest two-round mock draft Michael Mayer Jonathan Mingo
Tom Pennington/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys have revealed hints of their priorities in this year’s draft with their slate of top-30 visitors and NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has noticed.

After the Cowboys hosted a variety of potential offensive weapons, Kiper now has them drafting a tight end in the first round, followed by a wide receiver in the second in his latest mock draft.

After losing Dalton Schultz, their second-leading receiver from last season, Noah Brown, the third-leading, to the Texans in free agency, it looks like Dallas is interested in re-stocking. They traded for Brandin Cooks but Dak Prescott could always use more. Drafting two high-round pass-catchers also sets them up beyond 2023.

Check out Mel Kiper’s newest predictions for how the Cowboys’ first two picks could shake out.

Mel Kiper’s latest selections for Dallas

Round 1, Pick 26
Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer

Although Michael Mayer hasn’t been one of the Cowboys’ publicized top-30 visits, Dallas has hosted at least three other tight ends, including Georgia’s Darnell Washington.

“Mayer is the best all-around tight end in this class; he’s not afraid to latch on to defenders and block,” Kiper writes. “Don’t discount his receiving upside, either. He had 180 catches for 2,099 yards and 18 scores in three college seasons. He can be an outlet on crossers and hooks, and he’ll pick up first downs after the catch. Dallas also has scouted the class’ best wide receivers, so keep an eye out if one of the top guys drops.”

Round 2, Pick 58
Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo

Rebels star Jonathan Mingo has visited with the Cowboys leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. As ESPN’s seventh best-available, Mingo falls within the range for Dallas at No. 58.

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“I thought about a replacement for Ezekiel Elliott here, but Mingo would make an impact on the Dallas depth chart,” Kiper writes. “The 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver has a great mix of size and speed. He averaged 16.9 yards per reception last season, and he was mostly running short routes… can break tackles once he gets the ball. He has experience playing both outside and in the slot. This makes two pass-catchers for the Cowboys, and you know Dak Prescott would be thrilled.”

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

Following two trades that cost them two fifth-round compensatory picks (No. 161, No. 169), these are the seven draft picks left on the Cowboys board for April.

  • Round 1, No. 26
  • Round 2, No. 58
  • Round 3, No. 90
  • Round 4, No. 128
  • Round 5, No. 176*
  • Round 6, No. 212*
  • Round 7, No. 243

*denotes compensatory pick