Mel Kiper predicts Cowboys will add to defensive line in post-free agency NFL mock draft

The Dallas Cowboys have made numerous moves already this offseason to improve the roster for the 2023 season. However, the mock draft next month provides Dallas several more opportunities to add talent.

In Mel Kiper’s latest post-free agency mock draft, the ESPN draft analyst has Jerry Jones’ Cowboys going after a new name. Specifically, he predicts the team taking Northwestern defensive end Adetomiwa Adebawore with their No. 26 overall pick.

Though other mock drafts have Dallas taking a running back or a tight end, or even an offensive lineman for the second consecutive year, Kiper has them taking a shot on a prospect who really impressed at the scouting combine.

“You might remember Adebawore from his performance at the NFL combine, where he ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at 282 pounds, putting up the fastest time of any player over 280 pounds at the combine since at least 2006…” Kiper said. “I wrote at the time that he was going to rise, and he’s likely going in Round 1 now. He wasn’t super productive in college — 9.5 sacks since 2021 — but his talent is undeniable. Adebawore played about 75% of his snaps at defensive end, but he could move inside at the next level and work as a 3-technique tackle.

“For the Cowboys, we know defensive coordinator Dan Quinn values versatility, and Adebawore could get reps all over the line. DeMarcus Lawrence turns 31 this offseason, and they need to keep adding young players to their rotation.”

Kiper’s new pick is an enticing one. However, the Cowboys have recently shown an urgency to add pieces that will help them get past the second round in 2023. With the current depth at the edge, Adebawore’s position doesn’t seem like the highest priority.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 27 and continues through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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 will be on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. 100 underclassmen received approval for last year’s draft.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.