Dallas Cowboys 2024 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Find Next Stud RB

Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State

In an ideal world, the Cowboys would LOVE to select Texas RB Jonathon Brooks at No. 56. He is everything they want in a feature running back, and his style of play fits perfectly with the rest of the offense. 

However, it's unrealistic to think the first running back will come off the board this late in the second round. In fact, it would be the latest the first running back has been selected in draft history, surpassing the 2014 draft when Bishop Sankey went 54th.

In this mock draft, we will assume Brooks is off the board when the Cowboys pick. That means Dallas turns its attention to linebackers, another area in need.

Edgerrin Cooper, Trevin Wallace and Junior Colson could be options in Round 2. But the Cowboys swing for the fences with Payton Wilson, an oft-injured linebacker who has superstar upside. 

Wilson is an excellent fit in Mike Zimmer’s defense. He excels in coverage and has the size to be a force in the middle of the field. Wilson’s injury history is concerning, but the Cowboys are historically willing to gamble on injured players in Round 2. 

This fit makes too much sense for both parties.

Round 3, No. 87 Overall

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

After missing out on Brooks at No. 56, the Cowboys have almost no choice but to select a running back in Round 3. At this stage of the draft, we can confidently expect Trey Benson, Blake Corum and Jaylen Wright to be off the board.

That leaves Dallas with the choice of Braelon Allen or Audric Estime, both of whom were 30 visits for the Cowboys. Dallas goes with Allen, betting on his age and athleticism. 

Allen is a tank at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, but he doesn’t always play to that size. However, he is a high-character player with a ton of college production. 

His vision is good, and he has home-run speed, something Dallas covets at running back. At pick No. 87, he is worth a gamble.

Round 5, No. 174 Overall

Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor

After the top three selections, it is anyone’s guess what the Cowboys might do on Day 3. 

But the defensive line needs depth, especially after Neville Gallimore and Johnathan Hankins left in free agency. Gabe Hall could help fill the void left by those players. 

Hall was outstanding at the Senior Bowl, giving all of the interior offensive linemen fits in the 1-on-1 drills. He is long (6-foot-6 with an 83.5-inch wingspan) but needs to put on weight to hold up against the run. 

He has the upside of being a rotational player immediately at multiple spots in Zimmer's defense.

Round 6, No. 216 Overall

Jalen Sundell, OT, North Dakota State

Due to the limited number of selections, the Cowboys couldn’t address their left tackle need earlier in the draft. That means they will likely ask Chuma Edoga to start, replacing Tyron Smith. 

North Dakota State’s Jalen Sundell could be a late-round option at tackle. From 2020 to 2022, Sundell was the Bison’s starting center, but he transitioned to left tackle this year and had a ton of success. 

He was a first-team All-American and significantly improved his draft status. Although his overall traits are only average, he has 40 career starts and appeared in 57 games. At this stage of the draft, he is worth the risk.

Round 7, No. 233 Overall

Bub Means, WR, Pittsburgh

This late in the draft, teams usually just gamble on traits or special teams players. 

With the selection of Bub Means in Round 7, the Cowboys are taking a chance on a 6-foot-1, 212-pound wide receiver who ran a 4.43 at the NFL Combine. 

Means doesn't have much college production, but he does have kick-return experience. He could use a year or two on the practice squad before being trusted as a No. 4 wide receiver.

Round 7, 244th Overall 

Demani Richardson, S, Texas A&M

Demani Richardson is a local kid playing high school football just south of Dallas. He has 55 career starts as an in-the-box safety. 

The Cowboys are drafting him because of his special teams experience and size. He could be a core special teams player right away and could develop into a sub-package player.