3-Round Cowboys Mock Draft: Ability Over Availability?

I do not expect that to change this year; we will likely start to hear strong rumors about their first-round preference a few days before the draft.

Until that time, however, all we can do is speculate and read the available tea leaves, like their pre-draft visits and what the experts are signaling. So, without further ado, let’s get into this Cowboys mock draft.

Round 1, Pick 12: Kelvin Banks Jr., Tackle, Texas

This is far from the most exciting pick that Dallas can make on April 24th, but it may be increasing in likelihood as this draft inches closer.

Kelvin Banks Jr., a 21-year-old Humble, Texas, native, is one of the top offensive lineman prospects in this entire class. The Cowboys have taken notice of that, and they are showing significant interest in him.

He’s been brought into the building on a 30-visit, which is always a significant indicator of Dallas’ plans, and he could easily slide inside to guard.

An All-American and First-Team All-SEC selection in 2024, Banks would bring experience on the field against top-notch competition and significant prowess in the running game on day one. Not to mention, he could be fantastic at left tackle.

We can’t act like Tyler Guyton lit the world on fire with his rookie performance on Dak Prescott’s blindside, and Terence Steele is still a weak point on the offensive line. In short, drafting Banks gives Dallas insurance and potential wherever they want it.

As I said, a Cowboys mock draft with a tackle/guard that brings potential and some developmental needs to the table isn’t all that fun, but continuing to build in the trenches may be worth it.

Round 2, Pick 44: Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback, East Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina native and East Carolina star Shavon Revel brings the classic ability vs availability question. If he’s healthy, we’re talking about a first-round talent at cornerback. The problem is, he’s not healthy.

Revel, 24, had a dominant 2023 season before tearing his ACL this past September as a senior.

Now, he must convince NFL teams that he will be healthy in time for the season, and that a knee injury of that magnitude isn’t going to linger and hurt his progression.

The Cowboys, who desperately need help at cornerback, have noticed the potential value in drafting Revel in the season round. He’s been brought into the building on a visit, and it’s no surprise why.

This guy is exactly what Dallas tends to look for in a corner: fast, tall, long, with serious man coverage ability and ball skills.

With Trevon Diggs’ future in jeopardy, and DaRon Bland in need of an extension soon, do not be surprised if the Cowboys jump at the opportunity to Revel with the 44th pick.

Round 3, Pick 76: Damien Martinez, Running Back, Miami

With no 4th round pick available to them, Dallas could find themselves in a very hard spot with their 3rd rounder. If they pass on both wide receiver and running back in the first two rounds, which one gets ignored until the late rounds?

Here, I have the Cowboys trusting their current wide receiver corps in favor of Miami running back Damien Martinez.

An Oregon State Beaver to start his collegiate career, Martinez transferred to the Hurricanes in 2024 and saw a career high in touchdowns, yards per carry, and receptions. It was also his third consecutive season rushing for over 900 yards.

He has the experience you want in a rookie running back, and his blend of traits makes him a top candidate to be a productive first-year player.

Each draft has a few guys at running back who get slept on until the later rounds; these players always find their way onto the field and make a big impact immediately.

Martinez’s combination of size, speed, and strength could make him that guy.

The Cowboys have shown interest in him, as he’s been brought in on a visit and fits their mold of running backs. It could easily be a combination of Martinez, Javonte Williams, and another late-round runner heading into the 2025 season.