Cowboys Predicted to Add a ‘Freak of Nature’ linebacker in Expert’s Latest Mock Draft

The Dallas Cowboys will be busier than usual when the NFL Draft rolls around in April. For the first time since 2005, America’s Team will pick twice in the top-20. While there’s still plenty to be determined over the next few months, draft experts are already trying to peg where Dallas could turn with the 12th and 20th overall picks. Dane Brugler of The Athletic released a new mock draft on Thursday based on early buzz from conversations around the league, and it features the Cowboys making an intriguing first selection. 🗺️

Brugler projects Dallas to go back-to-back on defense, starting with Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 12. At 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds with 4.5 speed, Styles is described as a freak of nature who doesn’t miss tackles and whose read-react skills improve with every game. He was a fixture on OSU’s star-studded defense, recording a team-high 83 tackles (46 solo) with one sack, one fumble recovery, and an interception this season. Styles earned First Team All-Big Ten and AP All-American honors (second team), and the season prior he totaled 100 tackles as Ohio State won the national championship. 🧠🏈

With the 20th pick, Brugler has the Cowboys selecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell. 🛡️

Another mock draft has Styles landing with the Rams, underscoring how coveted he is. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. currently ranks Styles as the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 2 draft-eligible linebacker. Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald have Styles going to the Rams at No. 13, arguing his speed and range would give them a sturdier front seven. 🔥

Overall, Styles is viewed as one of the most desirable prospects in this year’s class, and the Cowboys’ potential back-to-back top-20 selections would give them a chance to lock in a high-impact defender early. The mock discussed here reflects Heavy Sports’ coverage of the draft chatter. ⭐️