Cowboys take flier on electric WR, land sleeper RB in Day 3 mock draft

Dallas didn't have a pre-draft meeting with Jordan Phillips, but they were in attendance for his pro day. That means they got an up-close look at the 312-pound nose tackle who is an explosive read-and-react defender. He's not a guaranteed starter, but he can push Mazi Smith while providing insurance at the 1-tech.

Round 5, Pick 174: Jordan James, RB, Oregon

Dallas has ties to Jordan James, with wide receivers coach Junior Adams spending the past three years on the Oregon staff. They know that he might not be considered a home run hitter, but he's a downhill runner who rarely loses yards.

The Cowboys take advantage of a loaded running back class as they land a potential starter late.

Round 6, Pick 204: Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon

Right back to Oregon for their first pick in Round 6 as the Cowboys grab linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. A former safety, Bassa has sideline-to-sideline speed but struggles to shed blocks. With the right coaching — which Dallas has in Matt Eberflus — Bassa could carve out a role in the NFL.

Round 6, Pick 211: Joshua Simon, TE, South Carolina

Joshua Simon is a sixth-year senior who didn't break out until his final season with South Carolina. The physically dominant Simon went for 519 yards and seven touchdowns on 40 receptions. Dallas is deep at the position, but it's worth throwing Simon into the mix to see if he can steal a spot.

Round 7, Pick 217: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT, Georgia

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is one of the more raw defenders in the draft and at 6-foot-5 and 276 pounds, he's a bit of a 'tweener. At this point, however, it's impossible to pass up his pure talent and high ceiling.

Round 7, Pick 239: Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado

Cowboys Nation won't be thrilled about waiting until Round 7 to draft a wide receiver, but Jimmy Horn Jr. has the skill set to make them forget they waited so long. Listed at just 5-foot-8 and 174 pounds, Horn has been overlooked partially due to his size.

His speed will make teams regret passing on him as he plays much faster than his 4.46-second 40-yard dash suggests. He's also a solid returner, giving them an emergency option behind KaVontae Turpin.

Round 7, Pick 247: Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, OT, Florida

The Cowboys started this draft with an offensive lineman and end it with one in this mock. This time, they use their third selection in Round 7 on Florida's Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson. A massive player at 6-foot-7 and 316 pounds, Crenshaw-Dickson spent most of his career at San Diego State.

He had plenty of experience there but played just one year against SEC competition. He's got the power to hold off anyone, but needs to clean up his penalty concerns. Still, there's enough to like, making him worthy of a late-round flier.