More mock drafts and more uncertainty surrounding which direction the Cowboys will go with the No. 18 pick in this year's draft. The only consistency is that the focus remains on the offensive and defensive lines.
But a familiar name has resurfaced. Alabama offensive lineman Chance Warmack would be a quality addition to a Cowboys offensive line that obviously needs help. Many mock draft experts matched Warmack with the Cowboys earlier this year but his stock soared and many didn't believe he'd still be on the board at No. 18.
Another name that has gained recent popularity: Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
Here are six mock drafts that have been published in the last few days.
SI.com's Don Banks:
Pick: Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State.
Comment: "Hankins has been a streaky player for the Buckeyes, and Lord knows there are enough of them already in Dallas. But his talent is obvious, and recent developments (see Josh Brent, Jay Ratliff) make defensive tackle the Cowboys' obvious area. The move to a 4-3 defense in Dallas only makes addressing the tackle position all the more critical."
CBSSports.com's Rob Rang:
Pick: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue.
Comment: "After a long run with the 3-4 defense the Cowboys are making the switch to the 4-3 alignment with new coordinator Monte Kiffin. For Kiffin's famous Tampa-2 scheme to work the team will need to add a penetrating three-technique defensive tackle. Short, powerful and surprisingly quick, has been a playmaker throughout his career for the Boilermakers and enjoyed a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl."
NFLDraftScout.com's Dane Brugler:
Pick: Richardson.
Comment: "With Warmack off the board, there is a good chance the Cowboys switch gears to their needs on the defensive line, especially as they transition their defensive schemes. Richardson has the skill-set to do just about anything you need, flashing the strength, power and overall athleticism to be disruptive."
WalterFootball.com's Charlie Campbell:
Pick: Richardson.
Comment: "The Cowboys came close to drafting J.J. Watt a couple of years ago, but passed on him for Tyron Smith. With Dallas switching to a Tampa 2, the team needs an explosive three-technique defensive tackle, and Richardson would be perfect for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli.
"The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder is a disruptive defensive tackle who has a lot of upside. He totaled 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three passes broken up and three forced fumbles this year. Missouri did not qualify for a bowl game. Richardson also returned a fumble 60 yards against Kentucky. In 2011, he recorded 37 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.
"Richardson has the potential to develop into a special player. He is utterly relentless with a non-stop motor. Richardson has elite speed and athleticism to beat offensive tackles and guards with his burst off the snap. While undenabily a great run-defender, he is a better pass-rusher than the stats indicate.
"The only issue Richardson has is when teams run directly at him. That can be rectified with some added power from an NFL strength and conditioning program."
Second round pick: Larry Warford, G, Kentucky. Third round pick: Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee.
FOXSports.com's Peter Schrager:
Pick: Warmack.
Comment: "Though you won't read this many places, Tony Romo had his best year as a pro in 2012. He did so playing behind a terrible offensive line. Doug Free hasn't been the player the Cowboys thought he'd be when they rewarded him with a big contract and Tyron Smith seemed to be called for a false start on every other play from scrimmage this season. Injuries stung, but there needs to be more good, young linemen protecting Romo. Warmack can play guard or center and he can play them in the big leagues right now. Not as sexy as some of Jerry's usual picks, but a solid one."
DraftTek.com:
Pick: Warmack.
Comment: "Offensive guard is historically one of the deepest positions in any NFL Draft and this year is no exception . . . why, you ask? Elementary, my dear Watson: 1) every college team has 2 starters at the position, and 2) the number of offensive tackles who do not possess the footwork to play on the exterior in the NFL. This explains why the position has never been selected higher than #17 overall. The Cowboys (in possession of pick #18) are weak in the interior of their OL, evidenced by the pressure Romo faced coming straight up the middle and the inability of the team to consistently gain yardage rushing the ball (with the exception of Murray bouncing a play outside). Chance Warmack, the #1 rated OG in this year's draft class, is talented . . . but it must be pointed out that he benefitted from playing on a talented OL at Alabama. Cuzzin Jerra likes the sizzle better than the steak . . . will he draft OL #1? If not, look for a pass-rushing DE for Monte Kiffin's new 4-3 alignment."
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
