NFL Dallas Cowboys

2015 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys’ Way Too Early 7-Round Mock

2015 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys' Way Too Early 7-Round Mock

Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft
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The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of making the playoffs this year due to vastly improved draft classes. The team has done an excellent job of selecting the best players available rather than the biggest names. From playmakers Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray to one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, the Cowboys have built from within. Who will be a part of the Cowboys' 2015 draft class? Here's an early look.

Round 1: Todd Gurley (RB-Georgia)

Todd Gurley Georgia
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Round 1: Todd Gurley (RB-Georgia)

Todd Gurley Georgia
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys need help on defense which should be a priority early in the draft, but Todd Gurley is too good to pass up late in Round 1. Before tearing his ACL, Gurley had a chance to be selected in the top 10. If the Cowboys choose to franchise Dez Bryant over DeMarco Murray, this pick fills a huge hole on the roster. Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle can handle the carries through training camp and the preseason before Gurley takes over Week 1.

Round 2: Eric Kendricks (ILB-UCLA)

Eric Kendricks UCLA
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Round 2: Eric Kendricks (ILB-UCLA)

Eric Kendricks UCLA
Getty Images

With Sean Lee being as injury-prone as any player in the league, Eric Kendricks instantly upgrades the linebacking corps. Kendricks led UCLA in tackles the last two seasons and has great range. The Cowboys used a fourth-round pick on Anthony Hitchens in the 2014 draft, but he was beaten out by Rolando McClain. If McClain signs elsewhere in free agency, Kendricks fills the MLB role. His brother Mychal currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Round 3: Trey Flowers (DE-Arkansas)

Trey Flowers Arkansas
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Trey Flowers (DE-Arkansas)

Trey Flowers Arkansas
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

You know the odds are high that Jerry Jones drafts someone from his alma mater. Arkansas doesn't have many prospects to choose from, but Flowers is the best. He's had a great season at Arkansas despite facing many of the top left tackles in the country. While he's best when rushing the passer, he also excels in the run game. With Tyrone Crawford and Jeremy Mincey currently sitting atop the depth chart at DE, Flowers has a great shot to start.

Round 4: Bryce Petty (QB-Baylor)

Bryce Petty Baylor
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4: Bryce Petty (QB-Baylor)

Bryce Petty Baylor
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Weeden isn't expected to have a long career as Tony Romo's backup. Bryce Petty, in many ways, is very similar to Weeden. Petty plays a similar offense to what Weeden played at Oklahoma State, they have similar size and both are very streaky passers. Petty's age makes him a more viable option and one the Cowboys can groom. He struggles with his accuracy on deep throws, but having a Dez Bryant will improve anyone's completion rate.

Round 5: Senquez Golson (CB-Ole Miss)

Senquez Golson Ole Miss
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5: Senquez Golson (CB-Ole Miss)

Senquez Golson Ole Miss
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Alabama game this season put Senquez Golson on the map for many teams. He has great coverage skills and his nine interceptions, which rank second in the nation, prove he has the ball skills as well. At only 5-foot-9, his size will drop his stock a little, but he would add great value to the Dallas secondary. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, which will give teams a better indication of how well he can cover the elite receivers.

Round 7 (from Baltimore): Brett Boyko (OT-UNLV)

Brett Boyko UNLV
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7 (from Baltimore): Brett Boyko (OT-UNLV)

Brett Boyko UNLV
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas traded a sixth-round pick to Baltimore for Rolando McClain and the Ravens' Round 7 pick. Brett Boyko provides depth at the tackle position. With Tony Hills and Jeremy Parnell being free agents, Dallas will need a low-cost option to backup Tyron Smith and Doug Free. Boyko is solid in both the run and pass games and would be a great addition. Learning from Smith and the rest of the offensive line will certainly speed up his development.

Round 7 (from San Diego): Sterling Shepard (WR-Oklahoma)

Sterling Shepard Oklahoma
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7 (from San Diego): Sterling Shepard (WR-Oklahoma)

Sterling Shepard Oklahoma
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas traded DL Sean Lissemore to San Diego for the Chargers' seventh-round pick. Sterling Shepard can help out right away in the return game and could develop into a viable WR down the road. His quickness makes him a dangerous deep-threat and an even better return man. He's an intelligent receiver who locates the ball well, but he's going to be physically overmatched in the NFL. His explosiveness makes him worth a pick in Round 7.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related: Oakland Raiders’ Early 7-Round Mock Draft

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