Juwan Lee : After months of speculation, scouting and redundant mock drafts the 2021 NFL draft begins tonight. Compared to previous years, this has been one of the less hectic predraft processes. For the past few months the top-10, excluding a few outliers, have been consistent. Evenmoreso, the consensus for Dallas has been between Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II or South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn.

It’s hard to imagine a draft without chaos, but it makes too much sense for Dallas not to go with the pro-ready corner out of Alabama. Surtain is the safest option of the two cornerbacks and gives Dallas an immediate starter at corner. Given how poor the defense played in 2020 I think “safe” is something Dallas should abide by when attempting to improve this defense.

However, as long as the position reads cornerback when Dallas turns in their card tonight you walk feeling better about the ceiling of this defense in 2021.

Corey Douglass : The Dallas Cowboys draft Rashawn Slater out of Northwestern. The talk around the Cowboys has been around drafting a corner at 10 – either Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn. But as the draft inched closer, we’ve started hearing how much Carolina loves Horn. Teams like the Eagles or Saints may try to jump Dallas to take Surtain II.

I like the Slater pick because the Cowboys have to get this offensive line back to being a strength. It hasn’t been the past few years due to health concerns around Tyron Smith and La’el Collins. There has also been some poor play at left guard. Best case scenario is that Smith and Collins are healthy and you slide Slater to left guard.

Slater has drawn some comparisons to Zack Martin as far as his ability to transition form tackle to guard.

Jared Wingate : After hearing comments from Stephen Jones, and in Dak’s comments since signing his long-term contract, the vibe from The Star is defense should be the pick at 10. If either of Alabama’s cornerback Patrick Surtain II or South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn is there at 10, they will be the pick.

I have a feeling that Carolina, Denver or even Philly with a trade up may spoil that plan. If that’s the case, which I believe will pan out, expect Rashawn Slater or Micah Parsons to be in play, but I would look for Dallas to trade back if they get wiped out at corner.

This would open up Trevon Moehrig or Zaven Collins being potential targets to add to the backend of the Dallas defense.