There is a strong possibility of a trade back by the Cowboys here, as the board did not fall in their favor this time. Linebacker CJ Allen would fill a significant need for Dallas and is a floor raiser for a team with poor depth at the position. Although most mocks have Allen as a late first-round pick, the Cowboys may reach for him to address their linebacker gap.

Allen served as the team captain at Georgia and has a reputation for being the hardest worker on the team. Although he may not possess elite speed or strength, he compensates for it with his effectiveness as a blitzer who has excellent technique and body control that result in few missed tackles. He is capable of playing all three downs and has the ability to cover well in man-coverage.

While Allen may not have all-pro potential, he projects as a dependable starter who can raise the floor of a defense. Considering how poorly the Cowboys’ defense performed last year, they could use a player or two like this, which is why they might consider drafting him at this pick, even if it is generally viewed as a bit high.