NFL Mock: Cowboys Draft 'Impressive' TE Sam LaPorta; Dalton Schultz Replacement?

This mock draft has the Cowboys taking a tight end with their first-round pick to make up for the loss of Dalton Schultz.

With every passing day we draw closer and closer to kicking off the 2023 NFL draft, with the Dallas Cowboys set to make their first-round selection at the No. 26 overall pick. 

It is hard to know which direction the Cowboys will go with this pick as they already have a rather complete roster. Rather than having to fill a glaring hole, they have the luxury of adding a key piece to help their Super Bowl chances. 

Depending on where you look, each mock draft will be different. One will have the Cowboys taking superstar running back Bijan Robinson out of Texas while another has them go linebacker or receiver. 

Another common pick is the tight end position, which is exactly what Dallas does in the latest CBS Sports mock draft.

Rd. 1 No. 26 - Sam LaPorta - TE (Iowa)

"Dalton Schultz played on the franchise tag a year ago and he's now in Houston. Meanwhile, at tight end the Cowboys have Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon, who combined for 32 receptions a season ago.

The Iowa tight end is one of five players at the position who could end up being top 40 selections, and there was a lot of buzz around the league after his pro day that he could go much higher than conventional wisdom might suggest.

His tape is impressive when you account for the fact that he was playing in an antiquated Iowa offense."

As they mention, losing Schultz could definitely hurt the Cowboys offense. Schultz was their second leading receiver last season behind CeeDee Lamb, recording 57 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns. 

The Cowboys could of course turn to the second-year duo of Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, both of which showed flashes last season behind Schultz while combining for 277 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 30 receptions. 

However, it is also just as likely that if they see LaPorta fall to them at No. 26 then they jump on the opportunity to bring him to Dallas. In his last two seasons for Iowa, which saw LaPorta start 14 and 12 games respectively, he hauled in 111 receptions for 1,327 receiving yards and four touchdowns. 

It could be a fine situation for LaPorta to come into in the NFL, as he would be the third receiving option behind Lamb and newly acquired Brandin Cooks, which would make for a smooth transition from the college game. 

We know tight end is somewhere on Dallas' wish list. We will soon find out where LaPorta ranks on that list.

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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