FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys have a big decision coming on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. Many project that they will look to the offensive side, whether that be in the form of a wide receiver or a running back.

This saga started with a lean to No. 1 running back prospect Ashton Jeanty but now leans to North Carolina product Omarion Hampton, assuming they choose a running back. At receiver, Tetairoa McMillan and Matthew Golden look to be the top targets at receiver.

The conversation heated up this week when ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his final mock of the cycle, projecting Hampton to the Cowboys at No. 12. Lost in the hysteria of his final two-round analysis is his assessment of Dallas’ second pick in the draft.

Kiper Jr. has the Cowboys starting Day 2 with a focus on their defense, selecting cornerback Trey Amos at No. 44. Even with the two key veterans flanked alongside one another, Kiper Jr. believes the Cowboys could use Amos’ ability.

“Trevon Diggs had 11 interceptions in 2021, and DaRon Bland had nine in 2023. But neither played more than 11 games last season, and both struggled at times in coverage when on the field. The end result was 7.9 yards allowed per opponent pass attempt, which tied for worst in the NFL.

“Amos had three picks and 15 pass breakups last season, and he has played in 63 career games. In addition to shoring up the outside, he’d help replace Jourdan Lewis, the Cowboys’ slot corner who left in free agency.”

Diggs will be coming off another knee injury, putting his status for the start of the season in question. Dallas traded for Kaiir Elam and still has late-round find Caelen Carson on the depth chart, but a cornerback selection makes sense to at least provide some insurance at that spot.

Generally speaking, Carson and Elam are low-risk investments that could work for the Cowboys and still give them depth. However, the main objective is to generate more production from the starters.

Amos has the skillset to provide a similar ballhawk presence while staying tight in coverage. Those qualities will be hard for the Cowboys to turn away from when they are on the clock, regardless of the round.