2017 NFL mock draft: Jordan Willis to the Dallas Cowboys

In the first round of the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys and Blogging the Boys dropped a bombshell by picking Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers.

Back up in the second round, the pick isn’t as splashy but Dave Halprin is making as important of a selection.

Halprin: The Cowboys are still searching for a defensive end that can be a force in the pass rush, something they really haven’t had since DeMarcus Ware left. Willis can possibly be the guy and is a real bargain at pick No. 60. Blessed with extreme athleticism, he blew the competition away at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s a high-motor guy who has been durable, and on the college level he has produced — 8.5 sacks in 2015 and 11.5 sacks in 2016. Pro Football Focus had him with the second-most quarterback pressures in 2016, with 80. There are some questions about lack of pass rush creativity and stiff hips on making the bed around the edge, but overall Willis has a lot to like, and with some coaching by Rod Marinellli, has the tools to be special.

Analysis: There are some who think that Willis is a player who could be in play for Dallas in the first round of the draft. To get him at No. 60 is a steal. He’s far and away the top pure 4-3 end available. Like Seattle earlier in the day, this is a team that needs to get a cornerback or two this draft, but the value just isn’t there at this stage.

That does it for our picks for the week in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft. Join us again at 9 a.m. ET on Monday with pick No. 61 and the Green Bay Packers and Acme Packing Company.