NFL mock draft has the Dallas Cowboys straying from the growing consensus to make a surprising pick in the first round.

Cowboys RB great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith visited with Sirius XM’s “Maggie and Perloff” on Radio Row at the Super Bowl on Thursday and made the case for Dallas going elsewhere with their pick at No. 12. According to Smith, he doesn’t fit the Cowboys’ roster “right now.”

Dallas needs to hit on its first-round pick after striking out the last two seasons, especially with the limited action the team has in free agency. MORE: Cowboys projected to rea

Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Deone Walker (0) during the third quarter of an NCAA football matchup in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Clemson Tigers edged the Kentucky Wildcats 38-35. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

With Dallas having such a glaring need at running back, the Heisman runner-up Jeanty has been the favorite to be picked by the Cowboys in the first round.

The Cowboys could have an interesting decision to make if Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is available when Dallas picks in Round 1.

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein has projected the Cowboys to select Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, following the 49ers' pick of Mason Graham just one selection earlier.

The Dallas Cowboys have completed another immensely disappointing season. After failing to contend for a playoff spot, Dallas parted ways with Mike McCarthy, hiring Brian Schottenheimer as his replacement.