2014 NFL mock draft: DT Timmy Jernigan to Dallas Cowboys with 16th pick

In 2013, the Cowboys defense was 26^th in total points allowed, 30^th in passing yards allowed and 30^th in rushing yards allowed.  Anytime a defense struggles like that you have to look at the guys up front.  Jason Hatcher was the lone standout, producing a whopping 11 sacks as a defensive tackle, but he wasn't very good in run defense (and now he's a Washington Redskin anyway).  DeMarcus Ware left for greener pastures in free agency and the rest of the defensive line is a bunch of scrubs.  The Cowboys did add defensive tackles Henry Melton and Terrell McClain and defensive end Jeremy Mincey this offseason, but they need an infusion of fresh young talent.

With the 16th overall pick in the 2014 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select.

Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

With Aaron Donald off the board the next best defensive lineman who fits the Cowboys scheme is Timmy Jernigan, and he happens to be one of the top talents still on the board.  Jernigan was simply outstanding for the Seminoles defense this year, by far their most dominant defender.  Jernigan's stout run defense was key in their win over Auburn in the National Championship game and would tremendously help the Cowboys defense in 2014.

1. Houston Texans (ten_fiver) - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
2. St. Louis Rams (3amigosriseagain) - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (Jon Heath) - Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
4. Cleveland Browns (Mad Mel) - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
5. Oakland Raiders (Mancar) - Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
6. Atlanta Falcons (DeBroGermany) - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Old Numero 7) - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
8. Minnesota Vikings (WYOrangeCrush) - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
9. Buffalo Bills (Arimaris) - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
10. Detroit Lions (OregonBronco) - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
11. Tennessee Titans (C-Pain) - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
12. New York Giants (DROPSWITCH) - Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
13. St. Louis Rams (Nastyj) - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
14. Chicago Bears (rstabenau) - S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, UCLA
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (bethelbroncos) - CB Darqueze Denard, Michigan State
16. Dallas Cowboys (ElwayFanJ) - DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
17. Baltimore Ravens (mikebirty)
18. New York Jets (FlyingJet12)
19. Miami Dolphins (Broncobet)
20. Arizona Cardinals (Braden.Montgomery)
21. Green Bay Packers (pmmojo)
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24. Cincinnati Bengals (Alec474)
25. San Diego Chargers (boltfanindenver)
26. Cleveland Browns (Whorfin)
27. New Orleans Saints (OrangeCrush19)
28. Carolina Panthers (horatiohog)
29. New England Patriots (crushsg)
30. San Francisco 49ers (frankencrank)
31. Denver Broncos (jmarlin8)
32. Seattle Seahawks (rclooman)