Josh Thompson, other East Texas natives ready for the call from the NFL

EAST TEXAS (KTRE/KLTV) - All eyes of the football world will be on Las Vegas starting Thursday, the site of this year’s NFL Draft. The Draft will be on ESPN and ABC both Thursday and Friday nights as well as Saturday afternoon. The Jacksonville Jaguars have the first pick. There is still no clear cut choice that general manager Trent Baalke will make.

Dallas Cowboys

Last year Jerry Jones went all defense at the draft and the Cowboys saw improvement. This year, Dallas could use some help on the offensive line with La’El Collins and Connor Williams leaving in free agency. They also need some help in the wide receiver department with Amari Cooper.

Cowboys’ Picks:

Round 1, Pick No. 24
Round 2, Pick No. 56
Round 3, Pick No. 88
Round 4, Pick No. 129
Round 5, Pick No. 155
Round 5, Pick No. 167
Round 5, Pick No. 176
Round 5, Pick No. 178
Round 6, Pick No. 193

Houston Texans

Last year the Texans had two picks in the top 108. This year they have seven picks in that time. New head coach Lovie Smith wants better out of their cornerback position.

Texans’ Picks:

Round 1, Pick No.3
Round 1, Pick No. 13 (From Cleveland)
Round 2, Pick No. 37
Round 3, Pick No. 68
Round 3, Pick No. 80 (From new Orleans)
Round 4, Pick No. 107 (From Cleveland)
Round 4, Pick No. 108
Round 5, Pick No. 170 (From New England)
Round 6, Pick No. 205 (From Green Bay)
Round 6, Pick No. 207 (From San Francisco)

East Texans to keep on eye on:

As always there will be names from East Texas that end up on teams in the coming days. Texas cornerback and former Nacogdoches Dragon Josh Thompson is expected to go late on Friday or Saturday. After that, there are a handful of names that will likely become undrafted free agent signings.

Local athletes to follow: