Regarding this year's draft, I was one of many who weren't overly thrilled with the draft decisions that were made. But after looking into things more closely, I have changed my mind quite a bit. Hearing Dan Quinn's press conference, I realized that I was under the mistaken impression that the team was drafting for a 4-3 defense when this was not the case.
Initially, I was not a fan of drafting Micah Parsons, given what the team had already put into Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and the signing of Keanu Neal. But looking at things through that '3-4 lens', the decisions look much smarter.
I also felt that Odighizuwa and Golston were poor choices for 4-3 defensive tackle and defensive end respectively. It turns out that I now think I was wrong, and that both in fact were drafted to be 3-4 defensive ends, a position with far different athletic requirements.
Looking deeper, it looks like the Carlos Watkins and Brent Urban signings were to play 3-4 end as well. The signs were there, but I didn't see them until now. And I actually credit the team for not formally announcing the scheme prior to the draft. They kept that news quiet and did not give opponents the opportunity to assume what players they were looking for. I think that was a smart move, as well as the talk of downgrading players who opted out in 2020. Given who they drafted, that was clearly not the case. I'm giving Jerry credit for throwing that chum in the water as well. I criticize when I feel he gives out to much information, so I give credit where I feel it's due when he slips in some disinformation.
My initial draft grade was a C if I recall correctly. Given what I know now, I will gladly readjust my grade to an A-. Other than the off-the-wall pick of Nahshon Wright, the haul looks much better today.
I know this draft shouldn't be graded until 3 years down the line.
I see many including talking heads for the Cowboys now changing their tunes regarding how good this draft is.
Unfortunately the longer I sit and read I actually think this draft is WORSE than I thought.
1. Unless Parson becomes a KJ Wright or HOF player then it's really a wasted pick when we have a log jam at the LB position after FA. Even with conversion to 3-4 we still have too many LBs. Could have pick one later. Cox may end up being the better pick just because he will see a lot of snaps as dime or nickel LB.
We can't cut LB Smith or LVE due to salary reasons and trade value for LVE is probably a conditional 4-5th rounder due to medical issues.
2. Slater should have been the pick at 12. Did we forget both of our T were out last year? When was the last time Tyron Smith played an entire season? Oh, NFL just added another game to the season as well. Slater would be playing G at Connors place and then kick out to T if there's an injury or ultimately take Tyron's place. Much more likely to be a sure fire 10 year quality starter if not more.
2. Quinn system. Ok, we just devoted an entire draft class to "his" system. I understand let the cook pick the groceries. But Quinn may only be here for a year. He wants to be a head coach. What do we do with some of these picks which take time to develop when he leaves? ....... Once we got CB in the 2nd round *** are we reaching for Wright in the 3rd as if we don't have other positions to fill....like OL? When is Wright going to see the field when we have CB Brown and Lewis?
This draft is moving us more to a 3-4 which is fine. Whatever works. FO better be sticking to this philosophy or else we just wasted more resources for a 1 year experiment.
3. Failure to address the OL. Ok we did with a 4th and 7th rounder. Yes, one was potentially a 2nd round talent except.... This draft was loaded with OT talent AND we have a need. Was it so hard to use one of our 3rd rounders on one once we passed on Slater in 1st.
4. Log jam at DT. Competition is good. But sound like we may being giving up on Hill pretty soon (3rd rounder) with the FA signings and draft.
Enough of my rant...got it out of my system.
I pray I am totally wrong and the Cowboys hit on all 11 picks!
