Digesting the draft class as a whole

[TheFinisher]

Dallas Cowboys


1 (28). Taco Charlton DE Michigan - While there were some pretty solid options remaining when we were on the clock, it was interesting to hear Taco's name called. I like the player in a vacuum, and believe he's a high floor/high ceiling prospect, but he didn't seem to fit the pure speed/twitch WDE profile we've become accustomed to. However, we watched David Irving surge late in the season and I'm now starting to believe he opened our eyes to the possibilities of winning on the edge with length/power/athleticism. Taco has an NFL ready game, with a good bit of untapped potential so I like the fit of him landing with Rod Marinelli. Sound pick, with the chance to be really good. Grade: B+/A-

2 (60). Chidobe Awuzie CB Colorado - I'd have pounded the table for Dallas to take him at 28, so grabbing him at 60 seemed too good to be true. He was my favorite scheme fit out of all the CBs and will provide a much needed dose of physicality from our secondary. I like him best as a playmaking underneath nickel, but he certainly has the skills to excel outside on the boundary. Probably my favorite pick in our class, and a candidate for best Day 2 selection Grade: A+

3 (92). Jourdan Lewis CB Michigan - Dallas steals another talented CB thanks to a deep pool. Where Awuzie excells in off coverage utilizing his feel for underneath route concepts, Lewis is one of the better pure cover cornerbacks in this class. He's extremely sticky and consistently competes at the catch point. Dallas went into this weekend committed to rebuilding their secondary, and don't think they could have envisioned a better Day 2. Grade: A

4 (133). Ryan Switzer WR/PR North Carolina - After addressing their main defensive needs, I figured Dallas would kick Day 3 off with an offensive/ST target. Switz will be our KR/PR from Day 1, hoping to provide a boost to a unit that has been lackluster in recent years. Cole Beasley was Dak Prescott's favorite target during his rookie campaign, so it makes sense the team would want to provide him another underneath slot WR as insurance for Beasley as well as eventually opening the playbook up for more 10 personnel looks. Dak-friendly pick. Grade: B+

6 (191). Xavier Woods S Louisiana Tech - This guy was a Cowboys pre-draft 30 visit and a fan favorite throughout the process, so fans everywhere celebrated when we traded up to get him. I thought Woods had an outside shot of sneaking in the back end of day 2, but I guess the deep talent pool of defensive backs combined with him coming from a small school allowed him to fall through the cracks. Regardless, like last year's 6th round pick Anthony Brown, I think Dallas stole another one here. Violent hitter who stuffed his stat sheet throughout his career. I have yet to find a picture of his smiling, and I'm 100% okay with that Grade: A+

Dallas also took fliers on Marquez White(CB FSU), Noah Brown(WR Ohio St.), Joey Ivie(DT Florida), and Jordan Campbell (DT Colorado) in the 7th round who all look like they could challenge for a roster spot.

Dallas is in the middle of a youth movement on the defensive side of the football, and they did a great job working the strengths of this draft class to bolster the talent level. They plucked guys who fit the style of defense Rod Marinelli wants, and managed to do it while getting great value at the same time. One could also factor Jaylon Smith and Charles Tapper into this rookie pool, as they spent the entirety of last year red-shirting due to injuries. The defense has been majorly overhauled thanks to the past 2 draft classes.

Overall: Solid A

 

[shabazz]

Very solid evaluation. The thing that stands out to me is the intensity of some of these guys. Even the little receiver is a scrappy dude with a chip on his shoulder and this applies to the corners and safety as well.

With Jaylon possibly seeing the field the time is now for the defense to make a name for itself

 

[SportsGuru80]

Nice job. I like what we did, I will not give out any draft grades because until I see it on the field there is really nothing to evaluate in my opinion.

 

[WeaponX]

Very solid evaluation. The thing that stands out to me is the intensity of some of these guys. Even the little receiver is a scrappy dude with a chip on his shoulder and this applies to the corners and safety as well.

With Jaylon possibly seeing the field the time is now for the defense to make a name for itself

Absolutely great call. We all saw what Zeke's attitude brought to the offense/team in general last season, and I think we're adding at least 2-3 defensive players with that kind of attitude this year. We speak a lot about team identity, and with our OL and Zeke, we've definitely established that physical presence on the O. Now, it should be fun to watch as our defense starts punching teams in the mouth, too. No breaks on either side of the ball when you play us going forward!

 

[CowboyRoy]

Dallas Cowboys


1 (28). Taco Charlton DE Michigan - While there were some pretty solid options remaining when we were on the clock, it was interesting to hear Taco's name called. I like the player in a vacuum, and believe he's a high floor/high ceiling prospect, but he didn't seem to fit the pure speed/twitch WDE profile we've become accustomed to. However, we watched David Irving surge late in the season and I'm now starting to believe he opened our eyes to the possibilities of winning on the edge with length/power/athleticism. Taco has an NFL ready game, with a good bit of untapped potential so I like the fit of him landing with Rod Marinelli. Sound pick, with the chance to be really good. Grade: B+/A-

2 (60). Chidobe Awuzie CB Colorado - I'd have pounded the table for Dallas to take him at 28, so grabbing him at 60 seemed too good to be true. He was my favorite scheme fit out of all the CBs and will provide a much needed dose of physicality from our secondary. I like him best as a playmaking underneath nickel, but he certainly has the skills to excel outside on the boundary. Probably my favorite pick in our class, and a candidate for best Day 2 selection Grade: A+

3 (92). Jourdan Lewis CB Michigan - Dallas steals another talented CB thanks to a deep pool. Where Awuzie excells in off coverage utilizing his feel for underneath route concepts, Lewis is one of the better pure cover cornerbacks in this class. He's extremely sticky and consistently competes at the catch point. Dallas went into this weekend committed to rebuilding their secondary, and don't think they could have envisioned a better Day 2. Grade: A

4 (133). Ryan Switzer WR/PR North Carolina - After addressing their main defensive needs, I figured Dallas would kick Day 3 off with an offensive/ST target. Switz will be our KR/PR from Day 1, hoping to provide a boost to a unit that has been lackluster in recent years. Cole Beasley was Dak Prescott's favorite target during his rookie campaign, so it makes sense the team would want to provide him another underneath slot WR as insurance for Beasley as well as eventually opening the playbook up for more 10 personnel looks. Dak-friendly pick. Grade: B+

6 (191). Xavier Woods S Louisiana Tech - This guy was a Cowboys pre-draft 30 visit and a fan favorite throughout the process, so fans everywhere celebrated when we traded up to get him. I thought Woods had an outside shot of sneaking in the back end of day 2, but I guess the deep talent pool of defensive backs combined with him coming from a small school allowed him to fall through the cracks. Regardless, like last year's 6th round pick Anthony Brown, I think Dallas stole another one here. Violent hitter who stuffed his stat sheet throughout his career. I have yet to find a picture of his smiling, and I'm 100% okay with that Grade: A+

Dallas also took fliers on Marquez White(CB FSU), Noah Brown(WR Ohio St.), Joey Ivie(DT Florida), and Jordan Campbell (DT Colorado) in the 7th round who all look like they could challenge for a roster spot.

Dallas is in the middle of a youth movement on the defensive side of the football, and they did a great job working the strengths of this draft class to bolster the talent level. They plucked guys who fit the style of defense Rod Marinelli wants, and managed to do it while getting great value at the same time. One could also factor Jaylon Smith and Charles Tapper into this rookie pool, as they spent the entirety of last year red-shirting due to injuries. The defense has been majorly overhauled thanks to the past 2 draft classes.

Overall: Solid A

I think that this team would be better suited with David Irvin playing tackle. I think he could be an amazing tackle and a solid DE. I would rather see him at tackle and go out and find that speed war daddy. I dont think he is on the roster. Its a hole we will still need to fill.

 

[Doomsday101]

Very pleased by the selections. I think Cowboys got some quality prospects that also fill needs. Downside is these young men have to hit the ground running since many will be asked to come in day 1 and contribute right away.

 

[jday]

Dallas Cowboys


1 (28). Taco Charlton DE Michigan - While there were some pretty solid options remaining when we were on the clock, it was interesting to hear Taco's name called. I like the player in a vacuum, and believe he's a high floor/high ceiling prospect, but he didn't seem to fit the pure speed/twitch WDE profile we've become accustomed to. However, we watched David Irving surge late in the season and I'm now starting to believe he opened our eyes to the possibilities of winning on the edge with length/power/athleticism. Taco has an NFL ready game, with a good bit of untapped potential so I like the fit of him landing with Rod Marinelli. Sound pick, with the chance to be really good. Grade: B+/A-

2 (60). Chidobe Awuzie CB Colorado - I'd have pounded the table for Dallas to take him at 28, so grabbing him at 60 seemed too good to be true. He was my favorite scheme fit out of all the CBs and will provide a much needed dose of physicality from our secondary. I like him best as a playmaking underneath nickel, but he certainly has the skills to excel outside on the boundary. Probably my favorite pick in our class, and a candidate for best Day 2 selection Grade: A+

3 (92). Jourdan Lewis CB Michigan - Dallas steals another talented CB thanks to a deep pool. Where Awuzie excells in off coverage utilizing his feel for underneath route concepts, Lewis is one of the better pure cover cornerbacks in this class. He's extremely sticky and consistently competes at the catch point. Dallas went into this weekend committed to rebuilding their secondary, and don't think they could have envisioned a better Day 2. Grade: A

4 (133). Ryan Switzer WR/PR North Carolina - After addressing their main defensive needs, I figured Dallas would kick Day 3 off with an offensive/ST target. Switz will be our KR/PR from Day 1, hoping to provide a boost to a unit that has been lackluster in recent years. Cole Beasley was Dak Prescott's favorite target during his rookie campaign, so it makes sense the team would want to provide him another underneath slot WR as insurance for Beasley as well as eventually opening the playbook up for more 10 personnel looks. Dak-friendly pick. Grade: B+

6 (191). Xavier Woods S Louisiana Tech - This guy was a Cowboys pre-draft 30 visit and a fan favorite throughout the process, so fans everywhere celebrated when we traded up to get him. I thought Woods had an outside shot of sneaking in the back end of day 2, but I guess the deep talent pool of defensive backs combined with him coming from a small school allowed him to fall through the cracks. Regardless, like last year's 6th round pick Anthony Brown, I think Dallas stole another one here. Violent hitter who stuffed his stat sheet throughout his career. I have yet to find a picture of his smiling, and I'm 100% okay with that Grade: A+

Dallas also took fliers on Marquez White(CB FSU), Noah Brown(WR Ohio St.), Joey Ivie(DT Florida), and Jordan Campbell (DT Colorado) in the 7th round who all look like they could challenge for a roster spot.

Dallas is in the middle of a youth movement on the defensive side of the football, and they did a great job working the strengths of this draft class to bolster the talent level. They plucked guys who fit the style of defense Rod Marinelli wants, and managed to do it while getting great value at the same time. One could also factor Jaylon Smith and Charles Tapper into this rookie pool, as they spent the entirety of last year red-shirting due to injuries. The defense has been majorly overhauled thanks to the past 2 draft classes.

Overall: Solid A

Nice breakdown. Just a few notes for you own edification:

Taco - I read an amazing breakdown on another site that asked us for the moment to forget his rather lackluster 40 time...which is something you should actually do without prompting, since he'll rarely ever have to run 40 yards to make a tackle. Instead, it focused on the drills that are a true measure of a defensive lineman's short area quickness and explosion. In these events, he compared favorably to not only the DE's taken at the top of the draft, but also other elite defensive lineman in the neighborhood of his size. Based on that breakdown, I'm thinking the Cowboys might have pulled a late first round steal. Prior to the combine, Taco was actually slotted to go shortly after Myles Garrett. While most draft experts know better than to look at the 40 time and the 40 time alone, I suspect, just the same the 40 time at the very least gave scouts pause in favor of the other highly-touted de available in the first round, who finished better in the event.

Cheeto (Chidobe) - This guy was a pet cat of mine. However, thanks to Waltersfootball, I was hoping the Cowboys would pick him up in the fourth. I was quickly advised there was no way he would still be available. So I dug deeper and found out this guy was moving up the boards quickly, and that my info was about a month old. There were some, believe it or not, that had him as the most NFL ready corner available in what was already being herald as the best DB draft of all time. Granted, he has much to prove, but given the state of the DB backfield as is for the Cowboys, he will be provided every opportunity to succeed.

Lewis - Surprisingly, I had never heard of him prior to the Cowboys picking him. I say "surprisingly" because after the Cowboys allowed so much of the defensive backfield to walk in Free Agency, I knew the Cowboys would be looking to replenish their ranks through the draft, and probably spent more time combing through prospects that filled that need, than any other position. So, following his name being called, I looked him up. He is undersized and doesn't have the long arms the Cowboys typically look for. However, what he lacks in physical advantages, he more than makes up for in approach to the game. This evidenced by the fact that out of all the Corners taken in this year's draft, he had the lowest completion percentage against. And on long balls, you are just as likely to complete it as your are to throw an interception. He is a baller who plays with a chip on his shoulder similar to Anthony Brown.

Switzer - I really like this kid. And I really didn't want to because my pet cat was Donnell Pumphrey who was snatched up by the Eagles the pick before the Cowboys had a chance. The same guy that broke down Taco's athleticism beyond the 40, took a close look at this kid and came away loving him. Once again, no where even close to being on my radar, but the guy has the physical and mental tool's of Beasley, with perhaps a slightly more developed sense for running after the catch, which is likely due to his former experience as a running back. Regardless, what jumps off the screen watching this kid's highlights, is his innate spacial awareness. He can create distance from a defender in the blink of an eye. Top end speed isn't quite his claim to fame, but you would be hard pressed to catch him from behind...he definitely has another gear his 40 time doesn't quite capture. But beyond his deceptive top end long speed, what makes him special is his quickness and ability to get open despite tight coverage and then using that same quickness, lateral agility and elusiveness to generate yards after the catch. This guy could end up eventually replacing Beasley...and likely will replace Lucky.

Woods - I was literally banging my hand on the coffee table for this guy in the fourth. This guy is a pure turnover machine, which just isn't something you can teach. If you have watched Cowboys football for the last five years, you know that to be true. Try as Marinelli and the DC's before him might, they just simply could not turn guy's who didn't do it in college into turnover specialist. Fortunately, that is not something these DB's the Cowboys picked up in this year's draft struggle with. They all have shown signs throughout their career of having the ability to track the ball in the air and go get it; Woods moreso than anyone in the draft with 14 over a span of 3 years. He likely will not start in his first year, however, on 3rd and long, you can bet he will likely be in the backfield.

Noah Brown - From what I've read, Brown is an unpolished Dez Bryant. Similar physical build and athleticism, and does have a few circus catches to his name. This guy is definitely worth watching, however, I would not be surprised to see the Cowboys attempt to stash him on the PS to allow him to grow into the game. A lot depends on how much he can pick up in the relative short period of time between now and the beginning of the season.

One thing is for certain though, the competition on the DL, among DB's and among WR's are going to be epic during training camp. Can't wait!

 

[DBOY3141]

Dallas Cowboys


1 (28). Taco Charlton DE Michigan - While there were some pretty solid options remaining when we were on the clock, it was interesting to hear Taco's name called. I like the player in a vacuum, and believe he's a high floor/high ceiling prospect, but he didn't seem to fit the pure speed/twitch WDE profile we've become accustomed to. However, we watched David Irving surge late in the season and I'm now starting to believe he opened our eyes to the possibilities of winning on the edge with length/power/athleticism. Taco has an NFL ready game, with a good bit of untapped potential so I like the fit of him landing with Rod Marinelli. Sound pick, with the chance to be really good. Grade: B+/A-

2 (60). Chidobe Awuzie CB Colorado - I'd have pounded the table for Dallas to take him at 28, so grabbing him at 60 seemed too good to be true. He was my favorite scheme fit out of all the CBs and will provide a much needed dose of physicality from our secondary. I like him best as a playmaking underneath nickel, but he certainly has the skills to excel outside on the boundary. Probably my favorite pick in our class, and a candidate for best Day 2 selection Grade: A+

3 (92). Jourdan Lewis CB Michigan - Dallas steals another talented CB thanks to a deep pool. Where Awuzie excells in off coverage utilizing his feel for underneath route concepts, Lewis is one of the better pure cover cornerbacks in this class. He's extremely sticky and consistently competes at the catch point. Dallas went into this weekend committed to rebuilding their secondary, and don't think they could have envisioned a better Day 2. Grade: A

4 (133). Ryan Switzer WR/PR North Carolina - After addressing their main defensive needs, I figured Dallas would kick Day 3 off with an offensive/ST target. Switz will be our KR/PR from Day 1, hoping to provide a boost to a unit that has been lackluster in recent years. Cole Beasley was Dak Prescott's favorite target during his rookie campaign, so it makes sense the team would want to provide him another underneath slot WR as insurance for Beasley as well as eventually opening the playbook up for more 10 personnel looks. Dak-friendly pick. Grade: B+

6 (191). Xavier Woods S Louisiana Tech - This guy was a Cowboys pre-draft 30 visit and a fan favorite throughout the process, so fans everywhere celebrated when we traded up to get him. I thought Woods had an outside shot of sneaking in the back end of day 2, but I guess the deep talent pool of defensive backs combined with him coming from a small school allowed him to fall through the cracks. Regardless, like last year's 6th round pick Anthony Brown, I think Dallas stole another one here. Violent hitter who stuffed his stat sheet throughout his career. I have yet to find a picture of his smiling, and I'm 100% okay with that Grade: A+

Dallas also took fliers on Marquez White(CB FSU), Noah Brown(WR Ohio St.), Joey Ivie(DT Florida), and Jordan Campbell (DT Colorado) in the 7th round who all look like they could challenge for a roster spot.

Dallas is in the middle of a youth movement on the defensive side of the football, and they did a great job working the strengths of this draft class to bolster the talent level. They plucked guys who fit the style of defense Rod Marinelli wants, and managed to do it while getting great value at the same time. One could also factor Jaylon Smith and Charles Tapper into this rookie pool, as they spent the entirety of last year red-shirting due to injuries. The defense has been majorly overhauled thanks to the past 2 draft classes.

Overall: Solid A

As a UNC fan, love Switzer. Will be interesting if he is used as a KR. He did not do that at UNC. TJ Logan did.

 

[Satchel89]

I think they also added some good undrafted free agents. They always find a couple of players that way

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I think that this team would be better suited with David Irvin playing tackle. I think he could be an amazing tackle and a solid DE. I would rather see him at tackle and go out and find that speed war daddy. I dont think he is on the roster. Its a hole we will still need to fill.

Agreed.

I think Irving can become that "WD" as an inside defender.

 

[Direwolf63]

An unpolished Dez Bryant? Wow!. Then Brown has a long way to go.

Dez is far from a polished receiver himself.

Regardless, hopefully a year on the PS will help him refine his skills.

 

[Nova]

I'd probably give the Switzer pick a C+ because of the grade on value:selection ratio, but otherwise I agree with you.

Though I like the player, Switzer was a bit of a reach.

It won't matter if he pans out for us, but I try to be consistent when grading drafts so early on and grade only what I can grade.

What makes the Switzer pick so palatable is that we optimized value in the first three rounds and then ended up getting great value with Woods in the 6th.

Really liked this draft. Have the same confidence in this draft class as I did the 2011 and 2016 classes.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Agreed.

I think Irving can become that "WD" as an inside defender.

Taco, Collins, Irvin, Future pass rushing stud here

 

[CCBoy]

A mighty strong projection with this secondary. With both Smith and Lee at linebacker, the merit of the defensive line will prove a complete upgrade for this side of the ball...and they all have felt the directional strength of a Garrett led team, and Garrett type of player now.

 

[Direwolf63]

This team on defense is going to be very young. Tons of inexperience, albiet talented, on the back end.

The season will depend on how long it will take to get this defense to mesh together into a cohesive unit. Right now, we have a bunch of talented pieces. They will be challenged from Day 1, against the Giants. I bet their WR's are salivating at going up against a bunch of rookies opening night.

These guys need to learn and mature quickly. Marinelli and his staff will have their work cut out for them.

 

[waving monkey]

Nice evaluation Finisher. I'm so pleased with this draft including the 7th round picks which is damned with little praise.
By mid point in the season I expect a lot of excitement about our "D".

 

[Kaiser]

1 (28). Taco Charlton DE Michigan - While there were some pretty solid options remaining when we were on the clock, it was interesting to hear Taco's name called. I like the player in a vacuum, and believe he's a high floor/high ceiling prospect, but he didn't seem to fit the pure speed/twitch WDE profile we've become accustomed to.

I thought they would take an edge rusher RDE like Takk but Taco seems to be a better fit at LDE. I wonder if this means that DLaw is completely healthy and they plan on him being the RDE (with Mayowa).

 

[DBOY3141]

I'd probably give the Switzer pick a C+ because of the grade on value:selection ratio, but otherwise I agree with you.

Though I like the player, Switzer was a bit of a reach.

It won't matter if he pans out for us, but I try to be consistent when grading drafts so early on and grade only what I can grade.

What makes the Switzer pick so palatable is that we optimized value in the first three rounds and then ended up getting great value with Woods in the 6th.

Really liked this draft. Have the same confidence in this draft class as I did the 2011 and 2016 classes.

Being a UNC fan, love Switzer, but I thought that was a little early for him as well. Don't think he would have lasted to where Woods went, so i'm guessing they figured he would go before Woods as well, so they took the gamble.

I would have thought they would try and come out with a RB with DMac and Morris getting older.

 

[ShiningStar]

nice write up

 

[bayeslife]

Thanks for the write up, OP.

Still can't believe we got Woods. After the Switzer pick I turned off the draft for the day assuming he would be gone