Evaluating Last Two Cowboy Draft Classes

[T-RO]

While we cannot draw any final conclusions just yet, it's worth reflecting on the past two drafts and considering whether the Cowboys front office deserves the criticism they often receive. Are they truly "idiots," as some suggest, or do they exhibit astute and savvy decision-making at times?

Before we delve into this topic, let's first consider how we should evaluate a team's draft. Should we focus on the total haul of talent, or should we prioritize maximizing the value of the picks we have, even if our position is less advantageous than that of other teams (draft position, volume of picks)

In this discussion, we will explore grading both. And first, we will focus on the 2022 draft.

1 (24) Tyler Smith
2 (56) Sam Williams
3 (88) Jalen Tolbert
4 (129) Jake Ferguson
5 (155) Matt Waletzko
5 (167) DaRon Bland
5 (176) Damone Clark
5 (178) John Ridgeway
6 (193) Devin Harper

A general rule of thumb is that a team should aim to acquire at least three starters and a handful of useful role players in a given draft.

 

[T-RO]

"I've done far worse than kill you. I've hurt you. And I wish to go on hurting you"
-Wrath of Khan

Rounds 1& 2, 2022

When one thinks of players eager to dish hard collisions, both of the Cowboys top picks come to mind. And each feature exceptional wheels to usher in the punch. No I'm not talking about Williams' violent collisions on Dallas roadways!

Both these players are insanely strong, fast and aggressive. Did I mention good?

Smith: Rookies playing tackle rarely succeed. Tyler was thrown to the fire from the start--and absolutely did. 71.4 PFF score. Just 6 sacks allowed. He has positional versatility. He's huge and athletic. Whether at tackle or guard a pro bowl could be waiting. Not bad for a pick that some belittled as a reach. While others saw a raw project, Dallas saw a Dawg.

Williams: Dallas is the only team in the NFL with 6 good pass rushing defensive ends. Williams was able to demand extensive playing time in this crowd, and frankly: he scares me. I fear for those that share the field with him. Everything that Parsons is with his speed...Sam is with power and explosiveness. PFF score: 70.9

To be continued...

 

[Kwyn]

According to this data analysis site, Cowboys are the best drafting team in the NFL from 2012-2021

https://tucker-boynton.shinyapps.io/nfldraft/

Group by team and hit submit

 

[Hawkeye19]

The issue has not been our drafting. They have had some astounding successes, along with some clear misses— but that is all part of the nature of the draft.

No complaints from me regarding our draft philosophy and culture. McClay and Co have done a very solid job of scouting and acquiring talent for this roster.

Would love to see less “injured/risky guy” picks in the 2nd round and more success in that round in general— but those are small gripes really. No team is perfect and the draft is far from an exact science which is all part of it’s appeal

 

[DanA]

The issue has not been our drafting. They have had some astounding successes, along with some clear misses— but that is all part of the nature of the draft.

No complaints from me regarding our draft philosophy and culture. McClay and Co have done a very solid job of scouting and acquiring talent for this roster.

Would love to see less “injured/risky guy” picks in the 2nd round and more success in that round in general— but those are small gripes really. No team is perfect and the draft is far from an exact science which is all part of it’s appeal

Yep, they draft well and if they didn’t reach for 1st round talents with attitude/injury issues in the 2nd round they’d be godly.