Media draft grades

[Qbert]

Sports Illustated
Dallas Cowboys: A-
First pick: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (No. 4)

Other notable picks: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame (34); Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska (67); Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State (135)

If Smith is able to return from the knee issues that now hamper his NFL future, this is a lead-pipe A+. He was the best player in this class, and the Cowboys took a manageable risk in spending their second-round pick on him. There’s no question that Elliott will help the Dallas offense return to form. Fourth overall is a high pick for a back, but Elliott does it all and does it well. Collins is a bit of a project, but he’s a good athlete who will vie for a rotational slot early on. Oklahoma defensive end Charles Tapper is a more developed player who will be an asset against the run, with pass rush as a bonus attribute. Prescott is a big, mobile quarterback who has shown a lot of mental development over time, and he’s in the perfect situation to continue to grow—as long as Tony Romo stays healthy. —DF

Mel Kiper
Dallas Cowboys: C
Top needs: DE, CB, WR, QB

I have mixed feelings on this draft class, with huge questions early and several great picks later. I love Ezekiel Elliott as a player -- he's one of the best running back prospects in recent years -- and he's certain to be highly productive behind a fantastic offensive line, but I think a number of running backs would be really good in Dallas, and that goes for a number of players drafted well into Day 3. Great player, poor value range. Jaylon Smith can be special if he gets healthy, and would have been one of the top three players on my final Big Board if so. But this is two straight years Dallas has taken a major risk in Round 2 (Randy Gregory last year). Hopefully it works out this time. I'll be rooting like heck for that kid.

Maliek Collins is needed help on the D-line, and Charles Tapper is a sleeper because he played out of his ideal position a lot at Oklahoma, and Dallas could get something from him. Dallas was interested in getting into range for Paxton Lynch, and also missed out on a chance to draft Connor Cookwhen the Raiders traded up. Dak Prescott is a solid guy to have on the bench, but I question the starting upside, and I had Brandon Allen ranked higher. One I really love: Darius Jackson is a great sleeper RB out of Eastern Michigan. Rico Gathers is a great coin-flip late. The Baylor basketball player hasn't played football in years but has tremendous size. "Go follow No. 82 around, kid." One question: Did they do enough at cornerback? I'd say no.

 

[Qbert]

CBS Sports
Dallas Cowboys
Spending the fourth-overall pick on a running back -- any running back -- is rich, but Ezekiel Elliott should prove an immediate star for the Cowboys. A punishing runner with good vision, speed, hands and tenacity as a blocker, he is the easy early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors given the talent surrounding him in Dallas. The Cowboys' other immediate impact players from this class could be middle-round defensive linemen Maliek Collins and Charles Tapper, each of whom possess more talent than their middling production in college might indicate.

Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith's recovery from the horrific knee injury obviously is key to his future, but there is no denying his talent. He is not likely to contribute much this season, but offers an exciting future, as does quarterback Dak Prescott, drafted in the fourth round to potentially serve as the heir apparent to Tony Romo. Watch out for running back Darius Jackson, a terrific athlete who could excel if given a shot behind Dallas' offensive line.

Grade: B

 

[Qbert]

Walters football

http://BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1/images/fball/cowboysb_logo.gifDallas Cowboys: C Grade
Goals Entering the 2016 NFL Draft: Neither Tony Romo nor Jerry Jones has very many years remaining with the Cowboys, so they have to prepare for one last hurrah. They can do so by improving the defense and finding some weapons to complement Romo. In terms of the latter, a new running back and a No. 2 receiver are required. The defense, meanwhile, needs a pass-rusher badly in the wake of the Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence suspensions.


2016 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Cowboys had done a great job of drafting prior to this April. Jerry Jones used to select all of the splash players who wouldn't amount to anything, so other members of that organization have taken control. Had this not happened, Dallas would be the laughing stock of the NFL right now, as Johnny Manziel would probably be the quarterback.

I have a theory, and it's that Jones has wrestled control away from the other members of his front office in the wake of the 4-12 finish. No sane general manager would've spent the No. 4 overall pick on a running back in this day and age, especially over a cornerback who could, in Dallas' own words, erase half the field. If this were 1995, that strategy would be acceptable. And it would probably be the correct one. But to do that now is completely asinine, and it reeks of someone who once wanted Johnny Football to quarterback his football team.

Making matters worse, Jaylon Smith probably won't be able to play next year. He could emerge as a perennial Pro Bowler, or it's entirely possible that he won't ever be able to play, much like Marcus Lattimore. To spend such a premium pick on a big risk like that is also nuts, especially when considering that Romo needs all of the help he can get at this very moment.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys failed to address their pass rush and secondary until much later. I liked some of Dallas' choices toward the end of the draft, but the front office, as a whole, did not do a very good job.

 

[TonyRomo17]

But this is two straight years Dallas has taken a major risk in Round 2 (Randy Gregory last year). Hopefully it works out this time.

lol what, Is gregorys career already over or something?

 

[Qbert]

NFL.COM


Dallas Cowboys
Draft picks: Ezekiel Elliott (No. 4 overall), Jaylon Smith (No. 34 overall), Maliek Collins(No. 67 overall), Charles Tapper (No. 101), Dak Prescott (No. 135), Anthony Brown (No. 189), Kavon Frazier (No. 212), Darius Jackson (No. 216), Rico Gathers (No. 217)
Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: I love Ezekiel Elliott as a player. There's always concern when a running back is taken early in the draft, however, because of attrition at the position.

Choosing Smith in the early second round was a gamble worth taking. Collins was pushed up boards more than his play indicated, but he does have the size and athleticism to be a factor inside. Tapper will give the team the power rush they're looking for, although some Cowboys fans wondered if it should have been addressed earlier in the draft. Prescott was a solid pick as a backup, and maybe more if he continues to improve his accuracy. Dallas then found very interesting players from the MAC in Frazier and Jackson, as well as an intriguing prospect in Gathers.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

One question: Did they do enough at cornerback? I'd say no.

If we had taken a CB in the 2nd round instead LB Smith, we'd be getting an A+ draft, right Kiper? lol.

 

[Qbert]

Gregg Rosenthal nfl.com

Winners

Jaylon Smith and Dak Prescott: Smith, the newest Dallas Cowboys linebacker, has endured a brutal year since his serious knee injury. Still, the draft went better than he could have possibly imagined going into the week. The Cowboys showed real belief in Smith by taking him high in the second round and it can't hurt that the Cowboys' team doctor performed Smith's surgery. There's no telling whether the nerves will regenerate in Smith's leg, but this represents his best chance to become an NFL star. (Playing next to Sean Lee will be pretty sweet, too.)

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott fell in the draft after a postseason DUI arrest, but he's also entering an ideal situation. The fourth-round pick can learn under Tony Romo in a quarterback-friendly offense.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

So... Sports Illustrated (A-), NFL.com (B+), CBS Sports (B), Kiper (C) because we drafted JSmith. So it comes down to Smith, if he's a stud we get an A+ draft.

 

[Qbert]

Elliot Harrison nfl.com

Those criticizing the Cowboys for passing on Jalen Ramsey at No. 4 overall in order to call dibs on running back Ezekiel Elliott when the defense clearly needs help should try to remember that the Dallas D was actually quite competitive last year ... that is, until wearing down in the fourth quarter of contests in which the Brandon Weeden- and Matt Cassel-led offense went three-and-out most of the game. As far as signing veteran back Alfred Morris, that wasn't a wasted move, either. What if the Cowboys had received a sweetheart offer for their first-rounder? Having Morris would have made the decision to trade down -- and potentially miss on Elliott -- easier. Not to mention, but we'll mention, the Browns still owned the second overall selection in this draft back when the Cowboys inked Morris. What if Cleveland coach Hue Jackson, the running back whisperer, wanted Elliott at No. 2? Again, Dallas would've needed Morris.

This was under his "on the fence" drafts

Dallas Cowboys: Yes, while I understand the logic and like the pick on an individual level, drafting Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall with Jalen Ramsey sitting there was a risk, given that the Cowboys are counting on veteran Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne (who has struggled) and Orlando Scandrick(who is coming off a major knee injury) sans an imposing pass rush. Then the Jaylon Smith pick(No. 34 overall, Round 2) came, which was an emotional moment, but does not help them in the short term; that move would have been safer had Dallas gone with someone who can contribute to the D immediately in Round 1.
With the Tony Romo window slowly closing, and with two pass rushers (Randy Gregory, DeMarcus Lawrence) who have been hit with four-game suspensions to start the season, taking a swing for the fences on the future leaves the present bereft of defensive playmakers. That said, look out in 2017. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (No. 67 overall, Round 3) can contribute quickly. Obtaining Romo insurance in quarterback Dak Prescott (No. 135, Round 4) was necessary.

 

[Hoofbite]

lol what, Is gregorys career already over or something?

He wasn't a risk?

 

[Qbert]

Jon Mochata DMN

Dallas Cowboys
Grade: C+

If Elliott becomes a perennial Pro Bowler, Jaylon Smith returns to his Notre Dame form and there's solid production from Maliek Collins and Charles Tapper, this is an outstanding class.

Coming into this year's draft, many were looking for the Cowboys to upgrade their defense, especially pass rusher, in the early rounds. Instead, they added the draft's top running back and a player who may never return to an elite level.

Collins and Tapper both have the ability to contribute immediately up front. But will they? With Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence out for the first four games, Rod Marinelli needs Collins and Tapper to help as soon as possible.

And then you have quarterback Dak Prescott. Some experts believe he'll never be more than a quality backup. Jerry Jones and Co. seem to think he has a chance to be a future starter.

 

[AzorAhai]

Walters football

http://BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1/images/fball/cowboysb_logo.gifDallas Cowboys: C Grade
Goals Entering the 2016 NFL Draft: Neither Tony Romo nor Jerry Jones has very many years remaining with the Cowboys, so they have to prepare for one last hurrah. They can do so by improving the defense and finding some weapons to complement Romo. In terms of the latter, a new running back and a No. 2 receiver are required. The defense, meanwhile, needs a pass-rusher badly in the wake of the Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence suspensions.


2016 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Cowboys had done a great job of drafting prior to this April. Jerry Jones used to select all of the splash players who wouldn't amount to anything, so other members of that organization have taken control. Had this not happened, Dallas would be the laughing stock of the NFL right now, as Johnny Manziel would probably be the quarterback.

I have a theory, and it's that Jones has wrestled control away from the other members of his front office in the wake of the 4-12 finish. No sane general manager would've spent the No. 4 overall pick on a running back in this day and age, especially over a cornerback who could, in Dallas' own words, erase half the field. If this were 1995, that strategy would be acceptable. And it would probably be the correct one. But to do that now is completely asinine, and it reeks of someone who once wanted Johnny Football to quarterback his football team.

Making matters worse, Jaylon Smith probably won't be able to play next year. He could emerge as a perennial Pro Bowler, or it's entirely possible that he won't ever be able to play, much like Marcus Lattimore. To spend such a premium pick on a big risk like that is also nuts, especially when considering that Romo needs all of the help he can get at this very moment.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys failed to address their pass rush and secondary until much later. I liked some of Dallas' choices toward the end of the draft, but the front office, as a whole, did not do a very good job.

Walter Football back at it again with the stupid ****. That place is completely biased towards the Cowboys(and thats not something I throw around lightly just because someone criticized my team). Jerry has wrestled control? Guess thats why ALL the coaches wanted Zeke. When a website takes potshots at a team instead of basing their opinion on what they know, it's saying a lot about the legitimacy of that opinion. I really wish Cowboys fans would just ignore any team related articles from that place because you aren't getting anything of value.

Kiper gave a low grade, and regardless of if I agree or not, he gave genuine opinions based on nothing more than his evaluations and draft philosophy.

 

[Qbert]

PFF

Dallas Cowboys, B-
1 (4) Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
2 (34) Jaylon Smith, ILB, Notre Dame
3 (67) Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
4 (101) Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
4 (135) Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
6 (189) (from Oakland) Anthony Brown, CB, Purdue
6 (212) Kavon Frazier, S, Central Michigan
6 (216) Darius Jackson, RB, Eastern Michigan
6 (217) Rico Gathers, TE, Baylor

Day 1: The nation’s top-graded overall running back in 2015, Elliott can run in any system, catch the ball out of the backfield, and he’s excellent in pass protection (surrendered only one pressure on 102 attempts). While he’s going to be a good player, I liked Ramsey here as a better option for the Cowboys, but adding a three-down presence to the Dallas offense will pay immediate dividends.

Day 2: Dallas rolls the dice with Smith, whose knee injury will likely keep him out for all of 2016. When healthy, he’s an explosive playmaker, capable of running with receivers, tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. The No. 25 player on the PFF draft board is worth the risk at this point. Collins posted the No. 11 overall grade among interior defensive lineman in the class, using his quick burst to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Day 3: Tapper brings great athleticism on the interior and he can play all along the defensive front after grading at a balanced +13.8 against the run and +13.8 as a pass rusher. Prescott is one of the best running quarterbacks in the draft, though he’s not a natural passer as his accuracy (ball location) ranked 14th of 19 qualifiers in the class. Frazier posted the sixth-best run stop percentage in the class and 14th-best tackling efficiency.

 

[windward]

Walter Football back at it again with the stupid ****. That place is completely biased towards the Cowboys(and thats not something I throw around lightly just because someone criticized my team). Jerry has wrestled control? Guess thats why ALL the coaches wanted Zeke. When a website takes potshots at a team instead of basing their opinion on what they know, it's saying a lot about the legitimacy of that opinion. I really wish Cowboys fans would just ignore any team related articles from that place because you aren't getting anything of value.

Kiper gave a low grade, and regardless of if I agree or not, he gave genuine opinions based on nothing more than his evaluations and draft philosophy.

He's an Eagles fan, I believe. (the guy that runs Walter Football)

 

[EMMITTnROY]

lol what, Is gregorys career already over or something?

Haha. I thought the same thing. His rookie season was promising until he got hurt. And he's just beginning his sophomore year, even if he misses four games.

 

[Qbert]

Yahoo Sports

Dallas Cowboys

1 (4). Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott
2 (34). Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith
3 (67). Nebraska DT Maliek Collins
4 (101). Oklahoma DE Charles Tapper
4 (135). Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott
6 (189). Purdue CB Anthony Brown
6 (212). Central Michigan S Kavon Frazier
6 (216). Eastern Michigan RB Darius Jackson
6 (217). Baylor TE Rico Gathers

Overview: I'm not in the camp that is devoutly anti-first-round running back, but I'm also not sold Elliott represented Dallas' best-possible use of the No. 4 pick. I think Jalen Ramsey and DeForest Buckner would have improved the Cowboys' outlook more than Zeke, both in the short and long term. Despite working around one of the NFL's worst passing games, the 2015 Cowboys ranked fifth in rushing efficiency (4.63 YPC) and top ten in Football Outsiders' running-game DVOA. At present, the Cowboys arguably have the worst combination of pass rushers and cover guys in the league -- holes Ramsey and Buckner could have helped fix. After what was likely sub-optimal use of a top-four pick, Dallas proceeded to spend No. 34 on a linebacker who won't play football in 2016. The Smith pick was made with Mackensie Alexander, Myles Jack, Noah Spence, Reggie Ragland, and Kamalei Correa on the board. I'm a fan of plenty of Dallas' picks (Collins, Tapper, Frazier, Jackson), but suspect decision making at 4 and 34 warrants a lowered grade. It's hindsight, of course, but the Cowboys could conceivably have gone with Ramsey at 4 and Derrick Henry at 34 if they were so intent on taking a running back early. (Or, Buckner and Alexander.) The Cowboys are going to have a great 2016 running game either way.

Grade: C-

 

[AzorAhai]

He's an Eagles fan, I believe. (the guy that runs Walter Football)

I'm pretty sure that's an accurate statement. It's not the first time I've seen that.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

I have a theory, and it's that Jones has wrestled control away from the other members of his front office in the wake of the 4-12 finish. No sane general manager would've spent the No. 4 overall pick on a running back in this day and age, especially over a cornerback who could, in Dallas' own words, erase half the field. If this were 1995, that strategy would be acceptable. And it would probably be the correct one. But to do that now is completely asinine, and it reeks of someone who once wanted Johnny Football to quarterback his football team.

Sad. But true.

 

[JBell]

Some of these "experts" saying we waited too long to address the pass rush must not realize what Jaylon Smith is capable of off the edge.

We addressed the pass rush in Rounds 2, 3, AND 4.

 

[Gameover]

Elliot Harrison nfl.com

Those criticizing the Cowboys for passing on Jalen Ramsey at No. 4 overall in order to call dibs on running back Ezekiel Elliott when the defense clearly needs help should try to remember that the Dallas D was actually quite competitive last year ... that is, until wearing down in the fourth quarter of contests in which the Brandon Weeden- and Matt Cassel-led offense went three-and-out most of the game. As far as signing veteran back Alfred Morris, that wasn't a wasted move, either. What if the Cowboys had received a sweetheart offer for their first-rounder? Having Morris would have made the decision to trade down -- and potentially miss on Elliott -- easier. Not to mention, but we'll mention, the Browns still owned the second overall selection in this draft back when the Cowboys inked Morris. What if Cleveland coach Hue Jackson, the running back whisperer, wanted Elliott at No. 2? Again, Dallas would've needed Morris.

This was under his "on the fence" drafts

Dallas Cowboys: Yes, while I understand the logic and like the pick on an individual level, drafting Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall with Jalen Ramsey sitting there was a risk, given that the Cowboys are counting on veteran Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne (who has struggled) and Orlando Scandrick(who is coming off a major knee injury) sans an imposing pass rush. Then the Jaylon Smith pick(No. 34 overall, Round 2) came, which was an emotional moment, but does not help them in the short term; that move would have been safer had Dallas gone with someone who can contribute to the D immediately in Round 1.
With the Tony Romo window slowly closing, and with two pass rushers (Randy Gregory, DeMarcus Lawrence) who have been hit with four-game suspensions to start the season, taking a swing for the fences on the future leaves the present bereft of defensive playmakers. That said, look out in 2017. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (No. 67 overall, Round 3) can contribute quickly. Obtaining Romo insurance in quarterback Dak Prescott (No. 135, Round 4) was necessary.

Props to him for being correct about our defense.

Just read the Walters report: Jerry used to draft all splash players. These people are ridiculous.

Im so sick of that splash crap. Ekuban and le Fluer were splash picks! Please