Instead of going for exciting picks with a high potential to become busts, Jerry Jones decided to steer the Cowboys down a much safer route. Taking Johnny Manziel in the first round must have been tempting, although it made no sense for the team, but Jerry resisted his urges. Here’s who the Cowboys selected:
1st Round, 16th Overall – OT Zack Martin (Notre Dame)
2nd Round, 34th Overall – DE Demarcus Lawrence (Boise State)
4th Round, 119th Overall – LB Anthony Hitchens (Iowa)
5th Round, 146th Overall – WR Devin Street (Pittsburgh)
7th Round, 231st Overall – DE Ben Gardner (Stanford)
7th Round, 238th Overall – LB Will Smith (Texas Tech)
7th Round, 248th Overall – S Ahmad Dixon (Baylor)
7th Round, 251st Overall – DT Ken Bishop (Northern Illinois)
7th Round, 254th Overall – CB Terrance Mitchell (Oregon)
Cowboys Draft Grade: 7.5/10
2014 Cowboys Draft
The Best Player: Offensive lineman Zack Martin has the potential to become a perennial Pro Bowler, so I’m going to slot him as the best player. Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence might be the flashier pick, but Martin’s talent can’t be denied. Jerry Jones shrewdly selected Martin over the more exciting Johnny Manziel. With Martin, the Cowboys have three former first-round picks that are going to start on their offensive line.
The Best Value Pick: I’m going to say Zack Martin is also the best value pick for the Cowboys. Some might think that Demarcus Lawrence would be the best value pick because he was projected to go in the first round, but the Cowboys had to give up their third-round pick in order to move up and take him. Martin’s value rose rapidly as the draft approached and many thought he might even be taken in the top 10. As I said before, a perennial Pro Bowler is pretty good value for any selection.
The Head-Scratcher: Linebacker is a position of need for the Cowboys, but reaching for linebacker Anthony Hitchens in the fourth round made many people scratch their heads. Hitchens was projected to go in the seventh round or even go undrafted, but the Cowboys felt the need to take him this early. Better linebackers were still available at this pick too, including Carl Bradford, who was drafted a few picks later.
The Surprise Pick: Considering his draft projection, Anthony Hitchens was definitely the most surprising pick for the Cowboys. I’m sure many Cowboys fans were angrily surprised as they scratched their heads. I’m not sure who decided this was their best option.
The Steal: The Cowboys didn’t exactly have any noticeable “steals.” Zack Martin was a good selection, but I’m not sure I would classify that pick as a steal. The price for Lawrence was too high to be called a steal while Hitchens was a reach and wide receiver Devin Street was selected at his projected value. One of the seventh round picks will have to step up and claim this title.
Most Likely to Make an Impact in 2014: Both Zack Martin and Demarcus Lawrence should become immediate starters, so they will both make an impact in 2014. However, if Demarcus Lawrence can have a successful season rushing the passer, he will overshadow Martin’s less noticeable production. He has big shoes to fill after the Cowboys released Demarcus Ware, so we’ll see how he responds.
Most Likely to Be Cut: Cornerback Terrance Mitchell is probably the most likely to be cut because the Cowboys already have solid depth at the position with Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Orlando Scandrick, and B.W. Webb.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Camp: With little depth at defensive tackle, seventh-round pick Ken Bishop could make it into the rotation this season. His large body and ability to stuff the run could turn some heads in camp.
Bottom Line: I gave the Cowboys a 7.5 because after Zack Martin and Demarcus Lawrence, this class is pretty weak. They gave up a large price for Lawrence, a third round pick, and they reached in the fourth round on Anthony Hitchens. The rest of their picks probably won’t make much of an impact, at least not immediately. That being said, the Cowboys drafted two immediate starters with great potential and Jerry Jones managed to avoid the temptation of drafting Johnny Manziel, so the draft isn’t completely bad.
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