Jerry Jones and his team of decision-makers at the Star in Frisco have not blinked since the Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs. The organization weathered the storm of the Tony Romo saga, maneuvered through the free agency signing period, efficiently and improved its roster through the draft. The Cowboys are seeking an NFC championship game berth. Here’s a breakdown of the Cowboys selections:
1st Round, 28th Overall: DE Taco Charlton (Michigan)
2nd Round, 60th Overall: CB Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado)
3rd Round, 92nd Overall: CB Jourdan Lewis (Michigan)
4th Round, 133rd Overall: WR Ryan Switzer (North Carolina)
6th Round, 191st Overall: S Xavier Woods (Louisiana Tech)
6th Round, 216th Overall: CB Marquez White (Florida)
7th Round, 228th Overall: DT Joey Ivie (Florida)
7th Round, 239th Overall: WR Noah Brown (Ohio State)
7th Round, 248th Overall: DT Jordan Carrell (Colorado)
Cowboys 2017 Draft Grades: 8/10
Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft Review
Best Player
Corner-back Jourdan Lewis should hold this distinction. Charges stemming from a domestic violence accusation should be behind him, soon. The Cowboys are confident the player will be exonerated. When the ordeal plays itself out, Lewis will direct his attention toward his craft. This will not bode well for NFL wide receivers. Lewis has a tenacious appetite for takeaways, highlighted by the one-handed grab he secured against Wisconsin, last season. He finished his collegiate career with six interceptions and a forced fumble. Look for Lewis to continue the trend in the pros.
Head-Scratcher
Wide receiver Noah Brown is a bit of a head-scratcher, considering the number of bodies that currently reside inside the Cowboys receiver room. Brown does not possess blazing speed but he does have size. At 6’1” 222 pounds, the player has similar traits to Dez Bryant. There isn’t room for another Bryant on the team but Brown’s presence could be an indication that the competition level is about to go through the roof during training camp.
The Surprise
To everyone’s surprise the Cowboys selected defensive tackle Jordan Carrell with their final pick. Right tackle Doug Free recently retired, creating a hole at right offensive tackle. One would have assumed the team would take a young offensive lineman in an attempt to add depth. Instead, they created an even more competitive situation along the defensive front by adding a potential one-technique who can double as a defensive end. The 6’3” 300 pound defender fits Rod Marinelli’s scheme but will have a tough time making the 2017 roster.
The Steal
The steal of this year’s Cowboys draft picks may have a hard time making friends with receiver Lucky Whitehead. Ryan Switzer is just the type of player the team needed. The slot receiver doubles as a special team’s ace, having returned seven punts for touchdowns during his career at North Carolina. Switzer is poised to push undrafted free agent Whitehead for the lead kick-returner job as well as a spot as a slot receiver.
Switzer is explosive and shifty but most importantly his is hungry and focused. He is a “Garrett Guy” and has the kind of heart that a player of his slight stature (5’8” 181 pounds) must have to succeed at the highest level. Many consider him a Cole Beasley clone but Switzer is more like a Tim Dwight clone. Dwight was a key member of the Atlanta Falcons back in the day. He dazzled as a slot receiver and as a return man. Switzer should be able to do the exact same thing.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp
First round selection Taco Charlton should make his presence felt in training camp. Charlton is another “Garrett Guy” with the spirit and physique to become a special player. His 6’6” 277 pound frame will serve him well as he transitions to the NFL. Battling the likes of offensive tackle Tyron Smith will turn him into a beast.
Charlton only started for one season at Michigan but was able to produce nine and half sacks for Coach Jim Harbaugh and the wolverines. Charlton has the tenacity and explosive first step to aid him in excelling as both a run-stopper and a pass-rusher.
He is highly-intelligent and articulate. His off the field slate is squeaky-clean and his desire to be a Cowboy began, when he was just a youngster, sleeping in a bed covered by sheets with the blue star on them. He will take great pride in his job with the Cowboys.
The Rest
Chidobe Awuzie, Xavier Woods and Marquez White will make the Cowboys secondary younger and faster. The team needed to upgrade from the departed who worked their tails off to remain competitive the past few years. No one would speak poorly of players like Barry Church, J.J. Wilcox or Morris Claiborne but neither of them provided the team with the kind of ball-skills it needs to become a true contender on the defensive side of the ball. These new acquisitions should be hungry and exciting as they work from week to week to navigate the tough landscape of the NFL.
The Bottom Line
A new era of Dallas Cowboys football has begun and these players will be intricate pieces to the puzzle as head coach Jason Garrett continues his mission to return the team to an NFC title game. He is finally getting his guys. Stephen Jones has been instrumental in the rebuilding of America’s team as has assistant director of player personnel Will McClay. The Cowboys have put together a strong executive core that should continue to lift the team onward and upward for years to come.
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