The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books and the Dallas Cowboys 2023 NFL Draft was overall underwhelming. Jerry Jones and company made smart and conservative picks at every level of the draft to replace some of the players who left in free agency. Dallas has a very talented NFL roster and continues to double down on the draft and current roster construction in order to compete in the daunting NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys Picks by Round:
- First Round: Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle
- Second Round: Luke Schoonmaker, Tight End
- Third Round: DeMarvion Overshown, Inside Linebacker
- Fourth Round: Viliami Fehoko, Defensive End
- Fifth Round: Asim Richards, Offensive Tackle
- Sixth Round: Eric Scott Jr, Cornerback
- Sixth Round: Deuce Vaughn, Running Back
- Seventh Round: Jalen Brooks, Wide Receiver
Grade: 7/10
Dallas Cowboys 2023 NFL Draft Review: Smart, Conservative, Consistent
The Best Player: Mazi Smith
Smith is an interior defensive lineman with tremendous talent. He showcased his talents at Michigan both controlling the run game and rushing the passer. Smith earned an All-Big Ten selection and was voted Michigan’s Defensive Player of the Year. He highlighted his senior season with 48 tackles, 2.5 of them for loss.
Making major moves right up the middle 💪@mazismith | @UMichFootball#CowboysDraft | @MillerLite | #ItsMillerTime pic.twitter.com/RFjfiqkSZ6
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 28, 2023
Smith should make an immediate impact for the Cowboys. Dallas needs an anchor at the defensive line and Smith is a talented player capable of helping to control the run game. Smith also poses a threat as a pass rusher. Expect Dan Quinn to pair Smith with Micah Parsons to prevent teams from double-teaming Parsons. This combination could catapult the Cowboys defense to the top of the NFL.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: Deuce Vaughn
Deuce Vaugh is a small speedster from Kansas State. Vaughn has incredible speed, quickness, and balance in all aspects of the offense. During his time in college he assumed the primary running back role, caught passes, and was electric on special teams. With the departure of Ezekiel Elliott there is a void at running back. Vaughn could earn a significant role on special teams and even a share of the backfield alongside Tony Pollard.
Tony Pollard x Deuce Vaughn
The new Dallas RB duo is electric 👀 pic.twitter.com/dA8a8FTMWR
— PFF (@PFF) April 29, 2023
The Head-Scratcher: Luke Schoonmaker
Schoonmaker is a tight end from Michigan that could step into one of the Cowboys positional voids. Dallas desperately needed a talented tight end after Dalton Schultz left for the Houston Texans in free agency. The tight end from Michigan is a head-scratcher because some of the other tight ends were available when he was selected.
Dallas selecting Schoonmaker was a surprise given Darnell Washington was still on the board. Washington is a physical freak measuring 6’7” weight 264 pounds with 4.64 speed. Perhaps the Cowboys ruled out Washington thanks to some clumsy route running. The former Georgia Bulldog is a candidate to become an offensive lineman thanks to his size. If he is unable to get traction as a pass-catcher he could make the transition to primarily a blocker and lineman. Dallas likely saw this as a possibility and was keen to replace Schultz’s lost productivity.
The Rest
The Cowboys filled some key holes in this draft. Outside of Smith, Vaughn, and Schoonmaker the Cowboys were able to sure up their defense by drafting Overshown, Feheko, and Scott Jr. Dallas continues to double down on the defensive side of the ball and their draft strategies reflect that.
Overshown is a talented linebacker from Texas with size, speed, and power. This was a great pick by Dallas considering Parsons’ typical role in the defense. Overshown proved himself in college with the ability to play off the ball. Parsons typically lines up at the edge and disrupts the passing game. Overshown is a talented defender with the ability to stop the run, cover tight ends and running backs, and spy the quarterback. The Cowboys third-round pick will free up Parsons to attack the passing game more aggressively.
Dallas selects Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown 90th overall
⭐️ ZERO TDs allowed in coverage last season (332 coverage snaps) pic.twitter.com/fLTxc9zwEV
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 29, 2023
Fehoko and Eric Scott Jr. are both defenders taken in the later rounds. Richards is a defensive end specializing in stopping the run while Scott is a defensive back with length and a nose for the ball. Dallas wanted to add depth to both positions with these two players. Both players have work to do to prepare their game for the NFL, but both bring potential that could lead to significant playing time.
Asim Richards and Jalen Brooks are the last two names on this list. Richards is a powerful blocker pushing defenders to open lanes for the run game. He has size and strength but is not as agile as some of his counterparts. He should make his living toward the interior of the offensive line. Brooks is a wide receiver from South Carolina. He is a physical pass-catcher who uses strength and body position to improve his route running. Brooks boasts physicality, length, and yards-after-catch potential. Both guys could make a splash at training camp and could earn significant playing time.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
