Need a Better Draft
Before the past decade, people were critical of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Draft.
Things, however, changed in the 2010s when five of their first-rounders in six years became some of the best at their position, three of them being offensive linemen, a much less flashy position than Jones typically went after in the top round.
But the past three years haven’t been the best drafts, particularly with their first picks, and now the Cowboys need to make smarter moves with this new coaching staff as the 2020 NFL Draft starts tomorrow night at 7 CT on ABC and runs through Saturday.
The last three first-rounders are not surprisingly questionable. In 2017, defensive end Taco Charlton, who took awhile to get playing time after limited college experience, was cut early last season. In 2018, linebacker Leighton Vander-Esch actually had a pretty good rookie year, becoming a Pro Bowl replacement but didn’t do as well in 2019 before having reoccurring career neck problems, which could cause early retirement. (The Cowboys knew about this concern before drafting him.) And last year after not having a first-round pick due to the Amari Cooper trade, Dallas selected Trysten Hill, who barely saw the field.
The Cowboys like to draft and develop their own talent and not sign big free agents or even sometimes their own. With that said, their biggest needs are cornerback, safety, receiver and defensive end (possibly). Below is an analysis of those positions and who the Cowboys have reportedly met with, according to Brian Martin of Inside the Star.
Cornerback is the most glaring need after losing former All-Pro Byron Jones to Miami. After him on the depth chart is Chidobe Awuzie, Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis, the first and third are going into contract years and the second just got a new deal….And none of these guys are №1 corners.
At pick №17, everyone has been hearing about cornerback CJ Henderson of Florida on the Cowboys’ mock draft, but they may have to trade up to get him if that’s who their mind is on. This wouldn’t be the first time for them to do so as they went up to №6 for Morris Claiborne in 2012, who was an up-and-down DB. His cover skills and ability to take the ball away is something the Cowboys could desperately use.
The good news is there’s plenty of good corners in this draft. Cowboys’ supposed prospects behind him include A.J. Terrell (Clemson), Jeff Gladney (TCU), Noah Igbinoghene (Auburn), Kristian Fulton (LSU) and Trevon Diggs (Alabama) along with five others.
One of the positions that has angered Cowboys fans over the years is safety, not having a great one since Darren Woodson, which was 16 years ago. After finally giving up on a subpar Jeff Heath as the starter as he went to the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Mike McCarthy brought in one of his former players, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, to a one-year deal. Xavier Woods is just okay with a year left on his rookie contract.
It would be something else to see the Cowboys draft a safety early on, but if it’s their first pick, it’s probably going to be Xavier McKinney of Alabama, who is known for his quickness and versatility. Guys behind him include Grant Delpit (LSU), Terrell Burgess (Utah), Kenny Robinson (West Virginia/XFL) and Brandon Jones (Texas) along with four others.
Receiver was a strong position last season when everyone was healthy. Three of them were quite productive. Unfortunately, one of them has gone, that being Randall Cobb to Houston. He was a nice replacement for Cole Beasley in the slot but only had a one-year deal. And when you go past him, there’s not a lot of depth, so who they get is important.
Henry Ruggs III (Alabama) is the biggest speed demon in this draft and as defending Super Bowl Champion-Kansas City showed, speed kills. Prospects include local ones in Denzel Mims (Baylor) and Jalen Reagor (TCU) along with five others.
Defensive end is a tricky position as Randy Gregory is looking to again get reinstated and Aldon Smith, a former All-Pro who hasn’t played football in four years, is doing the same as the Cowboys recently signed him. Jones sure does love giving second chances and if these two can play up to their level with DeMarcus Lawrence, then getting a high-round pass rusher won’t be as needed. Unfortunately, we won’t know that verdict until after the draft. Either way, you can never have enough bodies getting after the quarterback as Gregory and Smith will be free agents next year (if they’re reinstated).
A guy I wouldn’t be shocked if the Cowboys drafted him is LSU defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson. He’s got speed but only has 9.5 sacks over three seasons. Dallas loves raw talent that can sometimes be a little too raw and risky. But considering he’s more of a mid-first rounder, he’s probably a more solid pick. Other prospects include Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State) and Terrell Lewis (Alabama) along with eight others.
Pending on how the Cowboys feel about Vander-Esch’s neck, I could see them taking a linebacker in the first round, that being Zack Baun, a Swiss-Army knife player from Wisconsin. Other guys include possible first-rounder Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma, Logan Wilson (Wyoming) and De’Jon Harris (Arkansas).
A notable position that should only be for a backup as I think McCarthy is realizing Cooper Rush sucks is quarterback. The Cowboys met with one of last year’s Heisman candidates, Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma), a dual-threat transfer from Alabama after Tua Tagovailoa emerged. Hurts has a 38–4 record and probably won’t be first-round material, but you never know. As a backup or a possible next Lamar Jackson, his grit would benefit some team. The other being James Morgan (Florida International).
If you’ve followed the draft much, you know there’s TONS of prospects, so the Cowboys could do anything, going after prospects not on this list who weren’t reportedly meeting with them. And I wouldn’t be surprised if they made some shockers as they typically do. With an almost completely new coaching staff, things could be different and I’m sure McCarthy will get after some offensive players being his expertise.
Speaking of different, that would be the word to sum up this draft. It was originally supposed to be in Las Vegas, the first time for an NFL team to be in Sin City. And the site would have been definitely a first on water as it was going to be on the Bellagio Fountains with players coming in on a boat to the stage.
Unfortunately, none of that is happening with COVID-19. It’s a virtual draft. Players won’t get to have all of their families and friends. Coaches and executives will be isolated. Fans will be home. Even though it’s not a game, it’s a real blessing a live sporting event can take place, which should encourage some spirits. Heck, it’s the first time in four weeks for me to write about something, getting a much-needed distraction.
