The Dallas Cowboys came into the 2022 NFL Draft with multiple glaring needs at offensive line, wide receiver, defensive line, tight end, and defensive back. Coming off a draft such as the one in 2021 grabbing Micah Parsons, analysts were looking for Jerry Jones to make yet another ‘splash in the draft’. The Cowboys entered the draft with nine picks and stood pat selecting at all nine spots with zero trades. They wrapped up their selections by making four picks on offense and five on defense.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft Recaps.
Best Pick: Jalen Tolbert (Round 3, Pick 88)
After selecting Tyler Smith in the first round and Sam Williams in Round 2, Dallas decided to grab Dak Prescott a new toy. This past offseason Dallas moved on from Amari Cooper, trading him to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round selection as well as losing Cedrick Wilson to the Miami Dolphins. In addition, Dallas added James Washington, a former-Pittsburgh Steeler, yet adding Tolbert to the receiving room adds depth and tremendous upside. The pairing of Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, and Tolbert has the potential to take the offense to the next level in the coming years.
Grade: B-
For more on Tolbert, check out our scouting report on him.
Worst Pick: Tyler Smith (Round 1, Pick 24)
Coming into the draft many were expecting Dallas to target an offensive lineman, defensive lineman, or wide receiver early on. If Kenyon Green, Zion Johnson, or Charles Cross were to have slipped to them, they probably would have been the pick. However, the receivers went off the board faster than you could snap your fingers and so did the top lineman. Therefore, Dallas was stuck with the pick of Smith. The pick itself is not bad because Dallas needs linemen. However, with Devin Lloyd and Jermaine Johnson still on the board, fans were left scratching their heads thinking about what could have been. It’s not all bad though, this is a project pick with a ton of potential growth and value within it, so stay patient Cowboy fans.
Grade: C-
For more on Smith, check out our scouting report on him.
Sleeper Pick: Damone Clark (Round 5, Pick 176)
Dallas had already addressed the major holes in their roster in the previous rounds by grabbing an offensive lineman, defensive lineman, wide receiver, and tight end. Adding a guy of Clark’s nature is a huge pick for the Cowboys. They are potentially getting a linebacker that can pair perfectly with Parsons and Jabril Cox. The only limited downside to this pick is the injury that will force Clark to the sideline for most, if not all of the 2022 season. The potential and value are both there and if this pick pans out it may turn out to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Grade: A
For more on Clark, check out our scouting report on him.
Summary
Overall, Dallas had a very optimistic, grab the “trait” guy type of draft. They went after guys with major upside and traits that make them physical forces. They added offensive line depth, gave Prescott a new weapon, and filled up some needs while in the process. If these picks turn out to be what they could be, then this will turn out to be a major win for Dallas Cowboys fans. They may not have the guys that will make an immediate impact but look for these draftees to make an impact within their first two to three years in the league. We will just have to wait and see if the organization made the right call on these “project” picks.
Grade: C+
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