Nickolas Loza | May 4th, 2019
The Dallas Cowboys last season were a surprise of sorts, they missed the playoffs the year before, but this year they redeemed themselves, improving from a 9-7 record the year before to a 10-6 record. This was enough to win the NFC East and get a birth into the playoffs, where they managed to win a game against the Seahawks, and then lose in the NFC Divisional Playoff game to the eventual Super Bowl participant Los Angeles Rams. During the season, they traded their first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for WR Amari Cooper.
2nd and 3rd Round Picks
With the 58th pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected DT Trysten Hill. He is pretty much guaranteed to make the roster and will add a pass-rushing punch beyond that of an aging Demarcus Lawrence. He will most likely step in as a Week one starter and will make an immediate impact. Because the Cowboys don’t have much pass-rushing punch outside of Lawrence, he will step in and be a strong number two option for Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli’s squad.
With the 90th pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected OL Connor McGovern, who will add depth to an aging and battered up offensive line. With Travis Frederick coming back from an auto-immune disease, and La’el Collins being in the last year of his contract, McGovern provides an insurance policy of sorts just in case either one of them is unhealthy or Collins leaves in free agency next year. He’s a sturdy presence on the offensive line which is good considering the Cowboys had a revolving door of offensive lineman last season.
4th and 5th round picks
With the 128th pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected RB Tony Pollard, who provides a capable backup after former backup RB Rod Smith left the team. He will be used as a kickoff/ punt returner most likely and could help take some of the heat off of Ezekiel Elliott. He could also be used as a receiver out of the backfield in a two-man set.
With the 158th pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected CB Michael Jackson. He will provide insurance policy as four of the Cowboys secondary are facing contract years in the next two seasons. He will most likely make the team as a backup or a special teams player.
With the 165th pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected DE Joe Jackson. He enters an already stacked DE room and will have to fight his way to a roster spot. He is probably the most “on the bubble” pick so far when it comes to making the roster. He could provide a powerful presence on the line if he were to make the team, as he is 6’4 275 pounds and could easily overpower a smaller OL.
6th and 7th round picks
With the 213th pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected S Donovan Wilson. He has the potential to fill a large hole at safety in the future, but for now, he will most likely be a special team or role player.
With the 218th pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected RB Mike Weber, who is another running back in the backfield to potentially add. He will most likely not make the team if he does, it will be as a role player who sees very limited time unless something happens to Elliott.
With the Cowboys last pick, and the 241st pick in the draft, they selected DE Jalen Jelks. He will have to compete hard for a roster spot, and if he doesn’t make it he could find himself on a practice squad somewhere in the NFL as a potential future backup player if anything goes horribly wrong on any team.
All in all, this draft filled a few needs for the Cowboys. Depth at the defensive line, a capable backup (or two) to Elliott, offensive line depth, and secondary help. I give their draft a grade of a B+. The reason for this is because they filled their needs, but weren’t aggressive in pursuing trades to get back into the first round or to get another high pick. I expect most of the picks to make the roster, and make an impact at some point, small or large. They are expected to make the playoffs again this year, and these years draft picks will certainly help that.
Hope you all enjoyed!
Check out our other Team Draft Recaps and Grades: New York Giants | Indianapolis Colts | Los Angeles Chargers | Cleveland Browns | Buffalo Bills | Carolina Panthers | Pittsburgh Steelers | Minnesota Vikings | Jacksonville Jaguars | Cincinnati Bengals | Oakland Raiders | Washington Redskins | Chicago Bears | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Denver Broncos | New Orleans Saints | New York Jets | Arizona Cardinals | Miami Dolphins | Detroit Lions | Seattle Seahawks | San Francisco 49ers | Tennessee Titans | Kansas City Chiefs | Houston Texans | Baltimore Ravens
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