Dallas Cowboys Draft Results: The Start Of A New Era
“I couldn’t be more honored to represent that kind of organization,” said defensive end Randy Gregory on becoming a member of the Dallas Cowboys. This draft, for me, has been one to remember. Listening to the interviews with our newest acquisitions has me beyond excited for next season.
The theme across the board has been gratitude. Every conversation I heard contained signs of a relationship that had been established between the athletes and the staff. The ‘Boys showed out this weekend and it’ll only get better from here.
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Dallas was strategic in their planning. In spite of rumors flying faster than a wide receiver, the staff decided to stay the course and practiced patience. The results were priceless.
In case you somehow missed this wonderful event, round one went to cornerback Byron Jones from the University of Connecticut. Since losing corner Sterling Moore to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during free agency, bringing in another body was smart.
"“He’s certainly the right kind of guy. This is a guy who is just a really impressive football player, a guy who plays the right way, a guy who has a tremendous amount of potential, a guy who has a chance to play early because of his athletic ability and versatility and experience.” – Jason Garrett on Byron Jones to Dallas Morning News"
Dallas used the second round to bring in Randy Gregory from the University of Nebraska, who recorded 17.5 sacks in his two-year college career. Say it with me – pass rush.
The University of Florida provided a gift in the form of offensive tackle Chaz Green, who was one of only three offensive players taken in this draft by Dallas.
With 16 sacks in his college career, linebacker Damien Wilson from the University of Minnesota came in the fourth round. His purpose is to add depth behind linebackers Sean Lee and Rolando McClain. Knowing those three are in place and will be coupled with Anthony Hitchens sends chills up my spine.
“I’m glad they chose me.” said the Cowboys new defensive end Ryan Russell, showing much zeal and gratitude upon being selected in the fifth round. Hailing from Purdue University, Russell is more proof that the Cowboys are building something solid on an often problematic side of the ball in Dallas as of late…defense.
Lastly, the seventh round provided three picks for America’s Team. Offensive tackle Laurence Gibson from Virginia Tech can play left and right positions. Gibson is in the right hands to finesse the skills he already has and to smooth any rough edges.
Dallas also added another linebacker with Mark Nzeocha (pronounced “en-zah-chuh) in the seventh. Coming from the University of Wyoming, Nzeocha played club football during high school in Germany. While he’s perfecting his craft, the former safety adds strength and agility to the defense.
Finally, the Cowboys traded their 2016 sixth round selection to grab Texas tight end Geoff Swaim late in the seventh round. The run-blocking tight end comes in just as veteran James Hanna enters his contract year.
This year’s focus was clearly addressing defensive needs first and foremost. Not only do they now have the necessary pieces for the Super Bowl puzzle, but these pieces can be moved around. I love it when a plan comes together.
On a side note, wide receiver Antwan Goodley was picked up post-draft. During his tenure at Baylor University, he recorded 150 receptions for 2,366 yards, 18 rushes for 130 yards, and 45 returns for 1,037 yards. Goodley may be an answer to our special teams’ prayers.
I’d personally grade this draft with an “A.” Dallas didn’t make any drastic or predicted moves but brought in solid, need filling selections. It’s as if they heard the cry of the fans and satisfied them while simultaneously doing what was right for the team.
In my mind, the football season started the first day of the draft. Even though there are four months until kickoff, the key is in the ignition and it’s time to get this car rolling. Things are about to get really good now.
Go Cowboys.