The Dallas Cowboys best and worst draft value picks

We analyze two picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, and how much value the Dallas Cowboys got out of them.

Every year in the NFL Draft, teams look to get the best players at the right price. While the talent of the draftees is important, finding value picks is how the best front offices build their teams and set them up for continued success. This year, the Dallas Cowboys drafted nine players in the past draft, so naturally there will be some good value picks and some that were a bit of a reach.

Worst Value: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Selected 2nd Round, 34th Overall

This is an interesting pick as far as value is concerned. Taking Smith in the second round wasn’t horrible value, but the pick was very risky for that early in the draft. Many believed that Smith would around in the later rounds of the draft.

From strictly a talent perspective, Smith has “steal of the draft” potential. Should he come back as the player they see on tape, they have a generational talent in the middle of their defense, and didn’t have to spend a first round pick to do so.

Smith could prove to be the best player in this draft, but he has a lot of risk surrounding him. While it wasn’t a guarantee that he would have been available in round six, taking him with the 34th overall pick is a bit of a reach for a player who will likely sit out 2016 and isn’t a lock to return to action at all. Taking a player with nerve damage in their leg is as risky as it gets, especially in the second round, taking a pick with that much risk as early as they did does not equate to great value.

Best Value: Anthony Brown, CB, Purdue
Selected 6th Round, 189th Overall

I really like Anthony Brown as a prospect. He has the size and speed to be a starting defensive back in the NFL, just needed some more seasoning at the cornerback position, as well as the right coach in the league to get the most out of him.

Brown fell into the perfect spot in Dallas; the team has one of the best defensive coaching staffs in the NFL and has a glaring hole at the cornerback position. Brown will make the roster and probably compete for a starting job before the end of his rookie campaign.

If Brown can crack the starting lineup in his rookie year, this is an early candidate for best value pick in the 2016 draft. Even if he doesn’t become a starter, its very likely he becomes a valuable role player on the defense, which is a rare find in the 6th round of the draft. The Cowboys definitely got their value and then some with this pick.

Next: Cowboys Rod Marinelli praises second-year pass rusher

Thank you for reading the above article. It’s our sincere hope you’ll visit our site often as we work really hard to provide Cowboys fans with fresh, daily content about their favorite team. Please feel free to take part in further discussions about this topic below in our comment section. All we ask is that each participant is respectful in both their responses and towards others. Thanks again and…Go Cowboys!