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Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Grading Each Pick

By Steven Mullenax

Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Leon Allen (33) is brought down by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) down the field during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Leon Allen (33) is brought down by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs safety Xavier Woods (7) down the field during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys attempted to revamp and retool their ailing defense during this the 2017 NFL Draft. How did they fare?

Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Entering the 2017 NFL Draft that started last Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys had several voids to fill along their roster. Coming off a successful 13-3 regular season in 2016, but losing in their only playoff appearance to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round, the Cowboys biggest perceived need this offseason was to find a premier pass rusher.

That’s despite the fact the Cowboys have made several attempts to find that top-flight rusher in recent years and have plenty of candidates already in house. Still, defensive ends like Benson Mayowa, David Irving and DeMarcus Lawrence have been unable to provide the constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks that this Dallas defense desperately needs.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones himself proclaimed the team needed to find a war daddy this offseason. A premier edge rusher whom the team has been without since releasing legendary defensive end DeMarcus Ware back in 2014.

But following a massive exodus of veteran players via free agency, the need for a pass rusher in Dallas was overtaken by the pure lack of starters within their secondary. The Cowboys lost key veterans in safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox. They also lost starting cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. Suddenly, the defensive secondary leaped to the forefront as Dallas’ biggest area of need.

The Cowboys attempted to negate the losses, signing free agent cornerback Nolan Carroll and safety Robert Blanton. But both are likely viewed as only bridge players, there to provide experience and depth through a transitional year at their respective positions. And neither would prevent Dallas from snatching up several defensive back prospects in the upcoming draft.

So, that leaves us here. In the aftermath of the 2017 NFL Draft. Let’s go pick-by-pick, selection-by-selection, and review how the Cowboys made out.

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