Dallas Cowboys 2018 NFL Draft: Reviews and grades so far
The draft is here and the Dallas Cowboys have selected three players for the future. Let’s see who we have so far and what give them each a grade.
Now that two days of the 2018 NFL Draft are complete, let’s take a look back at the Dallas Cowboys‘ first three rounds and grade the results.
With the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys Select: Leighton Vander Esch
Vander Esch is a physical specimen standing 6’4 and 256 pounds with 4.6 speed. He has the ability to create problems for offenses in the league. Vander Esch is a fast sideline-to-sideline linebacker with the ability to drop in coverage. His best attribute though is stopping the run and ability to create turnovers. Something the Cowboys have had problems with in the past.
While only a one-year starter Vander Esch was able to put up amazing stats 141 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles.
I know Cowboy fans are upset after this pick, many of you wanted a receiver but the middle linebacker position was a more pressing need. As I have said in a past article, the Cowboys need help in the middle of this defense and this is a solid start.
Player Comparison – Brian Urlacher
Grade – B+
With the 50th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys Select: Connor Williams
Williams is a large man coming in at 6’5 and 296 pounds. Coming in as one of the top offensive tackles in the draft the Cowboys get great value with this pick. He has the ability to pull and block in the running game.
Williams is also a very good pass protector with a nasty streak to his game. He is projected to be a better guard than tackle so the Cowboys will put him right in at the left guard position and solidify the offensive line for years. Both Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott are very happy right now.
Player Comparison – Joe Staley
Grade – A
Related Story: The Dallas Cowboys have had a strong start to the draft
With the 81st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys Select: Michael Gallup
The Cowboys met with Gallup and had a private work out with him as well. Taking him with the 81st pick is a steal! At 6’0 and 209 pounds, his great route running skills and his physical play when he gets the ball in his hands he is a handful.
During his two years with Colorado State, Gallup’s career stat line was 176 receptions with 2,690 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns. He will come in and compete for a starting spot immediately. Gallup is a player that could have gone in the 2nd round. Another great value pick.
Player Comparison – Michael Crabtree
Grade – A
After the picks on Day Two of the NFL draft lets reset and see what the Cowboys still need. Coming into the draft, Dallas needed a guard, receiver, and linebacker. All three positions were taken so far in the draft.
They still need to find a free safety, defensive tackle, tight end, running back. They still have picks 116, 137 in the fourth round, pick 171 in the fifth round, picks 192, 193, and 208 in the sixth round and 236 in the seventh round.
Next: Dallas Cowboys: 15 best first-round picks of all-time
So far the Dallas Cowboys have made very smart picks and still have a lot of good players left to choose from on Day 3. How do you feel about the Cowboys draft so far?
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