Dallas Cowboys 2018 Draft: The front office does it again!
The Cowboys’ draft strategy did not wither away in rounds two and three as it has before. In fact, behind Derwin James, it can be argued that Dallas’ second-round selection of offensive lineman Connor Williams was one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Based on capital dedicated to the position and schematic importance, the Dallas Cowboys had three major needs going into the draft.
A linebacker to step into former Cowboy linebacker Anthony Hitchens shoes and eventually start, a starting left guard that allows the team to be deep on the offensive line, and one more wide receiver who can beat one on one coverage.
It seems as though the team does not value a true one-technique interior defensive lineman based on the rare use of a premium pick on it, and the neglect of the position in this draft. Although the team did trade second-year wide receiver Ryan Switzer for Oakland Raider interior defender Jihad Ward.
It also seemed as though the front office was comfortable with the roster at safety even with Byron Jones‘ move to cornerback. Without even a visit with a safety in free-agency, the team looked to be comfortable relying on the draft and post-draft free agency to add an option there.
With pass rusher, backup running back, and backup quarterback as other issues of lesser importance. The Cowboys could afford to use their first three selections on their top needs while also being able to take the highest rated players on their board. The perfect match for a successful draft.
The team masterfully dissected the 2018 draft class and were able to see that the positions with the most depth included wide receiver and interior offensive lineman. A linebacker first was always going to be the best choice as the position was top-heavy and offered little high-ceiling value in later rounds.
Grabbing Vander Esch first proved that.
Connor Williams mix of first-round talent, position need, and value at pick fifty made him one of the steals of the draft. Michael Gallup in the third round was a minor miracle that makes the Cowboys look like geniuses for getting a player with a second-round grade, who fits what the team wants in the position going forward perfectly.
If you do a quick Google search on expert opinions and draft grades for this years draft, you’ll see the Cowboys getting a fair amount of praise for their recent draft haul. After years of being a below average front office, it is nice to see some national recognition for the work that’s been getting done recently.
Next: Dallas Cowboys: 15 best first-round picks of all-time
And although we have to see them play to know just how successful the draft class is, the Dallas Cowboys front office has continued to build the team in their vision. Though the playoff success hasn’t come and ring six hasn’t made its way to Arlington yet, it truly seems as though the right steps are being taken.
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