Dallas Cowboys Draft: First round grade and day two targets

In a bold move, the Dallas Cowboys selected off-ball linebacker Micah Parsons with their top selection. After losing both corner targets, Dallas felt the need to trade back two spots with the division-rival Eagles and add valuable draft capital (Pick 84).

I certainly approve of adding the extra top 100 draft selection in a class loaded with day two talent. Parsons has absurd physical traits of a difference-maker on the second level and can even rush the passer. However, immaturity concerns really clouded the evaluation process with a defensive locker room already suffering from a leadership void.

Parsons ceiling is sky high, yet he must come in hungry and ready to be a professional to achieve them and not cause further unwanted distractions. The Cowboys rejecting my top-rated offensive line fit for their system, Rashawn Slater, also downgraded the choice. First-round grade: B

DALLAS COWBOYS DAY TWO TARGETS: SECOND ROUND (PICK 44)

Trading up to land a player available at the top of the second round is always possible. Dallas did this with strong success back in 2014. The Cowboys traded Pick No. 47 and No. 78 to move into Washington’s 34th spot and land DeMarcus Lawrence. Now with three third-round picks this year, parting with one to trade up may be considered.

This year’s draft talent is enticingly deep on day two. The Cowboys’ best option may be to stay put at No. 44 and select four more players in the top 100. Strong consideration for the second-round pick should be given to the following players.

Richie Grant (S) – Central Florida
Trevon Moehrig (S) – TCU
Aaron Robinson (CB) – Central Florida
Assante Samuel Jr. (CB) – Florida State
Kelvin Joseph (CB) – Kentucky
Teven Jenkins (OT) – Oklahoma State
Dillon Radunz (OT) – North Dakota State
Carlos Basham Jr. (DE) – Wake Forest

A defensive tackle may be considered, but the value of the players doesn’t seem to match the high value of the pick. There will be productive options in the next round

COWBOYS DAY TWO TARGETS: THIRD ROUND (PICKS 75, 84, 99)

With six more pics after the third round, Dallas could use these as trade capital to improve the third-round picks. Either way, the third-round targets should remain the same.

Below are names Dallas should strongly consider if available and a reasonable position need still remains after their first two selections.

Alim McNeill (DT) – North Carolina State
Marvin Wilson (DT) – Florida State
Milton Williams (DT) – Louisiana Tech
Pete Werner (LB) – Ohio State
Cameron McGrone (LB) – Michigan
Elijah Molden (CB/S) – Washington
Jevon Holland (S) – Oregon
Liam Eichenberg (OT) – Notre Dame
Walker Little (OT) – Stanford

The first round is always the most exciting due to star power. However, day two in this very deep draft hosts the money rounds. With many needs to fill, Dallas absolutely has to win this day and land three to four solid, first-year contributors.