Dallas Cowboys: Grading Jerry Jones’ 2021 draft class

Overall grade for the 2021 draft class

The Dallas Cowboys nailed some draft picks, but they also missed the mark on others. How does the class as a whole stack up?

Micah Parsons was a phenomenal defensive pick, but I was looking elsewhere. Offensive lineman Rashawn Slater was available and would immediately replace left guard Connor Williams while eventually replacing Tyron Smith at left tackle. Then again, Parsons is another can’t-miss player defensively.

Kelvin Joseph fits what Dan Quinn is looking for in cornerbacks. I liked Asante Samuel Jr., but he is too short to fit into Dallas’ new scheme. Another corner that would’ve worked is Paulson Adebo (who was a third-rounder), which would allow the Cowboys to draft a defensive lineman.

UCLA’s Osa Odighizuwa will be a solid interior lineman for the Cowboys in time. Adding strength could put him over the top and compete for a starting spot. I preferred Adebo at this pick, but drafting Joseph takes him out of consideration. Another option would be offensive guard Wyatt Davis.

Chauncey Golston and Nahshon Wright are both players that fit Quinn’s defense. The issue is both would have been available much later in the draft. While Golston was quite a reach, Wright was not worth even a fifth-rounder.

Jabril Cox and Josh Ball are stud picks that will help the team immediately. Cox will get more opportunities, but Ball will be appreciated more if Smith goes down with another injury. That is if he keeps his character concerns in check.

Simi Fehoko gives the Dallas Cowboys a big wideout with big-play ability. Letting Michael Gallup walk in free agency just became a bit easier.

Quinton Bohanna is that big-body nose tackle Dallas has been missing. Israel Mukuamu gives Quinn a big corner/safety hybrid that will challenge the ball in the air at any opportunity.

Matt Farniok is an athletic freak that won’t be on the field unless the offensive line falls apart again (knock on wood). He can be a long shot to compete for an open spot at left guard next season.

Overall, the Dallas Cowboys added a lot to their team. Jerry Jones found a couple of gems and gave his new defensive coordinator players to fit his scheme, setting him up for success. He added depth to the offensive and defensive line. The Dallas Cowboys 2021 draft class is a promising one.

The overall scoring was inspired by Dallas Morning News and is comprised via averaging the grade I gave using the following grade scale: A, 4.0; A-, 3.7; B+, 3.3; B, 3.0; B-, 2.7; C+, 2.3; C, 2.0; C-, 1.7; D+, 1.3; D, 1.0; D-, 0.7; F, 0.0

Overall Grade: B-/C+ (2.5)

College player stats courtesy of ESPN and Sports Reference

RAS grades and pro day numbers courtesy of Relative Athletic Scoring