Final grades for each member of the Dallas Cowboys 2021 draft class

It usually takes a few years, but the Dallas Cowboys got almost immediate returns on their 2021 NFL Draft class thanks in part to a combined effort. Much of those results are a reflection of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

The 2020 draft class followed by this 2021 draft class makes you want to thank the football gods that the team was able to retain Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay. McClay helps guide the decisions that are made on Draft Day and his impressive drafting record with the Cowboys is a big reason this team is stocked full of talent. It still takes good coaching to get the most out of your draft class, so I have to give credit to the coaching staff for developing these guys so quickly.

I always assumed that the Jason Garrett-led teams refused to play rookies in favor of veterans and there is some truth to that. The players the Cowboys drafted this year played in a combined 3,441 snaps. That number does include special team’s play.

Garrett’s last year in Dallas showed that his last drafted rookie class with the Cowboys only contributed to 679 plays. That draft class was missing their first-round selection as it was traded to the Raiders for wideout Amaris Cooper. But the point is clear.

Micah Parsons played in 919 plays alone while Osa Odighizuwa’s snap count comes up just short with 675 snaps played. Third on this rookie class list is Chauncey Gholston who surprisingly played in 550 snaps.

No matter what you think of this coaching staff, they are not afraid to throw young guys into the fire. Now, let’s give these rookies their final grades.