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

The 75th selection saw Dallas take UCLA defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa. Many of the Cowboys faithful didn’t even know who he was or how to say his name correctly (pronounced OH-suh oh-dee-gih-ZOO-uh)  when the draft announcement was made. I guarantee you more Cowboys fans know how to pronounce his name today than on Draft Day.

The reasoning behind that is how well the rookie started the season. Expectations were low for this defense entering the season, but it was a third-round rookie who held the fort down while the team waited on interior reinforcements.

This 6-2, 280-pound defensive tackle was able to play in 16 games and started 12 of them. He was able to record 36 combined tackles and three sacks. He also had 11 quarterback hurries and six tackles for loss.

I felt that he hit the rookie wall later in the season, but he held up better than I expected. Whether he is going to be counted on as a starter or part of a rotation, the selection of Odighizuwa was a pleasant surprise. Linemen from both sides of the ball often struggle with the strength of the NFL.

This rookie held up fairly well, and a full NFL offseason should only raise the ceiling on where this versatile piece could end up.

Chauncey Gholston was an afterthought after he missed the majority of training camp this year due to a hamstring injury. Rookies have much to learn so him missing time on the field was what I initially believed would be a wasted rookie season.

He represents the outcome for the Cowboys trading back in the draft from 10th overall to 12th.

Gholston was able to bounce back from his injury and join the team on the field in week three. Gholston recorded pedestrian numbers, but that doesn’t always paint the correct picture.

With so many free agents and limited salary cap space, I think the team could convince themselves to allow rotational defensive end Dorance Armstong to leave via free agency and hope Gholston can occupy that role.

Gholston played in 550 total snaps while Dorance Armstong registered 591. Whether that is the case or not, Gholston figures to get plenty of opportunities next season to prove he can take the next step.

Cornerback Nahshon Wright started out of the gate fast with standout performances during OTAs. He was able to flash in training camp yet other than his special teams play during the season, Wright failed to capitalize on his strong start.

His strong start should give fans hope that, at the very least, the Cowboys found a rotational cornerback who can contribute on special teams. Wright was only able to play in 91 defensive snaps, but his 255 snaps on special teams are where he earned his paycheck. If you remember correctly, Wright was on both sides of the spectrum when talking about special teams’ impact.