Cowboys front office shares thoughts on the 2022 draft class

Although the experts have given the Dallas Cowboys mixed reviews on their nine 2022 NFL Draft selections, the front office seems incredibly confident with their choices. After each day of the draft, Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Mike McCarthy, and Will McClay all fielded questions from the press about why they made certain decisions in each round.

From the outside, it looked like the Cowboys weren’t necessarily using the best player available mentality. Instead, they had a set list of guys they liked, and they selected those names whether that prospect should have gone in that round or not. Of course, any GM or coach is going to tell you that they stand behind a decision they made, especially the Joneses.

Despite the somewhat controversial decisions to draft Tyler Smith at 24th overall, take Sam Williams so early, and risk a pick on a linebacker like Damone Clark who likely won’t see the field in 2022, the front office fully believes that every choice they made was the right one.

The Cowboys’ official website released a list of quotes from McClay, McCarthy, and the Joneses explaining why each of the picks was made. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

See what the Dallas Cowboys front office members had to say about the team’s 2022 draft class

Jerry Jones doubled down on the team viewing Smith as the 16th best player in the draft. The GM also told reporters he has full faith that the Tulsa product will be a starter despite his young age, inexperience, and penalty-prone ways:

"“I really think we have a player here that not only has the ability to be a starter, but has position flex, and so we were very fortunate with the 24th pick to get the 16th player in the Draft.” -Jerry Jones"

When talking about Smith, McCarthy revealed some pertinent information that may have helped solidify the team’s choice. The first-rounder apparently spent time with the Cowboys offensive line coach before the draft:

"“I just want to add that Joe Philbin had the chance to spend time with him, and, obviously the classroom work is important, and we felt great about what he put on video, but the personal workout does give you the chance to get a closer look and particularly spend the one-on-one time. He had high marks in all that.” -Mike McCarthy"

Cowboys draft expert and scout pro, Will McClay, explained why the team wanted to add wide receiver Jalen Tolbert to the roster:

"“It’s a wide receiver that can play multiple spots; he’s got size; he’s extremely intelligent, and the type of player you want to grow in that room because of his intelligence; his relationship that he’s already formed with the quarterback (Dak Prescott) from the conversation and those sort of things that the upside is that because he’s an NFL style receiver – body style, size, ability to find space, the ability to play inside and outside, so that versatility made him very attractive.” – Will McClay"

McCarthy also gave some insight as to how Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson may fit into the Cowboys’ offensive scheme:

"“The ability to be 12 personnel with two tight ends and play the same as you do in 11 personnel; but also get into more the A-gap run game or two-back downhill more action. I think we can do things on first and second down to make it a little easier on Dak.” – Mike McCarthy"

Do these quotes change your mind about the picks at all? Do you agree with the Cowboys’ front office?