3 players Cowboys unwisely passed on in Round 1 of 2022 draft

2. Devin Lloyd

The idea of drafting a “linebacker” in the first round in consecutive years sounds crazy, but Dallas could’ve justified it in Utah product Devin Lloyd, who went three picks after Smith to Jacksonville at No. 27 overall.

The only knock on Lloyd during the pre-draft process was his age, as he’ll turn 24 in September. Of course, that shouldn’t matter to a team like the Cowboys, whose championship window is wide open and defense needs immediate contributors.

A former safety in high school, Lloyd handles himself well in coverage and his four interceptions tied for the most amongst FBS linebackers in 2021. Against the run, he locates the ball quickly and has elite closing speed, as evidenced by his 111 tackles and 22 tackles for loss for Utah last season.

Could you imagine Lloyd and Parsons patrolling the second level of the Cowboys’ defense with Leighton Vander Esch? Lloyd’s presence also would’ve given Dan Quinn more flexibility to deploy Parsons as a pass rusher.

Yes, Jayron Kearse plays a ton of snaps in the box, but drafting Lloyd would’ve solved Dallas’ linebacker conundrum for the long-term.

Remember, Vander Esch only re-signed on a one-year deal, Jabril Cox is coming off a torn ACL and Damone Clark, for as big of a steal as he was, is a wild card after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in March.