Re-grading the Cowboys 2022 NFL Draft class after Year 1
By Jerry Trotta
Round 2
Sam Williams – Defensive End
- Ole Miss, Pick No. 56 overall
Williams was heavily linked to the Cowboys after Dan Quinn participated in Ole Miss’ pro day. He became an obvious second-round target, and Dallas wasted no time when it was their turn to draft at pick No. 56 overall.
Williams didn’t play a big role in 2022, but the fact he carved out a role while battling Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler for snaps speaks volumes about his talent.
In 15 games (27% of the snaps), the pass rusher compiled four sacks, 22 pressures, 10 TFLs, nine quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and a whopping three fumble recoveries. He finished tied for fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Not sure how he got there over Bland, but that’s no knock on Williams.
The former Rebel has a bright future ahead of him.
Grade: B+
Round 1
Tyler Smith – Offensive Tackle
- Tulsa, Pick No. 24 overall
How great of a pick was Smith? In ESPN’s 2022 re-draft, the Tulsa product went sixth overall as the first offensive linemen off the board; higher than Ikem Ekwonu, Evan Neal, Charles Cross, Kenyon Green, Zion Johnson, and Trevor Penning.
Smith started every game as a rookie. He played mostly at left tackle, but compiled 122 snaps at left guard when Tyron Smith came back and Jason Peters shifted from right tackle to LT. Smith ranked 15th among left tackles with a 74.6 offensive grade, per PFF. He gave up six sacks and was flagged 13 times, but his rookie year was a roaring success by all accounts, and he won’t turn 22 until April.
The Cowboys have their successor to Tyron Smith. And to think there was so much criticism surrounding the pick on draft night.
Grade: A+
