5 players the Cowboys need to avoid in the 2023 NFL Draft

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball after a reception against the Utah Utes during the first half in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball after a reception against the Utah Utes during the first half in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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After a successful offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have set themselves up nicely for the 2023 NFL Draft. They shouldn’t have to reach for any position, which is how they get themselves into trouble, allowing their board to dictate their moves.

With all that being said, here’s a look at five players that they really need to avoid adding.

5 players the Cowboys need to avoid in the 2023 NFL Draft

Cowboys, 2023 NFL Draft
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia tight end Darnell Washington (TE17) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

It was recently reported that Darnell Washington has been added to the list of players meeting with Dallas ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. At first glance, this feels like an intriguing move. Washington, who is a mountain at 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, has all the tools to be special. He also plays one of the few positions on the team that has a starting spot up for grabs.

The problem is, he’s incredibly raw. The narrative continues to be that he was under-utilized by Georgia, which could very well be the case. Lance Zierlein, of NFL.com, however, points out that his hand usage and footwork leave something to be desired. He also called his technique “sloppy.”

Zierlein does praise his power and ability to play on the line, which isn’t always the case for tight ends entering the league.

Once in the NFL, Washington could very well put it all together but the Cowboys aren’t in a position to use their first-round pick on a player who might be a project — especially in a loaded tight end class where they can land a player on day two they know would help.