By most accounts, the Cowboys had a pretty solid draft. Of course Claiborne was the big acquisition, but Dallas also added four more potentially solid defenders, an underrated but physical wideout and an intriguing tight end prospect. Here are the pick-by-pick selections with some thoughts on each player.
1st Round (6) – CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
Analysis: The best cornerback in the draft and possibly the cornerback to enter the NFL in several years. Claiborne adds much needed play-making to the Dallas secondary. He is also an impact return man. Just a tremendous acquisition.
3rd Round (81) – DE Tyrone Crawford, Boise St.
Analysis: Crawford is a good fit at end in the 3-4 defense. He has good pass-rushing potential, netting 13.5 sacks in two seasons at Boise St. while only starting 11 of 25 games. Crawford is seen as more of a depth player at the outset, but the Cowboys believe over time he can develop into a three-down player. He is known as a high-energy player with great work ethic. Crawford is a native Canadian from Windsor, Ontario.
4th Round (113) – OLB Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest
Analysis: Wilber’s strength is tracking the football. He has good first-step quickness and scouts say he is potentially a very good rusher coming off the edge. But he will need to gain some strength at the point of attack. His immediate contributions will be on special teams.
4th Round (135) – SS Matt Johnson, Eastern Washington
Analysis: Johnson was a four-year starter at Eastern Washington and had 17 career interceptions. He is a physical player who will compete for playing time in the Cowboys secondary, but will also look to make his mark early on special teams. Johnson does have some coverage ability, so he is not known as just a strong safety type of player, but his strength is physical play and run support.
5th Round (152) – WR Danny Coale, Virginia Tech
Analysis: Coale did just about everything at Virginia Tech. He played outside receiver, slot receiver, special teams coverage, punt block team and even punted a few times when the need arose. The Cowboys see Coale as a potential slot receiver on offense. He caught 60 passes for 904 yards last season.
6th Round (186) – TE James Hanna, Oklahoma
Analysis: This is a very interesting pick. Hanna needs work on pass routes and his blocking isn’t exceptional, but he has tremendous athleticism and speed for a 252-pound tight end, timing at 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. Hanna caught 27 passes for 381 yards last season. It will take some time, but this is the kind of player who can help Dallas create mismatches in the passing game.
7th Round (222) – ILB Caleb McSurdy, Montana
Analysis: McSurdy is a tough but slightly undersized inside linebacker who some expect to struggle making the transition to the NFL. But he is a solid, reliable tackler and plays very instinctual with a nose for the football, so he has a shot. At minimum, he is expected to be a good special teams player.
Overall Thoughts: This draft will be remembered for Morris Claiborne. But if one of pass-rushing prospects pans out, if Johnson develops into a starter at safety, and if one of the receivers can command playing time, then this could go down as a very good draft. We likely won’t know the answers to some of those questions for at least three years. For now, we will just be happy we got Claiborne.
I will have more draft weekend videos up over the next few days.
