Round 1 - CB Morris Claiborne
Round 3 - DE Tyrone Crawford
Round 4 - OLB Kyle Wilber
- S Matt Johnson
Round 5 - WR Danny Coale
Round 6 - TE James Hanna
Round 7 - ILB Caleb McSurdy
The hiring of Rob Ryan last year to coordinate the defense was supposed to fix their problems on defense. However, for the second consecutive year, the 'Boys failed to reach the playoffs. As Tony Romo mostly stayed healthy, the defense can easily be identified as the main reason for their lack of success. To bolster the D in the Big D, they spent their first four picks on defensive players.
Starting with the trade up to draft Morris Claiborne, the future shutdown corner from LSU, the Cowboys made a statement. They believe that the offense can carry them, but the defense needs to improve drastically with the new additions on defense. Easily the best corner in this draft, he possesses all the physical tools needed to succeed. He can play effectively in both press and man coverage due to his size, speed, and fluidity. Claiborne should start in Week 1.
Dallas hasn't spent a high pick on a defensive lineman in a long time. With only mediocre defensive ends, it was time to bring in a talented, young player. Although he is still learning the position, Tyrone Crawford could develop into a very good player. He plays well against the run, but he doesn't get to the quarterback in a hurry. He can improve in that area though. His ability to shed blocks is probably his best asset at this point.
Coming in, Kyle Wilber has been tabbed as the successor to Anthony Spencer. Although still developing at a position that is new to him, he shows great instincts. Also, he rarely lets the ball carrier escape him because he wraps up well. A very good pass rusher, he uses his length and explosive first step to his advantage, but he needs to get lower to get past better offensive tackles. Wilber should play very well across from Ware with less attention coming his way.
More of a strong safety, Matt Johnson plays well when asked to play the run but struggles in coverage. He put up impressive workout numbers which really improved his draft stock. Coming from a small school, he will not be in the mix to start, but the Cowboys apparently think he can develop into a starter down the road. He'll play on special teams early on.
Danny Coale is a hard working player that you want in the locker room. He is the gritty player who can get you a first down. However, I doubt that Coale can be a key contributor for the Cowboys. Almost every time an elite passing offense takes a receiver, he will be painted as the next big thing. With Danny Coale, the Cowboys have drafted a decent reserve player, but he won't make any dynamic plays.
While James Hanna was recruited heavily by big-time schools out of high school, he failed to make a significant impact at the college level. If the Cowboys can coach him up, they have a talented kid on their hands. He possesses excellent speed, and while he isn't as big as a Gronkowski, his size is adequate. He can be used as a intermediate threat down the seam. In addition, Hanna blocks fairly well, which increases his value.
Caleb McSurdy profiles as a smart inside linebacker, who is limited by a lack of speed and quickness. He is quick to find the ball carrier and will lay hard hits on them. He can also cover fairly well. As the Cowboys already have good linebackers on the roster, McSurdy needs to play on special teams.
As always, the Cowboys were drawn to athletic, developmental players. Probably only Claiborne will start right away. However, Crawford and Wilber should start within a year or two. They might find a gem with one of their later picks, but none of them really stand out, with the possible exception of Hanna. Overall, Dallas has probably improved their defense, but the effects won't be felt for a couple of years as these players are still developing.
Starting with the trade up to draft Morris Claiborne, the future shutdown corner from LSU, the Cowboys made a statement. They believe that the offense can carry them, but the defense needs to improve drastically with the new additions on defense. Easily the best corner in this draft, he possesses all the physical tools needed to succeed. He can play effectively in both press and man coverage due to his size, speed, and fluidity. Claiborne should start in Week 1.
Dallas hasn't spent a high pick on a defensive lineman in a long time. With only mediocre defensive ends, it was time to bring in a talented, young player. Although he is still learning the position, Tyrone Crawford could develop into a very good player. He plays well against the run, but he doesn't get to the quarterback in a hurry. He can improve in that area though. His ability to shed blocks is probably his best asset at this point.
Coming in, Kyle Wilber has been tabbed as the successor to Anthony Spencer. Although still developing at a position that is new to him, he shows great instincts. Also, he rarely lets the ball carrier escape him because he wraps up well. A very good pass rusher, he uses his length and explosive first step to his advantage, but he needs to get lower to get past better offensive tackles. Wilber should play very well across from Ware with less attention coming his way.
More of a strong safety, Matt Johnson plays well when asked to play the run but struggles in coverage. He put up impressive workout numbers which really improved his draft stock. Coming from a small school, he will not be in the mix to start, but the Cowboys apparently think he can develop into a starter down the road. He'll play on special teams early on.
Danny Coale is a hard working player that you want in the locker room. He is the gritty player who can get you a first down. However, I doubt that Coale can be a key contributor for the Cowboys. Almost every time an elite passing offense takes a receiver, he will be painted as the next big thing. With Danny Coale, the Cowboys have drafted a decent reserve player, but he won't make any dynamic plays.
While James Hanna was recruited heavily by big-time schools out of high school, he failed to make a significant impact at the college level. If the Cowboys can coach him up, they have a talented kid on their hands. He possesses excellent speed, and while he isn't as big as a Gronkowski, his size is adequate. He can be used as a intermediate threat down the seam. In addition, Hanna blocks fairly well, which increases his value.
Caleb McSurdy profiles as a smart inside linebacker, who is limited by a lack of speed and quickness. He is quick to find the ball carrier and will lay hard hits on them. He can also cover fairly well. As the Cowboys already have good linebackers on the roster, McSurdy needs to play on special teams.
As always, the Cowboys were drawn to athletic, developmental players. Probably only Claiborne will start right away. However, Crawford and Wilber should start within a year or two. They might find a gem with one of their later picks, but none of them really stand out, with the possible exception of Hanna. Overall, Dallas has probably improved their defense, but the effects won't be felt for a couple of years as these players are still developing.
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