1st/28 Taco Charlton, DE
Ht.: 6’6 Wt.: 277 School: Michigan
Obtaining a pass rusher was top priority for the Cowboys as Randy Gregory continues to fail drug tests while both DeMarcus Lawrence and Charles Tapper are coming off of injuries. Charlton is a power rusher off the edge using strength and leverage along with flexibility to beat offensive tackles and get to the quarterback. Working with renowned defensive line coach Rob Marinelli should only help Charlton get the most out of his ability.
2nd/60 Chidobe Awuzie, CB
Ht.: 6’0 Wt.: 202 School: Colorado
With the ability to change directions quickly Awuzie is able to stick with receivers in short areas while his ability to diagnose coverages make a perfect fit in Dallas zone heavy defense. After losing Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne in free agency, Awuzie is in a great spot to win one of the outside corner positions but with his experience in the slot they could move him around depending on the opponent.
3rd/92 Jourdan Lewis, CB
Ht.: 5’10 Wt.: 188 School: Michigan
In this pass happy NFL, the nickel corner back has evolved into a starting position and increasing its overall value. Lewis may be small but he is extremely tough in run support while showing great instincts in coverage. Experience working in the slot and out on the perimeter in college could allow the Cowboys to move Lewis around to cover the small fast receivers while Awuzie could handle the more physical pass catchers.
4th/133 Ryan Switzer, WR
Ht.: 5’9 Wt.: 181 School: North Carolina
A talented route runner Switzer uses quick feet and change of direction to get open underneath but what separates him from other small slot receivers is he has the top end speed to get yards after the catch. Look for Switzer to work under Cole Beasley slowly working his way into the offense, but where he will make an instant is as a punt and kick returner.
6th/191 Xavier Woods, S
Ht.: 5’11 Wt.: 197 School: Louisiana Tech
A known playmaker with fourteen career interceptions, Woods gives the Cowboys a potential single high free safety that can play back in coverage and react to the ball. While Woods has some limitations as tackler, if he can develop into a starter that would allow Dallas to the ability to keep Byron Jones as a match up weapon.
6th/216 Marquez White, CB
Ht.: 6’0 Wt.: 194 School: Florida State
White is the third corner drafted by the Cowboys further showing their need for depth in the secondary. Using quick feet White is able to mirror receivers either in press or off man coverage. White does need to get stronger but has the potential to develop into a quality backup.
7th/228 Joey Ivie, DT
Ht.: 6’3 Wt.: 298 School: Florida
Dallas has plenty of defensive tackles that can penetrate but lack many that can anchor down and clog up running lanes. Ivie is a limited athlete but is a scrappy defender who plays with toughness and uses his strength to bully guards and centers allowing linebackers to flow free.
7th/ 239 Noah Brown, WR
Ht.: 6’2 Wt.: 222 School: Ohio State
Only a redshirt sophomore Brown’s best football may still be ahead of him. Brown has a good combination of size, athletic ability and ball skills. The key will be whether they get the four touchdowns in a dominant game against Oklahoma or the one that had only three touchdowns the rest of the season?
7th/246 Jordan Carrell, DT
Ht.: 6’2 Wt.: 290 School: Colorado
An undersized defensive tackle Carrell wins with quickness to penetrate into the backfield where he had six sacks and thirteen and half tackles for loss. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has a track record of developing raw but physically talented tackles and Carrell could be his latest project.
Best Pick
Lewis (third round)
Upside Pick
Brown (seventh round)
Overall Thoughts
From a strictly need standpoint the Cowboys were able to stock up on defensive backs while adding some help along the defensive line. However, the Cowboys seemed more concerned about filling needs than finding true blue chip talent which could come back to hurt him in the long run.
Grade: B
