NFL Draft Grades - Dallas Cowboys
Change Team:
Dallas Cowboys Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (7)
2023
Pick 26. (R:1 P:26) -
Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
Grade: C-
With Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer available!? I don't like this pick very much. Run-stopping defensive tackles tend to go later than expected, but Jerry Jones apparently didn't get the memo. Smith will help stop the run, but the NFL is now a passing league. This selection would have been good if it were made in 1995, but it's not 1995 anymore.
Grade: C-
With Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer available!? I don't like this pick very much. Run-stopping defensive tackles tend to go later than expected, but Jerry Jones apparently didn't get the memo. Smith will help stop the run, but the NFL is now a passing league. This selection would have been good if it were made in 1995, but it's not 1995 anymore.
2023
Pick 58. (R:2 P:27) - Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Grade: C+
The Cowboys are paying the price for passing on the talented tight end at the end of the first round. All of the second-round tight ends were off the board, so the Cowboys had to settle for a lesser prospect at the position. This is an OK choice, but it seems like Dallas' draft could have gone much better.
Grade: C+
The Cowboys are paying the price for passing on the talented tight end at the end of the first round. All of the second-round tight ends were off the board, so the Cowboys had to settle for a lesser prospect at the position. This is an OK choice, but it seems like Dallas' draft could have gone much better.
2023
Pick 90. (R:3 P:27) -
Demarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas
Grade: A-
DeMarvion Overshown flew all over the field at Texas. I think he could have gone a bit earlier than this, so I like the pick. Dallas needed a linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch's troublesome neck, so I'm a fan of this pick.
Grade: A-
DeMarvion Overshown flew all over the field at Texas. I think he could have gone a bit earlier than this, so I like the pick. Dallas needed a linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch's troublesome neck, so I'm a fan of this pick.
2023
Pick 129. (R:4 P:27) - Viliami Fehoko, DE, San Jose State
Grade: B
The Cowboys made a big mistake by passing on Nolan Smith and allowing him to fall to the Eagles, but they eventually got the additional edge rusher they were looking for. Villami Fehoko made nice improvements throughout his career at San Jose State.
Grade: B
The Cowboys made a big mistake by passing on Nolan Smith and allowing him to fall to the Eagles, but they eventually got the additional edge rusher they were looking for. Villami Fehoko made nice improvements throughout his career at San Jose State.
2023
Pick 169. (R:5 P:34) - Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina
Grade: C
The Cowboys needed some offensive line depth, so Asim Richards is a logical pick from that perspective. However, I never had him in any of my mock drafts. He's limited as an athlete, so I don't think the upside is there.
Grade: C
The Cowboys needed some offensive line depth, so Asim Richards is a logical pick from that perspective. However, I never had him in any of my mock drafts. He's limited as an athlete, so I don't think the upside is there.
2023
Pick 212. (R:6 P:35) -
Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
Grade: A-
I don't like this as a match for Tony Pollard, as Deuce Vaughn is a smaller, albeit explosive back. However, he's a great value pick here toward the end of the sixth round, as I thought Vaughn could have easily gone in the fourth frame.
Grade: A-
I don't like this as a match for Tony Pollard, as Deuce Vaughn is a smaller, albeit explosive back. However, he's a great value pick here toward the end of the sixth round, as I thought Vaughn could have easily gone in the fourth frame.
2023
Pick 244. (R:7 P:27) - Jalen Brooks, WR,
Grade: B
Jalen Brooks is a receiver with speed concerns and poor hands. He's a good route runner, but there are plenty of holes in his game.
Grade: B
Jalen Brooks is a receiver with speed concerns and poor hands. He's a good route runner, but there are plenty of holes in his game.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Cowboys are deseprate for offensive play-makers. They traded for Brandin Cooks, but that's not enough. They need to replace Dalton Schultz.
The next NFL tight end to come out of Notre Dame, Michael Mayer murdered opponents with high production over the middle of the field.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Dalton Kincaid/Darnell Washington, TEs - There's a good chance the Cowboys go with a tight end in the first round to replace Dalton Schultz.
2. Mazi Smith/Bryan Bresee, DTs - The Cowboys have a great edge rush, but they could stand to bolster the interior of the defensive line.
Round: 2
Dallas Cowboys: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Mediocre-at-best draft writers criticized Charlie Campbell for his breaking news about a team removing Leighton Vander Esch from their draft board. Charlie was proven right, as usual, and now Dallas needs an insurance policy for the frequently injured Vander Esch.
Daiyan Henley has great sideline-to-sideline speed.
Round: 3
Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
The Cowboys have a big need at guard, so they could address the position at some point during the first two days.
Anthony Bradford was a huge winner at the combine, looking smooth in the drills.
Round: 4
Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Lacy, DT, Oklahoma State
The Cowboys could stand to improve in the interior of their defensive line.
Round: 5
Dallas Cowboys: Jake Moody, K, Michigan
Brett Maher embarrassed himself in the playoffs. The Cowboys will be looking for a kicker.
Round: 6
Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Murphy, DE, Ferris State
The Cowboys need to beat the Eagles, so they need as many players as possible to harass Jalen Hurts.
Round: 7
Dallas Cowboys: Durrell Johnson, LB, Liberty
More pass-rushing competition for a team aiming to take down Jalen Hurts.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 26. (R:1 P:26) -
Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
C- With Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer available!? I don't like this pick very much. Run-stopping defensive tackles tend to go later than expected, but Jerry Jones apparently didn't get the memo. Smith will help stop the run, but the NFL is now a passing league. This selection would have been good if it were made in 1995, but it's not 1995 anymore.
C- With Nolan Smith and Michael Mayer available!? I don't like this pick very much. Run-stopping defensive tackles tend to go later than expected, but Jerry Jones apparently didn't get the memo. Smith will help stop the run, but the NFL is now a passing league. This selection would have been good if it were made in 1995, but it's not 1995 anymore.
2023
Pick 58. (R:2 P:27) - Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
C+ The Cowboys are paying the price for passing on the talented tight end at the end of the first round. All of the second-round tight ends were off the board, so the Cowboys had to settle for a lesser prospect at the position. This is an OK choice, but it seems like Dallas' draft could have gone much better.
C+ The Cowboys are paying the price for passing on the talented tight end at the end of the first round. All of the second-round tight ends were off the board, so the Cowboys had to settle for a lesser prospect at the position. This is an OK choice, but it seems like Dallas' draft could have gone much better.
2023
Pick 90. (R:3 P:27) -
Demarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas
A- DeMarvion Overshown flew all over the field at Texas. I think he could have gone a bit earlier than this, so I like the pick. Dallas needed a linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch's troublesome neck, so I'm a fan of this pick.
A- DeMarvion Overshown flew all over the field at Texas. I think he could have gone a bit earlier than this, so I like the pick. Dallas needed a linebacker with Leighton Vander Esch's troublesome neck, so I'm a fan of this pick.
2023
Pick 129. (R:4 P:27) - Viliami Fehoko, DE, San Jose State
B The Cowboys made a big mistake by passing on Nolan Smith and allowing him to fall to the Eagles, but they eventually got the additional edge rusher they were looking for. Villami Fehoko made nice improvements throughout his career at San Jose State.
B The Cowboys made a big mistake by passing on Nolan Smith and allowing him to fall to the Eagles, but they eventually got the additional edge rusher they were looking for. Villami Fehoko made nice improvements throughout his career at San Jose State.
2023
Pick 169. (R:5 P:34) - Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina
C The Cowboys needed some offensive line depth, so Asim Richards is a logical pick from that perspective. However, I never had him in any of my mock drafts. He's limited as an athlete, so I don't think the upside is there.
C The Cowboys needed some offensive line depth, so Asim Richards is a logical pick from that perspective. However, I never had him in any of my mock drafts. He's limited as an athlete, so I don't think the upside is there.
2023
Pick 212. (R:6 P:35) -
Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
A- I don't like this as a match for Tony Pollard, as Deuce Vaughn is a smaller, albeit explosive back. However, he's a great value pick here toward the end of the sixth round, as I thought Vaughn could have easily gone in the fourth frame.
A- I don't like this as a match for Tony Pollard, as Deuce Vaughn is a smaller, albeit explosive back. However, he's a great value pick here toward the end of the sixth round, as I thought Vaughn could have easily gone in the fourth frame.
2023
Pick 244. (R:7 P:27) - Jalen Brooks, WR,
B Jalen Brooks is a receiver with speed concerns and poor hands. He's a good route runner, but there are plenty of holes in his game.
B Jalen Brooks is a receiver with speed concerns and poor hands. He's a good route runner, but there are plenty of holes in his game.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 24. (R:1 P:24) -
Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
B Grade - B Grade
This is a fine pick, but why not Jermaine Johnson to replace Randy Gregory? The Cowboys had to be a bit depressed with their top three options - Zion Johnson, Treylon Burks, Kenyon Green - all off the board, but Tyler Smith is a solid tackle who should be a decent replacement for the departed La'el Collins.
B Grade - B Grade
This is a fine pick, but why not Jermaine Johnson to replace Randy Gregory? The Cowboys had to be a bit depressed with their top three options - Zion Johnson, Treylon Burks, Kenyon Green - all off the board, but Tyler Smith is a solid tackle who should be a decent replacement for the departed La'el Collins.
2022
Pick 56. (R:2 P:24) - Sam Williams, DE, Ole Miss
A- Grade
This is going to sound familiar. The Cowboys just drafted a talented front-seven player with character issues. They've done this many times, and Sam Williams is the latest such selection. Edge rush was a big need, and Williams will fill it well, provided he can stay out of trouble.
A- Grade
This is going to sound familiar. The Cowboys just drafted a talented front-seven player with character issues. They've done this many times, and Sam Williams is the latest such selection. Edge rush was a big need, and Williams will fill it well, provided he can stay out of trouble.
2022
Pick 88. (R:3 P:24) - Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
B+ Grade
The Cowboys needed a receiver after losing Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson this offseason. Jalen Tolbert is a solid pick in this range. He has a wide range of outcomes in his career, as he has big-play ability, but didn't face much competition at South Alabama.
B+ Grade
The Cowboys needed a receiver after losing Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson this offseason. Jalen Tolbert is a solid pick in this range. He has a wide range of outcomes in his career, as he has big-play ability, but didn't face much competition at South Alabama.
2022
Pick 129. (R:4 P:24) - Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin
B- Grade
I mocked Jake Ferguson to the Cowboys, but in the fifth round. He makes sense for them despite this being a bit of a reach though. Dallas fears that it'll lose Dalton Schultz after this season, so Ferguson could take over as the starter in 2023 and beyond, assuming that he doesn't flop.
B- Grade
I mocked Jake Ferguson to the Cowboys, but in the fifth round. He makes sense for them despite this being a bit of a reach though. Dallas fears that it'll lose Dalton Schultz after this season, so Ferguson could take over as the starter in 2023 and beyond, assuming that he doesn't flop.
2022
Pick 155. (R:5 P:12) - Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota
B+ Grade
The Cowboys are really making sure that they're shoring up their offensive line. Matt Waletzko is someone I've had in the fifth and sixth round of my mock drafts, so he definitely fits the range. This is a solid pick.
B+ Grade
The Cowboys are really making sure that they're shoring up their offensive line. Matt Waletzko is someone I've had in the fifth and sixth round of my mock drafts, so he definitely fits the range. This is a solid pick.
2022
Pick 167. (R:5 P:24) - Daron Bland, CB, Fresno State
B Grade
This may seem like a bland pick for the Cowboys (sorry), but it could help their secondary, which needed to improve. DaRon Bland, a fast corner, is someone I had in the sixth round, but a slight reach like this in the middle of the fifth round isn't a big deal.
B Grade
This may seem like a bland pick for the Cowboys (sorry), but it could help their secondary, which needed to improve. DaRon Bland, a fast corner, is someone I had in the sixth round, but a slight reach like this in the middle of the fifth round isn't a big deal.
2022
Pick 176. (R:5 P:33) -
Damone Clark, OLB, LSU
A+ Grade
Love it! Damone Clark would have been a second-round prospect if it weren't for spinal surgery. Those are two scary words, which is why he dropped three rounds. Clark may never play in the NFL, but if he can make it back from injury, he could end up being an excellent player for Dallas.
A+ Grade
Love it! Damone Clark would have been a second-round prospect if it weren't for spinal surgery. Those are two scary words, which is why he dropped three rounds. Clark may never play in the NFL, but if he can make it back from injury, he could end up being an excellent player for Dallas.
2022
Pick 178. (R:5 P:35) -
John Ridgeway, DT, Arkansas
A Grade
The Cowboys are on fire at the end of the fifth round. John Ridgeway is someone I slotted in the third- or fourth-round area, so I love this value. Ridgeway is a big player who can help stop the run, which is essential against Philadelphia.
A Grade
The Cowboys are on fire at the end of the fifth round. John Ridgeway is someone I slotted in the third- or fourth-round area, so I love this value. Ridgeway is a big player who can help stop the run, which is essential against Philadelphia.
2022
Pick 193. (R:6 P:14) - Devin Harper, LB, Oklahoma State
B+ Grade
It's no surprise that the Cowboys are addressing their need for linebacker depth. Devin Harper seems like a decent choice here in the sixth round, as I had him in this range in my updates.
B+ Grade
It's no surprise that the Cowboys are addressing their need for linebacker depth. Devin Harper seems like a decent choice here in the sixth round, as I had him in this range in my updates.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 12. (R:1 P:12) -
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
C+ Grade
Charlie Campbell, who was 8-of-8 in his 2021 NFL Mock Draft, reported a few years ago that an NFL team removed Leighton Vander Esch from their draft board because of concerns regarding his neck injury. Now, we see why that team was so worried. Vander Esch hasn't been able to stay healthy, while Sean Lee just retired. The Cowboys needed a linebacker, and Micah Parsons is a mega talent. He has some glaring off-the-field concerns, however, so I can't grade this too favorably.
C+ Grade
Charlie Campbell, who was 8-of-8 in his 2021 NFL Mock Draft, reported a few years ago that an NFL team removed Leighton Vander Esch from their draft board because of concerns regarding his neck injury. Now, we see why that team was so worried. Vander Esch hasn't been able to stay healthy, while Sean Lee just retired. The Cowboys needed a linebacker, and Micah Parsons is a mega talent. He has some glaring off-the-field concerns, however, so I can't grade this too favorably.
2021
Pick 44. (R:2 P:12) -
Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
C- Grade
Ouch. The Cowboys really wanted Trevon Moehrig and Jevon Holland, yet both safeties were snatched off the board before their pick. The Cowboys had to settle for Kelvin Joseph, a raw cornerback with character concerns. Joseph belonged in the third or fourth round, so this was a reach. That said, Joseph could meet his upside and fill a big need.
C- Grade
Ouch. The Cowboys really wanted Trevon Moehrig and Jevon Holland, yet both safeties were snatched off the board before their pick. The Cowboys had to settle for Kelvin Joseph, a raw cornerback with character concerns. Joseph belonged in the third or fourth round, so this was a reach. That said, Joseph could meet his upside and fill a big need.
2021
Pick 75. (R:3 P:11) -
Osa Odighizuwa, DT, UCLA
B Grade
This is an upside pick for the Cowboys, as Osa Odighizuwa is a very athletic player who can get after the quarterback. The problem is that he's a tweener and a liability against the run. This selection has a low floor, but I like Dallas taking a chance with this selection.
B Grade
This is an upside pick for the Cowboys, as Osa Odighizuwa is a very athletic player who can get after the quarterback. The problem is that he's a tweener and a liability against the run. This selection has a low floor, but I like Dallas taking a chance with this selection.
2021 Dallas Cowboys - Prospect:TBD
2021
Pick 115. (R:4 P:10) -
Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
A+ Grade
Jabril Cox would have been chosen in the second round if he didn't have any injury issues. At this point in the draft, it's worth it to take that sort of risk. This is a steal for the Cowboys, who needed a second linebacker because of Leigthon Vander Esch's neck problems, which one team flagged him for prior to his draft.
A+ Grade
Jabril Cox would have been chosen in the second round if he didn't have any injury issues. At this point in the draft, it's worth it to take that sort of risk. This is a steal for the Cowboys, who needed a second linebacker because of Leigthon Vander Esch's neck problems, which one team flagged him for prior to his draft.
2021
Pick 138. (R:4 P:33) - Josh Ball, OT, Marshall
C- Grade
The Dallas offensive line was a huge problem last year, so it's not a surprise that the team addressed this area. It's a bit of a surprise that they took Josh Ball at this juncture because I had him in the seventh round, so I'm not a fan of this value.
C- Grade
The Dallas offensive line was a huge problem last year, so it's not a surprise that the team addressed this area. It's a bit of a surprise that they took Josh Ball at this juncture because I had him in the seventh round, so I'm not a fan of this value.
2021
Pick 179. (R:5 P:35) - Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford
A Grade
For the second year in a row, the Cowboys spent a great value pick on receiver without needing to address the position very much. Simi Fehoko was pegged in the fourth round, so this is a steal. Amari Cooper won't be around much longer, so Fehoko could start in the future.
A Grade
For the second year in a row, the Cowboys spent a great value pick on receiver without needing to address the position very much. Simi Fehoko was pegged in the fourth round, so this is a steal. Amari Cooper won't be around much longer, so Fehoko could start in the future.
2021 Dallas Cowboys - Prospect:TBD
2021
Pick 227. (R:6 P:43) -
Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
A+ Grade
Here's another great value! Israel Mukuamu was once in the first round of my mock draft. He ended up in the fourth frame of my final mock draft because of some major injury problems. He continued to fall, but Dallas could be getting a talented starter if Mukuamu can recover.
A+ Grade
Here's another great value! Israel Mukuamu was once in the first round of my mock draft. He ended up in the fourth frame of my final mock draft because of some major injury problems. He continued to fall, but Dallas could be getting a talented starter if Mukuamu can recover.
2021 Dallas Cowboys - Prospect:TBD