When the 2017 NFL Draft rolled around, the Dallas Cowboys had some major needs on their team. The biggest concerns were on defense, where they lost four starters in the secondary and had serious questions on the defensive line when it came to the pass rush. There was also small needs on offense, but this was a draft where the Cowboys needed to focus mostly on defense and that is exactly what they did.
Here is a look at the Dallas Cowboys grades based on their picks in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys Best Draft Pick
Taco Charlton was the first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and the team hopes that he solves their problem with the pass rush. Randy Gregory is suspended for over a year and DeMarcus Lawrence is returning from surgery, meaning that Charlton will get a lot of playing time right out of the gate. Charlton played in Michigan and finished his last season of college by recording 9.5 sacks. That is more than the top Cowboys sack leader in 2016 (Benson Mayowa with 6) and 2015 (DeMarcus Lawrence with 8).
Taco Charlton will join Mayowa, Lawrence, Tyron Crawford, David Irving, and Charles Tapper in a rotation that is trying desperately to improve in reaching the quarterback.
Dallas Cowboys Riskiest Draft Pick
Jourdan Lewis was the second cornerback that the Dallas Cowboys took in the 2017 NFL Draft. While second round pick Chidobe Awuzie will play a lot early thanks to his flexibility, Lewis is someone who the Cowboys will need to watch. His natural position is as an outside cornerback, someone who can help replace the departure of Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr. However, Lewis has a domestic abuse charge hanging over his head and this is something the NFL will also be watching closely. If those charges are dropped, then Lewis is a lot less risky of a pick for the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys Final Grade
Some websites have graded the Dallas Cowboys with a "B" but their 2017 NFL Draft scores closer to a borderline "A." The Cowboys needed help on defense, specifically in the secondary and on the pass rushing front. They grabbed a pass rusher in the first round and then took two cornerbacks next, going from a deficit to a surplus at the position. In the fourth round, Dallas chose receiver Ryan Switzer, who they hope will step right in as their kick and punt returner. Dallas also added a safety in the sixth round with Xavier Woods, who will have every chance to win a job. They finished off looking at depth with another cornerback, two defensive tackles, and another wide receiver who will likely miss out on a roster spot.