The Dallas Cowboys are one of the more interesting 12-4 teams in recent memory. Despite winning the NFC East and a playoff game, despite having arguably the NFL's best offensive line and a top ten quarterback, this team had major weaknesses heading into the NFL Draft.
The secondary was a mess, finishing 26th against the pass (251.9 yards-per-game allowed) and 28th in opposing completion percentage (66.5). The backfield was up in the air following the departure of running back DeMarco Murray in free agency, and the defensive line was aging. The Cowboys had a lot of needs to address in the draft.
So how did they make out? Well, ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. gave them just a C+ grade for their efforts.
"It's now two straight years we've seen the Cowboys drive the suspense factor and end up not picking a player at the position everyone is talking about," Kiper wrote. "Last year, it was passing on a QB and Johnny Manziel. This year, it was passing on a running back after the departure of DeMarco Murray. They again targeted a player in Round 1 who they think can help make them better in a need area right away. Last year, it was Zack Martin on the O-line; this year, it was Byron Jones in the secondary. The versatile, athletic freak from Connecticut could play all over for them. He helps. Randy Gregory is the big story. Gregory is a gifted pass-rusher with top-5 ability, but Dallas is rolling the dice at No. 60 and believing Rod Marinelli can help a kid who has off-field issues that threaten to derail his career. If it works out, that's an impact player."
Most analysts were impressed with Dallas' first two pick. Jones is an athletic freak with high character who can help at both safety and cornerback. Gregory is a risk, as Kiper noted, but was considered to be the best pure pass-rusher in this draft and a consensus top-15 pick before his failed drug test at the NFL scouting combine. Getting him in the second-round will turn out to be a great value pick if he stays out of trouble.
How about the rest of the draft?
"Chaz Green was a pretty massive reach on my board, but I did like Damien Wilson in Round 4. If health issues again hurt them in the linebacking corps, Wilson is great insurance. As to the big question mark, which was not selecting a running back, my sense is the Cowboys know there are many backs who will run effectively behind their offensive line, and you can add one on the cheap pretty easily. The depth chart there just really isn't that bad. Jones is the safe bet, and Gregory the potential home run. From there, we'll see."
I have to disagree with Kiper about the RB depth chart in Dallas. Darren McFadden is an average player at best at this point in his career and has had his fair share of injury troubles. Lance Dunbar has just 80 career carries in three seasons and Joseph Randle is facing legal troubles. It was surprising to see the Cowboys ignore the position in what was considered a deep running back draft.
Will the superior offensive line make up for a lack of dynamic rushers? We'll have to wait to find out.
