How Did the Dallas Cowboys Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?
The Dallas Cowboys finished the day with 9 draft picks and took 7 defensive guys. It really looked like a mature draft as exhibited in the first round, Jerry Jones passing on Texas A&M Johnny Manziel. Jerry instead went after their third offensive lineman in three consecutive years. I was kinda proud of him. A Dallas priority needed to be to protect Tony Romo. They also needed some help in the secondary and a pass rushing DE after losing DeMarcus Ware to Denver as a free agent. Cap-strapped Cowboys needed a good draft and needed to find players that will have a legitimate shot to start fairly quickly with a high success rate. I had the Cowboys taking DT Timmy Jernigan in my 2014 NFL Mock Draft to DT replace Jason Hatcher. My bad.
2014 NFL DRAFT PICK RECAP AND ANALYSIS
Zack Martin OT, Notre Dame Round 1 Pick # 16
Great pick by Jerry Jones. Used his head here taking a lineman and protecting Tony Romo. Zack Martin is the real deal and should be a stud for the Dallas Cowboys for many years. Should be moved to Guard and then may be the Dallas Cowboys won't be so afraid to run the ball.
Demarcus Lawrence DE, Boise State Round 2 Pick # 2
Jerry moves up here to get the pass rushing DE the Dallas Cowboys sorely needed. Cost him their second and third round picks but it was really necessary and the Dallas Cowboys couldn't afford to gamble. Nice to see the Cowboys become aggressive and take their guy.
Anthony Hitchens OLB, Iowa Round 4 Pick # 19
Fits Dallas Cowboys style defense perfectly. 4.7 40 with great tackling technique and a motor that doesn't stop. Loves to hit and seems to always be around the ball. Has a huge desire to succeed and should be an awesome fit for the defense.
Devin Street WR, Pittsburgh Round 5 Pick # 6
This kid can catch the ball. A big target with soft hands that can play all over the field. Pitt's all time catch leader. Will fill out his frame in the next year or so and will become that much more of a threat. Reminds me of a Eric Decker with his skill set.
Ben Gardner DE, Stanford Round 7 Pick # 16
A blue collar type DE that will do whatever it takes to make a play. Will be a hard worker and I can see him playing OLB on situational downs. A definite project player that may become a backup one day.
Will Smith OLB, Texas Tech Round 7 Pick # 23
Some help with his footwork and this guy could easily be transitioned to a Strong Safety position. If he is gonna make a game day roster it will be on special teams coverage.
Ahmad Dixon SS, Baylor Round 7 Pick # 33
Needs to become a student of the game to earn a role here. His non intuitive understanding of the game can leave him flat footed long enough to get beat. Good coaching and experience should fix his issue and I can see him playing as a Box Safety.
Ken Bishop DT,Northern Illinois Round 7 Pick # 36
This is a stretch but with so many 7th round picks, it was bound to happen. Be surprised if we ever hear his name again.
Terrance Mitchell CB, Oregon Round 7 Pick # 39
Fell in the draft projections and he looks good on paper. Had a great NFL Combine and his a ball hawk. I see this guy as actually breaking onto the roster and surprising everyone. Great Pick. Low risk/high reward.
Analysis and overall draft grade
I think the Dallas Cowboys overpaid for DeMarcus Lawrence but I get it. Should have consolidated some of those round 7 draft pick for a better draft position. He filled his needs but the DT position still is an issue if Ken Bishop isn't the answer.
Draft Grade: B
Gave Jerry and the Dallas Cowboys A "B" grade because they stuck to the script and didn't jump at Manziel.
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