2023 NFL Draft: Grading Dallas Cowboys’ Squad
The Dallas Cowboys have completed their 2023 NFL draft picks, and it’s time to assess each of their eight picks.
The Dallas Cowboys have completed their 2023 NFL draft picks, and it’s time to assess each of their eight choices.
While experts believe it takes three years to evaluate a draft class properly, fans want to know if their team made good decisions now.
First Round: Mazi Smith
The Cowboys needed a massive man in the middle to help stop the run, and that’s precisely why they chose Mazi Smith (DT) in the first round.
Smith was drafted among college football’s best-run defenders at Michigan for his freakish traits.
Dallas feels he has more to offer than just run-stuffing and can pressure the quarterback.
Despite other intriguing options on the board, the team addressed an area they have long ignored with quality talent.
Grade: This pick deserves an A- grade.
Second Round: Luke Schoonmaker
The Cowboys selected Luke Schoonmaker (TE) in the second round with the 58th overall pick.
The team was keen on a tight end to replace Dalton Schultz, who they lost in free agency. Schoonmaker’s athletic profile was what drew the Cowboys to him.
They found a younger, more athletic version of Schultz in the passing game and a TE who’s a much better blocker.
Schoonmaker didn’t have ridiculous stats at Michigan, but the Cowboys could’ve gone in another direction, but drafting a solid player at a position of need was a good decision.
Grade: This pick deserves a B grade.
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Third Round: DeMarvion Overshown
In the third round, the Cowboys selected DeMarvion Overshown (LB) with the 90th overall pick. This pick was about securing depth more than the quality of the player.
Overshown is a prospect with the athletic traits that the team loves and the versatility to move around in the defence.
As a converted safety, he has the speed and agility to be an elite coverage LB, a role in which he excelled at Texas.
While his film was inconsistent, pointing to his lack of consistency (coaching, COVID year, injury) makes sense, but it doesn’t make the pick more secure.
With the flexibility of Overshown and how Dan Quinn likes to use his safeties at LB, this feels like a perfect fit.
The Cowboys could be thinking a year ahead and see Overshown as Kearse’s eventual replacement while getting LB and special teams snaps from him as a rookie.
Grade: This pick deserves an A- grade.
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Fourth Round: Viliami Fehoko Jr.
The Cowboys selected Viliami Fehoko Jr. (DE) in the fourth round (129th pick overall). Fehoko was another pick the Cowboys targeted to get better at stopping the run.
He was ultra-productive as a pass rusher, with nine sacks and 19 tackles for a defeat last season, and the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
While the Cowboys needed some offensive weapons or someone to help protect quarterback Dak Prescott, they instead selected a player they didn’t need much.
However, Fehoko’s elite ability to stop the run was hard to pass over.
The Cowboys’ intention to move him inside, giving the defence more versatility, adds value to his selection.
Grade: This pick deserves a B- grade.
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5th Round: Asim Richards
In the 5th round, the Cowboys picked up Asim Richards, an offensive tackle from the University of North Carolina. He will be moving to the inside to play guard in Dallas.
Richards has potential, but he’s a novice at playing guard and doesn’t have the same pedigree as some other linemen who have made the transition.
The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a problem area in recent years, so hopefully, Richards will be able to provide some much-needed stability.
Grade: This pick deserves a B- grade.
6th Round: Eric Scott Jr.
The Cowboys traded a 2024 5th-round pick to select cornerback Eric Scott Jr. from Southern Mississippi in the 6th round.
Scott wasn’t expected to go as high as he did, and many people were left wondering why the Cowboys chose him.
However, Scott has many qualities the Cowboys look for in their cornerbacks, including length and a fighting spirit.
He will have to work hard to make the roster, but he has the potential to do so.
Grade: This pick deserves a C- grade.
6th Round: Deuce Vaughn
Deuce Vaughn, the son of Cowboys scout Chris Vaughn, was selected in the 6th round.
Vaughn led all college football in total yards last year and is an outstanding player.
He rushed for 1,558 yards and nine touchdowns while scoring three more times through the air.
Vaughn is a steal in the 6th round and will complement starting running back Tony Pollard.
Grade: This pick deserves an A+ grade.
7th Round: Jalen Brooks
The Cowboys finally addressed the wide receiver position with their last draft pick, selecting Jalen Brooks from South Carolina in the 7th round.
Brooks had underwhelming stats in college, with just 58 catches, 785 yards, and two scores in three seasons.
However, the Cowboys must have liked his size and length, and hopefully, he can provide some depth at the position.
Overall, the Cowboys’ draft grade was a mixed bag. Asim Richards and Deuce Vaughn were great picks, while Eric Scott Jr. has potential but was a bit of a reach.
Jalen Brooks seems an underwhelming choice, and surprisingly, the Cowboys waited so long to address the wide receiver position.
Grade: This pick deserves a D grade.
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