Grading the Dallas Cowboys 2014 Draft

By Ryan Ratty on Monday, May 12th 2014
Grading the Dallas Cowboys 2014 Draft

Jerry Jones has been crucified in recent years for his drafting ability. 2014 will be a make-or-break year for the Dallas Cowboys. If they don't do better than 8-8, Jason Garrett will likely not retain his job and the Cowboys could clear house. In this article, I'll take a look and grade every Cowboys draft pick. Without further ado, let's get started.

 

1. Zack Martin, Offensive Guard/Tackle, Notre Dame

The pick was going to be Ryan Shazier until the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him a pick before. Many Cowboy fans wanted Johnny Manziel, but the Cowboys are committed to Tony Romo. That being said, the Cowboys drafted Zack Martin to add beef up front. Martin will fit well next to Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick.

Final Grade: A

 

2. Demarcus Lawrence, Defensive End, Boise State

The Cowboys had to give up their third-round pick in the process, but trading up for Boise State's Demarcus Lawrence was a smart idea. The Cowboys lack pass rushers and the addition of Lawrence was a much-needed one, regardless of the price tag. Lawrence needs to add weight, but he has a ton of potential.

Final Grade: A for the player, B- for the trade

 

4. Anthony Hitchens, Outside Linebacker, Iowa

Jason Garrett and Rod Marinelli said that they wanted a player who would fill the Bradie James role in the defense and that's what Iowa's Anthony Hitchens is. At Iowa, Hitchens played as the strongside linebacker in the 4-3. The problem with this pick is that he could've been drafted a round or two later.

Final Grade: C-

 

5. Devin Street, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh

The Cowboys gave up a seventh-round pick to move up in the fifth round, but the trade was a smart one. Devin Street is NFL-ready and he is one of the best route-runners in this class. He also has great size at 6'2", 205 pounds. Street will most likely be the No. 3 receiver in 2014.

Final Grade: A-

 

7a. Ben Gardner, Defensive End, Stanford

This pick was one I loved for the Cowboys. Ben Gardner is coming from one of the best defenses in all of college football. Gardner's floor is that he will be a rotational player in Marinelli's scheme, but his ceiling is a guy who can easily get double-digit sacks each season.

Final Grade: A

 

7b. Will Smith, Inside Linebacker, Texas Tech

The Cowboys are known for drafting Texas players in the later rounds and that is case with the selection of Will Smith. He has the ability to play inside and outside, and he will be a nice depth guy if Sean Lee or Bruce Carter gets injured.

Final Grade: B

 

7c. Ahmad Dixon, Safety, Baylor

Ahmad Dixon is a nice prospect this late in the draft for the Cowboys. Dixon can play free safety or strong safety, and he isn't afraid to step up and make a play behind the ball. He also has great vision that allows him to follow where the ball is being thrown.

Final Grade: B+

 

7d. Ken Bishop, Defensive Tackle, Northern Illinois

It took awhile, but the Cowboys finally drafted a defensive tackle. Ken Bishop out of Northern Illinois is an intriguing player because he has the ability to play the 1-technique position or the 3-technique position. Bishop transferred to Northern Illinois after two junior college seasons and he has improved each season in college.

Final Grade: B-

 

7e. Terrance Mitchell, Cornerback, Oregon

Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne were awful last season and the need was there to draft a cornerback. Although he is undersized, there is a lot to like in Terrance Mitchell. He has long arms and he is explosive. Mitchell plays bigger than he is and he does a good job at pressing at the line of scrimmage.

Final Grade: A-

 

Overview

When you take a look at Dallas' needs entering the draft, there were a ton of pressing needs. Versatile offensive linemen? Check. Pass rusher? Check? Wide receiver? Check. Linebacker? Check. Time will tell if these players are good players, but as of now, the Cowboys did a good job at filling needs with experienced players. It wouldn't surprise to see four or five of these guys starting next year.

Final Draft Grade: B+

 

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