NFL Draft 2013: Grading the Dallas Cowboys Draft

Dec 27, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Travis Frederick at press conference for the 2013 Rose Bowl at the L.A. Hotel Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Overall, the Dallas Cowboys front office may have screwed the pooch when it comes to drafting the positions needed. I mean, Tony Romo has to be a little perturbed as to why he is going to have to be pummeled again this season.

If I were him, I would be a little worried that head coach Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones don’t like me.

By any rate, the Cowboys did get some good talent in the 2013 NFL Draft. Some picks were a little confusing, but the talent is deep.

1. Travis Frederick, C, Wisconsin
Pick: 1st Round (31st Overall)
The Good: Frederick is the typical Wisconsin lineman. He is tough, has great strength, and can be a good anchor on the interior of the offensive line.
The Bad: He was rated to be taken in the third round. It is kind of a reach to be taken so early with so many other linemen, including some tackles and guards, left on the board.
Grade: C+

2. Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
Pick: 2nd Round (47th Overall)
The Good: Escobar is a great pass catcher. He has soft hands and is able to jockey for position over the middle of the field in order to make himself available for the catch.
The Bad: Can he block? Can he take pressure off Jason Witten? Instead of knowing these things, the Cowboys are taking another chance on a talented tight end who may or may not be the real deal. We all know what happened last time they did this, Martellus Bennett.
Grade: C-

Nov 24, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Terrance Williams (2) catches a touchdown pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders cornerback Cornelius Douglas (2) during the game at Cowboys Stadium. Baylor beat Texas Tech 52-45 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
Pick: 3rd Round (74th Overall)
The Good: Williams was a beast at Baylor. He has great hands and is a physical presence. He can play in the slot or even line up outside and still have a mismatch against some NFL corners.
The Bad: Not much of a bad side here with Williams. The only knock on him is his burst speed. He needs to show the ability to get off the line quick. He needs to be able to get past the jams set by bigger more physical corners. That will come with maturity.
Grade: B+

4. J.J. Wilcox, FS, Georgia Southern
Pick: 3rd Round (80th Overall)
The Good: Wilcox has a great upside, and could be a starter this season. He has a knack for the ball, and can cover downfield.
The Bad: The Cowboys passed up a bunch of other NFL ready safeties who played against NFL competition. Wilcox hasn’t had much playing time against would-be NFL receivers.
Grade: C

5. B.W. Webb, CB, William and Mary
Pick: 4th Round (114 Overall)
The Good: Webb has great footwork and is quick off the line. He will be able to keep up with slot receivers or play against a more physical wideout if necessary. Will see significant playing time this year if he has a good camp.
The Bad: Where did this guy come from? When LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu left the board, the Cowboys went with Webb who can also return punts and kicks. Hopefully he is as athletic as Mathieu.
Grade: C-

6. Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State
Pick: 5th Round (151 Overall)
The Good: Running back depth. The Cowboys could use his athleticism behind DeMarco Murray.
The Bad: Is he good enough to make the roster?
Grade: C

7. DeVonte Holloman, LB, South Carolina
Pick: 6th Round (185 Overall)
The Good: Dallas could use a linebacker.
The Bad: Not this linebacker…
Grade: D

Overall Grade: C-, Dallas addressed only one need in the first three picks. After those picks, they just kind of drafted who they thought might be a good steal. Unfortunately, the draft was a lot deeper than the Cowboys showed. Look at San Francisco’s draft class.

‘Nuff said.