Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies defensive back Byron Jones catches a pass in a workout drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys sure do know how to make waves at the NFL Draft, don’t they? A few days removed, let’s a step back, and look at how they did…
First of all…a discloser: It is impossible to definitively say how well a team did in the art of player prognostication whether it be 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or even 1 year down the road. Drafting players, and subsequently grading them) is known in the scientific community, as a crapshoot.
Teams invest millions of dollars in scouting, interviewing, vetting, and selecting players in the NFL’s annual draft. Despite the vast amounts of time, money, and energy spent, it’s still a mystery as to how each player will turn out. The very last thing I want to do, is call a player a “bum”, who I’ve only seen play a couple times, and have no additional research spent.
What I will do is grade the picks on a 1-5 scale (using traditional letter grades A-F) based on player ceiling, floor, value, risk, and wild-card factors (perfect Wonderlic, Team Captain, 4 year starter, etc…). Keep in mind, just because a 7th rounder gets a higher grade than a 1st rounder, doesn’t mean he’s expected to outperform the 1st rounder. Every round has its own expectations, value, risk, etc... With that said, let’s dive into the grades:
Round 1
CB Byron Jones
Given Byron Jones’ amazing athletic ability displayed at his record-breaking combine performance, he scores exceptionally high on potential. Playing at Connecticut, Jones didn’t face off against the best talent college football had to offer, but some of that risk is mitigated by Jones’ versatility to play both CB and FS successfully. His Wonderlic scores and leadership traits are icing on the cake as Jones promises to be an excellent pick for the Cowboys in the first round
Grade: A
Next: What Grade Does Randy Gregory Get?
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) looks on before the game against the USC Trojans in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2
OLB/DE Randy Gregory
Few will question Randy Gregory’s top-end physical ability, but it’s his character that is often called into question. Now recent reports are indicating Gregory my even have some undiagnosed physiological issues that could be what led him to his well-documented drug use. Whether that’s true or not remains to be seen, but what can be seen is the level of risk.
The Cowboys received great value by picking a top-10 pick, late in the second round. While the value is there, so is the risk. Gregory is extremely underweight, and combined with a notable injury history, he may only be a situational player in year 1.
The drug problems, non-game-ready weight, and the injury history all drop his score, even with his vast potential and amazing value
Grade: B-/C+
Next: The Surprise 3rd Round OT Has Questions...
Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Chaz Green (75) blocks against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 52-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Round 3
OT Chaz Green
Chaz Green may have been drafted for depth, but depth at OT was a position of need. Green has the ability to play swing tackle short-term and has starter potential long-term. He was considered a reach by multiple scouting outlets so he’s anything but a value pick, but most agree his potential is substantial.
With an injury history of his own, and underachievement littered throughout his college career, Chaz Green’s need and potential are balanced in his draft grade.
Grade: C
Next: Underrated LB in Round 4
Sep 20, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Damien Wilson (5) tackles San Jose State Spartans running back Jarrod Lawson (21) for a loss in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Round 4
LB Damien Wilson
Damien Wilson is a tough player to dislike. Once you get past that the Cowboys could have chosen a RB with this pick, Wilson provides great skill and depth to a very important position in a Rod Marinelli defense. Wilson can play WILL and MIKE and is an attacking playmaker who is good in zone coverage.
Wilson has potential to be a playmaker on this team as soon as this season. He’s polished and still improving. His risk is one of the lowest of the Cowboys’ picks, and his versatility only adds to his value.
Grade: B+
Next: DE Ryan Russell's Grade May Surprise...
Aug 30, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Zach Terrell (11) looks to pass as Purdue Boilermakers defensive end Ryan Russell (99) closes in in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5
DE Ryan Russell
Ryan Russell appears to be a great player that’s just missing “something”. For whatever reason, he hasn’t been able to translate great athleticism, into on-field production. This is exactly what you’re hoping to find in the 3rd and 4th round, so to find it in the 5th round, gives you great value.
Russell should be helped by a 43 scheme change and steady coaching from Rod Marinelli and staff. He has the skills to upgrade the position in a rotation this season, and even more beyond. Smart player with good character. It’s hard to find fault given he’s a 5th rounder.
Grade: B+
Next: A Small School Gem?
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
7th Round (#1)
LB Mark Nzeocha
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A smart and mature player you want to cheer for, but lacks seasoning, coaching, and competition. Nzeocha has the physical skills to compete, but faces a huge jump to the NFL. A small school kid who only recently started playing football, will have to make the team as a special teamer and is a longshot at anything more. 7th round picks don’t have big expectations anyway, but he still takes a hit for value and risk considering many safer LBs were available at the time of drafting.
Grade: D
Next: Laurence Gibson's Grade...
Nov 30, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers defensive players line up against Virginia Tech Hokies offensive players in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
7th Round (#2)
OT Laurence Gibson
Another offensive lineman to add depth, develop, and groom to be a starter. He has potential but needs to add weight. Strong pick in the 7th round is a legitimate contender to make the team (again, 7th round expectations) and even more. With no red flags and room to grow, Gibson is a solid 7th round pick.
Grade: C+
Next: Finally, The New TE...
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
7th Round (#3)
TE Geoff Swaim
The in-line TE blocker has very little versatility and potential. Run-blocking TEs are essential in the Cowboys’ offense but they often go undrafted, and most thought Swaim would as well. With top run-blocker, James Hanna, under contract for 1 more season, Swaim will have a very difficult time making the team in 2015.
Grade: D
Final 2015 Dallas Cowboys Draft Grade: B
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Next: Grading the Cowboys' Draft: Ryan's Grades
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