Dallas Cowboys: Breaking down Michigan DE Taco Charlton
The Dallas Cowboys selected defensive end Taco Charlton out of Michigan with the 28th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at what some of the experts have to say.
It appears the first round could not have gone any better for the Dallas Cowboys. They came into the draft with a pass rusher as their biggest need. With the 28th selection of the night, they got that guy in defensive end Taco Charlton from Michigan. He brings exactly what Dallas needs this upcoming season.
Charlton’s strengths
Charlton’s biggest asset is his size. At six feet and six inches, and a reach of 34 1/4 inches, he’s a big dude. He’s quick off the snap and a great straight-line runner with a nose for the ball. That type of playmaking ability is exactly what the Cowboys are looking for.
During his NCAA career with the Wolverines, he increased his sack total each season. While he only started three games as a junior, he finished that season with 5.5 sacks and then upped that total this past year to 9.5.
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But pass rushing isn’t all he does. Over his career with Michigan, he totaled 27 tackles for loss. He’s a great combination of speed, explosiveness and length that can immediately impact the Cowboys pass rush. Bob Sturm of Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket had some good notes about him.
"“He bulls through traffic and makes himself at home in the backfield on a regular basis. He comes up big in big games. He has an impressive get-off as well and really has a skill set that offers plenty to like.”"
What’s there not to like? He’s a great combination of speed and size and will see plenty of playing time right out of the gate.
Charlton’s Weaknesses
The biggest concern about Charlton is his agility. He’s great running in a straight line and getting off the ball, but lacks the ability to change directions quickly. Against some of the shiftier running backs in the game, he could have some trouble.
Charlton could also stand to hit the weights and put on a little more weight. With a little more poundage, he could strengthen his leg base and help his balance. And while he’s quicker than most of the defensive ends available in the draft, he’s not at the elite level of someone like Myles Garrett.
Final analysis
In the end, he’s exactly the kind of guy the Cowboys needed with this pick. They wanted a guy that can put pressure on the passer and get through the line of scrimmage. Charlton provides just that. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein had a lot of good things to say about him.
"“Charlton is an ascending prospect with the size, length, athleticism and pass-rushing potential that NFL general managers dream of. What you see today might not be what you get. While his production coming out of college will be modest, he could become a substantially better player as a pro if he’s committed to the weight room and willing to absorb coaching. High-impact defensive end with all-pro potential is his ceiling. His floor is solid starter.”"
Next: How the Cowboys can build a dynasty through the draft
This pick should excite Cowboys fans. With a pass rusher like Charlton on the front, this will alleviate the pressure on the secondary. A great pass rush can make a modest secondary look like a group of all-pros. Remember those mid-90’s Dallas defenses? Yep, that’s how they did it. Charlton is a start in that direction.