Dallas Cowboys: Trysten Hill’s selection similar to DeMarcus Lawrence’s

When the Dallas Cowboys selected Trysten Hill in the draft they followed a similar draft strategy they used in 2014 when they selected DeMarcus Lawrence

When the Dallas Cowboys selected Trysten Hill in the second round of the NFL Draft, it caused some waves around Cowboys Nation. Not only were they selecting a player many in the draft community slotted a little lower on the board, but it passed over many high value players who inexplicably fell – players who happen to play at a position of need for the Cowboys.

In post draft conversations with the Dallas Cowboys’ front office (including the personnel office), we’ve gathered some insight into the controversial selection. And it was strikingly similar to what once made them pick our newly re-signed, DeMarcus Lawrence five years ago.

The Lawrence Draft

Lawrence, a talented pass rusher out of Boise State, was a rare commodity in the 2014 NFL Draft. The edge rusher was the last of his kind: an explosive edge man with length, bend, and active hands capable of filling the all-important right defensive end spot.

Note: Obviously he eventually became an elite LEFT defensive end, but that was not initially the plan for him.

Much like all NFL teams, the Dallas Cowboys front office scouted traits. And Lawrence had the kind of traits the Cowboys needed. The only problem was, they only saw three of these edge players in the 2014 Draft, and two of them already went off the board.

What did Dallas do? They moved up to spot 33 at the top of the second round. They couldn’t afford to not address the position in the draft and felt they NEEDED to get their man, even if it meant giving up other options to do so (Dallas traded their 2nd and 3rd round pick to move up).