Grading the Dallas Cowboys Draft Class: Breaking down the picks

5th round Compensatory Pick #179

DE, Bradlee Anae

Dallas has a proven “War Daddy” in DeMarcus Lawrence, and hopefully they’ll get the services of Randy Gregory and Aldon Smith. But in the meantime, Dallas stole a hidden gem in edge rusher Bradlee Anae out of Utah.

At 6’3 and weighing 257 pounds, Anae finished his college career with 30 sacks with almost 10 per season, a three-year starter, an All American, and Anae was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks award that goes to the best defensive end in the nation.

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Further,  Anae was a complete terror at the Senior Bowl where he tallied three sacks and accumulated several quarterback pressures. To put bluntly, Anae will be a starter for Dallas and somebody will be out of a job because Anae goes full speed every down and is a relentless tackler. Just think of a giant bedbug that attacks constantly. That’s Anae.

To put to into perspective, Dallas drafted Anae because D-Law needs help and Dallas can’t bank on Smith and Gregory playing (although its highly likely they will). Dallas found a monster and a day one starter in the fifth round. Once again, Santa loves Jerry.

7th round (#231)

QB, Ben DiNucci

 Ben DiNucci was a good selection because he was a winning quarterback with a 23-6 record while at James Madison University. DiNucci was a first-team selection for the All-Colonial Athletic Association.

As a dual threat, DiNucci rushed for 569 yards, scored touchdowns, and averaged 4.7 yards a carry. In addition, DiNucci threw for 29 touchdowns against six interceptions and completed 70.6 percent of his passes.

DiNucci will give Dallas depth and definitely compete with Cooper Rush for the backup role because Rush needs a push at this point. And with Dak’s contract at a stalemate, Dallas needs a really good backup quarerback. Besides, head coach Mike McCarthy is good at developing quarterbacks.

In conclusion

Dallas had one of their best drives ever because they literally selected the best players available throughout the entire drive. Starting with Lamb, Dallas has a future All Pro and a cornerstone player for years to come. Lamb is just that good, and he joins an already elite receiving corps. The most important part is Dallas added depth with talented players. If Smith and Gregory are reinstated and are at least decent, no team will be able to beat Dallas. And I mean no team.