The Cowboys lost four defensive backs over the offseason, parting ways with Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox. The departures — including three additional losses during free agency — thins an already lackluster unit, with Claiborne and Carr’s absence causing Dallas to desperately covet corners and edge rushers in the draft.
The first selection went with Taco Charlton of Michigan (No. 28), who seems to have more value selling blue and white jerseys with the Mexican entree embroidered on the back than competing on the field of Jerry World. A one-and-done prospect, Charlton is more suited for defending the run than rushing, and will likely replace DeMarcus Lawrence after underperforming last season. The Michigan standout formerly competed at the right end and will shift to the left. Jerry Jones is putting his faith in coach Rod Marinelli to make this work, opting to choose Charlton over T.J. Watt because of the latter’s blemished medical record.
The following two choices for them ‘Boys rectified their corner dilemma, selecting both Chidobe Awuzie of Colorado (No. 60) and Jourdan Lewis of Michigan (No. 92) to bolster the secondary. Awuzie can play both outside and inside, competing in all parts of the defensive backfield. The Colorado standout excels at blitzing, but his lackluster interception total throughout his college tenure leaves little to be desired (3 INT). Lewis is a four-year man with experience and leadership value, but saw his draft stock stumble following assault allegations that diminished his character. Most projected he could have been a top selection if off-the-field antics didn’t ding his record. Lewis has essential quickness for operating on the interior of the field and has a knack for throwing receivers off their routes.
The wide receiver acquisitions caused members of the sports media and employees of the Association to question the motives behind what seemed to be throwaway picks. A team already stacked with offensive weapons, Dallas chose two wide receiver options in both the fourth and seventh rounds. Ryan Switzer of UNC (No. 133) is diminutive for his position, but is a vital punt returner over Lucky Whitehead. Switzer will be a backup to Cole Beasley, but probably won’t see field time with the ‘Boys star. Noah Brown of Ohio State (No. 239) has the size for an easy Dak target. The Cowboys aren’t a team renowned for drafting a plethora of receivers — most depth in the position is acquired by FA or trades — but the average age of Beasley, Dez Bryant, and Terrance Williams is 27.5, influencing the Dallas FO to invest in an offensive injection of youth.
The four remaining picks — seven overall — deepened the defensive side of the ball. Xavier Woods of Louisiana Tech (No. 191) is a consistent turnover machine, Marquiez White of Florida State (No. 216) is another cornerback insurance policy, and Joey Ivie of Florida (No. 228) and Jordan Carrell of Colorado (No. 246) bulk up a depleted defensive line.
Despite the defensive necessities, a tight end option for the aged Jason Whitten and quarterback depth without Tony Romo could have been a smart move for a squad relying on the second-year success of both Dak and Ezekiel Elliott to replicate their freshman season fortunes.
Grade: B
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