Grading The Cowboys Draft Selections
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Months of speculation about the NFL Draft are over. The Dallas Cowboys drafted eight players over three days, leaning heavily towards the defensive side of the ball.
Did you like the Cowboys' draft? Help us grade their selections here!
Rd. 1 (27) Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
Mo Claiborne and Brandon Carr are unknowns heading into the 2015 season. Dallas took the opportunity to draft one of the top rated cornerbacks.
Described as a "freak athlete," Jones has the versatility to play both safety and corner -- as he did at Connecticut.
Rd. 2 (60), Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
There's no question that Gregory's talent far exceeds his second round selection, but is he worth the risk?
Prior to failing a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine for marijuana, Gregory was viewed as a top-10 selection.
Highly-regarded running backs Tevin Coleman and Duke Johnson were still on the board. Dallas passed.
Rd. 3 (91), Chaz Green, OT, Florida
The Cowboys didn't have an immediate need at starting offensive tackle, but the team made a move to replace swing tackle Jermey Parnell, who took a lucrative offer in Jacksonville this offseason.
He's athletic and can play multiple positions -- something Dallas covets in the backup role. And Doug Free isn't getting any younger...
In light of recent successes, can you really question the Cowboys evaluating and selecting an offensive lineman? You decide.
Rd. 4 (127), Damien Wilson, LB, Minnesota
The Cowboys needed depth at the linebacker position heading into the draft. They're hoping Wilson can provide that.
The senior earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in his final season, leading the Gophers with 119 tackles.
With Sean Lee returning from ACL surgery, Wilson could be asked to play a larger role should disaster strike once more.
Rd. 5 (163), Ryan Russell, DE, Purdue
Most fans wanted Dallas to focus on solidifying the defense in this draft. Russell was the fourth defensive player taken by the Cowboys with their first five picks.
Russell has the "prototypical NFL measureables for the position" and collected 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and one forced fumble in his senior season.
Rd. 7 (236), Mark Nzeocha, LB, Wyoming
Nzeocha is the biggest unknown in the Cowboys draft. The German-born player played four seasons at Wyoming, but played just seven games as a senior after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Rd. 7 (243), Lawrence Gibson, OT, Virginia Tech
Gibson started all 13 games at right tackle for Virgina Tech as a senior.
Gibson's highlight reel is impressive, but unfortunately they came in sporadic spurts on tape and he needs time to improve his fundamentals and functional power before ready for NFL snaps - practice squad candidate with upside. -- CBS Sports' Dane Brugler
Rd. 7 (246), Geoff Swaim, TE, Texas
Cowboys scouts clearly loves what Swaim brings to the team. Otherwise, the team wouldn't have traded a 2016 6th rounder to nab him.
Swaim wasn't an effective pass catcher at Texas, catching just 10 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in his final season. However, he excels as a blue-collar, blocking tight end.
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