Draft Grades: Cowboys

The Cowboys didn't enter the draft with hopes of adding much in terms of immediate impact players, but they got absolutely nothing.

I like Jason Williams a lot, but he's a project. He's athletic enough to play inside or outside linebacker and will likely see time on special teams.

Robert Brewster was a major reach in the 3rd round. He played tackle at Ball State but may be better suited for guard in the NFL. He won't see much playing time right away, but could work his way into the rotation in a year or two.

Stephen McGee was a curious selection. I don't think he has much upside as a quarterback. He could be used as a running back/quarterback in the wildcat formation.

Victor Butler played defensive end in college but will make the switch to linebacker in the Cowboys 3-4 system. He won't be a starter in this league, but could be a decent backup behind DeMarcus Ware.

Brandon Williams was an excellent pass rusher at Texas Tech but I don't see him as a 3-4 linebacker. He's also too small to play defensive end in the system, which makes him a bit of a 'tweener in Dallas.

DeAngelo Smith is an adequate cornerback who excels in zone coverage. However, I didn't think he was even the best cornerback on his own team. Ironically, I would have selected Smith's teammate Mike Mickens first, who the Cowboys grabbed in the 7th round.

Mike Hamlin was a great 5th round selection. He'll could compete with Gerald Sensabaugh for playing time at free safety.

The selection of David Buehler was confusing. Nick Folk has been one of the league's best kickers since entering the league in 2007. Buehler will have a very hard time making the roster.

Stephen Hodge will compete for a spot at inside linebacker, but there isn't much room for him there. He'll struggle to make the active roster.

John Phillips is an excellent blocking tight end. He'll never be a starter, but he could make the roster as the 3rd tight end behind Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett.

Manny Johnson was a great 7th-round pick. He has little upside but he's a hard worker and an excellent special teams player. He'll compete for the 4th or 5th receiver position.

The Cowboys didn't have many needs, so this draft wasn't a complete letdown. However, they could have done much better. They added a few decent pieces to be puzzle, but only Jason Williams even has the potential to develop into a starter. This was one of the worst drafts of the year and one of the worst for the Cowboys in a quite awhile.

Grade: C-