Kiper's take. While is often quite wrong, at least he sticks his neck out:
Dallas Cowboys: B-
Top needs: Defensive tackle, wide receiver, safety
The Cowboys got a great rookie season from first-round pick
Leighton Vander Esch a year ago, and the defense took a step forward under Rod Marinelli and Kris Richard as they won the NFC East and a wild-card game. But there were still holes, particular at defensive tackle and safety. Remember that Dallas hasn't made the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2006-07. And with no first-rounder because of the trade for
Amari Cooper (Jerry Jones is OK with that deal, no matter what Cooper's new contract look like), it had to fill those needs on Day 2. Did it do that?
I'm not so sure. Defensive tackle Trysten Hill was a reach at No. 58, but I see why Marinelli might like him. He has a great motor and some physical traits, but you wonder why he didn't produce consistently in the AAC. I had a fourth-round grade on him. I would have gone safety with
Taylor Rapp,
Juan Thornhilland Nasir Adderley still on the board. There was good value with my second-ranked guard Connor McGovern at No. 90, and he could be insurance for
Travis Frederick at center, too. The
ESPN draft projection system thought highly of him.
Dallas took two running backs on Day 3 --
Tony Pollard (No. 128) and
Mike Weber (No. 218) -- and there was a quiet need for someone to spell
Ezekiel Elliott.
Jalen Jelks (No. 241) flashed top-50 talent but never put it all together. He has measurables that make the seventh round a steal.
To not get a safety until the sixth round made me scratch my head a little bit -- that was such a glaring need. Let me ask you: Did Dallas get any immediate starters here? Cooper doesn't count. Hill is an enigmatic player, and Pollard is more of a luxury pick. I do like taking McGovern and making sure the offensive line stays a strength of the team.
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