4-12? That record sure doesn’t sound like America’s team.
The Dallas Cowboys have one of the historically best franchises in the league, however, the team has struggled as of late. As diehard Cowboys fan, it has been hard to watch it unfold. Whether you blame the coaching or Tony Romo, the point is that they were in need of new talent. Jerry Jones, being the smart businessman that he is, knew that. This is why he made some of the most interesting and possibly most influential draft picks that the team has had in a while in 2016.
Here are the picks that I think will have biggest impact with the team.
First Round
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With the fourth pick in the first round, Dallas drafted Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. Can you say way to go Dallas? The previous National Championship MVP is a huge addition to the Cowboys offense because of his versatility. The twenty-year-old can not only run and make sure the ball gets into the end zone, but he can also receive a pass and run downhill for those third downs. We all know the Cowboys struggle with this. Many are calling Elliott the next Emmitt Smith and although those are big shoes to fill, Elliott can make a name for himself and be the number one running back on the Cowboys roster. He can help the Cowboys establish a steady run game which will alleviate time and pressure off Romo and the struggling defense. They did this once before with DeMarco Murray and got a playoff appearance out of it. Jones drafted another running back not because their offense needed the help, but because Elliott has the talent to propel the team to the next level.
Second Round
In the second round with the 34th pick, the Cowboys drafted Notre Dame linebacker, Jaylon Smith. The “Butkus Best Linebacker in the Nation” award winner is a huge addition to the defense. He’s quick on his feet and finishes tackles. Hard. No offense is going to want to go against this guy, however his time to shine will have to be put on halt. During last year’s Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, Smith tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee that required surgery. The Cowboys are confident that the nerve damage will heal fine, especially with their personal medical team keeping an eye on it. Although he may or may not play in the 2016 season, drafting him was a huge risk, but it was one that the Cowboys were willing to take because of his upside.
Third Round
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In the third round with the 67th pick, they took defensive tackle Maliek Collins of Nebraska. Collins has quickness, an explosive start at the snap and can work his way through an offensive line. However, he still needs work with exerting power and dominating his opponent. Defensive coach Rod Marinelli has a project with Collins and if he can mold him right, they’ll have a key future player on their hands.
Fourth Round
In the fourth round with the 135th pick, the Cowboys tookMississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott. Now before we say he won’t amount to anything because of how low he was drafted, let’s remember that Tom Brady was drafted 199th in the sixth round and look what happened to him. With that said, Prescott is not taking Romo’s job any time soon.
Now Prescott was not the Cowboys first choice. Jones was set on finding Romo’s successor in this draft and wanted Paxton Lynch, but he lost that opportunity when the Denver Broncos snatched him away. However, Prescott is a very versatile player, who can work in and out of the pocket, has a good arm, can run if need be and exerts good leadership skills. He is a project and investment for the Cowboys and it’s far too early to say if he will follow in Romo’s footsteps, but Jones does not draft quarterbacks very often so it’s safe to say he saw something in Prescott.
Jerry Jones has the great pleasure and pressure of being both the owner and general manager of America’s team. It appears he carefully thought out this year’s draft, but if the picks don’t work out, he’ll have no one else to blame but himself.
