Cowboys Load Up on Defense in Draft

FRISCO, TX – The NFL Draft has concluded and the Dallas Cowboys have started signing undrafted rookies.

Day three of the draft is where you find your depth and your diamonds. Franchise quarterbacks Tom Brady and Dak Prescott, stand out offensive linemen Jason Kelce and David Bakhtiari, and Legion of Boom members Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman were all picked on day three. You absolutely can find amazing players late in the draft.

If you’re a Cowboys fan, you should be excited about their selections. They made six picks in the last three rounds and started off with a bang.

LSU linebacker Jabril Cox became a Dallas Cowboy at pick 115. Cox is outstanding in coverage. High motor guy who can handle running backs, tight ends, and slot receivers. Cox transferred to LSU from North Dakota State and fit right in. Fans should expect Cox to push for a starting role somewhat early in his career.

By adding Cox, this is the first time Dallas has spent 6 consecutive draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. 

The next Cowboys pick would go to the offensive side. The Cowboys selected Josh Ball, an offensive lineman from Marshall. Ball started out at Florida State and ended at Marshall, not allowing a single sack all of 2020. His off the field character is concerning. He was suspended by Florida State for dating violence after multiple incidents. In the end, Ball wasn’t charged with any crimes.

In the 5th round, the Cowboys added a wide receiver to a crowded position room. Dallas selected Simi Fehoko, a Stanford product who is a freak of nature.

Fehoko’s measurements came in at 6’4”, 222 lbs. with 10 ¼” hands. The dude also runs a 4.4 40 yard dash. Next Gen Stats tweeted out that between 2005 and 2020, 6 receivers entered into the draft with scores of 90+ athleticism, 70+ production, and weighed over 220 lbs. Those receivers were Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Donte Moncrief, DK Metcalf, Miles Boykin, and Chase Claypool.

I’m not saying Fehoko is going to be a Hall of Fame receiver, but Dallas fans should be happy with the pick. Fehoko is going to have to show up because beating out Cedrick Wilson and Noah Brown isn’t going to be easy. Dallas was pretty set at pass catcher before the draft and only made it more of a strength during it.

Dallas’ next pick went back to the defensive side of the ball, specifically the defensive line. Kentucky 1 technique Quinton Bohanna was selected by the Boys in the sixth round.

He may not be a pass rusher but he can occupy multiple offensive linemen. As he should, Bohanna is 6’4” 327 lbs. Tremendous size is an absolute welcome addition to this defensive line. 

A team captain in 2020, his job is to eat up space and he understands his role. Dallas entered the draft dead set on fixing the defense and up to his point spent 7 picks on that side of the ball.

With 2 picks left in the draft, the Cowboys split’em between both sides of the ball. 

The Cowboys selected Isreal Mukuamu out of South Carolina. There were 2 corners that were over 6’4” in this draft and the Cowboys picked both of them. In run support, Mukuamu only missed 6 tackles over 3 seasons and has played both safety and corner. He also has special teams experience. 

With their last pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected Matt Farniok, an offensive lineman from Nebraska. Farniok played right tackle, right guard, and center for the Huskers. Farniok also had the respect of his team as he was a two time team captain. The NFL values position flex and the Cowboys were in need of quality depth.

All in all, the Cowboys went into this draft needing defense and certainly addressed it. They picked one of the best, if not the best, defensive player in this draft in Micah Parsons. Added secondary help and took players that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn covets at the position. They took a coverage linebacker who could be a starter by the end of the season. The defensive linemen they selected are high effort, All-Star standouts.

Offensively, the Cowboys did need some quality depth along the offensive line. The players on the roster last season received some much needed experience even if it threw them into the fire.

The Cowboys lone skill pick should get fans excited. Fehoko has the potential to be a great receiver in the NFL. Playing behind the pass catchers in front of him should only make him better.