Cowboys Draft Picks
Round 1/4 — Ezekiel Elliott, RB, 6-0, 225, Ohio State
The Cowboys bypassed help for the defense to take game-breaking Elliott, who they deem such a special talent who will help the offense and the defense. He will take pressure off Tony Romo and keep the defense the field.
Round 2/34 — Jaylon Smith, LB, 6-2, 240, Notre Dame
Smith won’t play in 2016 because of a knee injury he suffered in the Fiesta Bowl in January. The Cowboys think he is foundation player for the future and worth the wait.
Round 3/67 — Maliek Collins, DT, 6-2, 300, Nebraska
Could be a starter at tackle if the Cowboys kick Tyrone Crawford outside for the first four games to make up for the losses of Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence. Has some pass-rush ability.
Round 4/101 — Charles Tapper, DE, 6-4, 281, Oklahoma
A good athlete with good speed who could be better in the NFL than college. He was asked to read and react at Oklahoma. He will be asked rush in Dallas. Ran a 4.59 40 at the combine.
Round 4/135 — Dak Prescott, QB, 6-2, 230, Mississippi State
Prescott is the first quarterback drafted by the Cowboys since 2009. He has similar size and athleticism as Tony Romo. He can make plays with his feet. He’s a developmental QB for the future.
Round 6/189 — Anthony Brown, CB, 5-11, 190, Purdue
The Cowboys had a fourth-round grade on Brown so they view him as good value in the
sixth. Has great speed. Ran 4.35 40 at the combine. Could be viewed a replacement for Morris Claiborne and or Brandon Carr in 2017
Round 6/212 — Kavon Frazier, S, 6-0, 218, Central Michigan
The Cowboys had a fourth-round grade on Frazier. The team needs safety help in the future with J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church in the final year of their deals. Frazier started 13 games in 2015 and finished with a team-high 108 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and one interception.
Round 6/216 — Darius Jackson, RB, 6-0, 221, Eastern Michigan
Jackson is big, fast and athletic. He has 4.4 speed in the 40. He rushed for a school-record 16 touchdowns last year and ran for 1,110 yards on 207 carries. He can also be a factor on third down with 21 catches for 201 yards and two touchdowns.
Round 6/217 — Rico Gathers, TE, 6-8, 275, Baylor
Gathers played basketball in college and hasn’t played football since junior high. The Cowboys look at him as a project and a future Antonio Gates. He has long arms and big hands. But he has the size to be a physical run blocker.
