The 2022 NFL Draft has officially kicked off, and the Dallas Cowboys have made their first selection. As the seven rounds progress and the team makes all of their picks, we will provide a live draft grade and analysis for each of the Cowboys’ selections. How do these new prospects fit with the roster, what kind of impact will they have on the team, and what do the team’s needs look like now that the draft is complete?
Make sure to continue to check back as the 2022 NFL Draft continues for live Dallas Cowboys draft grades and analysis.
Dallas Cowboys grades for 2022 NFL Draft
What are the Cowboys’ grades for their selections in the 2022 NFL Draft as they look to address their main needs this offseason?
Round 1, Pick 24: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
In what could only be considered a big reach, the Dallas Cowboys saw the depleted tackle class through the first half of Round 1 and still decided to pull the trigger on Tyler Smith. With a lack of top-end strength and questionable anchoring ability, Smith presents one of the first round’s biggest reaches.
There is upside to his game if he can hone his craft, but the decision to draft Smith here will be questioned until he does so. Smith can finish well, but his aforementioned lack of top-end strength will put him in mismatches against NFL defensive linemen.
Grade: D-
Round 2, Pick 56: Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
The Cowboys have shown a consistent willingness to take a chance on players with reported character issues in recent years. Ole Miss edge rusher Sam Williams falls under that category, as he’s been selected by the Dallas Cowboys at the 56th overall pick.
From a pure talent perspective, one could argue that Williams is easily a Day 2 pick. He’s a size/speed freak with a 4.46 40-yard dash at around 6’4”, 261 pounds. He has searing burst off the line, and he can win with that elite acceleration alone. But on top of that, he flashes violent hands and great power capacity. The biggest questions with Williams come off the field. A past suspension stemming from a battery charge that was eventually dropped will hang over his head. The character element brings uncertainty, but Williams’ talent is undeniable.
Grade: B-
Round 3, Pick 88: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
There isn’t much Jalen Tolbert can’t do at an elite level on the football field. Despite being the focal point of the South Alabama offense over the past two seasons, Tolbert still exploded for record-breaking numbers in South Alabama and Sun Belt history. He has an uncanny ability to find the open space in coverage, using his deceptive speed to eat up any cushion presented to him.
Tolbert can separate at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point with an elite burst. He has terrific contested-catch skills and possesses an ability to high-point the ball over defenders similar to Randy Moss. Tolbert has great ability after the catch, a full route tree, and can line up at X or Y in the Cowboys’ offense – and win – all the same.
Grade: A+
Round 4, Pick 129: Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin
The Cowboys have Dalton Schultz for the long haul, but after letting go of Blake Jarwin, they could use more depth and rotational ability at tight end. In that respect, Jake Ferguson is a great pick here. A fringe top-100 prospect on a few boards, Ferguson has great size at 6’5”, 250 pounds, and he’s also a solid athlete. He has some hip sink and lateral quickness as a route runner, and he can control his body and extend for passes. Ferguson also provides a nice run-after-catch element and gives good effort as a blocker.
Grade: A-
Round 5, Pick 155: Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota
The Cowboys don’t often draw from the FCS ranks when drafting players. But they rightly made an exception here, picking North Dakota OT Matt Waletzko at 155th overall. Assuming Tyler Smith slides inside early on in his career, the Cowboys could use added depth and long-term insurance. Tyron Smith won’t be around forever, and they’re a little thin on the right side as well.
Waletzko fits well as a swing tackle early on, but he also has legitimate starting upside. He’s an elite athlete with massive 36” arms who glides in space and matches laterally with ease. This is a supreme value pick for Dallas.
Grade: A+
Round 5, Pick 167: DaRon Bland, CB, Fresno State
On Day 3 of the NFL Draft, adding depth at premier positions is never a bad idea. For the Cowboys specifically, dipping into a deep cornerback class is bound to have its benefits. At 167th overall, the Cowboys did just that, taking Fresno State CB DaRon Bland.
Bland is an intriguing talent. He’s 6’0”, 197 pounds, but he has 32” arms. At his pro day, he ran a 4.48 and also scored well in explosiveness drills. That closing burst shows up on tape, along with impressive physicality and a competitive motor that’s always running. Bland translates well as a stud special-teams player early on. Still, he has the physical tools to eventually enter the rotation on defense.
Grade: B+
Round 5, Pick 176: Damone Clark, LB, LSU
With a hint of caution, this is a great pickup for a Dallas Cowboys team looking to add pieces at the LB position. LSU’s Damone Clark has exceptional athletic capability for a linebacker who measures in at over 6’4” and just under 240 pounds.
He explodes into the backfield as a pass rusher, showcases sideline-to-sideline range and impressive pursuit speed, and has the strength backed up by his size to take on even the most combative of blockers. Play recognition is a concern – he can be misled with upsetting regularity. However, it’s the serious spinal fusion surgery that will see him miss the entire rookie season that has clouded his stock.
Grade: B+
Round 5, Pick 178: John Ridgeway, DT, Arkansas
The Dallas Cowboys sandwich the Detroit Lions with two impactful defensive additions in the fifth round. A number of Cowboys fans were clamoring for Jordan Davis to anchor their defensive front. John Ridgeway gives them a player with less national recognition but with a lot to like within his scouting report.
At 6’4 3/4” and 327 pounds, Ridgeway is a tall, well-built nose tackle who boasts decent arm length. He’s physical with big, violent hands that strike fear into the heart of offensive linemen. He’s not just a strength threat, however. Ridgeway owns some hand refinement, a hot motor, and deceptive lateral agility.
Grade: A-
Round 6, Pick 193: Devin Harper, LB, Oklahoma State
Damone Clark is a great buy-low investment for the Cowboys. But in the meantime, stacking a linebacker to get depth and special-teams utility isn’t a bad idea. Devin Harper does well to check that box in Round 6. Harper has great athletic tools. He stands at 6’0”, 234 pounds, and has 4.5 speed and a 40.5” vertical. On tape, you see that closing speed. He can surge into the box, into the backfield, and run down ball carriers with his range. His instincts can run hot and cold, but he has the athleticism and frame density worthy of a late-round pick.
Grade: A-
What were the Cowboys’ biggest needs entering the draft?
- G, WR, EDGE, LB, OT
The Cowboys will be without two of their starting offensive linemen from last year. They have options at tackle, but their depth is extremely slim at the guard position. Trading away Amari Cooper and letting Cedrick Wilson Jr. leave also created a need at wide receiver.
When it comes to defense, the focus should be on the pass rush and linebacker spots. Micah Parsons’ versatility helps both areas, but Dallas needs a combination of both high-end talent and more depth at both positions.