Grading the NFL Draft: How did the Cowboys do?

NFC East

The Cowboys drafted eight players, including three in the top 100. Gregory sits as the wild card, possibly being the steal of the entire draft if he can keep his head on straight. He has top-10 pass-rushing ability. But the Cowboys didn’t get a running back despite a running back-rich draft, leaving veterans Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden as big winners.

1 (27) Byron Jones, db, UConn.

2 (60) Randy Gregory, de, Nebraska.

3 (91) Chaz Green, ot, Florida.

4 (127) Damien Wilson, lb, Minnesota.

5 (163) Ryan Russell, de, Purdue.

7 (236) Mark Nzeocha, lb, Wyoming.

7 (243) Laurence Gibson, ot, Virginia Tech.

7 (246) Geoff Swaim, te, Texas.

The Giants have spent four first-round picks on their starting offensive line, with Flowers expected to start at right tackle. It completes the remaking of the position. The Giants filled needs at safety and in the defensive line with their next two picks, getting good value in Collins and Odighizuwa. They could have used a linebacker, a tight end and a defensive tackle.

1 (9) Ereck Flowers, ot, Miami.

2 (33) Landon Collins, db, Alabama.

3 (74) Owamagbe Odighizuwa, de, UCLA.

5 (144) Mykkele Thompson, db, Texas.

6 (186) Geremy Davis, wr, UConn.

7 (226) Bobby Hart, ot, Florida state.

The Eagles wanted Marcus Mariota. Badly. They didn’t have enough ammunition to go up and get him, leaving them to repair things with Sam Bradford. They did get him a new weapon to replace Jeremy Maclin, but it was a cornerback-heavy draft with three of six picks spent on the position.

1 (20) Nelson Agholor, wr, Southern Cal.

2 (47) Eric Rowe, db, Utah.

3 (84) Jordan Hicks, lb, Texas.

6 (191) JaCorey Shepherd, db, Kansas.

6 (196) Randall Evans, db, Kansas State.

7 (237) Brian Mihalik, de, Boston College.

With 10 picks, it’s easy to fill some needs. The Redskins, who had a first-rounder for the first time since 2012, passed on DT Leonard Williams after signing five likely starters for their defense in free agency. Scherff becomes the fifth offensive lineman drafted in the first round by the Redskins.

1 (5) Brandon Scherff, ot, Iowa.

2 (38) Preston Smith, lb, Mississippi State.

3 (95) Matt Jones, rb, Florida.

4 (105) Jamison Crowder, wr, Duke.

4 (112) Arie Kouandjio, g, Alabama.

5 (141) Martrell Spaight, lb, Arkansas.

6 (181) Kyshoen Jarrett, db, Virginia Tech.

6 (182) Tevin Mitchel, db, Arkansas.

6 (187) Evan Spencer, wr, Ohio State.

7 (222) Austin Reiter, c, South Florida.

NFC North

The Bears ranked 30th in total defense and 30th against the pass last season and yet drafted only two defensive players. They especially lack pass-rushing outside linebackers. White fills the void left by the departure of Brandon Marshall.

1 (7) Kevin White, wr, West Virginia.

2 (39) Eddie Goldman, dt, Florida State.

3 (71) Hroniss Grasu, c, Oregon.

4 (106) Jeremy Langford, rb, Michigan State.

5 (142) Adrian Amos, db, Penn State.

6 (183) Tayo Fabuluje, ot, TCU.

The Lions ranked 28th in rushing and allowed 45 sacks. They believe they improved their line and their running game with a trade and their first two picks. They got veteran guard Manny Ramirez from the Broncos, drafted Tomlinson to be their left guard and picked Abdullah to replace Reggie Bush.

1 (28) Laken Tomlinson, g, Duke.

2 (54) Ameer Abdullah, rb, Nebraska.

3 (80) Alex Carter, db, Stanford.

4 (113) Gabe Wright, dt, Auburn.

5 (168) Michael Burton, rb, Rutgers.

6 (200) Quandre Diggs, db, Texas.

7 (240) Corey Robinson, ot, South Carolina.

1 (30) Damarious Randall, db, Arizona State.

2 (62) Quinten Rollins, db, Miami (Ohio).

3 (94) Ty Montgomery, wr, Stanford.

4 (129) Jake Ryan, lb, Michigan.

5 (147) Brett Hundley, qb, UCLA.

6 (206) Aaron Ripkowski, rb, Oklahoma.

6 (210) Christian Ringo, de, La.-Lafayette.

6 (213) Kennard Backman, te, UAB.

Mike Zimmer loves him some defense, which is how the Vikings ended up with five defensive players, including their top three picks. They targeted Waynes with a focus to improve the cornerback position on the league’s seventh-rated defense. Hunter and Clemmings could be steals.

1 (11) Trae Waynes, db, Michigan State.

2 (45) Eric Kendricks, lb, UCLA.

3 (88) Danielle Hunter, de, LSU.

4 (110) T.J. Clemmings, ot, Pittsburgh.

5 (143) MyCole Pruitt, te, Southern Illinois.

5 (146) Stefon Diggs, wr, Maryland.

6 (185) Tyrus Thompson, ot, Oklahoma.

6 (193) B.J. Dubose, dt, Louisville.

7 (228) Austin Shepherd, ot, Alabama.

7 (232) Edmond Robinson, lb, Newberry.

NFC South

The Falcons had the worst defense in the NFL last season and never ranked better than 12th the past seven years. They spent four picks on defenders. Beasley made 33 sacks in his career at Clemson. Coleman helps the running game, and Collins has first-round talent, but red flags dropped him down the board.

1 (8) Vic Beasley, de, Clemson.

2 (42) Jalen Collins, db, LSU.

3 (73) Tevin Coleman, rb, Indiana.

4 (107) Justin Hardy, wr, East Carolina.

5 (137) Grady Jarrett, dt, Clemson.

7 (225) Jake Rodgers, ot, Eastern Washington.

7 (249) Akeem King, db, San Jose State.

For the second consecutive year, the Panthers missed on an offensive tackle in the first round. They wanted D.J. Humphries, who went to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 24. Thompson was a nice consolation prize, giving the Panthers perhaps the best linebacker corps in the league. They addressed a pressing need with Funchess, but they didn’t get a corner.

1 (25) Shaq Thompson, lb, Washington.

2 (41) Devin Funchess, wr, Michigan.

4 (102) Daryl Williams, ot, Oklahoma.

5 (169) David Mayo, lb, Texas State.

5 (174) Cameron Artis-Payne, rb, Auburn.

The Saints spent six picks on defenders after ranking 31st in total defense last season. But they passed on Bud Dupree to take Peat with their top choice. The Saints allowed 30 sacks last season. They drafted the heir apparent to Drew Brees, who soon turns 36.

1 (13) Andrus Peat, ot, Stanford.

1 (31) Stephone Anthony, lb, Clemson.

2 (44) Hau’oli Kikaha, lb, Washington.

3 (75) Garrett Grayson, qb, Colorado State.

3 (78) P.J. Williams, db, Florida State.

5 (148) Davis Tull, de, Chattanooga.

5 (154) Tyeler Davison, dt, Fresno State.

5 (167) Damian Swann, db, Georgia.

7 (230) Marcus Murphy, rb, Missouri.

The Bucs ranked 30th in offense and 25th in defense. They did not get a pass rusher despite Simeon Rice being their last player with double-digit sacks, which came in 2005. Tampa Bay’s draft, though, ultimately will be judged on how Winston develops.

1 (1) Jameis Winston, qb, Florida State.

2 (34) Donovan Smith, ot, Penn State.

2 (61) Ali Marpet, ot, Hobart.

4 (124) Kwon Alexander, lb, LSU.

5 (162) Kenny Bell, wr, Nebraska.

6 (184) Kaelin Clay, wr, Utah.

7 (231) Joey Iosefa, rb, Hawaii.

NFC West

They wanted one of the top two running backs but settled for Johnson in the third round to help a running game that ranked 31st. After ignoring their offensive line for four years, Cardinals GM Steve Keim delivered on improving the team’s line play.

1 (24) D.J. Humphries, ot, Florida.

2 (58) Markus Golden, lb, Missouri.

3 (86) David Johnson, rb, Northern Iowa.

4 (116) Rodney Gunter, de, Delaware State.

5 (158) Shaquille Riddick, de, West Virginia.

5 (159) J.J. Nelson, wr, UAB.

7 (256) Gerald Christian, te, Louisville.

Jeff Fisher loves to run the football, and his Rams didn’t do that very well last season in ranking 20th. Gurley’s torn anterior cruciate ligament wasn’t a concern for the Rams, who have seen plenty of those in Fisher’s tenure in St. Louis. The Rams used four picks on offensive linemen, including three of their top five. But they did not improve a secondary that ranked 19th against the pass.

1 (10) Todd Gurley, rb, Georgia.

2 (57) Robert Havenstein, ot, Wisconsin.

3 (72) Jamon Brown, ot, Louisville.

3 (89) Sean Mannion, qb, Oregon State.

4 (119) Andrew Donnal, ot, Iowa.

6 (201) Bud Sasser, wr, Missouri.

6 (215) Cody Wichmann, g, Fresno State.

7 (224) Bryce Hager, lb, Baylor.

7 (227) Martin Ifedi, de, Memphis.

The 49ers spent their top three picks on defense. Despite ranking fifth last season, they suffered several off-season losses. Armstead will replace Justin Smith, who is pondering retirement, either this year or next. The rest of San Francisco’s draft was spent on offense and special teams, with no cornerbacks selected.

1 (17) Arik Armstead, de, Oregon.

2 (46) Jaquiski Tartt, db, Samford.

3 (79) Eli Harold, de, Virginia.

4 (117) Blake Bell, te, Oklahoma.

4 (126) Mike Davis, rb, South Carolina.

4 (132) DeAndre Smelter, wr, Georgia Tech.

5 (165) Bradley Pinion, p, Clemson.

6 (190) Ian Silberman, ot, Boston College.

7 (244) Trenton Brown, ot, Florida.

7 (254) Rory Anderson, te, South Carolina.

The Seahawks should get credit for using their first pick to get tight end Jimmy Graham in a trade with the Saints. They entered the draft in need of offensive and defensive linemen and picked two offensive guards and three defensive linemen. They gambled on Clark, who was kicked off the team at Michigan after being arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

2 (63) Frank Clark, de, Michigan.

3 (69) Tyler Lockett, wr, Kansas State.

4 (130) Terry Poole, ot, San Diego State.

4 (134) Mark Glowinski, g, West Virginia.

5 (170) Tye Smith, db, Towson.

6 (209) Obum Gwacham, de, Oregon State.

6 (214) Kristjan Sokoli, dt, Buffalo.

7 (248) Ryan Murphy, DB, Oregon State.

AFC North

Ozzie Newsome always does a solid job, and it appears the Ravens got two walk-in starters. Perriman, the first receiver the Ravens have drafted since Mark Clayton in 2005, replaces Torrey Smith opposite 36-year-old Steve Smith. Williams, the top-rated tight end, fills a need because of the uncertainty with Dennis Pitta’s recurring hip injuries. But the Ravens didn’t get any younger at outside linebacker, and their need at cornerback wasn’t filled until the fourth round with a raw prospect.

1 (26) Breshad Perriman, wr, UCF.

2 (55) Maxx Williams, te, Minnesota.

3 (90) Carl Davis, dt, Iowa.

4 (122) Za’Darius Smith, lb, Kentucky.

4 (125) Javorius Allen, rb, Southern Cal.

4 (136) Tray Walker, db, Texas Southern.

5 (171) Nick Boyle, te, Delaware.

5 (176) Robert Myers, g, Tennessee State.

6 (204) Darren Waller, wr, Georgia Tech.

The Bengals drafted for the future in the first two rounds. Tackles Andrew Whitworth, Andre Smith and Eric Winston are in the final years of their contracts. But the Bengals failed to help a pass rush that had only 20 sacks last season until the fourth round.

1 (21) Cedric Ogbuehi, ot, Texas A&M.

2 (53) Jake Fisher, ot, Oregon.

3 (85) Tyler Kroft, te, Rutgers.

3 (99) Paul Dawson, lb, TCU.

4 (120) Josh Shaw, db, Southern Cal.

4 (135) Marcus Hardison, de, Arizona State.

5 (157) C.J. Uzomah, te, Auburn.

6 (197) Derron Smith, db, Fresno State.

7 (238) Mario Alford, wr, West Virginia.

The Browns are building up the middle, getting a nose tackle and a center/guard with their first two picks. Cleveland ranked last in run defense last season. Ekpre-Olomu, a first-round prospect before shredding his knee, could be the steal of the draft. With 12 picks, Cleveland got help, but waited a while to take a receiver and didn’t get a quarterback.

1 (12) Danny Shelton, nt, Washington.

1 (19) Cameron Erving, g, Florida State.

2 (51) Nate Orchard, lb, Utah.

3 (77) Duke Johnson, rb, Miami.

3 (96) Xavier Cooper, dt, Washington State.

4 (115) Ibraheim Campbell, db, Northwestern.

4 (123) Vince Mayle, wr, Washington State.

6 (189) Charles Gaines, db, Louisville.

6 (195) Malcolm Johnson, te, Mississippi State.

6 (198) Randall Telfer, te, Southern Cal.

7 (219) Hayes Pullard, lb, Southern Cal.

7 (241) Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, db, Oregon.

The Steelers had only 33 sacks last season, their fewest since 31 in 1989. It marked the third consecutive draft, they took a linebacker. Pittsburgh could have used a safety earlier than the seventh round with the retirement of Troy Polamalu, but it was not a good class of safeties.

1 (22) Bud Dupree, lb, Kentucky.

2 (56) Senquez Golson, db, Mississippi.

3 (87) Sammie Coates, wr, Auburn.

4 (121) Doran Grant, cb, Ohio State.

5 (160) Jesse James, te, Penn State.

6 (199) Leterrius Walton, dt, Central Michigan.

6 (212) Anthony Chickillo, de, Miami.

7 (239) Gerod Holliman, db, Louisville.

AFC South

The Texans still lack a franchise quarterback, but they got even better on defense. Four of their seven picks were on the defensive side, including Johnson. It marks the sixth time in seven years the Texans have used their first-round choice on a defender. Strong, projected as a first-rounder by some, presented good value.

1 (16) Kevin Johnson, db, Wake Forest.

2 (43) Benardrick McKinney, lb, Mississippi State.

3 (70) Jaelen Strong, wr, Arizona State.

5 (175) Keith Murphy, wr, Michigan State.

6 (211) Reshard Cliett, lb, South Florida.

6 (216) Christian Covington, dt, Rice.

7 (235) Kenny Hilliard, rb, LSU.

Yet another receiver? The Colts, who ranked third in total offense, might have to outscore everybody they play. Although they spent five of their final seven choices on defense, their defensive choices seem lacking of impact players. Safety and running back were glaring needs addressed too late.

1 (29) Phillip Dorsett, wr, Miami.

3 (65) D’Joun Smith, db, FAU.

3 (93) Henry Anderson, de, Stanford.

4 (109) Clayton Geathers, db, UCF.

5 (151) David Parry, dt, Stanford.

6 (205) Josh Robinson, rb, Mississippi State.

6 (207) Amarlo Herrera, lb, Georgia.

7 (255) Denzell Goode, ot, Mars Hill.

The Jaguars had not drafted a defensive end in the first round since 2008. Although they could have taken Leonard Williams or Amari Cooper, Fowler helps the most, according to GM Dave Caldwell. The 31st-ranked offense got help from Yeldon and four others, and DT Bennett offered great value in the sixth round.

1 (3) Dante Fowler Jr., lb, Florida.

2 (36) T.J. Yeldon, rb, Alabama.

3 (67) A.J. Cann, g, South Carolina.

4 (104) James Sample, db, Louisville.

5 (139) Rashad Greene, wr, Florida State.

6 (180) Michael Bennett, dt, Ohio State.

7 (220) Neal Sterling, wr, Monmouth (NJ).

7 (229) Ben Koyack, te, Notre Dame.

The Titans drafted nine players, including four of the top 100. But their draft will be judged on two players, Mariota and Green-Beckham. The Titans have searched for a franchise quarterback since trading Steve McNair in 2005. Vince Young and Jake Locker weren’t the answer. They hope Mariota is.

1 (2) Marcus Mariota, qb, Oregon.

2 (40) Dorial Green-Beckham, wr, Missouri.

3 (66) Jeremiah Poutasi, ot, Utah.

4 (100) Angelo Blackson, dt, Auburn.

4 (108) Jalston Fowler, rb, Alabama.

5 (138) David Cobb, rb, Minnesota.

6 (177) Deiontrez Mount, lb, Louisville.

6 (208) Andy Gallik, c, Boston College.

7 (245) Tre McBride, wr, William & Mary.

AFC West

If Ray hadn’t been cited for marijuana possession last week, the Broncos wouldn’t have had a chance to move up five spots to take him. Von Miller enters the option year of his rookie deal, and DeMarcus Ware turns 33 in July. Two of their next three picks were spent trying to shore up the offensive line, which lost Manny Ramirez in the trade for Ray.

1 (23) Shane Ray, de, Missouri.

2 (59) Ty Sambrailo, ot, Colorado State.

3 (92) Jeff Heuerman, te, Ohio State.

4 (133) Max Garcia, c, Florida.

5 (164) Lorenzo Doss, db, Tulane.

6 (203) Darius Kilgo, dt, Maryland.

7 (250) Trevor Siemian, qb, Northwestern.

7 (251) Taurean Nixon, db, Tulane.

7 (252) Josh Furman, db, Oklahoma State.

The Chiefs were comfortable in taking a chance on Peters, who might be the most talented corner in the draft. He fills an immediate need as does Morse, who will be a walk-in starter replacing center Rodney Hudson.

1 (18) Marcus Peters, db, Washington.

2 (49) Mitch Morse, ot, Missouri.

3 (76) Chris Conley, wr, Georgia.

3 (98) Steven Nelson, db, Oregon State.

4 (118) Ramik Wilson, lb, Georgia.

5 (172) D.J. Alexander, lb, Oregon State.

5 (173) James O’Shaughnessy, te, Illinois State.

6 (217) Rakeem Nunez-Roches, dt, Southern Miss.

7 (233) Da’Ron Brown, wr, Northern Illinois.

Cooper fits nicely with Michael Crabtree, giving Derek Carr weapons he didn’t have last year when they ranked 32nd in total offense. Edwards could help immediately if he is in shape at the right weight.

1 (4) Amari Cooper, wr, Alabama.

2 (35) Mario Edwards, de, Florida State.

3 (68) Clive Walford, te, Miami.

4 (128) Jon Feliciano, g, Miami.

5 (140) Ben Heeney, lb, Kansas.

5 (161) Neiron Bell, lb, Florida.

6 (179) Max Valles, lb, Virginia.

7 (218) Anthony Morris, ot, Tennessee State.

7 (221) Andre Debose, wr, Florida.

7 (242) Dexter McDonald, db, Kansas.

Gordon fits the Chargers perfectly and fills a huge need for a team that ranked 30th in rushing. But the trade up two spots, jumping the Texans, made no sense and was too costly. They drafted an OLB and a DT too late and missed out on an OL.

1 (15) Melvin Gordon, rb, Wisconsin.

2 (48) Denzel Perryman, lb, Miami.

3 (83) Craig Mager, db, Texas State.

5 (153) Kyle Emanuel, de, North Dakota State.

6 (192) Darius Philon, dt, Arkansas.

AFC East

The Bills made only six picks and had no first-rounder. They needed a quarterback and depth for the defensive line and didn’t get either. They did get an offensive lineman and a linebacker, both needs.

2 (50) Ronald Darby, db, Florida State.

3 (81) John Miller, g, Louisville.

5 (155) Karlos Williams, rb, Florida State.

6 (188) Tony Steward, lb, Clemson.

6 (194) Nick O’Leary, te, Florida State.

7 (234) Dezmin Lewis, wr, Central Arkansas.

The Dolphins, having lost WRs Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, addressed a need and added a playmaker in Parker. Phillips has first-round talent, and Ajayi could turn out to be a steal if the knee problems that caused him to drop aren’t serious. Douglas addresses their biggest need.

1 (14) DeVante Parker, wr, Louisville.

2 (52) Jordan Phillips, dt, Oklahoma.

4 (114) Jamil Douglas, ot, Arizona State.

5 (145) Bobby McCain, db, Memphis.

5 (149) Jay Ajayi, rb, Boise State.

5 (150) Cedric Thompson, db, Minnesota.

5 (156) Tony Lippett, wr, Michigan State.

The Patriots have their own way of doing things and don’t care about anybody else’s rankings. So don’t try telling them Richards was a reach in the second round. Everyone agrees, though, that New England, in need of a defensive tackle after losing Vince Wilfork, had Brown fall into its lap. With 11 picks, the Patriots will hit on a few.

1 (32) Malcom Brown, dt, Texas.

2 (64) Jordan Richards, db, Stanford.

3 (97) Geneo Grissom, de, Oklahoma.

4 (101) Trey Flowers, de, Arkansas.

4 (111) Tre’ Jackson, g, Florida State.

4 (131) Shaquille Mason, g, Georgia Tech.

5 (166) Joe Cardona, ls, Navy.

6 (178) Matthew Wells, lb, Mississippi State.

6 (202) AJ Derby, te, Arkansas.

7 (247) Darryl Roberts, db, Marshall.

7 (253) Xzavier Dickson, lb, Alabama.

The Jets got the player some had rated as the best prospect. It allows the Jets to seek trade offers from DE Muhammad Wilkerson, who is sitting out voluntary workouts. They got a quarterback to develop in Petty. Mike Sherman, a former NFL coach who recruited Harrison to A&M, gushes about Harrison’s potential as an NFL guard.

1 (6) Leonard Williams, de, Southern Cal.

2 (37) Devin Smith, wr, Ohio State.

3 (82) Lorenzo Mauldin, lb, Louisville.

4 (103) Bryce Petty, qb, Baylor.

5 (152) Jarvis Harrison, g, Texas A&M.

7 (223) Deon Simon, dt, Northwestern State.

This story was originally published May 2, 2015 at 9:53 PM with the headline "Grading the NFL Draft: How did the Cowboys do?."