Dallas Cowboys: Top 7 moves in the 2021 offseason

7. Drafting DL Chauncey Golston, Osa Odighizuwa (3rd round picks)

It’s tough to know what you can really expect of picks beyond the second round of the NFL Draft especially in their rookie seasons, but the Dallas Cowboys had such a dire need on the defensive front that it would be shocking if third-round picks Chauncey Golston (Iowa) and Osa Odighizuwa (UCLA) did not have substantial impacts early on.

Golston was somewhat of a surprise selection in round three and as the highest-drafted Iowa Hawkeyes player in this class.

Golston was a consistent performer for Kirk Ferentz at Iowa playing off the edge, kicking inside and rushing the passer, and just generally doing his job really well.

The Cowboys probably coveted that consistency despite Golston’s lack of outstanding play speed. He has a great frame for the defensive end position and with his combination of length and strength, he should be a factor early.

Odighizuwa is shorter and stouter than Golston, and will play more of an inside-out role on the defensive line compared to Golston playing outside-in. The Dallas Cowboys need interior pass rushers and Odighizuwa can give them that.

In terms of size and athletic profile, Odighizuwa compares somewhat favorably to former Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett.

He could get a shot with his length to perhaps play a base defensive end role or maybe play end on passing downs. Either way, both of these guys will be in the fray early on.