2022 NFL Draft: Grading Every Team’s 2022 NFL Draft Haul
By Hunter Haas
Cowboys (9 picks):
1:24 – Tyler Smith, OL, Tulsa
2:24 – Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
3:24 – Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
4:24 – Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin
5:12 – Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota
5:24 – DaRon Bland, CB, Fresno State
5:33 – Damone Clark, LB, LSU
5:35 – John Ridgeway, DL, Arkansas
6:14 – Devin Harper, LB, Oklahoma State
The Cowboys traded away Amari Cooper at the beginning of the offseason, committing to CeeDee Lamb as the WR1 going forward. Furthermore, the franchise extended Michael Gallup, solidifying the top two spots on the depth chart there. After agreeing to a deal with Randy Gregory, he decided to renege his commitment, instead signing with the Denver Broncos and leaving a void for the team to fill alongside Demarcus Lawrence.
Having Micah Parsons alleviates much of the worry when it comes to the pass rushing department, but he cannot do it all. Sam Williams, the Cowboys second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is purely a speed rusher at this point. He has to improve considerably in terms of technique, but the athletic profile he has is tantalizing.
The Tyler Smith pick might have been a bit rich, but I love his potential as a starting offensive tackle. Jalen Tolbert and Jake Ferguson were steals and add even more weapons to the arsenal. Damone Clark is the guy that can turn this from a good haul, into a great haul. The former LSU Tiger is a Top-50 talent, but that all hinges on his recovery from a spinal surgery. They could go up a full letter grade if he returns to 100%.
Grade: C+