The NFL Draft is one of the most critical times for teams to build their rosters and secure talent that can contribute to immediate success and future development.
For the Dallas Cowboys, however, the second round of the draft has been an area of particular frustration over the past decade.
Despite boasting a solid front office and a respected Vice President of Player Personnel in Will McClay, the Cowboys have struggled to hit on second-round picks consistently since his draft duties were expanded in 2014.
This issue has contributed to the team’s inability to make the most of their draft resources, hindering their quest for an elusive sixth Lombardi Trophy.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about McClay’s successes and nearly immaculate track record picking players in the first round of the draft.
However, we need to judge his misses with the same energy as we celebrate his wins, and be as loud with our criticism of his second-round choices as we are with our praise of his first-round selections.
An Unenviable Role
Will McClay has been one of the key figures in the Cowboys’ personnel decisions since 2014, and his influence on the draft in the same span is significant.
Known for his sharp scouting eye and player evaluation skills, McClay and his team are tasked with identifying talent that can make an immediate impact on the field.
Under his leadership, the Cowboys have had some success in the draft, most notably in the first round, but also in the later rounds and undrafted players. Gems like CB DaRon Bland and QB Dak Prescott come to mind.
However, the second round, which is typically reserved for players with high upside and immediate starter potential, has been a stumbling block for McClay and the Cowboys.
Missed Opportunities
Let’s take a closer look at the second-round selections the Cowboys have made under McClay’s leadership.
While some picks have turned out to be stars (DE DeMarcus Lawrence and CB Trevon Diggs), others have not reached the level of stardom that the franchise hoped for when selecting them in the second round.
DE Randy Gregory
Drafted: 2015, 60th overall
The Cowboys’ decision to draft Randy Gregory came with considerable risk, and it was a turbulent ride.
Gregory had a high ceiling, projected as a top-10 pick in some draft analysts’ eyes, but was also known for off-the-field issues and a history of suspensions related to substance abuse.
While he flashed immense potential as a pass rusher, he ultimately could not focus on football enough to develop into a consistent presence on the defensive line.
LB Jaylon Smith
Drafted: 2016, 34th overall
Smith’s selection was one of the most controversial and tragic stories in recent Cowboys history.
After suffering a devastating knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl, the Cowboys took a chance on Smith with the 34th overall pick. Early reports suggested that Smith would never return to form, but he managed to play and eventually become a starting linebacker.
However, he never fully regained the elite level of play that was expected from him before his injury, proving that the investment was not a wise one.
CB Chidobe Awuzie
Drafted: 2017, 60th overall
Awuzie was considered a well-rounded cornerback coming out of college, with solid potential to be a starter.
However, during his time with the Cowboys, Awuzie never quite rose to the level of a lockdown cornerback in the secondary.
While he had some moments of solid play, he was often inconsistent and eventually moved on from the team after his rookie contract expired.
OL Connor Williams
Drafted: 2018, 50th overall
Williams, a promising young offensive guard, was a polarizing figure in Dallas.
While he started most of his rookie season, his play was often criticized, especially as the Cowboys’ offensive line showed signs of decline.
Williams never fully lived up to expectations, though he continued to hae a long career in the league after leaving Dallas.
Still, the second-round selection didn’t provide the immediate, elite-level impact the team expected when they drafted him from the University of Texas.
DT Trysten Hill
Drafted: 2019, 58th overall
Hill was probably the most underwhelming pick of the McClay era in Dallas.
His on-field production failed to meet expectations, and off-the-field issues compounded the frustration of his time with the team.
Hill’s inability to develop into a key defensive contributor further underscored the challenges Dallas has faced in the second round.
CB Kelvin Joseph
Drafted: 2021, 44th overall
Joseph’s selection was largely disappointing.
Drafted for his athleticism and potential, Joseph struggled to earn significant playing time and faced off-the-field issues as rapper Bossman Fat.
Given the Cowboys’ need for stability and depth in the secondary at the time, the pick took on an even bigger level of disappointment.
Joseph was eventually traded for CB Andrew Booth, another story of untapped potential.
To Be Determined
I find it unfair to pass final judgment on McClay’s last three second-round picks because they still need time to show us what they can do.
DE Sam Williams, DT Mazi Smith, and TE Luke Schoonmaker have all dealt with various injuries that have stunted their development, and both they and McClay deserve the chance to show the value of their selections.
At the end of the day, we can praise Will McClay to the ends of the earth, but we need to recognize his struggles making valuable player selections in the second round.