It's not an easy job to describe how the 2019 NFL Draft went for the Dallas Cowboys. Without a first round pick, we knew we were in for an interesting year and that the Cowboys' selections could go many different ways. But even still, the front office managed to surprise us throughout the process. If I had to describe how the Draft went for the Cowboys with one word, I know which one I'd use. Odd.
Some of the selections the team made led to fans and analysts raise an eyebrow. But that doesn't mean the Draft went wrong or that the picks were bad. Like almost every year, many in Cowboys Nation were upset that their team didn't address the positions they wanted to or the players they mocked to them the days prior to the Draft.
Personally, I expected a safety in the second round. When the Cowboys were finally on the clock with the 58th pick, I was excited to see some of my favorite safety prospects still on the board. Taylor Rapp, Juan Thornhill and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson were still on the board.
Instead they took DT Trysten Hill, from UCF.
Odd? Maybe a little, but that was a great value pick and the Cowboys felt lucky to see him at that point of the Draft. The team found its three-technique and added a talented guy with considerable upside to their already solid defensive line. Dallas seems ready on the edges, and the interior will look a lot better with Hill on the rotation. Hill is a pass rusher who will have an instant impact on the Cowboys' defense.
In the third round, I was shocked when the Cowboys drafted Penn State's OG Connor McGovern. Although I expected an offensive lineman at some point in the Draft, I didn't anticipate them taking one on Day 2. Not only that, but I was surprised the pick was for an interior offensive lineman. Although I'm not a fan of this selection, I don't doubt it will serve the Cowboys' plans at some point that we haven't realized yet.
First of all, McGovern represents insurance for both Connor Williams and Travis Frederick in the interior. Also worth noting, they could be planning on eventually sliding Connor Williams to RT and plugging in McGovern at guard.
One of the key picks in this Draft came at running back, when the team picked Memphis RB Tony Pollard. This was the first of two running backs selected by the Cowboys (Mike Weber was picked in the seventh round). This was a Kellen Moore pick, and with him taking over the offense in 2019, Pollard might be his guy to implement a lot of new stuff to his offense. Pollard is web-back the Cowboys can use in many ways both in the passing game and the running game. Not to mention, he's a special team player that could bring a much-needed spark to Dallas.
As for the other picks, they were decent trait selections that could result in a few interesting players making the roster. In CB Michael Jackson, they found a developmental cornerback. S Donovan Wilson could earn a spot as a special-teamer and with Kavon Frazier's contract expiring after 2019, the pick makes sense. DE Joe Jackson and Jalen Jelks could also earn a spot on the roster and provide depth at DE.
The Dallas Cowboys have done a great job in the Draft in recent years. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. They've managed to build a very solid and young roster through this process and they've earned our trust. It was an odd Draft, and one I have many questions about, but I'm excited about it nevertheless.
