Back in April, the Dallas Cowboys used their 28th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to select former Michigan Wolverine defensive end Taco Charlton. It wasn't a surprise they drafted a defensive end in the first round, but it was shocking to some who they decided to go with. The bashing of Charlton has been relentless ever since, especially since he has failed to register a single quarterback sack this season.
The only time Taco Charlton's name comes up in a conversation is when someone says the Dallas Cowboys would've been a better off drafting T.J. Watt or anyone else for that matter. Watt is the name that comes up the most, especially since he has already registered four sacks this season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It just seems like nearly all of Cowboys Nation is ready to write off Taco Charlton, even though he's only played six total games in the NFL. Yes, we would all like to see him make an immediate impact, but that is extremely rare for rookie pass rushers. I would say to remain patient, but unfortunately we live in a society that wants to be instantly gratified.
The Dallas Cowboys coaching staff haven't really done the young pass rusher any favors either. The entire Cowboys organization knew Taco was a work in progress when they drafted him and that it would take time for him to develop. But, we all know the best way to do that is to get him on the field to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and build his confidence.
Well, with both Benson Mayowa and Damontre Moore inactive against the San Francisco 49ers, Taco Charlton played the most snaps of his entire NFL career to date. Whether it was by design or not, Charlton played 37 snaps against the 49ers and had arguably the best game of his professional career so far.
Now, Charlton unfortunately is still looking for his first career QB sack in the NFL, but according to the coaches' breakdown, he did register two quarterback pressures and a pass breakup. It may seem like a small thing, but it would indicate he's taking a step in the right direction. More playing time might just be the key to tapping into his potential.
“He needs to play more,” coach Jason Garrett said. “But he fought well, he competed well, he was around the ball. Made his presence known a little bit at the line of scrimmage knocking the ball down. So he's getting there. He's going about it the right way in practice. It's a good opportunity for him to play a lot of snaps in that game. He'll grow from that experience.”
We are definitely hoping Charlton grows from the experience and continues to progress. Unfortunately, it's never going to be fast enough for most Cowboys fans. I however believe in remaining patient and would suggest everyone else do so as well.
Taco Charlton is fully aware of what's being said about him and the perception that the Dallas Cowboys made a mistake drafting him with the 28th overall pick. The only thing he can do is continue to keep his head down and do what's asked of him.
Personally, I think Taco Charlton is going to be just fine in time. He seems to be getting better and was just a step away from earning his first QB sack in the NFL against the 49ers. Once he learns how to finish, I think the sacks will start piling up.
