The Dallas Cowboys have a good track record in the NFL Draft, especially in comparison to some other teams. That doesn’t mean they are without mistakes, however, and one Cowboys draft trend in particular is a sore spot for fans.
Three of the last four Michigan Wolverines to come to Dallas have become some of the most unpopular picks in recent Cowboys history. Taco Charlton, Mazi Smith, and Luke Schoonmaker are all, at least for now, considered busts by the Dallas faithful.
The latter two still have time to turn things around and have shown promise at times.
Regardless of that, many in the fanbase have openly pushed against the prospect of more Wolverines coming in, especially on the defensive line.
Unfortunately for those fans, they may not get their wish.
Defensive tackle remains a weak spot on the Dallas roster, and Michigan’s roster could solve that problem.
Mason Graham: The Elite Prospect
If you haven’t heard the name Mason Graham yet, you will have by the end of this NFL Draft cycle.
An All-American in 2024, Graham is consistently ranked as the top defensive lineman, and as one of the top five players in the entire draft class. He is a genuine force on the inside of the line.
At 6’3″, 320 lbs, this kid projects as an elite run defender, which is proven by his 18 tackles for loss in 39 career games at Michigan.
If you’ve watched Cowboys football in the last 10 years, you know they need that kind of guy.
He also offers significant value as a pass rusher, despite his position. Graham’s season sack total went up every year of his college career, finishing with nine in total. In short, he would be a godsend to a Dallas interior defensive line desperate for elite talent.
The only problem is, he is pretty unlikely to be there with the 12th pick.
It would be more shocking if he slipped to Dallas than if he went inside the top five at this point.
Kenneth Grant: The Realistic Option
If you told me the Cowboys draft class included a Michigan defensive tackle, my money is on Kenneth Grant over Mason Graham.
Mainly, this is due to Graham’s current draft stock eclipsing the Cowboys pick, but Grant’s fit in the Dallas defense cannot be underscored.
Grant is full of potential; I’m talking top five defensive player in this class if he were to reach his ceiling. His size, at 6’3″ 340 lbs, athleticism, and flashes on film all point to an All-Pro nose tackle if he progresses.
What makes him slip in the draft is that he isn’t there yet, and there are valid concerns about his pad level at the point of attack. When he’s tired, he can become an easy opponent for the offensive line as he loses his technique and explosion.
Some mock drafts show him in Dallas’ range and them taking advantage of that, while others project him later, which could benefit the Cowboys in a trade back scenario.
Either way, this is a premier name to keep your eye on as Dallas continues to struggle to find an elite nose tackle.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Count Michigan Out
We’re still far away from April, and free agency will help us hone down what Dallas needs, but right now, these two Michigan Wolverines are clear options for the Cowboys draft class.
Between filling a need, being elite value in Graham’s case, and coming from a place that Jerry Jones has liked drafting from, it’s hard to ignore either one at this point.
Fans may hate the idea of a third Michigan defensive lineman in the last 8 years, but those trends don’t scare me.
You draft the best player for your team, period.