Dallas Cowboys 2014 NFL Draft Grades with Video

The Dallas Cowboys finished last season at 8-8 missing the playoffs by one game. Their defense was ravaged by injuries and ranked near the bottom of every statistical category there is. They also had to say goodbye to two of their best players defensively this offseason in DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher. Clearly, the Cowboys had to upgrade their defense in this year's draft. Offensively, they also had needs in the offensive line and at receiver.

To see my full list of their team needs before the draft check out my article, 2014 Team Needs: Dallas Cowboys.

Round 1 Pick 16:

Zack Martin, OT/OG, 6-4, 308, 5.22 Notre Dame

Most of his career at Notre Dame has been at tackle
Dallas will probably move him to guard
He has no experience playing guard
Prototype size and speed for an NFL guard
My top ranked guard in the draft
Started in all 52 games he played in at Notre Dame, the most in school history
Two time captain
Athletic enough to pull and trap
Highly respected
Hard working team leader
Pick Grade: A

Round 2 Pick 34:

DeMarcus Lawrence, OLB/DE, 6-3, 251, 4.8, Boise State

Undersized for a 4-3 Defensive End
I had him ranked as the 13th best DE/OLB
There were 8 players available that I had ranked higher than him
One of the best pass rushers in this year's draft class
He is highly athletic
Quick, coordinated big hands
Has natural pass rush ability
20 sacks in two years at Boise State
Carries swagger, plays with an attitude
Lacks size to be a 4-3 DE, he must get bigger
Has pass rushing ability, but must get better versus the run
Will have to play the right side DE spot
Pick Grade: B-

Round 4 Pick 119

Anthony Hitchens, LB, 6-0, 240, 4.74, Iowa

I have him ranked as the 31st best inside linebacker
Good size and speed ratio, I wish he was faster though
Leading tackler and Defensive MVP last year at Iowa
Played weak side linebacker at Iowa
Aggressive tackler
Flows fast to the ball
Plays with a chip on his shoulder
Highly respected for his work ethic
Mentally and physically tough
Very durable, only missed one game in his career
Better versus run game
Pick Grade: C-

Round 5 Pick 146

Devin Street, WR, 6-3, 198, 4.55, Pittsburgh

I have him rated as the 17th best WR
Very good size and speed ratio
Team Captain
Big target with soft hands
Can play outside and inside
Solid personal and football character
Owns school record for career receptions
Needs to get stronger and become a better blocker
Pick Grade: A

Round 7 Pick 231

Ben Gardner, DE, 6-4, 262, 4.83, Stanford

I have him ranked as the fourth best 4-3 Defensive End
Good size and speed ratio. Could gain some weight if he can keep his speed.
Plays hard, runs to the ball and competes hard
Tough and durable
Respected team leader and tone setter
Left defensive end that plays better versus the run
Pick Grade: C-

Round 7 Pick 238

Will Smith, LB, 6-2, 231, 4.59, Texas Tech

Good size and speed, I would like to see him weigh closer to 240
Covers the pass well
Goes sideline to sideline
Very productive tackler
Be a special teams contributor
Pick Grade: B

Round 7 Pick 248

Ahmad Dixon, SS, 6-0, 212, 4.64, Oregon

Good size, but on the slow side at combine
Ran a 4.51 at his pro day, which is GREAT!!
Closes on ball quickly
Aggressive, secure tackler
Be a special teams contributor
Not much of a cover safety
Is a box safety
Pick Grade: A

Round 7 Pick 251

Ken Bishop, DT, 6-0, 301, 5.21, Northern Illinois

A little short and too slow
Good anchor versus the run, not a pass rusher
Strong upper body, gets rid of blockers
Active player
Pick Grade: D

Round 7 Pick 254

Terrance Mitchell, CB, 5-11, 192, 4.63, Oregon

Prototype size, but very slow at combine.
Ran 4.43 at his pro day, which is GREAT
Has a gambler's mentality
Aggressive and competitive
Not much bump and run ability, more of an off man or zone coverage player
5 interceptions last season
3 year starter
Recorded best 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle of the cornerbacks at the combine
Pick Grade: A-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8uYES3Y1vg&list=PLFEGp6TnxgsOUuR4EQa6bd8yro2tTTTh5

Overall Draft Grade: B

It is my opinion that the Dallas Cowboys had a very good 2014 NFL Draft. I really liked their first selection of Zack Martin. Martin gives them a lot of flexibility in the offensive line. They can put Martin at guard, or they could put him at right tackle and move Doug Free in at guard. I would start with Martin at guard myself and hope he does well. Martin will fight for a starting job at either guard spot.

I feel they did reach a little far with DeMarcus Lawrence, but he was one of only a very few players that could put pressure on the quarterback. Hopefully he can add some weight and help in the run game as well.

I also really liked the selection of Devin Street as well, the wide receiver from Pittsburgh. He will fit in very well with Dez Bryant and Terrence Williams.

The Dallas Cowboys definitely made their team better with the 2014 NFL Draft!