IRVING, Texas --First off, I agree with Nick that immediate draft grades are mostly an exercise in futility, to quote Bill Parcells. Give it at least a season to see how these players fit with the Cowboys -- especially since most of them are hardly household names.
But, it's at least worth noting what the rest of the NFC East did last weekend. The Cowboys and Redskins each earned Bs from NFL.com; the Eagles fared slightly better with a B ; and the world champion Giants topped everyone (again) with an A.
New York got credit for replacing RB Brandon Jacobs with first-rounder David Wilson, whose versatility compares to LeSean McCoy. Philly stocked up on defense with Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks, Vinny Curry and Brandon Boykin. Washington, of course, got more dynamic on offense with RG3.
Here is the Cowboys' summary:
*The Cowboys came into the draft needing to infuse their defense with talent, and they accomplished that goal. Trading up in the first round to select the top-rated cornerback (Morris Claiborne) and taking a chance on FCS stud safety Matt Johnson greatly helped the secondary. Also, linebacker Kyle Wilber has potential as a pass rusher. The offense wasn't ignored, either, with quarterback Tony Romo getting a new receiver (Virginia Tech's Danny Coale) and tight end (Oklahoma's James Hanna) to help exploit the middle of the defense. It was an all-around solid weekend for the Cowboys.
Best pick: Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State (Round 3, 81st overall pick).**He played on the strong side in Boise's 4-3 scheme, but adding just a bit more weight to his 6-foot-4, 275-pound frame will make his initial punch on the tackle at the five-technique even more potent.
Questionable pick: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU (Round 1, 6).**This isn't about Claiborne as a player -- his ball skills are the best in the class. Giving up a potential starter at No. 45 (they picked LB Sean Lee at No. 55 in 2010) to trade up to get Claiborne, though, might prove to be an imprudent move. They could've held tight, kept that valuable second-round pick and taken CB Dre Kirkpatrick.
Sleeper pick: James Hanna, TE, Oklahoma (Round 6, 186).*Could play an Aaron Hernandez-type role in Dallas' offense with his athleticism -- IF he polishes up his routes and hands.
