NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Dallas Cowboys: 2017 NFL Draft pick-by-pick analysis

By Stephen Forsha

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 10
Next
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Richard Lagow (21) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Richard Lagow (21) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1: Taco Charlton, DE — Michigan (28)

At the 28th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys picked the right player as Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton is a good solid draft pick. He fills a need much coveted by the Cowboys but also still has the potential to become a very productive player in the NFL.

Charlton is a “safe” choice for the Cowboys. They didn’t overdraft for Charlton, and with the suspension of former second-round draft pick in defensive end Randy Gregory for the upcoming season, the Cowboys drafted a player they believe is dependable and hopefully can fill that role.

Mike Mayock of NFL.com said of Charlton:

"“This kid has length, power and athletic ability. Reminds me physically of Carlos Dunlap. One-year starter, which makes me question where he was before that.”"

Though he was just a one-year starter at Michigan, Charlton was one of, if not the best prospect from the Wolverines. Again, he’ll provide the Cowboys with a much-needed rush from the edge they lacked last season.

• What I Like: The athleticism Charlton brings to the Cowboys defense, and at 6-6, 277 pounds, he’ll become a valuable member of the Cowboys defense. He might not become a J.J. Watt type of superstar for the Cowboys, but Charlton has the skill and athleticism to become a consistent difference maker on a weekly basis.

• What I Dislike: It might not make much difference, but there is still the fact he only had one year of starting experience with the Wolverines. Though it shouldn’t be that big of a deal for the Cowboys, the extra progression of his game will have to come in a season where the Cowboys are expected to make another run at the playoffs.

• Final Thoughts: Again, this was overall an excellent choice made by the Cowboys. They drafted by need, and some may not believe he was the best available edge rusher available at the time. Charlton was a player they know is dependable and will fit within the scheme of Rod Marinelli. Learning from Marinelli in this rookie season makes the pick of Charlton an exciting choice for sure.

Home/Dallas Cowboys