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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 /
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Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with safety Jeremy Clark (34) after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with safety Jeremy Clark (34) after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3: Jourdan Lewis, CB — Michigan (92)

Jourdan Lewis is another cornerback selection that has athleticism, but with that, he’s also bringing some off-the-field issues that could become a distraction, though Lewis is on record proclaiming his innocence. As a football decision, it is easy to see why the Cowboys made this pick, but they also selected a player that could bring headaches this offseason, and is that something this franchise really needs?

As for football abilities, Lewis ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and he has been compared to former Cowboys cornerback “Pacman” Adam Jones in his style of play. One part of Lewis’ past that I like is the fact his collegiate coach Jim Harbaugh not only played at a high level in the NFL, but he coached at a higher level in the NFL, taking the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl, so Lewis should have an understanding of the NFL game.

Related Story: 2017 NFL Draft Grades: Cowboys Day 2 picks

In each of his past three seasons at Michigan, Lewis had two interceptions, totaling six for the career. Lewis had his best season as a junior where he defensed 23 passes, had the aforementioned two interceptions and collected 52 total tackles.

• What I Like: Like his cornerback counterpart from Colorado, the Cowboys have in Lewis a player who is a great athlete. He is an athlete who will contribute early on defense, again, filling a need of a player who would been a first-or second-round selection if not for his off-the-field issues.

• What I Dislike: The least likable part about this selection is the off-the-field issues and the potential distraction it can become depending on the outcome of the jury trial.

• Final Thoughts: Unlike past players drafted within the first three rounds by the Cowboys with off-the-field issues, maybe Lewis is a player who breaks that streak. Hopefully those issues aren’t a distraction and Lewis makes his chance with the Cowboys mean something, unlike a couple players on defense who have most likely played their final snaps with the franchise.

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