Cowboys 2021 NFL Draft grades: Dallas missed the mark too often

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CORVALLIS, OREGON – NOVEMBER 27: Defensive back Nahshon Wright #2 of the Oregon State Beavers intercepts a pass second half of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Reser Stadium on November 27, 2020 in Corvallis, Oregon. Oregon State won 41-38. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick 99: Nahshon Wright, CB, Oregon State

There’s a bit of good news/bad news with the Dallas Cowboys final pick in Round 3. The good news is, Nahshon Wright is arguably the most intriguing prospect they have. He’s 6-foot-4 and 183-pounds which is something that can’t be taught.

He’s also an athletic freak and has a nose for the ball — five picks in two seasons. There’s a chance he could be a steal for them if he hits his ceiling.

The bad news is, nearly no one had him going before Round 5 or 6. He’s a couple of years from being a starter and there’s no guarantee he will ever live up to where they took him,

Grade: B-

Round 4, Pick 115: Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

This one was hit with mixed reactions. Many were annoyed that Dallas took yet another linebacker but there’s some positivity to take from this pick. One — Jabril Cox is the first player since Micah Parsons that the Cowboys didn’t reach for. Instead, they ended a slide as many had Cox landing with a team in Round 3.

The second positive thing to take away is that the front office apparently isn’t as sold on Jalyon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch as they wanted us to believe. There’s a real chance they could move on from both following the 2021 season.

Grade: B-

Round 4, Pick 138: Josh Ball, OT, Marshall

With their final pick in Round 4, Dallas took Marshall offensive tackle Josh Ball. He fills a major need as their O-line was beat up in 2020 and if he gets better with his technique, he could be the eventual replacement for Tyron Smith.

Grade: B-

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