It’s safe to say he Dallas Cowboys are more than excited about their selections from the 2016 NFL Draft.
Below is a wrap up of the picks with information to get you better acquainted with the newest members of America’s Team before Dallas hits the field in July for training camp:
Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys took Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Elliott, one of the all-time best backs in Ohio State history, recorded the second-most rushing yards in school history with 3,961. Elliott’s 6.7 yards per carry is best among the Buckeyes with his five 200-yard games and 22 100-yard games ranking in a tie for first and second, respectively. This is the first time in eight years Dallas has picked up a running back in the first round of the draft.
His 44 touchdowns rank fourth, behind Pete Johnson (58), Keith Byars (50) and Eddie George (45). The Big Ten’s offensive player of the year and its running back of the year in 2015, Elliott also was the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award winner and a second-team All-American. He had 12 career rushes over 50 yards and he is the only Ohio State player with three rushes of at least 80 yards.
Jaylon Smith
Jaylon Smith
The Dallas Cowboys took a gamble in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, but it could be one that pays off big for “America’s Team.”
The ‘Boys picked up Notre Dame outside linebacker, Jaylon Smith. Smith will go from wearing one of college football’s most iconic helmets to the NFL’s most recognizable headgear.
Smith, who was considered one of the best defensive players in the nation, suffered a torn MCL and ACL in his left knee during the Fighting Irish’s loss to Ohio State. Following the injury, Smith’s draft stock fell and most analysts projected him to be a fourth or fifth round pick.
However, the Cowboys saw something in the Butkus Award winner other organizations didn’t and it could end up paying off for Dallas when he gets healthy making him, potentially, one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Maliek Collins
Maliek Collins
With the 67th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys picked up a Big Ten defensive tackle.
Dallas selected Nebraska’s two-time second-team All-Big Ten DT, Maliek Collins. Collins, a junior, chose to bypass his senior season and declare for the draft.
In high school, not only was Collins an opposing offense’s nightmare, but also a state champion wrestler. NFL scouts were impressed by Collins being able to transition his grapple from wrestling to the gridiron.
Collins started 12 of 13 games for the Huskers in 2015. He recorded 29 tackles with seven for a loss.
He earned a spot on the 2015 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team, was elected as a team captain and helped the Huskers rank ninth nationally in rushing defense, allowing less than 110 yards per game.
Charles Tapper
Training camp for the Cowboys starts July 30 in Oxnard, California. They will open up preseason on August 13, in Los Angeles against the Rams. For their complete schedule, click here. Charles Tapper
With the 101st overall pick, the Dallas Cowboys picked up an Oklahoma defensive end in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Charles Tapper recorded 45 tackles and seven sacks for the Sooners last season.
Tapper earned All-American honorable mention honors from Sports Illustrated and was named to the All-Big 12 First Team by the league’s coaches.
Tapper started all 13 games for Oklahoma. In OU’s Orange Bowl loss to Clemson, Tapper had five tackles and a pass breakup.
While he does have some flaws, Tapper has good size and build with the ability to battle for his area. Many NFL analysts compare his style of play to that of another Dallas DE, Jack Crawford.
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott
After seven years, the Dallas Cowboys have finally used a draft pick on a quarterback to add to their roster.
With the 135th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected Mississippi State star play-caller Dak Prescott.
Prescott, the most decorated player in MSU history, is a two-time All-American and two-time All-SEC quarterback. He was just the second quarterback in MSU’s history to earn consecutive All-SEC first-team honors.
He owns 38 school records; 15 career, 15 single-season and eight single-game.
At 6’2″, 226 pounds, Prescott’s thick, muscular frame has proven it can withstand the grind of the gridiron, something the Cowboys need in a QB. Although he was beat up due to a poor offensive line last season, getting behind experienced offensive lineman combined with his natural arm strength is something Dallas will be able to fall back on if Tony Romo goes down again.
Prescott will need to work on his quickness and polish up his mechanics to become a full-time starter in the NFL.
Anthony Brown
The Dallas Cowboys picked up a cornerback they’re hoping can elevate their pass defense to another level.
With the 189th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cowboys plucked Purdue’s Anthony Brown.
Although the Boilmakers had one of the worst pass defenses in college football last season, Brown was the high point for them. He recorded four interceptions and six pass breakups.
Brown is a durable CB and strong tackler, as well. During the 2014-2015 season, Brown racked up 110 tackles by throwing his body into plays.
When you combine Brown’s physicality and athleticism, he has the potential to be a competitive reserve corner in the NFL.
To be successful in the pros, Brown will need to use his 5’11 frame to his advantage and work on his aggressiveness.
Kavon Frazier
With the 212th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Kavon Frazier from Central Michigan University.
Frazier started all 13 games last season for the Chippewas. He earned second team All-MAC honors and ranked ninth in the MAC with 108 tackles. He ranked 10th in the league in tackles per game with 8.3. He recorded a team-high 74 solo tackles and ranked second nationally in solo tackles per game with 5.7.
Frazier is a man’s man. He stands 6’0″ and weighs in at just under 220 pounds. His broad shoulders and muscular build combined with his explosiveness and quickness for a strong safety makes him a nightmare for the opposing team’s tight end.
If Frazier can learn not to react to head fakes and stay out of traffic, he has a shot at being a solid backup for the Cowboys and, eventually, compete his way into a starting role.
Darius Jackson
Darius Jackson
The Dallas Cowboys scooped up Darius Jackson with the 216th pick in the sixth round of the draft.
As a running back for Eastern Michigan, Jackson had a breakout senior season racking up 1,078 yards on 208 carries and scored 14 touchdowns.
On the receiving end of the ball, Jackson caught 21 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. His 16 total touchdowns set EMU’s single-season record.
Jackson is the first EMU player to be selected in the NFL Draft since T.J. Lang in 2009. Being picked up by the Cowboys makes him the 27th EMU player to be selected in the draft all-time.
During the combine, Jackson caught the attention of NFL scouts with a 4.35 40 yard-dash, 41-inch vertical and 133-inch broad jump
Jackson was named to the MAC All-Conference third team and participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
Rico Gathers
Rico Gathers
From the hardwood to the gridiron, the Dallas Cowboys used their 217th pick on former Baylor basketball star, Rico Gathers.
Analysts believe Gathers, who stands 6’8″ and weighs 275 pounds, will be groomed to one day take the place of standout tight end Jason Witten.
Gathers, an All-American power forward for the Bears, played in 109 games with 37 starts during his three seasons in Waco.
During the 2014-2015 season, he ranked third nationally with 394 rebounds and ranks fourth in Baylor history with 847 career boards. He recorded 24 career double-doubles with the Bears.
What’s surprising about Gathers is, he hasn’t played football since he was 13. However, during Baylor’s Pro Day, he ran a 4.75 40-yard dash, a top 10 time for tight ends in the draft.
If the Cowboys can mold Gathers, who is already a stud athlete, into a football player, they should have no problem replacing Witten when the time comes.