Cowboys 2016 Draft Analysis:
Myles Jack | UCLA Bruins | 6'1" 245 lbs
One of the most versatile players in college football the past three seasons, Jack earned a reputation as a dynamic defender and a contributor on offense. In fact, he earned both the Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2013, as well as being named finalist for Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player. A second-team All-Pac 12 defender as a freshman (75 tackles, two interception, 11 passes defended), he had seven rushing touchdowns on the year as well. Pac-12 coaches voted him second team all-conference again in 2014, as he made 88 tackles, eight for loss, intercepted one pass and broke up seven others. He also contributed as a runner, as well, carrying the rock 28 times for 113 yards and three scores. (Via NFL)
The Cowboys plan to use Myles Jack wherever they can, the UCLA linebacker showed excellent cover skills in college as well as a nose for the ball. They will play him in a SS/LB "STAR" role similar to Deone Buchanon and Tyrann Matheiu even though they have a different range of skill sets.
Kevin Dodd | DL Clemson | 6'5" 277 lbs
The Cowboys picked up DE Kevin Dodd in the beginning of round 2.
The 6-foot-5, 280-pound fourth-year junior got his first chance to start this season with the Clemson Tigers. Dodd made the most of it, finishing with 23.5 tackles for loss this season to rank second in the FBS behind Lawson. Dodd had 12 sacks this year, also second on team to fellow Clemson lineman Shaq Lawson, who is also entering the draft. He had a dominant National Championship game against Alabama, registering 5 tackles for a loss as well as two sacks.
The Cowboys just drafted Randy Gregory last year in the third round, but with his suspension over the first 4 games they're going to need him to contribute right out of the gate. DL coach Rod Marinelli has always said you can't have enough rushmen, and when Gregory comes back the pass rotation will be fresh and dangerous.
Kendall Fuller | CB Virginia Tech |5'11" 187 lbs
Fuller was the fourth Fuller brother to suit up for Virginia Tech, and will be the fourth to play in the NFL, and may be the most talented of them all. Kendall, a high school All-American, simply came into Virginia Techs' defense as a true freshman, starting 12 games, intercepting six passes, and garnering Freshman All-American, second-team All-ACC and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Fuller continued to impress in his sophomore year, earning second team All-American notice from multiple outlets and first team all-conference nods from coaches and media alike (4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 15 pass breakups) -- all while playing with a fractured wrist on which he had surgery after the season. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit Fuller again before the 2015 season, as he tore the meniscus in his right knee during preseason camp. He attempted to play through the injury, but decided to hang it up after three games (seven tackles, sack) to have it repaired.
The Cowboys took a gamble in the third round on this talented but injury prone player, and they're hoping it pays off. Kendall could develop into a key contributor on the outside cornerback position, allowing Orlando Scandrick to move back into the slot. With a Brandon Carr cut in the possible future, the Cowboys need to be prepared.