Back to the Dallas Cowboys Newsfeed

How Cowboys experts graded the Leighton Vander Esch pick

With the Dallas Cowboys' first NFL draft pick in, it's time analyze how smart the selection was.

Here's a look at how our Cowboys insiders grade the Leighton Vander Esch selection.

Tim Cowlishaw: C

There was no real secret that the Cowboys liked Florida State FS Derwin James, ranked by some as the top player in the draft. They thought they couldn't get close to him but he slid all the way to 17 -- two spots ahead of Dallas -- before being taken by Chargers. It's up to Vander Esch to prove they got a linebacker who will have the same impact over time as James.