The Dallas Cowboys saw four consecutive wide receivers and tight end Dalton Kincaid all get drafted within six picks of their 26th overall selection of Thursday’s opening round of the NFL Draft, but appeared to have a plan all along with Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The first DT drafted in the first round by Dallas since Russell Maryland in 1991, Smith is a serious commitment to the ongoing work the Cowboys have made in run defense, primarily playing a nose tackle position the Cowboys haven’t prioritized prior to Dan Quinn.
This Cowboys offseason started with the great news that Quinn would return as defensive coordinator, and was followed up by the front office continuing to lean into his defense being the strength of the roster when the team traded for cornerback Stephon Gilmore.