The Cowboys' last few draft classes were met with a collective shrug from many of the big national outlets. Early picks like Tyler Guyton, Mazi Smith, Luke Schoonmaker, Jalen Tolbert, and Kelvin Joseph didn't exactly move the needle with the experts in the moment, and they still haven't quite overcome the watered-down expectations that were reflected in the team's post-draft grades.
This year is off to a different start, with draft publications across the board giving Dallas outstanding marks for their nine-player haul. The Cowboys didn't grab any of the high-profile wide receivers or running backs in the early rounds- and they're still in desperate need of a true WR2 threat- but they made three days' worth of very solid picks that fill needs, fit the system, and show where new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and his staff want to place emphasis heading into the 2025 season.