Dallas Cowboys 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Zach Martin, OG, Notre Dame
6’4″, 308 Lbs.
The Player
Martin is a very technical, high motor offensive lineman who uses very precise movement and hand work combined with a mean attitude to block defenders. His short arms get him into trouble sometimes and there is great reason to believe he is best suited at guard.
The Pick
This was a bit of a reach, but I really liked this pick. Martin is a very good player who can start immediately at guard for the Cowboys. However, I do have Xavier Su’a Filo rated higher, but the Cowboys obviously did not.
The Fit
Martin can start from day one at guard and give the Cowboys one of the best and youngest lines in the NFL. Having Tyron Smith, Travis Fredrick and Zack Martin gives the team three nasty linemen to pave the way for their running game and protect Tony Romo.
Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State.
Oct 19, 2013; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (8) during the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Bronco Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
6’3″, 251 LBs.
The Player
Lawrence is an athletic defensive end with great quickness, length and strength. He is very impressive as a pass rusher and has the strength to be a very good run defender. A very complete lineman.
The Pick
The Cowboys gave up a 3rd to move up to take Lawrence, but the value is still superb. Lawrence is a top 20 talent who fell and the Cowboys made the move to steal him.
The Fit
As one Demarcus exits, another one steps right in. Lawrence is a day one starter on the edge of the Cowboys and could be one of the best defenders on that team very early.
Anthony Hitchens, LB, Iowa
6′, 240 lbs.
The Player
Hitchens is a human wrecking ball of a player. He flows to the play very fast and puts the hit on. His height and length really hurt him taking on blocks and covering bigger players, but he has the playing style that coaches love.
The Pick
This was a big reach. Cowboys passed on Telvin Smith and Kelvin Pierre Louis. Solid player, but don’t like the slotting.
The Fit
Cowboys always seem to have a revolving door at linebacker so Hitchens could see some time early. Ideally, he does not and plays special teams and probably very well his first year.
Devin Street, WR, Pitt
6’3″, 198 lbs.
The Player
Street is a solid athlete with a very big frame and ability to make tough catches. He really needs to bulk up to be able to use his body better and he needs to clean up his route running.
The Pick
I like Street, but I feel like this was a high pick to spend on him.
The Fit
With Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams, Street is likely to see time as the third receiver where I think he could make an impact in his first year.
Ben Gardner, DE, Stanford
6’4″, 262 lbs.
The Player
Gardner has decent size and strength, but most of his game is just a matter of playing very hard. Does nothing very good. More of a solid player.
The Pick
Big reach for a mediocre and maxed out player.
The Fit
Gardner could play all along the Cowboys line next year. I am not sure how high his snap count will be, but he should see some playing time. I doubt he becomes anything more than a rotational player.
Will Smith, LB, TTU
6’2″, 231 lbs.
The Player
Talented coverage linebacker who displays good range and instincts. He is limited by his size against bigger players and can get completely washed out against the run.
The Pick
Big reach for a decent role player.
The Fit
I doubt he sees any starting time, but Smith could be a stud special teamer.
Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor
6′, 212 lbs.
The Player
Dixon is a box safety who does a good job coming up against the run and shows decent range covering the intermediate middle. He is limited athletically and he tends to have issues against bigger players due to poor functional length. He is very agressive though and loves flying around, for better or for worse.
The Pick
Big reach for a limited player I had as an undrafted player.
The Fit
Likely a special teams player who ma play as a big nickel down the road.
Nov 16, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears safety Ahmad Dixon (6) reacts to the sidelines during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ken Bishop, DT, NIU
6′, 301 lbs.
The Player
Big bodied player who plays to the whistle and has very good strength. Not much more than a space eater and lacks length to get off of blocks.
The Pick
Reach.
The Fit
Maybe he rotates in as a one tech? More likely on special teams.
Terrance Mitchell, CB, Oregon
5’11”, 192 lbs.
The Player
Smart corner who has good closing speed and is very fluid in coverage with good eyes. Not overly physical or fast, but a smart player who plays the ball very well.
The Pick
I had Mitchell high in my rankings relative to where he went so I think this is a quality pick up for Dallas at a good price.
The Fit
He may be a special teams guy, but considering the Cowboys corner situation, there is no reason Mitchell can’t see a shot at getting snaps.