With The First Pick
Fansided

5 best value picks of 2020 NFL Draft; Ravens hit multiple home runs

By Nicholas McGee

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 05: Geno Stone #9 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates his first quarter interception against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 05: Geno Stone #9 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates his first quarter interception against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Bradlee Anae of Utah runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Bradlee Anae of Utah runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys – Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah

The Cowboys were gifted CeeDee Lamb, arguably the top receiver in the class, with the 17th overall pick, but Jerry Jones may have been just as stunned to find Anae available in the fifth round.

Anae was not among the most athletically gifted of edge rushers in the class but he produced in a massive way in 2019 with 14 tackles for loss and 13 sacks for the Utes.

While he has the burst to immediately threaten to turn the corner against opposing tackles, Anae lacks bend and may have to rely more on his relentless motor to have success in the pros.

However, productive pass rushers do not grow on trees and, for a Cowboys team that needs to take the edge-rushing strain off DeMarcus Lawrence – who had a down year with only five sacks last season – getting Anae on day thee represents exceptional value.

It is Lamb and the offense that will generate most of the post-draft headlines in Dallas, but the Cowboys need the pass rush to improve if they are to legitimately contend in the NFC.

Anae figures to play a significant role in helping the front seven make those strides. Should he gain consistent snaps as a rotational pass rusher and make even half the impact for the Cowboys that he did at Utah, then Dallas can consider this selection a success.

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