Dallas Cowboys 2022 Draft Picks: Full List & Analysis

Hey, football fanatics! Let's dive deep into the Dallas Cowboys' 2022 draft class. The Cowboys had a busy draft, making some really interesting moves to bolster their roster. We're going to break down every pick, give you the lowdown on who they are, and what they could bring to the Star.

Round 1, Pick 24: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

Alright, guys, starting off hot! With their first-round pick, the Cowboys snagged Tyler Smith, an offensive tackle from Tulsa. Now, this pick raised a few eyebrows, I'll give you that. Smith isn't exactly a polished gem, and there were some concerns about his consistency and technique. However, what he does bring is a boatload of raw talent and athleticism. He's a mauler, a physical force who loves to get his hands dirty in the trenches. The Cowboys' offensive line has been a bit of a question mark in recent years, and they're always looking for guys who can protect Dak Prescott and open up holes for the running game. Smith has the potential to be a cornerstone lineman for years to come. He's got the size, the strength, and the nasty attitude you want in an offensive tackle. While he might need some seasoning and coaching to refine his game, the upside is huge. Think of him as a project with a Pro Bowl ceiling. The coaching staff will have their work cut out for them, but if they can mold him, they've landed a real steal. This guy plays with a chip on his shoulder, and that's exactly the kind of mentality you want on your offensive line. He's not afraid to mix it up, and he plays through the whistle. The Cowboys are banking on his physical tools and his willingness to learn to make him a difference-maker. It’s a high-risk, high-reward pick, but that’s what you often see in the first round when you’re picking later in the round. They believe in their ability to develop talent, and Tyler Smith is a prime example of that belief in action. He’s going to need to improve his pass blocking, but his run blocking is already pretty darn good. The versatility to play both tackle and guard is also a plus. He's a guy who could end up being the future of their offensive line.

Round 2, Pick 56: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

Moving on to the second round, the Cowboys addressed a major need by selecting Jalen Tolbert, a wide receiver from South Alabama. CeeDee Lamb is a bonafide star, but after that, the depth at receiver was a bit shaky. Tolbert is an interesting prospect. He's got speed, explosiveness, and good hands. He was a dominant player at South Alabama, putting up huge numbers. The question is, can he translate that production to the NFL against tougher competition? He'll likely be asked to step in and be a reliable No. 2 or No. 3 receiver from day one, or at least early in his career. He’s got the kind of build that allows him to win contested catches and the speed to stretch the field vertically. He’s not just a speedster, though; he’s got a decent route tree and can make plays after the catch. The Cowboys' offense, under Kellen Moore, is known for its creativity, and Tolbert’s skillset fits right into that mold. He can be used in a variety of ways, whether it's lining up out wide, in the slot, or even in the backfield on jet sweeps. His ability to create separation is something that really stood out on tape. He has quick feet and good body control, which allow him to get open against press coverage. His work ethic is also reported to be top-notch, which is always a good sign for a rookie. He’s going to have to prove he can handle the physicality of the NFL and adjust to the speed of the game, but the potential is certainly there. Tolbert has the chance to become a significant weapon for Dak Prescott and take some of the pressure off Lamb. He’s the kind of player who can make big plays and change the momentum of a game. His college production was off the charts, and while the level of competition wasn't the highest, his performance was undeniable. The Cowboys are hoping he can bring that same playmaking ability to Dallas and become a key part of their receiving corps.

Round 3, Pick 88: Damone Clark, LB, LSU

In the third round, the Cowboys went defense, picking Damone Clark, a linebacker from LSU. This is a pick with a bit of a story. Clark suffered a neck injury during his final season at LSU, which led to him needing surgery and having a pin placed in his neck. This caused his draft stock to plummet, but the Cowboys saw enough in his tape and his potential to take a chance on him. If he can fully recover and return to his pre-injury form, this could be an absolute steal. Clark was a productive player for LSU, showing good instincts, speed, and tackling ability. He has the potential to be a three-down linebacker who can contribute against the run and in coverage. The Cowboys' linebacking corps has been a bit of a revolving door, and they desperately need reliable playmakers in the middle of the field. Clark has the upside to be that guy. He's a smart player who understands the game and can diagnose plays quickly. His athleticism allows him to cover a lot of ground sideline to sideline. The injury is obviously the biggest concern, but the medical staff in Dallas has a good track record. They’ll monitor him closely, but if he’s cleared to play and regains his mobility, he can be a huge contributor. The team is optimistic about his recovery, and they believe he has the mental toughness to overcome this adversity. This pick represents a calculated risk, but one that could pay off handsomely if Clark is able to return to his elite level of play. He brings a physical presence and a high football IQ, which are essential for a successful linebacker. He’s the type of player who can make an impact in all three phases of the game: stopping the run, rushing the passer, and dropping into coverage. The Cowboys are looking for leaders on defense, and Clark has the potential to be one of those guys.

Round 4, Pick 129: Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin

Moving into the fourth round, the Cowboys selected Jake Ferguson, a tight end from Wisconsin. Tight end is an interesting position. Dalton Schultz had a breakout year, but he was playing on the franchise tag, and his future with the team was uncertain. Even if Schultz stays, adding another tight end with a different skillset is always a smart move. Ferguson is a reliable pass-catcher with good size and decent athleticism. He was a consistent producer for the Badgers, and he’s known for his toughness and blocking ability. He’s not going to blow you away with speed, but he’s a solid, fundamental player who can contribute right away. He’ll likely be competing for snaps as a complementary piece to Schultz, or he could step into a larger role if Schultz departs. Ferguson’s ability to block in the run game is something that should appeal to the Cowboys, who always want to establish the run. He’s a willing blocker and uses his strength effectively. In the passing game, he’s a sure-handed receiver who can make tough catches over the middle. He’s also shown he can be a threat in the red zone. He’s the kind of player who just does his job and does it well, without a lot of flash. That kind of dependability is invaluable. He’s also considered a high-character guy and a leader, which always fits the Cowboys’ culture. He’s got the potential to be a really good all-around tight end in the NFL, contributing both as a receiver and as a blocker. The Cowboys are building depth at every position, and Ferguson adds a valuable piece to their tight end room. He’s a smart player who understands blocking schemes and route concepts. He'll need to continue to develop his athleticism to become a truly dynamic threat, but his fundamentals are strong, and he's ready to contribute on Sundays.

Round 5, Pick 155: Devin Harper, EDGE, Oklahoma State

In the fifth round, the Cowboys took Devin Harper, an edge rusher from Oklahoma State. This is a pick that adds depth and competition to the pass rush. The Cowboys have invested heavily in their defensive line, but you can never have too many good pass rushers. Harper is an athletic edge defender with good speed and burst. He showed flashes of his potential at Oklahoma State, but he was often in a rotation and didn't put up huge sack numbers. The Cowboys are hoping to unlock his full potential. He's got the physical tools to be a productive NFL pass rusher. He’s quick off the edge and can bend around the corner. He’ll need to develop his pass-rush moves and learn how to set the edge more consistently against the run, but the raw material is there. The Cowboys’ defensive scheme under Dan Quinn often utilizes a deep rotation of defensive linemen and edge rushers, and Harper fits that mold. He can come in and provide fresh legs and energy on passing downs. He’s also a good athlete who could potentially contribute on special teams. His development will be key, but he’s joining a strong defensive line room with plenty of veteran talent to learn from. He's a player with upside who could become a valuable rotational piece down the line. The Cowboys are always looking for guys who can disrupt the passer, and Harper has that potential. He’s got the speed and agility to make offensive tackles uncomfortable. His combine performance was solid, showing good athleticism. He’s a raw prospect, but with the right coaching and development, he could surprise some people. He’s the type of player you take a chance on in the later rounds, hoping he develops into something special.

Round 6, Pick 176: John Ridgeway, DT, Illinois

Round six brought us John Ridgeway, a defensive tackle from Illinois. This is a classic late-round flier for the Cowboys. Ridgeway is a big, strong nose tackle who played his college ball at Illinois. He's not going to be a pass-rushing specialist, but he's the kind of guy who can eat up blocks and stuff the run in the middle of the defensive line. The Cowboys have some talented defensive tackles, but adding depth and a different body type at the position is never a bad thing. Ridgeway is a load to move in the run game. He plays with a low center of gravity and uses his strength to hold his ground. He’s the type of player who will demand double teams, freeing up other defenders to make plays. He might not rack up a lot of stats, but his impact in the run defense could be significant. He’s also got a bit of an aggressive style, which coaches often like to see. He’ll need to improve his conditioning and his ability to play on passing downs, but his foundational strength and run-stopping ability are undeniable. He’s a player who could potentially carve out a role on early downs and in short-yardage situations. The Cowboys are always looking to improve their run defense, and Ridgeway offers a different skillset to help achieve that goal. He’s a physical player who brings a lunch-pail mentality to the game. He’s the kind of player that coaches love because he’s willing to do the dirty work. He’s a project, but in the sixth round, that’s perfectly acceptable. He’s got the size and strength to compete in the NFL, and the Cowboys are hoping he can develop into a solid contributor on their defensive front.

Round 7, Pick 236: Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota

Finally, in the seventh round, the Cowboys picked Matt Waletzko, an offensive tackle from North Dakota. This is another pick focused on adding depth and potential to the offensive line. Waletzko is a raw but athletic offensive tackle who possesses good size. He played at a smaller school, so his competition level wasn't the highest, but he showed flashes of good footwork and athleticism. The Cowboys are always looking to build depth on the offensive line, and with the uncertainty around some of their veteran linemen, taking a chance on a developmental prospect like Waletzko makes sense. He's got the physical tools to succeed in the NFL, but he'll need significant coaching and development to refine his technique and adjust to the speed of the professional game. He's a player who might need a year or two on the practice squad to develop before he's ready to contribute on Sundays. However, his athleticism and size give him a higher ceiling than many other late-round picks. He's the kind of player who could potentially surprise people down the line if he puts in the work and the team develops him correctly. The Cowboys are investing in the future of their offensive line with this pick. He’s got the potential to be a swing tackle down the road. He’s a project, for sure, but the value in the seventh round is all about finding guys with upside. He's got the raw materials, and now it's up to him and the coaching staff to mold him into an NFL-caliber player. He's a bit of an unknown commodity, but that's the nature of late-round drafting. He’s a guy who could potentially surprise everyone with his development.

Overall Draft Grade

Looking at the Dallas Cowboys' 2022 draft class, it's a mix of addressing immediate needs and taking calculated risks on players with high upside. They landed a potential cornerstone at offensive tackle in Tyler Smith, added a dynamic receiver in Jalen Tolbert, and took a chance on an injured but talented linebacker in Damone Clark. The later-round picks offer depth and developmental potential. Overall, it feels like a solid draft class that has the potential to contribute significantly to the Cowboys' future success. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below!