The Dallas Cowboys had 10 draft picks heading into the 2021 NFL Draft and most people did not expect them to end up making all 10 selections. Well, the majority ended up being correct. Instead, there were a total of 11 Dallas Cowboys draft picks this year. With such a large draft class, it is unlikely that all those picks will contribute in 2021 or even make the team. Yet, it is quite clear that the expectation is that this year’s Dallas Cowboys draft class will be expected to make a significant impact for the upcoming season. Which rookies will have the biggest impact this season?
3. QUINTON BOHANNA, DT
It is not often that a 6th round draft picks is expected to make an impact on a football team in his rookie season, or even expected to make the team. Quinton Bohanna is an exception to that rule. The 330 LB defensive tackle may be the only true nose tackle on the roster. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn indicated that there may be a shift in the Cowboys base defense from a 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 alignment. Quinton Bohanna will be expected to play a significant role in the defensive line rotation and help address the Cowboys issues against the run.
2. MICAH PARSONS, LB
The Dallas Cowboys draft took a surprising turn in the first round when both coveted cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain were taken before the Cowboys made their first selection at pick#10. The Cowboys ended up trading back to the 12th spot and taking Penn State LB Micah Parsons. The Dallas Cowboys LB room was due for a shake up and the addition of two dynamic linebackers in Micah Parsons and Jabril Cox are telling for the future of both Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. It is no surprise that the first round selection for the 2021 Dallas Cowboys draft will be expected to make a significant impact. What creates some intrigue is how exactly defensive coordinator Dan Quinn plans to use him. Parsons excels against the run and has natural ability as a pass rusher. He will no doubt have a role carved out for him immediately but exactly where he will play and how many snaps is yet to be determined.
1. KELVIN JOSEPH, CB
The Dallas Cowboys were expected to draft a corner back in the first round for very good reasons. They were dangerously thin at the position and in dire need of upgrades. That is likely why they ignored some character concerns and selected Kentucky, CB, Kelvin Joseph with their second round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The Dallas Cowboys selected a total of 3 cornerbacks in the nfl draft. Joseph is the only one among them that has first round talent. The competition on the Cowboys roster at cornerback is not fierce so Joseph has a legitimate shot to start right away opposite Trevon Diggs. Cowboys fans hope that the duo of Joseph and Diggs can solidify the team’s outside corner spots for the next half decade.
Those three players are who I expect to make the biggest impact of the 2021 Dallas Cowboys draft picks. There are several others that I expect to make the team and contribute this season. With a change at defensive coordinator and strong performance by the Dallas Cowboys draft class, the expectation is that the Cowboys defense will improve significantly this season.
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