The Cowboys have had their share of difficulties when it comes to nailing their second-round picks over the years and getting long-term dividends from their investments. As ESPN’s Todd Archer recently pointed out, the second round has not been favorable to the Cowboys. They’ve had some hits but since 2000, only four of those picks have been offered contract extensions. With CB Chidobe Awuzie being allowed to walk in free agency this year, guard Connor Williams always appearing on the verge of being replaced, DT Trysten Hill not making much impact, the recent trend hasn’t been that great.
Throw in names like Gavin Escobar, Bruce Carter, Martellus Bennett, Anthony Fasano, Jacob Rogers et cetera et cetera, and it’s not an inspiring list of success stories. Recent fortune may have changed when Dallas drafted Alabama corner Trevon Diggs with the No. 51 pick, a player the team considered plucking with their first-round pick before WR CeeDee Lamb fell in their laps. Diggs’ play, leading the team in interceptions as a rookie, appear to give the team some hope that what happens at pick No. 44 on Friday (if they remain in that spot) will be a welcome addition.
“I feel like the sky is the limit,” Diggs said late this past season before finishing with team-highs in interceptions (three) and pass deflections (14). Diggs said, “I’m going to take myself where I want to take myself. I got the ability to do exactly what I’m trying to do and exactly what I want to do.” Diggs is ready to prove he was a primetime player.
The Cowboys have had a handful of success stories in the round in the last 20 years, just not enough. Center Andre Gurode was taken in 2020 and had a fruitful career that earned him a second contract with the club where he made the Pro Bowl for five consecutive seasons before moving on in free agency.
Linebacker Sean Lee has missed 42 games during his career due to injury since being taken in 2010. But when healthy Lee was a difference-maker on the field. After 11 years and 10 seasons, the two-time Pro Bowler is currently a free agent contemplating retirement.
Drafted in 2014, Demarcus Lawrence played in just seven games as a rookie due to injuries, but he made his case to become a long-term talent during the playoffs. When facing off against the Detroit Lions, Lawrence recovered a fumbled ball only to fumble it back to the Lions. Frustrated but not distracted, Lawrence was able to then strip-sack quarterback Matthew Stafford and pull the ball into his body, sealing the playoff win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guRdr4MaRHk
After back-to-back double-digit sack and Pro Bowl seasons, Lawrence received his five-year contract extension in 2019.
2016 second-round pick Jaylon Smith was the last second rounder to receive a multi-year extension. Smith was also paid prior to the 2019 campaign. While Smith’s restoration journey has been incredible, he has not played to his potential the last two years and often draws fan’s ire for celebrations celebrations, difficulties reading keys and costly penalties.
I don’t understand what #Cowboys Jaylon Smith was doing late in this play. I guess he thought Beckham was going out of bounds or hemmed up? If he runs to the sideline, he probably gets the angle, no? Maybe he was tired? pic.twitter.com/DKHPoB9qoX
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) October 4, 2020
One other noteworthy second-round pick is of course defensive end Randy Gregory. While the length of his contract is not long, one year signed through the 2021 season, Gregory brings forth more hope than any player on the current roster. After playing in only 28 games through three seasons, there is excitement for No. 94.
The Cowboys have stood by him through multiple suspensions, reinstatements and contract tolling. His self-worth and character have never changed. Gregory has battled mental health issues and his self medicating with marijuana ran him afoul of the league, but it never took away his love for the game. Gregory wants to play and has the ability that could lead him to a much more lucrative contract.
With the Cowboys once again failing to make any bold moves in free agency, their draft picks are going to be the highlight of their roster building exercises. Nailing pick No. 44, or packaging it along with other picks to move further up the ladder, is imperative for their success, not just in 2021 but beyond.
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