Analysis
4/29/23
4 min read
Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Grades 2023: Mazi Smith Was First-Round Reach
The 2023 NFL Draft is complete and the Dallas Cowboys made a total of eight picks.
The NFC East runner-up needed to crush this year's draft to keep pace with the Philadelphia Eagles who owned two first-round picks in this year's draft.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year’s draft, here's how the Cowboys fared:
Dallas Cowboys 2023 NFL Draft Grades
26. Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
The Cowboys needed to improve the middle of their run defense so grabbing a defensive tackle makes sense. However, Mazi Smith (scouting report) is more of an athlete than a stout run defender. He has high bench press numbers but needs to be better in the run game. This may have been a reach for Dallas.
Grade: D
58. Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
*From Titans
Luke Schoonmaker (scouting report) gives the Dallas Cowboys an in-line, blocking tight end who will unlock his hips, get hands-on defenders and move them off the line of scrimmage. He is not dynamic in the passing game, but he is capable of posting up and making a play at the first-down marker.
Grade: C+
90. Demarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Demarvion Overshown (scouting report) is quick to trigger with the speed and range to corral carriers. His background as a defensive back allows him to thrive in pass coverage. On top of the athleticism, he packs a thump when he arrives at the ball carrier.
Grade: B+
129. Viliami Fehoko, Edge, San Jose State
Dan Quinn loves to have a stable of pass rushers, and Viliami Fehoko (scouting report) adds depth for the Cowboys. Fehoko lacks the desired athletic traits and doesn’t look the part in uniform, but he is a physical, smart and productive defensive end prospect. However, he's unlikely to beat out any of the Cowboys' current pass rushers to see the field early.
Grade: C+
169. Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina
Asim Richards (scouting report) played tackle at North Carolina but may project to guard in the NFL. Dallas is getting a super tough, nasty player that loves to finish blocks and loves to strike people. He is strong, but just an average overall athlete.
Grade: B
178. Eric Scott Jr., CB, Southern Miss
Eric Scott Jr. is a non-combine cornerback with size and length. He was a good tester who has explosiveness and good feet. He had five career interceptions (two touchdowns). He is a developmental player with upside.
Grade: C
212. Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
Deuce Vaughn's dad is a scout for Dallas, but this is no family favor. Vaughn was one of the most enjoyable evaluations this season. He turned his size deficiency into a strength. He is hard to find in traffic and he is a real mismatch player when detached as a receiver.
Grade: B+
244. Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina
Jalen Brooks is a good-sized wide receiver with rare length but below-average speed. He played two seasons at Wingate before playing his final three seasons at South Carolina. Had 107 catches for 1,743 yards and 11 touchdowns during his career. He had his best season at South Carolina last season with 504 receiving yards.
Grade: D
