2022 NFL Draft: Handing out Dallas Cowboys draft grade following Day 2

The 2022 NFL Draft is moving full-steam ahead, and the Cowboys have made some interesting picks thus far. Ahead of the finale on Saturday, Chad Reuter of NFL Network graded all 32 teams based on their performance during the first two days of the spectacular.

On Day 1, Reuter gave the Cowboys a C for their selection of Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith. On Day 2, Dallas brought Ole Miss defensive end Sam Williams to the franchise with the No. 56 overall selection, and South Alabama wide receiver Jalen Tolbert was their selection at No. 88 overall.

According to Reuter, that’s good enough for a solid B+ on Friday.

“The Cowboys took a shot on the upside of offensive lineman Tyler Smith in the first round and then gambled on Williams’ speed and bend on the outside, despite some off-field concerns,” wrote Reuter. “Tolbert is a downfield threat and was a much better value in the third round than several of the receivers selected in the second.”

Evidently, Reuter believes the Cowboys had a solid Day 2, and they’ll be looking to continue that trend on Day 3. Dallas possesses six picks for Saturday, but it remains to be seen if they use them all. The Cowboys are projected to pick No. 129, 155, 167, 176, 178 and 193 overall.

Jerry Jones on Cowboys second-round pick Sam Williams: ‘We’re very satisfied.’

Furthermore, the Dallas Cowboys spent their second-round draft pick on Ole Miss defensive end Sam Williams on Friday, someone defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has been eyeing. However, it’s viewed as a risky pick due to some off-the-field issues Williams went through while still in college.

Williams was arrested and charged with a felony charge of sexual battery, seeing him suspended from the Rebels during the 2020 season. After making him the newest member of his esteemed franchise, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones explained why he has no worries regarding Williams’ sexual battery case.

“We’ve had a keen interest in him, and we spent a lot of time talking with a lot of people that know him real close and also from a distance,” Jones said. “We’re very satisfied that we’re good with this pick.”

Evidently, Dallas did their due diligence, as they earmarked Williams as someone who they wanted. Continuing, Williams addressed the situation when speaking to the Dallas media on Friday, saying it’s a new life and he is hoping to move forward.

“Obviously I didn’t do anything,” Williams said. Now, it’s a new life, just a new start for me. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most, a new start in a new area with great coaches, great teammates and my family.”

Moreover, Williams was suspended from the team during the 2020 season, missing game time. Once the case was dropped, head coach Lane Kiffin brought him back into the program, where he was a huge contributor during the 2021 season.

Now, Jerry Jones hopes Sam Williams can join a talented Dallas Cowboys defense and become a strong contributor.