Cowboys 2017 Draft Class Shines

Taco Charlton, Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Ryan Switzer, and Xavier Woods all highlighted the first six rounds of the Cowboys 2017 draft haul. Lewis and Switzer start as a corner and return man respectively. Charlton and Woods find themselves rotating within their positions. Awuzie finally made his debut for a full game Thursday night against the Washington Redskins. Though negativity usually falls in line with first-round pick Charlton, and Lewis upholds the trophy for being the standout of the 17′ draft class, they all hit a stride in the Cowboys 38-14 blowout last Thursday night.

Secondary

As fans demanded adjustments on both sides of the ball, they finally got their wish. Awuzie got the start at the left cornerback position, with Orlando Scandrick manning the opposite side. Lewis was bumped down to the slot, and Anthony Brown was benched altogether.

Described as a versatile defender who can play any position within the secondary, Awuzie gave spectators a glimpse of what he can do at cornerback.

This look like madden https://t.co/UPemGgUhEw

— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) December 1, 2017

Playing in over 40 snaps, Awuzie would only be targeted three times, allowing zero catches while tallying one pass breakup. As for the other two secondary rookies, Lewis would only contribute on 40 percent of the plays, but still managed to be tied for third on the team in total tackles. Even though Woods would not have a highlight play to remember, he saw plenty of playing time. He was in on 77 percent of defensive snaps. Teaming up with fellow safety Kavon Frazier as wings for the punt team, Woods and Frazier allowed Washington a measly four punt return yards on five chances.

Acknowledging all 24 of the injuries for the Redskins would take a while, but the large majority of them would be on the offensive line. In order for Dallas to gain an upper hand, they needed to dominate in the trenches, and boy did they. With NFL sack-leader Demarcus Lawrence on one end and David Irving inside, they have formed one of the best pass rushing duos around. Finishing with two sacks in the game, Lawrence would increase his total to 13.5. Irving might have been awarded two sacks with this vicious hit on Kirk Cousins.

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by Full Press Coverage on December 3, 2023 at 3:58 pm

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David Irving just DESTROYED Kirk Cousins.https://t.co/2Ba9t4fr7I

— LeadingNFL (@LeadingNFL) December 1, 2017

Taco Time

These two monsters would account for three of the four sacks Dallas had on Washington, so who would be responsible for the last one? It’s taco time again! Yes, as in Taco Charlton, the first round pick that many fans despise due to lack of production. Avoiding his infamous spin move, he would power drive Morgan Moses into Samaje Perine, giving him a free hit on Cousins to force a fumble.

#Cowboys DE Taco Charlton's second-career sack. pic.twitter.com/QIy1nXBy6D

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) December 1, 2017

This was far and away the most complete game the 2017 rookie class played from top to bottom. They all played a part in Dallas’ sixth victory of the season. Awuize and Lewis manning the outside, with Woods over the top, paired with Switzer returning kicks and Charlton sacking quarterbacks, Dallas may have hit on back to back outstanding draft classes.

Speaking of Switzer, it would just be wrong to not include another look at his magical 83 yard punt return.