Dallas Cowboys 2020 Draft: A Deep Dive

What's up, football fanatics! Let's take a trip down memory lane and break down the Dallas Cowboys' 2020 draft class. This was a pivotal year for the team, trying to build around a young core and address key needs. The Cowboys had some significant decisions to make, and looking back, it's always fascinating to see which picks panned out and which ones maybe didn't quite hit the mark. We're going to dive deep into each selection, discuss the expectations at the time, and evaluate their impact on the team. So, grab your favorite team jersey, settle in, and let's get started on dissecting the Cowboys' 2020 draft haul!

Round 1: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Man, oh man, was the selection of CeeDee Lamb in the first round (17th overall) a huge splash for the Dallas Cowboys! At the time, the wide receiver room was already looking pretty solid with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, but adding Lamb was like putting a cherry on top of an already delicious sundae. This was a pick that screamed "future star" from the get-go. Lamb wasn't just a good college player; he was an absolute phenom at Oklahoma, showcasing incredible ball skills, athleticism, and a knack for making defenders miss in the open field. The buzz around him was immense, and many fans and analysts felt he was one of the most pro-ready receivers in that draft class. The Cowboys, known for their explosive offenses, clearly saw the potential to create an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses by pairing Lamb with Dak Prescott. The thought was: "How do you even cover three legit threats like that?" It was a bold move, especially with other needs on the roster, but the sheer talent of Lamb made it almost irresistible. He immediately brought a different dimension to the offense, with his physicality and ability to win contested catches. His integration into the offense was surprisingly seamless, and he quickly proved why he was so highly touted. The organization was clearly betting on his ability to be a cornerstone receiver for years to come, and man, did he deliver on that promise. His presence alone opened up opportunities for others and provided a reliable, high-volume target that the offense desperately needed to elevate its game. This pick wasn't just about adding depth; it was about adding a bona fide game-changer who could single-handedly tilt the field. The anticipation for his debut and subsequent performance was through the roof, and thankfully, he didn't just meet those high expectations; he often exceeded them, solidifying his place as a true star in the league and a critical piece of the Cowboys' offensive identity. He’s the kind of player that makes you excited to watch football, guys!

Round 2: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Moving on to the second round, the Cowboys snagged Trevon Diggs out of Alabama at pick 51 overall. This was a pick that addressed a significant need for the team: cornerback. The defensive backfield had been a bit of a revolving door, and the Cowboys desperately needed some reliable talent to shore things up. Diggs, coming from the powerhouse program of Alabama, was known for his athleticism, length, and ball-hawking abilities. He had all the physical tools to be a shutdown corner in the NFL, and the Cowboys clearly saw that raw potential. While there were some questions about his consistency and tackling at times, his upside was undeniable. The hope was that he could develop into a true lockdown corner, someone who could consistently match up against the league's top receivers. His collegiate production was impressive, and the coaching staff was eager to mold him into a star. The decision to draft him here was a calculated risk, betting that his talent would outweigh some of the perceived flaws. The vision was to pair him with other young defensive backs to create a formidable secondary for years to come. Diggs has since evolved into one of the most exciting corners in the league, known for his incredible instincts and his ability to create game-changing turnovers. His development has been a huge win for the Cowboys, providing that much-needed stability and playmaking ability in the defensive backfield. It’s easy to forget, but before he became the interception machine we know today, he was a raw prospect with immense potential, and this second-round pick proved to be a massive steal. The impact of Diggs on the Cowboys' defense cannot be overstated; he’s become a true difference-maker and a key reason for the team's defensive resurgence. He's the type of player that gets the crowd on its feet with his spectacular plays, and his journey from a second-round pick to an elite corner is a testament to his hard work and the team's scouting.

Round 3: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma

In the third round, the Cowboys went with Neville Gallimore, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma, at pick 82 overall. This pick was all about bolstering the interior defensive line, an area that has often been a point of concern for the Cowboys. Gallimore was seen as a powerful and athletic defensive tackle who could disrupt the run game and generate pressure up the middle. He had a solid college career at Oklahoma, showcasing his strength and ability to penetrate offensive lines. The team was looking for more consistent play and a more formidable presence in the trenches, and Gallimore fit that mold. The expectation was that he would come in and compete for a starting role, adding much-needed depth and a different kind of physicality to the defensive line rotation. While not as flashy as a first-round skill player, interior defensive linemen are the unsung heroes who often make the biggest difference in controlling the line of scrimmage. Gallimore was viewed as a player with the potential to grow into a significant contributor, someone who could hold his ground against the run and also contribute to the pass rush. His development was key to improving the overall effectiveness of the defensive front. He brought a ruggedness and a motor that the team needed to see more of. This pick was a strategic move to build a stronger defensive foundation, focusing on the guys who do the dirty work in the trenches. The hope was that he would become a reliable force, anchoring the defensive line and making life difficult for opposing offenses. His impact might not always be in the stat sheet, but his presence can be felt in the way the defense plays against the run and the pressure it generates. This was a solid pick to address a crucial position, aiming to build a more dominant and physical defensive front for the Cowboys.

Round 4: Reggie Roberson Jr., WR, Louisiana-Lafayette

With their fourth-round pick (116th overall), the Cowboys decided to double down on wide receiver, selecting Reggie Roberson Jr. from Louisiana-Lafayette. Now, this was an interesting pick. While CeeDee Lamb was the headline-grabbing first-rounder, Roberson was seen as a potential diamond in the rough. He possessed impressive speed and playmaking ability, showcasing flashes of big-play potential in college. The idea here was to add another dynamic weapon to an already potent offense, giving Dak Prescott more options to distribute the ball. Roberson was a bit of a sleeper pick, with the potential to develop into a valuable contributor down the line. He brought a different skillset to the receiver room, emphasizing speed and the ability to stretch the field. For a team that loves to air it out, adding another player with that kind of vertical threat made a lot of sense. The coaching staff would have been excited about the prospect of developing his raw talent and integrating him into the offensive scheme. While he might not have had the immediate impact of a top-10 pick, the fourth round is often where you find players who can become significant role players or even starters with the right development. The Cowboys were likely thinking about the long-term, adding depth and competition to the receiver position. Roberson's ability to create separation with his speed was a key attribute that drew the team's attention. He was a player who could potentially offer a change of pace and add another layer of unpredictability to the Cowboys' aerial attack. This pick represented a calculated gamble on athletic upside and the potential for him to emerge as a valuable offensive weapon in the future, providing depth and competition to an already talented group of receivers.

Round 5: Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison

In the fifth round, at pick 176 overall, the Cowboys took a flier on Ben DiNucci, a quarterback from James Madison. This was a move that raised a few eyebrows, as the Cowboys already had Dak Prescott as their franchise quarterback and Andy Dalton as a veteran backup. However, drafting a quarterback, even in the later rounds, is often about securing the future and developing talent. DiNucci was a productive college quarterback who showed some promise, and the Cowboys likely saw him as a developmental project. The idea was to bring him into the system, let him learn behind Prescott and Dalton, and see if he could develop into a capable backup or perhaps even more down the line. In the NFL, having a reliable third-string quarterback or a player with the potential to step up in a pinch is always valuable. DiNucci's college stats were solid, and he demonstrated leadership qualities. This pick wasn't expected to be a starter, but rather a long-term investment in the quarterback position. The Cowboys were building depth and looking for players who could potentially contribute to the team's success in the future. It’s a strategic move to ensure they have options within the organization. He represented a project quarterback who could be molded by the coaching staff. The organization was clearly looking to groom a player who could potentially step in if needed, understanding the importance of having a solid quarterback pipeline. DiNucci's selection was a move that emphasized the team's commitment to developing talent at the most important position on the field, even if it was a pick with a lower immediate expectation.

Round 6: Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin

Moving into the sixth round, the Cowboys picked Tyler Biadasz, a center from Wisconsin, at pick 199 overall. This was a crucial pick, as the offensive line, a longtime strength of the Cowboys, needed some infusion of youth and competition. Biadasz was a highly decorated college player, earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center. He was considered one of the top interior offensive linemen in the draft, known for his intelligence, strength, and ability to anchor the center position. The Cowboys needed to address the future of their offensive line, and Biadasz was seen as a player who could potentially step in and solidify the center spot for years to come. His football IQ and leadership qualities were also highly valued. This pick was about building depth and ensuring that the Cowboys maintained their dominant offensive line tradition. Biadasz was expected to compete for a starting role and provide stability to the interior of the line. His experience in a pro-style offense at Wisconsin made him a player who could potentially transition smoothly to the NFL. The team was looking for players who could add immediate competition and long-term potential, and Biadasz fit the bill perfectly. His selection was a smart move to address a position of importance, aiming to maintain the effectiveness of the offensive line and protect their valuable quarterbacks. He represented a player with the potential to be a long-term starter and a key piece of the offensive line's future success.

Round 7: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

Finally, in the seventh round, the Cowboys took a chance on Aldon Smith, a defensive end from Missouri, at pick 243 overall. This was a very unconventional pick, given Smith's history and his time away from the game. Smith was once considered one of the most electrifying pass rushers in the NFL, but off-field issues had derailed his career. The Cowboys were essentially taking a calculated risk, hoping that Smith could recapture some of his past dominance and contribute to the pass rush. This was a low-risk, high-reward type of selection. In the seventh round, you're often looking for players with a specific skillset or intriguing upside, and Smith, despite his circumstances, certainly possessed elite pass-rushing talent. The hope was that the Cowboys' environment and coaching staff could help him get his career back on track. This pick was more about potential than immediate impact, and it was a gamble that the organization was willing to take. The idea was to see if he could still perform at a high level and provide a boost to the defensive front. Smith's ability to generate pressure was undeniable when he was on the field. This was a move that showed the team's willingness to take chances on players with checkered pasts, believing in their ability to contribute if given the right opportunity. The Cowboys were hoping to unearth a hidden gem and add another dynamic pass rusher to their defense, albeit with a significant question mark surrounding his availability and consistency. It was a move that generated a lot of discussion and represented a high-stakes gamble on a player with a troubled history but undeniable talent. He was a player with the potential to be a disruptive force on the defensive line if he could get his career back on track.

Overall Assessment

The 2020 draft class for the Dallas Cowboys was a fascinating mix of immediate impact players and developmental projects. The selection of CeeDee Lamb in the first round proved to be an absolute home run, solidifying him as one of the league's premier wide receivers. Trevon Diggs, a second-round pick, blossomed into a turnover-generating machine, becoming a cornerstone of the defense. Neville Gallimore and Tyler Biadasz addressed needs on the defensive line and offensive line, respectively, providing depth and potential starters. While some later-round picks like Ben DiNucci and Aldon Smith represented more speculative investments, the overall haul demonstrated the Cowboys' strategy of balancing immediate needs with long-term potential. This draft class laid a crucial foundation for the team's future, with several key contributors emerging to shape the Cowboys' identity for years to come. It's always exciting to look back and see how these draft picks evolved and how they contributed to the team's success.