Who The Cowboys Draft 2017
Hey everyone! So, let's talk about something that gets a lot of us buzzing every spring: the NFL Draft. Specifically, we're gonna take a little peek at the Dallas Cowboys' 2017 Draft class. Now, I know what you might be thinking, "Drafts from seven years ago? Why should I care?" Well, think of it like this: remember that batch of cookies you made a while back, and some of them turned out to be absolute showstoppers, the kind you still crave? That's kind of what the draft is about. It's a peek into the kitchen of a football team, where they're trying to bake up some future MVPs and game-changers.
The 2017 draft was a pretty big deal for the Cowboys. They were coming off a solid season, and like any good chef, they wanted to add some fresh, exciting ingredients to their roster. You see, the draft is where teams get a chance to find those hidden gems, those players who might not have been the biggest names in college but have the heart and talent to become superstars in the NFL. It’s like going to a farmer’s market and picking out the perfect produce – you’re hoping for something that will really shine.
So, who did America's Team snag in that 2017 draft? Let's dive in! It's always a mix of excitement and maybe a little bit of nail-biting, kind of like waiting for your favorite pizza to arrive. You’re hoping for that perfect blend of toppings, and with the draft, you’re hoping for that perfect blend of players.
The Big Pick: Taco Charlton
Alright, the first round. This is where teams usually try to grab their biggest, juiciest fruit. In 2017, the Cowboys used their first-round pick on Taco Charlton, a defensive end out of Michigan. Now, the name alone is pretty memorable, right? It's like picking out a ridiculously fun toy when you were a kid – it just stands out. The idea was that Taco would bring some serious pass-rushing power to the defense. Imagine him as that strong, reliable hammer you need for a big DIY project. You expect it to get the job done, and then some.
Now, looking back, Charlton's time in Dallas was a bit of a mixed bag. Sometimes, it feels like you're trying to assemble IKEA furniture, and the instructions are a little fuzzy. He showed flashes of what he could do, but it didn't always translate into consistent game-changing plays for the Cowboys. It’s a reminder that even with the best intentions and the highest draft picks, football is a team sport, and everything has to click. He ended up playing for a few other teams after Dallas, and that’s just the nature of the league – like changing jobs to find the perfect fit.
Round 2: Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis
Moving on to the second round, this is where you’re still looking for quality, maybe a really nice dessert to follow that main course. The Cowboys went to work in round two, picking up two cornerbacks: Chidobe Awuzie from Colorado and Jourdan Lewis from Michigan. Think of these guys as the dynamic duo, the perfect pair of socks that always seem to match your favorite outfit. Cornerbacks are super important in today’s NFL, tasked with shutting down the opponent’s star receivers. They’re like the vigilant guards at the gate of your house, making sure no unwanted guests get in.
Awuzie turned out to be a pretty solid pick. He became a valuable part of the Cowboys' secondary for several seasons, known for his physicality and his ability to cover a lot of ground. He was like that dependable friend who always shows up when you need them, no questions asked. He brought a level of grit and determination to the defense that you could count on. It’s always satisfying when a mid-round pick develops into a key player – it’s like finding a great deal at a sale!
Jourdan Lewis was another interesting addition. He was a bit undersized coming out of college, which sometimes makes people a little hesitant, like ordering something new on a menu you’re not sure about. But Lewis brought a fiery competitiveness and incredible ball skills. He was that unexpected spark, that little bit of spice that makes a dish really interesting. He showed that heart and technique can sometimes overcome physical limitations. He was a player who wasn't afraid to mix it up and make plays, often stepping up in crucial moments.
Round 3: Xavier Woods
Now we're getting into the mid-rounds, and this is where you're looking for players who can contribute and maybe surprise everyone. In the third round, the Cowboys drafted Xavier Woods, a safety from Louisiana Tech. Safeties are like the quarterbacks of the defense, the ones making sure everyone is in the right place and spotting those deep threats. They’re the detectives on the field, trying to read the opponent’s mind.
Woods became a really important player for the Cowboys over his time there. He was a versatile defensive back who could play both safety and even some cornerback. He was like a multi-tool in your toolbox – you can use it for a bunch of different jobs. He was a steady presence, rarely making big mistakes and often being in the right spot to make a tackle or break up a pass. He was a player you could rely on, week in and week out, providing consistency in the backend.
Later Rounds: Finding Value
The later rounds of the draft are where teams are really digging for those hidden treasures. It’s like sifting through a pile of sand to find a few shiny pebbles. You might not find gold every time, but sometimes you strike it lucky. In 2017, the Cowboys picked up players like Rodney Coe (defensive tackle), Noah Brown (wide receiver), and Ryan Switzer (wide receiver).
Noah Brown had some moments, showing flashes of his potential as a receiver. He’s the kind of player who might have a really big game every now and then, like a surprise visitor showing up with a great story. Ryan Switzer was a speedy return specialist who brought some excitement to special teams. He was like that energetic puppy that’s always ready to play. While these guys might not have become Pro Bowlers for the Cowboys, every player on an NFL roster contributes in their own way, just like every ingredient in a good meal plays its part.
Why Should We Care?
So, why all the fuss about a draft from a few years back? Because it's the foundation! These are the players who, for better or worse, helped shape the Cowboys' team for years to come. It's like looking at old family photos – you see the people who were there, who influenced the present. The 2017 draft brought in guys like Awuzie, Lewis, and Woods, who became significant pieces of the defense. They were the building blocks, the bricks and mortar that helped hold the team together.
The draft is also about hope. Every year, teams go into it with a sense of optimism, believing they can find the next Tom Brady or the next Deion Sanders. It’s a chance for fans to dream about what their team could become. Even if not every pick pans out perfectly – and let’s be honest, not every single decision in life does, right? – the effort and the thought process behind it are what matter. It’s the attempt to get better, to be competitive, and to bring a championship back home. And for us fans, that’s always worth cheering for!