Blogging The Boys
How would you grade the Dallas Cowboys Day 3 draft haul?
Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft was a long one for those of us watching and waiting to see who the Dallas Cowboys would select with each of their four picks. Waiting for their fifth-round pick to finally arrive and get things going was excruciating. They stood pat with each one of their draft picks and made some interesting and possibly questionable selections.
Surprisingly enough, not one of their four draft picks on Day 3 was a running back to replace Tony Pollard, who decided to exit via free agency to join the Tennessee Titans. The players they did choose to draft though were met with some excitement and confusion around Cowboys Nation.
Overall, it looks as if the Cowboys draft haul on Day 3 will get some mixed reviews. Here's how we graded each of the selections.
Having to sit through the entire fourth round and nearly all of the fifth on Day 3 was agonizing, but the selection they made may have been worth it. The CB out of Wake Forest, Caelen Carson, has starting potential and will bring some much-needed depth and versatility to Dallas' secondary.
Carson was a four-year starter at Wake Forest, starting 34 out of a possible 36 games. He had some nagging injuries throughout his career he'll need to overcome to become a reliable player at the next level, but is inside/out versatility with starting upside is exactly what the Cowboys need behind Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis.
As a rookie, Carson could immediately compete to become the Cowboys CB4 while also serving as a key special teams contributor. He was Dane Brugler's 13th ranked cornerback in the 2024 draft class, carrying a 3rd-4th round grade. He could be yet another late-round hidden gem selected by Will McClay and the Cowboys scouting department like DaRon Bland.
Dane Brugler on Caelen Carson:
Carson needs to prove he can stay healthy and be on the field for a full season, but he has the competitive athleticism and football IQ needed for coverage duties in the NFL. He offers inside-outside versatility and projects as an eventual NFL starter.
With the 216th overall pick in the sixth round, the Cowboys decided to add more depth to their wide receiver room with the selection of Ryan Flourney out of SE Missouri State. The 6'1", 205-pound WR is an older player (24), but is an incredible athlete. He has an intriguing skill set and intangibles worth developing.
As a rookie, Flournoy will have to make his bones as a special teams player if he wants to earn a roster spot with the Cowboys in 2024, and even that might not be enough. The Cowboys have some solid depth ahead of him...
