dbair1967

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This weekend's draft is yet another pivotal moment in the current attempt to build the Cowboys into a Super Bowl contender. Last year, the team put together its finest draft weekend in decades, but there is plenty of work to be done.
Their objective is clear: Find difference-makers on defense with the top few picks. Best player available must take a back seat to finding pass rushers and defensive backs who can join the team to contribute -- and likely start -- immediately.

The preference can be flexible on which area to address first, but between edges and defensive backs, the belief is the Cowboys must get at least two important pieces early.

With that in mind, after studying the available players at those spots for a minimum of 200 plays each, I have ranked the top edge rusher and defensive back prospects.

Click/tap here to see defensive backs.

Edge rushers

1. Myles Garrett

School: Texas A&M

Height, weight: 6-4, 272

Projected round: First

Notable: The clear-cut best player in this draft who seems destined for stardom and Cleveland.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

2. Solomon Thomas

School: Stanford

Height, weight: 6-2, 273

Projected round: First

Notable: Much better fit at DT for me, but Thomas has tremendous gifts and will be Top 5.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

3. Derek Barnett

School: Tennessee

Height, weight: 6-3, 259

Projected round: First

Notable: Barnett is the first edge rusher who is at or below 260, but production and talent suggest high ceiling.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

4. Takkarist McKinley

School: UCLA

Height, weight: 6-2. 250

Projected round: First

Notable: Perhaps first player in Dallas' range and also a potential OLB. McKinley combines playmaking and high motor.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

5. T.J. Watt

School: Wisconsin

Height, weight: 6-4, 252

Projected round: First

Notable: Another Dallas target, Watt attacks at the snap, but has just one year of production and some knee concerns.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

6. Taco Charlton

School: Michigan

Height, weight: 6-5, 277

Projected round: First

Notable: A huge man who doesn't always play that way, Chartlon is a more traditional bully end than a bending edge.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

7. Tyus Bowser

School: Houston

Height, weight: 6-3, 247

Projected round: First/second

Notable: Interesting spring riser who has rare athletic traits and intrigues many with potential upside.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

8. Tim Williams

School: Alabama

Height, weight: 6-3, 244

Projected round: Second

Notable: His own worst enemy; red flags may drop him despite impressive edge characteristics.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

9. Charles Harris

School: Missouri

Height, weight: 6-3, 253

Projected round: First/second

Notable: Master of the spin move, Harris shows you flashes of being elite, flashes of being ordinary.

Read a more comprehensive scouting report on him from Bob Sturm here.

10. Carl Lawson

School: Auburn

Height, weight: 6-3, 261

Projected round: Second

Notable: Another who seems to fit better as 3-4 outside linebacker, but his best moments on the edge are phenomenal.
 
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