With the No. 28 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected defensive end Taco Charlton out of the University of Michigan.
- Draft Tracker: Round 1
Dallas Cowboys
Pete Prisco's Grade: B-
They need help up front, but this kid flashed at times and did little else.
Instant analysis
The Cowboys' issues rushing the passer have been well-documented over the last few seasons. Jerry Jones said he wanted to go out and get a "war daddy" rusher this offseason, and he just got one for Rod Marinelli to work with. Charlton got better with every year he spent as a Wolverine. He finished his college career with 19 sacks and 28 tackles for loss, increasing his total in each category with each passing season. The switch to a 4-3 front really unleashed him once he moved into the starting lineup as a senior. He has great size for the position at 6-foot-6 and 277 pounds, and though he did not run well at the NFL combine, he moves faster than his 40-speed when you put on the tape. He also uses his hands well and has the makings of an excellent spin move to counter his speed rushes to the outside.
Fantasy impact
"The Cowboys offense is locked and loaded, but the defense needs help. Taco Charlton should help the pass rush, and maybe he'll turn around the Cowboys DST. They are not a unit to target in most leagues, but Charlton could make them a waiver wire addition during the season." -- Jamey Eisenberg
NFL comparison
Justin Tuck: Similar to Tuck when he entered the NFL out of Notre Dame, Charlton has a large and long body type with the body flexibility and strength potential to be grow into an above-average defensive end in a four-man front.
