Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones has already warned Cowboys Nation about not reaching in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft for a position of need – setting yourself up to miss on the pick. For those of us locked in on top defensive end prospects like Carl Lawson or Takk McKinley, this may come as bad news in regards to the 28th overall pick, but other talented edge rushers like Michigan’s Taco Charlton make this DE class deep enough to benefit Dallas at the end of the first round.
Now more than ever, the Dallas Cowboys defensive line is in need of stability and long-term answers. Here is how Taco Charlton could fill that role.
…Charlton has plenty of great NFL level traits off the edge, showing developmental ability with his swim move, dip, and occasional spin.
This film clip and quote comes from my full scouting report on Taco Charlton at Slant Sports, and quickly flashes some of the traits that make Charlton such an interesting prospect in the Cowboys’ current defensive scheme.
Capable of displaying his length and athleticism as both a left and right defensive end, Charlton can be the anchor the Cowboys have been missing at defensive end in two different spots. Ideally taking most of his snaps as a base LDE, Taco Charlton displays the initial quickness along with the awareness to extend as a run defender on that side and hold the point of attack.
What makes Charlton so dangerous is the versatility he has once he sets up a tackle like this to rush wide and bend or power inside.
As the true pass rusher that Dallas is so sorely lacking, Charlton flashes some impressive bend and lower body drive for his height to get after the quarterback.
If asked to rush off of the weak side as a rookie in Dallas, Charlton can expect to be in rotation with players like Benson Mayowa and DeMarcus Lawrence – an ideal role for any young NFL defensive end, particularly ones with his natural speed and instincts.
Taco Charlton may not be the greatest athlete, nor the “made in a lab” type of havoc-wreaking edge rusher that Cowboys fans are longing for (the Browns should be getting such a pass rusher in Myles Garrett), but his workable traits and upside paired with his college production make him a valuable pick to consider at 28th overall.
When offensive tackles are able to sit down against Charlton, he does show the ability to win late in downs thanks to his initial quickness in capturing the corner and using his ideal arm length to power back to the football.
With the right coaching, Charlton will be able to develop his array of pass rushing moves.
Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli has been partially responsible for the Cowboys defensive line facing the lack of production they have, pounding the table for later round “hustle” prospects with the vision of developing them.
It is time the Cowboys gave Marinelli a pass rusher with top talent, another high ceiling, but most importantly a strong floor with pro-ready traits. All of these things describe Taco Charlton, who earned a 2nd round grade on my 2017 NFL Draft Board.
Likely drafting a 2nd round player off of their own board at 28, the Cowboys and Taco Charlton could make for the perfect pairing come draft night.
Taco Charlton: "I'd be happy to talk to Dallas. Wonderful place to play. My dad grew up a Cowboys fan, so I know he'd be happy w/ that one."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 5, 2017
