NFL Draft grades have begun to filter in from national outlets, and the Cowboys have received a remarkably consistent response. The DeMarco Murray pick in the third round seems to be what sticks in most evaluators' craw. There were higher rated (on commonly available boards) players at positions where the Cowboys more desperately needed something. If Murray turns into a serious player, I have a feeling that we'll all look at this draft differently.
CBS Sports (Pete Prisco)
Best pick: I like the pick of Bruce Carter in the second round. He is coming off an ACL injury, so he might be limited in 2010, but he has star potential if on the field.
Questionable move: Taking DeMarco Murray in the third round was a strange move with all the other needs they have.
Third-day gem: Sixth-round pick Dwayne Harris is a steal. He will make their team and be a good slot receiver.
Analysis: They added a starter in tackle Tyron Smith and then filled in some holes, though I think they could have gone in another direction when they picked Murray.
Grade: B-
ESPN (Mel Kiper)
While I thought Dallas might trade down off No. 9 and get more value at the tackle position a little later in Round 1, Smith made a lot of sense at No. 9, and the Cowboys showed conviction with the pick. He could be the solution for them at left tackle if he develops, or perhaps gets moved to the right side for now. After that, it got a little confusing for two rounds. Dallas went linebacker and running back in Rounds 2 and 3 before targeting more pressing needs at corner and guard in the following two rounds. Dallas got good value later, but never took a player that seemed like a steal at the position. Harris is a guy who might continue to develop at wideout.
Grade: B-
The Cowboys got fine value with their first two picks, and acquiring the best left tackle in any draft as "late" as No. 9 overall is a coup. But it's fair to wonder if they could have done better in the end. DeMarco Murray is an injury waiting to happen, and wasn't nearly as productive on a per-play basis as some think. David Arkin is a project and probably a reach so early in round four. The only late-rounder we especially like is Dwayne Harris, who can do all of the things Patrick Crayton could.
Grade: B-
Fox Sports (Adam Caplan)
The Cowboys might have gotten a steal with Carter in the second round. He's still coming back from ACL surgery, but should help the team more in his second season. They failed to address their weaknesses at safety and cornerback.
Grade: C+