2014 NFL Draft grades: Dallas Cowboys

Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin (70) blocks against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankees Stadium. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the game 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The hype surrounding the Dallas Cowboys entering the draft was if the team would draft Johnny Manziel and set off a media firestorm. The Cowboys did the smart thing and passed on the former Texas A&M quarterback in favor of addressing the offensive line with the pick of Zack Martin who can play either guard position or right tackle position opposite Tyron Smith.

Best pick: Martin

Worst pick: Anthony Hitchens

Analysis: Offensive linemen aren’t the “sexy” picks, but Martin is just what the team needed in the first round as he joins Travis Frederick and Smith as recent first round picks on the line to protect Tony Romo. After releasing DeMarcus Ware in the offseason, they added a pass-rusher in Demarcus Lawrence who is an ideal fit in that defense as he can get to the quarterback wit his quickness.

Hitchens was a reach to me at the end of the third because I’m not sure how he fits in this defense and if he’s anything more than a core special teamer. Devin Street was a surprising pick as he is an extremely lean receiver who doesn’t have much big-play ability.

The Cowboys had six picks in the seventh round from No. 229-No. 254, but those picks are just hoping to find a diamond in the rough rather than a starter, and I’d expect some are released in training camp.

Grade: C+

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