2013 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Rebound with Third Round Picks


Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

There was a ton of skepticism over the Dallas Cowboys first two picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. Regardless of what you thought about their first and second round picks as a Cowboys fan, it’s hard to argue against what they did in the third round.

Dallas took wide receiver Terrance Williams with the 74th pick and J.J. Wilcox with the 80th pick in the third round. Those were two solid selections for the Cowboys and it helped bring back some of the good will for Dallas fans everywhere.

Williams will be a nice addition to a Cowboys offense that has been looking for that third receiver to step up for a few years now. He brings a very fluid skill set to the Cowboys with his size, athleticism and body control, along with outstanding production from his time at Baylor. Williams gives Dallas a legitimate third option in the offense and strengthens a group that includes an improving Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley. Williams is a massive step up from former number three receiver Kevin Ogletree, who left in free agency.

The biggest reason to like Williams though is because he creates competition for Miles Austin. Austin hasn’t been as consistent as the Cowboys would like and his hamstring issues have hampered the Cowboys in the passing game for the past few years. With Williams now in the fold, the Cowboys can develop a big, strong receiver in to replace Austin should he get hurt again, or if the Cowboys don’t bring him back in 2014,

With their defensive selection of Wilcox, the Cowboys get the safety they reportedly coveted. He’s a physical player who is fearless, aggressive and smart, but perhaps the best part of the scouting report on Wilcox, he has a nose for the ball. The Cowboys need more turnovers on defense, it’s what Monte Kiffin’s scheme is based on and they got a play maker in Wilcox.

Again, the Cowboys have created competition at safety by adding Wilcox into the mix with Barry Church, Matt Johnson, Will Allen and Danny McCray. It was a good selection and a pick that had Kiffin very excited.

The Dallas Cowboys seemed to turn their draft around with the selections of Terrance Williams and J.J. Wilcox, but it may not have taken much to do that. Still, a very good third round for the Cowboys.

Ben is a Cowboys writer for www.Rantsports.com and you can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi 


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