Cowboys Draft Picks 2014: Demarcus Lawrence Selected At #34 (Second Round)

In the second round of the 2014 NFL draft, with pick #34 overall, the Dallas Cowboys drafted defensive end Demarcus Lawrence out of Boise State. The Cowboys made a trade with the Washington Redskins, giving up their 2nd round pick (#47) and their 3rd round pick (#78) to move up to #34. Lawrence is a pass-rushing defensive end who they hope will help to replace the departed DeMarcus Ware. This is a move the Cowboys were expected to make to help an ailing defensive line.

The Cowboys really need to be correct on this one as they paid a price to get Lawrence, a third round pick could be very valuable for a team trying to fill holes on defense. But, if Lawrence can prove to be a true pass-rushing threat from the defensive end position, then it will be worth it.

Lawrence is a 6' 3", 251 lbs. end who is big on talent but has had some disciplinary problems at Boise State. In two years after transferring over from junior college, Lawrence had 19 sacks and 34 tackles for loss. Lawrence has multiple pass rushing moves and should be able to translate those to the pro level.

Here is a scouting report on Demarcus Lawrence.

Cowboys 2014 draft picks

Round 1: Pick 16 (16 overall) --- Zack Martin (OT/OG Notre Dame)
Round 2: Pick 2 (34 overall) --- Demarcus Lawrence (DE Boise State)
Round 3: Pick 14 (78 overall) --- Traded
Round 4: Pick 19 (119 overall)
Round 5: Pick 18 (158 overall)
Round 7: Pick 14 (229 overall) (from Bears)
Round 7: Pick 16 (231 overall)
Round 7: Pick 23 (238 overall) (from Chiefs)
Round 7: Pick 33 (248 overall) (compensatory selection)
Round 7: Pick 36 (251 overall) (compensatory selection)
Round 7: Pick 39 (254 overall) (compensatory selection)

Cowboys team needs

Defensive Tackle: With Jason Hatcher gone and Nick Hayden just a serviceable player, the Cowboys interior is weak. Henry Melton has been signed but is coming off an ACL injury. A couple of guys on the roster could help, but Dallas needs a stud.

Defensive End: Long time pass rusher DeMarcus Ware is no longer a Cowboy. That immediately leaves a huge hole. Anthony Spencer is trying to recover from injury. The rest are unproven. Help is needed.

Safety: Barry Church can play, everyone else is questionable. J.J. Wilcox, Jeff Heath, Matt Johnson? None of them are a lock.

Guard/Tackle: Mackenzy Bernadeau is a stop-gap. Ron Leary showed some promise, but needs to improve and has a chronic knee injury. Doug Free could regress at any moment. [UPDATE] With the selection of Zack Martin, the Cowboys need for offensive line help is greatly reduced.

Wide Receiver: Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams form a good duo, but behind them is slot receiver Cole Beasley. The Cowboys could use another guy.