Cowboys Draft Picks 2015: Dallas Selects Randy Gregory In Second Round (Pick #60)

The Dallas Cowboys selected Randy Gregory, a defensive end from Nebraska with pick number 60 in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft.

This will be a controversial pick. Gregory has top-10 talent but red-flags dropped him all the way to #60. Failed drug tests are the main issue. But his ability to rush the passer is unquestioned.

Gregory reportedly wanted to go to a place where he would have a strong support staff. Dallas certainly is experienced in dealing with players who have issues. He fills a need as a pass rusher if Dallas can keep him on the straight and narrow.

Gregory said he connected with both Jerry Jones and Rod Marinelli on his visit to Dallas.

You can watch an SB Nation video here.

Here is the NFL.com analysis:

STRENGTHS Tall with long levers and a lean, sinewy build. Batted down four passes in 2014. Stronger than expected at point of attack. Able to lock out and stay square against big offensive tackles and can whip most tight ends. Unhinges and gets tentacles on running backs bursting through gap. Room for more thickness on long frame. Competitive and shows toughness against run. Can chase and limit outside runs with speed. Secondary motor to stay in hunt downfield as tackler. Explosive hips. Gets instant change of direction to hound quarterbacks in play-action. Played standing up and with hand in ground. Rushed occasionally from ILB spot. Stride and second gear for quick close. Has bend and hips to convert speed to power. Showed improved timing and understanding of how to set up inside pass-rush move as season progressed. Hands are a blur. Explosive play traits to overwhelm technically deficient tackles. Can counter and recover from cut blocks. Flashes plus hand-feet coordination. As blitzer from ILB, will coil and explode into guard on contact step. More than tough enough. Willing to take on pulling guards with low pad level and aggressive pop.

WEAKNESSES Thin through trunk and will play with a narrow base, causing balance issues. Almost always last player out of his stance at snap. Technique and feel as pass rusher lacking at this point. Thinks rather than plays. Takes occasional false steps as stand-up rusher. Time-waster. Too much time stutter-stepping tackles rather than exploding upfield. Fails to stress the high side of tackles to get them rocking. Makes it too easy for tackles to quick-set him. Plays man in front of him rather than "seeing through" to quarterback. Lacks creativity as rusher. Gets punched with his shoulders still squared rather than on an angle, which robs ability to turn edge. Doesn't process what he sees very quickly. Marginal play strength in pass rush and can be redirected. Was manhandled by Wisconsin blockers on two long touchdown runs by Melvin Gordon. Issues with positive drug tests are a significant concern.

CBS scouting report:

STRENGTHS: Uses length well to extend and shoot his arms into blockers. Explosive get-off and burst to advance upfield very quickly, displaying outstanding speed and closing burst in pursuit of the ballcarrier. Quick feet, east moving laterally to avoid blockers, appearing natural in space and on his feet with smooth change of direction movements. Active hands. Never quits fighting to the ball.

WEAKNESSES: Lean, lanky frame and needs to continue and develop strength and natural power. Needs to load more ammo into his hands to better convert speed to power. Struggles to anchor and can be driven backward, especially at the point of attack when attempting to leverage blockers who get under his pads. Injuries in 2014 to be inspected closely during pre-draft checks.

Compares To: Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers -- With the same combination of length and explosiveness to terrorize quarterbacks, Gregory has elite potential. A 4-3 defensive end for the Cornhuskers, he has the agility, speed and awareness to get home out of the two-point stance if a move to outside linebacker is required.

Cowboys draft picks for the 2015 draft:

Round 1, Pick 27 (27) -- Byron Jones, CB
Round 2, Pick 28 (60) -- Randy Gregory DE
Round 3, Pick 27 (91) --
Round 4, Pick 28 (127) --
Round 5, Pick 27 (163) --
Round 7, Pick 19 (236) (from Chargers) --
Round 7, Pick 26 (243) (from Ravens) --

Cowboys team needs in the draft:

CB - The situation with Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne makes this a priority.
RB - DeMarco Murray's departure opens up a spot for a rookie to compete with Darren McFadden and others.
DL - The Cowboys could certainly use help along the defensive line. A pass-rusher and an active one-tech are possibilities.
LB - The Cowboys have Rolando McClain and Sean Lee, but injuries for Lee and injuries and off-the-field issues for McClain make things thin. 
WR - Dallas could use a speedy wide reciever, especially one who can return kicks.
T/G - Depth along the line, especially at swing tackle.

Second round

1(33) Giants - Landon Collins
2(34) Buccaneers - Donovan Smith
3(35) Raiders - Mario Edwards, Jr.
4(36) Jaguars - T.J. Yeldon
5(37) Jets - Devin Smith
6(38) Redskins - Preston Smith
7(39) Bears - Eddie Goldman
8(40) Titans - Dorial Green-Beckham
9(41) Panthers - Devin Funchess
10(42) Falcons - Jalen Collins
11(43) Texans - Benardrick McKinney
12(44) Saints - Hau'oli Kikaha
13(45) Vikings - Eric Kendricks
14(46) 49ers - Jaquiski Tartt
15(47) Eagles - Eric Rowe
16(48) Chargers - Denzel Perryman
17(49) Chiefs - Mitch Morse
18(50) Bills - Ronald Darby
19(51) Browns - Nate Orchard
20(52) Dolphins - Jordan Phillips
21(53) Bengals - Jake Fisher
22(54) Lions - Ameer Abdullah 
23(55) Ravens - Maxx Williams
24(56) Steelers - Senquez Golson
25(57) Rams - Rob Havenstein

26(58) Cardinals - Markus Golden

27 (59) Broncos - Ty Sambrailo

28(60) Cowboys - Randy Gregory
29(61) Colts
30(62) Packers
31(63) Seahawks
32(64) Patriots