The Dallas Cowboys select Michael Gallup with the 81st pick in the 2018 NFL draft

With the 81st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Michael Gallup, wide receiver from Colorado State.

NFL.com

Natural athlete with good size who finds ways to get open through burst and athletic ability. Gallup has posted outstanding production during his two years in the Mountain West at Colorado State, but his level of play took a dip in his matchup against Alabama early in the season. Gallup is still a little raw, but is quickly fine-tuning his game and may have the ability to become a good WR2 in the league.

Sporting News

“He lacks the elite speed to be a home-run threat, but Gallup can create separation with his route-running and excels at making contested catches. Dangerous with the ball in his hands, Gallup averaged 15.3 yards per reception in college and should develop into a solid No. 2 receiver who can be had on day two or maybe even day three.”

The Coloradoan

Pros:

Excellent at making contested catches

Competitive after the catch with ability to break tackles

NFL-ready size and strength

Cons:

Lacks top-end speed

Questions about focus at times

Cowboys Needs:

Wide receiver: The Cowboys receiving corps struggled in 2017, and that was before they released Dez Bryant. Adding Allen Hurns helped, but they could still look for more firepower in a Dak-friendly offense.

Guard/Offensive line: Jonathan Cooper moved on, and the Cowboys didn't get a sure-fire replacement in free agency. There is still a discussion about moving La’el Collins back inside, so they need a guard or right tackle.

Linebacker: Anthony Hitchens was a solid part of the rotation, but he’s gone. Sean Lee is the main man but his injury history is a problem. Jaylon Smith is still tying to regain his form pre-injury. Dallas could use another piece here.

Defensive tackle: The Cowboys had to play Maliek Collins out of position for much of the year, and the run defense suffered for it. Collins was also not as effective as he was in 2016. A big 1-tech with 3-tech traits would be nice.

Tight end: Jason Witten is retiring. Now that we’ve processed that, tight end certainly moves up on the needs chart.

Safety: Safety is not the most pressing need, but we could certainly see Dallas attack it at some point.

Cowboys draft picks:

(Round-pick in the round-overall pick)

1-19-19: Leighton Vander Esch

2-18-50: Connor Williams

3-17-81: Michael Gallup

4-16-116 Dallas

4-37-137 Dallas

5-34-171 Dallas

6-18-192 Dallas

6-19-193 Dallas

6-34-208 Dallas

7-18-236 Dallas