The Dallas Cowboys select Dorance Armstrong with the 116th pick in the 2018 NFL draft

With the 116th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Dorance Armstrong, defensive end from Kansas.

NFL.com

Armstrong is an intriguing prospect with the build and fluid athleticism of a shooting guard. Armstrong’s drop in production can be attributed to a change in scheme that asked him to play run first and pass second. His game revolves around athletic ability over technique, but his poor forty times at both the Combine and his pro day could cause concerns. Armstrong has the tools and upside to become an eventual starter at outside linebacker in a 3-4.

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What kind of player is Dorance Armstrong?

The talk has been what kind of system does he fit in and what can he do depending on scheme. He’s an edge rusher that learned to play the run better as his career progressed. Any team would be getting a player who can still develop and is a quality person.

What do you believe to be Armstrong’s strengths?

His ability to come off the edge is his biggest strength. He has a good motor and made several plays where he came from the back side after initially being blocked.

Conversely, what does Armstrong need to work on?

One of the areas he improved a lot was adding weight. I don’t know how much bigger he can get but getting the extra strength to handle NFL tackles will help. Early in his career one of the weaknesses was playing the run but that improved over the last two years. He will have to get in a system that plays to his strengths out on the perimeter.

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: Dorance Armstrong

4-37-137 Dallas

5-34-171 Dallas

6-18-192 Dallas

6-19-193 Dallas

6-34-208 Dallas

7-18-236 Dallas