2017 first-round draft pick Taco Charlton waived by Dallas Cowboys

All signs were pointing to the Dallas Cowboys releasing Taco Charlton on Wednesday, and about five minutes before they had to (4pm ET) it became official. The team has moved on from their first-round draft pick of just two years ago.

It’s certainly unfortunate to see things end like this between Charlton and the Cowboys, but not every draft pick turns into a Pro Bowl or All-Pro player.

Of course, the Cowboys have become known for their success in the first round this decade, that’s part of why it was so surprising to see them trade a first-rounder for Amari Cooper. Considering the talent they’ve landed there it’s hard to be upset about one total bust.

Cowboys first-rounders since 2010

• 2010: Dez Bryant
• 2011: Tyron Smith
• 2012: Morris Claiborne
• 2013: Travis Frederick
• 2014: Zack Martin
• 2015: Byron Jones
• 2016: Ezekiel Elliott
• 2017: Taco Charlton
• 2018: Leighton Vander Esch
• 2019: (traded for Amari Cooper)

Perhaps the biggest issue concerning this news is what the Cowboys are able to do in terms of drafting defensive linemen, or rather what they’re not able to do. They haven’t been all too great at evaluating that position over the last handful of years.

Cowboys defensive linemen drafted since 2014

2019

• Trysten HIll
• Joe Jackson
• Jalen Jelks

2018

• Dorance Armstrong

2017

• Taco Charlton
• Joey Ivie
• Jordan Carrell

2016

• Maliek Collins
• Charles Tapper

2015

• Randy Gregory
• Ryan Russell

2014

• DeMarcus Lawrence
• Ben Gardner
• Ken Bishop

All the best to Taco Charlton. Hopefully he finds a home with someone new. May this fresh start be good for both him and the Dallas Cowboys.