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With the third of their Day 2 draft picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys continue to bolster their defensive line by selecting Iowa defensive end Chauncey Golston with the 84th overall pick in the third round. This is the draft pick they received from the Philadelphia Eagles for moving down two spots in the first round.
Dane Brugler’s thoughts on Chauncey Golston…
A two-year starter at Iowa, Golston was the left defensive end in defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s four-man front, reducing inside in pass rush situations. Lightly-recruited out of high school, he out-worked higher recruits, became a captain and posted steady production with at least 8.5 tackle for a loss each of his last three seasons. While his speed is average, Golston plays downhill with physical hands an excellent play recognition, competing with tone-setting effort. His tall pad level and tight hips work against him and he needs to better stack and control blocks instead of just punching. Overall, Golston doesn’t have the desirable bend or explosive traits, but he is long, strong and doesn’t quit working to the ball. He projects as a high-intangible NFL role player who can line up inside and outside.
84. Dallas Cowboys: C
Chauncey Golston is a high effort defensive end who possesses a similar skill set to the recently retired Tyrone Crawford. He has the same kind of inside/out versatility and a nonstop motor that never quits. He provides much-needed depth to the DE position and should be a solid rotational player early on.
While Golston is a solid pick for the Cowboys and should help bolster their defensive line, he’s not the most athletic or explosive of pass rushers. He has starting potential, however, he made never be anything more than a versatile defensive lineman who can be used all along the Cowboys defensive front.
Overall, this seems like another reach for the Cowboys. Chauncey Golston provides much-needed depth along the Cowboys defensive front and fills a need, but where he fits in the rotation early on is questionable to say the least. It’s hard to envision him being anything more than a rotational player in the NFL.