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With the 238th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected guard Matt Farniok out of Nebraska. The Cowboys end a defensive-heavy draft with an offensive player. They add another depth piece to the interior of their offensive line.
Farniok has three-position flexibility but will likely play guard or center as a pro. He has a long frame with decent proportions and can fit gap and zone schemes. There’s room for continued growth as a run blocker but his pass protection is below average. He has a shot to earn a role as a backup interior offensive lineman.
Positives: Large college tackle who projects to guard at the next level. Quickly gets off the snap, stays square, and fires his hands into defenders. Keeps his head on a swivel, shows good awareness, and plays with a nasty attitude. Keeps his feet moving, shows strength, and turns defenders from the action.
Negatives: Lacks blocking balance in motion and isn’t effective at the second level. Struggles handling quick, athletic opponents. Does not make good use of angles or body positioning in pass protection.
Analysis: Farniok was a solid college lineman who got the most from his ability. He’s a size prospect who comes with limited upside.
- Round 1, pick 12 - LB Micah Parsons
- Round 2, pick 44 - CB Kelvin Joseph
- Round 3, pick 75 - DT Osa Odighizuwa
- Round 3, pick 84 - EDGE Chauncey Gholston
- Round 3, pick 99 - CB Nahshon Wright
- Round 4, pick 115 - LB Jabril Cox
- Round 4, pick 138 - OT Josh Ball
- Round 5, pick 179 - WR Simi Fehoko
- Round 6, pick 192 - DT Quinton Bohanna
- Round 6, pick 227 - DB Israel Mukuamu
- Round 7, pick 238 - G Matt Farniok
Cowboys needs:
CB - It’s the most popular position for the Cowboys to use their #10 pick on. Chidobe Awuzie departed in free agency from a group that wasn’t very strong to begin with. Trevon Diggs is a piece to build on, but the Cowboys need help.
OL - Injury and age are catching up to various pieces of the Cowboys once-vaunted offensive line. Tyron Smith has an uncertain long-term future, and the middle of the line still has question marks.
DL - The Cowboys could use an infusion of talent at both defensive tackle and defensive end. Expect both positions to be among the picks this weekend.
LB - Sean Lee retired, Joe Thomas left in free agency, and the Cowboys are undecided on Leighton Vander Esch’s fifth-year option. This is a need that has been building this offseason.
S - The Cowboys signed a few free agents to go with Donovan Wilson, but they were mostly one-year contracts. The long-term stability of the position is in doubt, and the small sample size of Wilson’s work only adds to that.