FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys’ front office redundantly stressed the team would sway heavily “defense, defense, defense” in the draft after last season’s lackluster campaign by the unit. So far, that is the case. Dallas’ selections have been one-sided, and the club addressed several defensive needs on Day 2 in the third round. Here is an analysis of the three picks taken by the Cowboys in round three: Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston and Nashton Wright.
(75) DT Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA
As a three-year starter, Odighizuwa predominately played nose tackle in UCLA’s 3-4 base defense, but he has the capability and experience lining up at every position from zero to the 5-technique spot. He constantly worked towards the football and his burst off the line of scrimmage with quick first step is impressive. For the Bruins, he accumulated more tackles for loss (27.5) than game starts (27).
A noteworthy element to the disruptive lineman’s game is his background history. He was a three-time state champion wrestler in high school which translated to the gridiron in the trenches, impacting angles and leverage.
“It helps me a lot in terms of leverage and awareness because you get a good feeling and understanding of bodyweight and pressures and just feeling the shifts of bodyweight and knowing to fight pressure with pressure,” Odighizuwa described to D210Sports. “That is something that helps me a lot as a football player. And then just a tough mentality.”
The UCLA product will help bolster the Cowboys’ defensive front in the trenches. Dallas ranked 31st in run defense a year ago and are looking for an upgrade in the interior. He will join Trysten Hill, Neville Gallimore, Antwaun Woods and free agent acquisitions Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins. With his position flex, Odighizuwa will have many positions along the line to earn the coaches’ attention during training camp.
(84) Edge, Chauncey Golston, Iowa
A two-year starter, Golston lined up at left defensive end in Iowa’s four-man front but moved inside on third-down pass rush situations. He showcased superb play recognition and had the lateral athleticism to burst through gaps. During his collegiate career, he was consistent compiling 27.0 tackles for loss over the last three seasons. His long wingspan allows him to push blockers out of the way.
Aden Durde, the Cowboys’ defensive line coach ran Golston’s D-Line drills at the Pro Day. He also had some interactions with members of the organization at the senior bowl, but his workouts certainly impressed the onlookers from Dallas.
Following his selection, he told media frankly “I just know this team is going to get everything I got. Everything out of me. Inside or outside, it doesn’t matter where. I’m just trying to provide when I can.”
After the defensive line woes last season as the group switched from a one-gap to a two-gap under Mike Nolan, a new era dawns with Dan Quinn. Golston will bring competition to the defensive line and the position flexibility (inside or outside) that Cowboys’ coaches are always preaching. He joins DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Tarell Basham and depth options Bradlee Anae and Dorance Armstrong.
(99) CB Nahshon Wright, Oregon State
A two-year starter at Oregon State, Wright lined up at field cornerback. He led the team in interceptions in both 2019 (3) and 2020 (2). In 2020 (six games due to COVID), Wright notched six pass breakups and two interceptions, earning All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention. His length allows him to be more aggressive at the catch point and in jams at the line of scrimmage.
A perfect fit for Dan Quinn. Wright noted to media on Friday evening, “I saw what he [Dan Quinn] did at Atlanta and what type of scheme he ran. And just the type of corners he likes, long and athletic…I can get my hands on the shorter, quicker guys, and I’m able to run with them. With the bigger guys, I’m able to match their physicality, so for me it’s [being tall] an advantage if anything.”
Wright now adds a boost to the Cowboys’ secondary joining Trevon Diggs, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, and Kelvin Joseph. He will get a chance to compete for snaps during training camp.
