FRISCO, TX – The Dallas Cowboys had two picks on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft. No. 56 in the second round and the No. 88 pick in the third round. The Cowboys selected Sam Williams, the Edge out of Ole Miss at pick no. 56.
Williams started his football career at the junior college level, where he received All-American in 2018 before taking his skills to Ole Miss. Williams made a name for himself the three years he played at Ole Miss becoming one of the most productive pass rushers in college football in 2021.
Williams had 12.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, and a touchdown to lead Ole Miss’s defense.
What makes Williams so successful is his speed. He ran a 4.46 at the NFL combine, at 6-foot-4 261-pounds. That speed is what gives him that explosiveness off the edge.
Williams told the Dallas media after he was selected that he felt like it was a college visit when he came and saw the Cowboys.
He said, “It felt like they were recruiting me.” He explained that the details and the plan that the Dallas Cowboys had for him made him very excited about joining the Dallas Cowboys.
“I’m relentless. I’m a beast. I’m a dog.” Williams has extreme confidence and he told the media that he is ready to start playing and show everyone what he’s capable of.
With the 88th pick, the Dallas Cowboys selected Jalen Tolbert, the Wide Receiver out of South Alabama. Tolbert really made a name for himself in the 2021 season. He had seven games where he had 100-plus receiving yards.
Tolbert ranked 6th in the FBS with 1,474 receiving yards. He also set a school record with 178 receptions and 3,140 receiving yards.
“It’s been a long journey. I’ve always been overlooked and underrated.” Tolbert told the Dallas media that he’s worked really hard to get here. He stated he didn’t have many college scholarship offers when he graduated high school and because of that he always had a chip on his shoulder and he will continue to have that chip on his shoulder after he starts to play in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys.
“It was area’s where we could use some help.” Stephen Jones stated after day two of the draft at the press conference that they targeted three areas to work on and they got some guys that can really improve those areas.
According to the Cowboys coaching staff the reasoning behind grabbing Williams was his speed and ability to rush the quarterback. They said that’s very important in the NFL and Williams has the ability to do that and do it very well.
With the Tolbert pick, the Cowboys coaching staff said they liked his size and his ability to play many positions. They said his versatility was very attractive and that’s why they grabbed Tolbert.
The Draft will continue Saturday afternoon and will conclude Saturday. The remaining picks are left for the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday:
Round 4 : Pick 129
Round 5 : Pick 155 (from Cleveland)
Round 5 : Pick 167
Round 5 : Pick 176
Round 5 : Pick 178
Round 6 : Pick 193 (from Cleveland)
