Cowboys 'Go Blue' with first two draft picks

The Dallas Cowboys selected Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night. In the second round Friday, they followed that with another Michigan man, tight end Luke Schoonmaker.

It’s the second time in six years the Cowboys have selected two Wolverines in the same draft. In 2017, Dallas took Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton in the first round and cornerback Jourdan Lewis in the third round.

The Cowboys' scoring defense ranked fifth in 2022 (20.1), sixth-best in the league. Their rush defense ranked 22nd, however, allowed 129.3 yards per game, so a run-stuffer such as Smith was a big need.

One of the stronger players in the draft, he won’t get pushed around much. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he had 34 bench press reps, the most by a defensive player and second most at the combine.

Schoonmaker dealt with injuries in his final season at Michigan, limiting his productivity, but he should be a solid replacement for Dalton Schultz, who signed with the Houston Texans in free agency.

Per ESPN.com draft analyst Steve Muench: "Schoonmaker uses his strength and savvy to generate late separation running routes. He has the body control to adjust to throws outside his frame, and he excels at catching the ball in traffic. He has the strength to break some tackles and generate some yards after the catch. Schoonmaker is an effective in-line blocker who fires out with aggressiveness, takes sound angles and gives great effort."

In a five-game stretch last season, Schoonmaker hauled in 25 catches for 254 yards and two touchdown passes. 

The previous Michigan pair selected by Dallas did not shine. 

Charlton never realized his potential, recording four sacks in 25 games before his release in 2019. Lewis is a solid veteran who has played in 83 games for Dallas.

Cowboys fans are hoping their 2023 Wolverine draft haul brings more impressive results.