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2017 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Rams benefit from NFL Draft

By Dan Parzych

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jarrod Wilson (22) and defensive end Taco Charlton (33) celebrate his interception against the Florida Gators during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jarrod Wilson (22) and defensive end Taco Charlton (33) celebrate his interception against the Florida Gators during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Dallas Cowboys

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys were arguably one of the biggest winners of the NFL Draft thanks to landing Ezekiel Elliott early on in the first round before finding their quarterback of the future in Dak Prescott, who replaced Tony Romo, in the later rounds. Watching two rookies lead a team like the Cowboys to a 13-3 record during the regular season almost seemed impossible, but seeing Elliott and Prescott shine this early in their careers sets the bar extremely high for what looks like bright futures for these two superstars.

Leading up to the draft, it was clear Dallas needed to focus on the defensive side of the football, and while there was some concern over Jerry Jones finding a way to mess this up, give him credit for landing a solid value pick late in the first round in Taco Charlton. For a player who recorded 22 sacks over his final two seasons at Michigan, Charlton finds himself with an opportunity to make a splash right away with the Cowboys’ defense.

What was even more impressive to see by Dallas was the fact they used their first three draft picks to focus on improving the defense with the selections of two cornerbacks in Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. The Cowboys may be the defending champions in the NFC East, but when seeing all the rest of the offenses in the division are stacking up, at least they realized the importance of improving the defense in the draft.

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