Iowa Football: DE Chauncey Golston Selected 84th Overall by Dallas Cowboys in NFL Draft

Iowa football’s streak of consecutive years with a player selected in the NFL Draft was extended Friday night as former defensive end Chauncey Golston became the first Hawkeye off the board.

Golston was selected 84th overall in the 3rd round by the Dallas Cowboys.

While teammate Daviyon Nixon got a lot of the hype this season as he burst onto the scene, Chauncey Golston goes first in the draft after completing an impressive career for the Hawkeyes. Golston was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection as a junior, posting 47 tackles, 9.5 for loss, with three sacks, an interception, and five pass breakups in 13 starts opposite now Buffalo Bill AJ Epenesa.

As a senior, Golston was the guy on the edge, tying with Nixon for a team-leading 5.5 sacks with 45 total tackls and 8.5 TFL in eight starts. The production earned Golston first-team All-Big Ten honors.

So, what are the Cowboys getting with their 3rd round pick?

Chauncey Golston

Position: DE
Ht: 6’5”
Wt: 270 lbs
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Pick: 84 overall
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Full Draft Profile

Golston is a solid edge rusher who is going to perform well in the run game. He’s got long arms and a frame to continue adding bulk. That wingspan (and noted big hands!) alow Golston to create separation on the edge and while engaged in traffic. He’s shown versatility playing inside while at Iowa in select packages and that could allow the Cowboys some flexibility if they feel he lacks elite edge speed.

Here’s a look at what NFL.com had to say about the former Hawkeye:

Base end prospect for a 4-3 defense with potential to reduce inside for sub-packages. Golston has added good weight on his frame since coming to Iowa, but holding the point of attack and setting a strong edge will be a challenge for him due to his lack of play strength. While his rush off the edge is ordinary, he flashes as a disruptive interior rusher able to slip into gaps and make some noise. There are some physical traits to work with, so he could find work if he can add more strength and keep improving his rush.

Golston will look to leverage his length and versatility early while likely adding bulk and power to shore up his run game capabilities with the Cowboys.

Dallas went 6-10 a season ago and list six other defensive ends on their final depth chart. That includes starters DeMarcus Lawrence and Aldon Smith, who is no longer in town. Randy Gregory is still there and the Cowboys added Tarell Basham to last year’s picks Dorance Armstrong and Bradlee Anae. Look for Golston to press for reps as an edge rusher at first with an ability to continue developing into an every down player if he can improve at the next level.

Congratulations Chauncey Golston and best of luck with the Cowboys!