Mel Kiper isn't necessarily the biggest fan of the Dallas Cowboys' 2016 NFL Draft.

Shortly following the draft, Kiper, ESPN's draft guru since 1984, gave Dallas a 'C' for their nine draft selections this past weekend.

"I have mixed feelings on this draft class, with huge questions early and several great picks later," Kiper said. "I love Ezekiel Elliott as a player -- he's one of the best running back prospects in recent years -- and he's certain to be highly productive behind a fantastic offensive line, but I think a number of running backs would be really good in Dallas, and that goes for a number of players drafted well into Day 3. Great player, poor value range. Jaylon Smith can be special if he gets healthy, and would have been one of the top three players on my final Big Board if so. But this is two straight years Dallas has taken a major risk in Round 2 (Randy Gregory last year). Hopefully it works out this time. I'll be rooting like heck for that kid.

"Maliek Collins is needed help on the D-line, and Charles Tapper is a sleeper because he played out of his ideal position a lot at Oklahoma, and Dallas could get something from him. Dallas was interested in getting into range for Paxton Lynch, and also missed out on a chance to draft Connor Cook when the Raiders traded up. Dak Prescott is a solid guy to have on the bench, but I question the starting upside, and I had Brandon Allen ranked higher. One I really love: Darius Jackson is a great sleeper RB out of Eastern Michigan. Rico Gathers is a great coin-flip late. The Baylor basketball player hasn't played football in years but has tremendous size. "Go follow No. 82 around, kid." One question: Did they do enough at cornerback? I'd say no."

After the first pick in the draft, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones indicated that the club would look toward the defensive side of the football in the rest of the draft. The next six of the Cowboys' eight picks were all defenders. The talent the Cowboys landed should have a chance to make a pass for serious run for playing time this year and then get the opportunity to possibly start next season dependent on free agency. Linebacker Jaylon Smith was once considered a top five talent, and when looking at the future of this draft class, could be one of the team's best picks.

The Cowboys also made a solid selection with Dak Prescott, but he'll likely take some time to develop. The Cowboys wanted other quarterbacks ahead of him, but his value in the fourth round was fine. Prescott was a prolific passer for the Bulldogs last season and hopefully that translates into the NFL.

Cowboys draft picks assigned jersey numbers

The Cowboys will get their first look at their picks on the field this weekend with rookie minicamp.