People don't seem to be buying what the Cowboys are selling. (Getty Images)

There are football decisions, and there are football decisions. And in the realm of football decisions, the Dallas Cowboys' decision to trade down from their original 18th overall draft pick and move down the 31st pick formerly owned by the San Francisco 49ers is being questioned by just about everybody. Not so much because they traded down, but because of the player they took when they did so -- Wisconsin center Travis Frederick, a player many analysts had with a second- to third-round grade. Some would argue that Frederick wasn't even the best center on the board; Cal's Brian Schwenke and Alabama's Barrett Jones would also get votes. But the primary issue was that the Cowboys, a team that has drafted pretty horribly over the last few seasons, seem to have done it again in the wrong direction.

Brandon Jones of the Dallas Morning News recalled an exchange between Assistant Director of Player Personnel Tom Ciskowski and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Director of Player Personnel Stephen Jones during the team's live feed of the "war room" during the first round.

[Head coach Jason] Garrett, at one point, had a blank look across his face as he started rubbing his forehead with his hand. Ciskowski and Stephen Jones also had an animated exchange. It was a rare show of emotion by Ciskowski.

There's good reason for the Cowboys' actual football people to be incensed by the pick. Jones, whose only real football qualification appear to be his status as owner Jerry Jones' son, later told the media that the team had LSU safety Eric Reid in the mix as the second-rated safety on their board behind Texas' Kenny Vaccaro, who the New Orleans Saints took with the 15th pick, but thought there was more value in trading down and grabbing an extra third-round pick. The 49ers, a team that seems to know a thing or two about player personnel, immediately took Reid with the pick Dallas vacated.

[Related: Jets to consider releasing Mark Sanchez]

And Frederick, for his part, told a Dallas radio station that even he didn't believe he'd be taken when he was.

The Vikings managed quite the first-round haul. (Getty Images)

It was a draft that few found easy to figure out, and after one round of the 2013 edition of the National Football League's player selection process, there were quite a few shockers that had most observers shaking their heads.

The Minnesota Vikings became the first team since the 2001 St. Louis Rams to manage three picks in the first round -- there was their 23rd pick, the 25th pick they received from the Seattle Seahawks in the Percy Harvin trade, and the 29th pick they received in a draft-day trade with the New England Patriots. The 2001 haul for the Rams ended in a Super Bowl appearance, and the Vikings are hoping that the additions of Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes, and Tennessee receiver Cordarrelle Patterson will increase their chances to advance in the postseason. The last time the Vikings had three picks in the first round was 1967, and they grabbed defensive tackle Alan Page -- perhaps the greatest player in franchise history.

[Also: NFL draft first-round winners and losers]

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman was actually in the middle of a press conference discussing the Floyd and Rhodes picks when he had to excuse himself to execute the trade with the Patriots. Spielman later said that Patterson's skill set made the extra work worth it.

"We had talked about potentially moving up to try to go get [Patterson on Friday] but when something came to fruition tonight while I was talking to you guys, we wanted to jump on that," Spielman later told the media. "We were very, very aggressive to go do that just because I know what he can do as a receiver. But especially what he can do as a potential punt and kickoff returner because he is magic in that area as well."

By the time the Vikings took their picks, another bit of history had been made, when the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars took Central Michigan's Eric Fisher and Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel with the first two selections -- the first time offensive tackles were taken back-to-back with the first two picks.

"You build your foundation with players like Eric," new Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said.

It was also the first draft since 1963 in which no running back was selected, which leaves some interesting prospects for NFL teams in the second round and beyond. Alabama's Eddie Lacy, UCLA's Jonathan Franklin, and Wisconsin's Monte Ball are three names to watch.

One of the primary names to watch in the first round was that of the New York Jets, who grabbed an extra high first-round pick by way of their trade of cornerback Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those who were thinking Rex Ryan was a lame-duck head coach and new general manager John Idzik might make a play for more playmakers to benefir quarterback Mark Sanchez were left to think again. With the ninth overall pick, the Jets took Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, and they used Tampa Bay's former 13th overall pick to take Missouri's Sheldon Richardson, one of the most dynamic penetrating defensive tackles in this draft class.

"We love what they bring to the defense -- the kind of mentality that both these young men play are the same traits we look for in all our players," Ryan said.

For their parts, Milliner and Richardson appeared supremely confident - -even claiming that they couldn't wait to get a closer look at Tom Brady.

(Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens have selected Florida S Matt Elam with the 32th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

Pros: Short player, but Elam has an outstanding combination of musculature and quickness and he put up a 35.5-inch vertical leap at the scouting combine. Has the range and game speed to play wide in quarters and thirds coverage, though projects best as a slot defender and quick box player. Shows tremendous closing speed when coming down from coverage to tackle and provide run support. Has good recovery quickness on close cuts and doesn't get embarrassed too often on slants, in-cuts, and comebacks. Has the deep speed to provide boundary support on long sideline passes -- boxes his receiver into position well. Covers well up and down the seam -- this may be his best role in the NFL.

Excellent slot defender who turns and runs with faster receivers, transitions from his first to second responsibilities in mixed coverage, and sticks with his man on routes with cuts and angles. Tackles powerfully and with authority when he wraps up and uses proper technique -- surprising strength prevents further yards after contact. Can play the back half well, but he isn't a single-high center fielder. Reads keys in the backfield and follows the action -- probably a better man than zone player. Has the quickness, aggressiveness, and strength to blitz from the line or from linebacker depth. Impressive ball-hawking abilities for his height. Special teams demon who will make an NFL impact there right away.

Cons: Lack of height shows up when facing high-pointing receivers, and he could struggle against flex tight ends in close quarters. Will need to be taught how hits in the NFL work -- it's nice that he comes down to give shots with authority, but he's going to rack up a pretty impressive NFL fine schedule the way the game is played today. Tends to go for the kill shot too often and loses the ability to tackle consistently as a result. Will occasionally get caught peeking in the backfield and can be subsequently late on crossing routes.

What he brings to the team: Speed, power, and versatility in an unconventional package. Could be the next Bob Sanders and eases the loss of Ed Reed to a point.

"I play very hard," Elam said at the scouting combine, when asked what he brings to the NFL. "I love to strike people. I feel that's what helped me stand out the most, and I’m very versatile. I can cover the slot receivers, I can go down and cover, I can go in the box and tackle. I can play in the post. I feel like that what make me stand out the most.”

Asking where Matt Elam fits best in a professional secondary may be the typical question, but it won't provide the right answer. In truth, his versatility will be the key to his ultimate NFL success, especially in a league where nickel and dime sets are more common than ever.

Was it the right pick?

Travis Frederick (No. 72) was picked by the Cowboys (USA Today Sports Images)

The Dallas Cowboys have selected Wisconsin C Travis Frederick with the 31st overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

Pros: Like most Wisconsin linemen, brings a great overall understanding of offensive line play and a high football IQ. Big guy with interesting agility. Can block with power in man situations, but gets zone concepts.

Cons: Doesn't hit the second level with authority and lacks elite lateral agility. Will lose battles to speed rushers.

What he brings to the team: A great deal of confusion.

Was it the right pick?

(Getty Images)The St. Louis Rams have selected Georgia OLB Alec Ogletree with the 30th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

Pros: Former safety who plays with that kind of range -- can run quickly to just about any area on the defense from linebacker depth. Reads keys and diagnoses backfield action well -- will patiently wait from his position and then unleash his speed to make plays. Has the height and jumping ability to cover tight ends in the seam. Outstanding half-field defender who seems made to play in nickel -- will close quickly to either sideline. Surprisingly good wrap tackler for his size. Doesn't bounce off a lot of plays and doesn't get dragged too often by power backs. Zeroes in on the ballcarrier with accuracy and doesn't misdirect, which is impressive for all his velocity.

Understands angles and will cut around blockers almost as a receiver would cut away from a defensive back. Possesses the pure burn off the edge to produce as a blitzing linebacker, and will occasionally zoom into the pocket from coverage depth to pressure quarterbacks. Has the backpedal, hip turn, and short-area speed to cover well in man or zone. Dynamic special teams player.

Cons: Thin player who will struggle against blocks -- can be easily walled off. Bounces off blocks at times, but doesn't use his hands to functionally disengage. Needs a bigger line with fairly dominant players to open up gaps for him; he's not a power player at all. Missed tackles are precisely the issue you would expect from a less powerful player who's flying around all the time. Long list of off-field issues will debit him with teams, and he wasn't specifically impressive when explaining his past during media session at the scouting combine.

What he brings to the team: Speed in a 360-degree sense. And a LOT of baggage.

Was it the right pick?

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The Minnesota Vikings have selected Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson with the 29th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

Pros: Big, physical receiver who comes off the line with burst and authority. Will win physical battles that other receivers simply aren't equipped to. Has a great frame for an 'A'-level receiver -- good musculature, strong upper body. Blocks well to help with run support -- sporadically with his technique, but almost like a tight end at times. Runs straight-line routes with outstanding glide and gets up to top speed (which is very impressive for his size) in a hurry. Has a natural ability to move and cut in traffic that makes him a potential yards-after-catch nightmare for every defenses. Not afraid to grab the pass in traffic when he know he's going to get hit. Drives upfield after the short and intermediate catch and uses his physical nature to bull through tackles. Plants and cuts well on drive routes (slants, in-cuts, drags).

Can be a real factor in the return game, where his combination of size, speed, and agility really show up. Reads the action in front of him well and cuts decisively to get away from tacklers. Has that final gear to excel as a deep returner, as well as a deep seam and boundary receiver. Dynamic red zone target who understands how to get his body in front of defenders quickly in short spaces. Has the physical characteristics to play the "X" spot as the isolated receiver, but may really shine as a "Z" at the next level, where he can take coverage off the top and open things up for other targets. Rushing ability will transfer to the NFL and could make him an interesting multi-formation player.

Cons: Patterson's lack of high-level experience shows up very clearly in his lack of overall route development and awareness, and this isn't an issue that can be corrected overnight. Played in a simple, mostly single-read offense, which stunted his development. Doesn't always transition well to catch out of quick-breaking routes, which seems to be more a function of concentration and technique, because he will catch balls in traffic. The eye-to-hands connection is a work in progress, and he'll suffer lapses in concentration and ball security as a result.

What he brings to the team: Everything but route awareness. There are times on tape where he appears virtually uncoverable, and it's relatively easy to put some of the blame for the bad plays on a basic offensive system, a lack of experience, and a highly erratic quarterback. In the right system, and under a coaching staff who will not expect too much from him right away in the route-running department, Patterson could be a rookie impact player. And especially in this system, he's a perfect replacement for Percy Harvin.

Was it the right pick?

Sylvester Williams was picked by the Broncos (USA Today Sports Images)

The Denver Broncos have selected North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams with the 28th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

Pros: Big upside player with the ability to upset opposing offense in a lot of different ways. Warren Sapp's favorite defensive tackle in this draft class. Shows a great combination of first-step speed and violent hand movement to slice through blocks. Strong at the point -- can take on double teams with consistency. Multi-gap player.

Cons: Still raw overall and needs to be more consistent play after play.

What he brings to the team: Athletic potential. Williams isn't a fully-formed player, but many in and around the league believe him to be among the best defensive linemen in this draft class, and he'll develop well under Jack Del Rio and John Fox.

Was it the right pick? It's a good one. The Broncos need a real difference-maker in their interior defense, and Williams might be the guy.

(Getty Images)The Houston Texans have selected Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins with the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

Pros: Generally speaking, plays bigger than his size. Dynamic and physical receiver in space who can be a legitimate yards-after-catch and yards-after-contact threat. Doesn't have a fifth gear, but manages functional field speed with good elusiveness on quick cuts, especially little nods on vertical routes. Will consistently bull through tacklers for extra yards. Excellent cuts on quick routes; will use them to gain instant separation, and then, it's off to the races. Adjusts well to defenders in front of his after the catch -- uses quick foot fakes and lateral agility to remain upright when some receivers wouldn't.

Outstanding boundary receiver who will bring in sideline routes and end zone fades with defenders on him. Consistently high-points catches and comes down with the ball -- 36-inch vertical leap was one of the highest among receivers at the combine, and that shows up on tape. Adjusts to the ball well in the air and will lay out to make the catch. Practiced at feigning routes and turning on a dime -- would seem a natural in any system with heavy option route designs.

Cons: Could use a bit more weight on his frame -- high-cut, long-legged player who occasionally gets clumsy with his feet in the open field. Not a returner at all -- had one of the more comical fair catch attempts in NCAA history against North Carolina State. Needs to better establish the sideline on longer routes when the cornerback has inside position -- tends to get muscled out too easily. Will occasionally short-arm balls thrown to him over the middle, though this doesn't seem to be a consistent issue.

What he brings to the team: The complementary target Andre Johnson has been begging for. Hopkins' real breakout game from an NFL projection standpoint may have been his last with Clemson, when he caught 13 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns in a 25-24 Chik-Fil-A Bowl win over LSU. That game was a great capsule of all his attributes -- he got open downfield quickly on vertical routes, got open underneath over and over with quick cuts, and continued to make plays even when LSU's defenders were beating him up. In that game, and through most of the 2012 season, Hopkins showed every attribute common to the best possession receivers in the NFL. Quarterback Tajh Boyd completed less than 20 passes in four of the last six regular-season games in 2012, and in a more wide-open system, I think Hopkins was playing at a level that would have netted him well over 100 catches.

Hopkins could have been a featured "X-iso" receiver for some teams, he might be even more effective as Johnson's new best buddy. In this receiver class, there's nobody that stands head and shoulders above him, and the more you watch Hopkins, there's more to like.

Was it the right pick?