After finding their franchise quarterback in last year’s draft the Cowboys now need to add more impact defenders to their front wall if they’re serious about becoming a deep playoff threat in the NFC.
Key additions
- CB Nolan Carroll
- DL Stephen Paea
- OT Byron Bell
- SS Robert Blanton
Key subtractions
- CB Brandon Carr
- CB Morris Claiborne
- DE Jack Crawford
- DT Terrell McClain
- FS J.J. Wilcox
- OG Ronald Leary
- OT Doug Free
- SS Barry Church
- TE Gavin Escobar
Priority needs (Offense)
TE…Father Time is creeping up on Jason Witten who turns 35 next month. Expect the Cowboys to draft a player here as early as the second-round. The best options following the top-two are Jake Butt, Evan Engram, Bucky Hodges, Jordan Leggett and Jeremy Sprinkle.
WR…For some reason Jerry Jones felt the need to resign Terrence Williams under bad cap restraints and with a deep receiver class at his disposal. As much as I believe they need to draft a real future No. 2 opposite Dez Bryant, the Williams signing probably signals a pass on this position, at least early on.
Priority needs (Defense)
DL…The Cowboys are still waiting for Demarcus Lawrence to become the special player they were hoping for as he enters his fourth season. Injuries and suspensions have derailed his career which has left the defense still searching for a star quality edge-rusher.
DB…After losing four key contributors to free agency the Cowboys need to add another depth corner and starting caliber strong safety.
Final analysis
If I were Jerry Jones I would re-establish talks with the Jets and put together a trade to acquire Sheldon Richardson and then I’d use another top pick to draft more lineman like Tarell Basham or Deatrich Wise. And besides adding a tight end, I’d also get myself a brand new receiver in the middle rounds to stretch opposing defenses like a KD Cannon, Quincy Abeboyejo or Robert Davis. As far as additional depth needs the Cowboys need a future back-up quarterback to Dak Prescott, more offensive lineman and a third-down running back type.
Top first-round options
- CB Chidobe Awuzie
- CB Fabian Moreau
- DE Taco Charlton
- DL DeMarcus Walker
- DE T.J. Watt
- DE Jordan Willis
- SS Jabrill Peppers
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