While a few teams did some heavy lifting during the NFL’s free agency period, the Dallas Cowboys made noise by letting some of the team’s contributing players test the market. Defensive backs Barry Church, Brandon Carr, linemen Ronald Leary, Terrell McClain and Jack Crawford have moved on. Now, the team has turned its focus toward the 2017 NFL Draft with their top three needs in mind.
Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Top Three Needs
Defensive Backs (Strong Safety/Corner-back)
There is no doubt that the Cowboys are desperately in need of help in the defensive backfield. This year’s draft should provide a plethora of young talented play-makers at both strong safety and cornerback for the team to choose from. Although most young players require time to develop, there are several players who should be available in the early rounds with the ability to start from day one.
Fourth-year veteran Jeff Heath is currently penciled in as the starter at the strong safety position. Heath has become a more instinctive player of late but it is questionable whether or not he is ready to take on a larger role for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. The player seemed to be hitting his stride as last season wound down and may be better suited as a role player in the team’s current Cover 2 scheme.
The Cowboys could consider drafting a solid strong safety candidate with the 28th pick of the first round or waiting until their second round pick at 60. Either way, expect the team to select the type of player who pursues pass break-ups and inhales interceptions. Players like Jabrill Peppers, Obi Melifonwu and Budda Baker should be available when the team goes on the clock next week.
The team could also opt to take a skilled corner-back with the 28th pick, as well. Many believe Adoree’ Jackson out of USC or Kevin King from the University of Washington will be available. Jackson may be small in stature but his versatility as a return man and offensive threat could make him the ideal choice. At 6’3” 200 pounds, King has the size, speed and strength that could make him a household name, if given the opportunity.
Defensive Line
The team has a lot of young defensive linemen on its current roster but none of them strike fear in the hearts of opposing offensive lines. The Cowboys really need to add a young explosive defensive end to the team or they could bring in a solid three-technique defensive tackle with the ability to rush the passer.
Maliek Collins was a hit last year at the three-technique but if the team can find a better one, Collins could move to the one-technique and create a more formidable group across the defensive front. However, defensive end seems to be everyone’s focus. Veterans Demarcus Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford are the starters as the team began voluntary workouts this week but both players have shortcomings that make them less than special.
Missouri’s Charles Harris could be sitting there for the Cowboys in the first round. Harris has the kind of ability that could drastically change the team’s defense. Combine him with what’s currently on the roster and the team could finally have the type of defense that hasn’t been present since the mid-90s. Harris is currently ranked fifth by WalterFootball.com but UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley or Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt may also be available.
Specialty Players (Various Positions)
One of the players the Cowboys allowed to the test the market and eventually sign with the Los Angeles Rams was running back Lance Dunbar. When the team selected Dunbar, they had hopes that he would become a change of pace back and a key figure in the return game for them. Dunbar was never able to truly maximize that expectation, leaving the team with no choice but to let him go.
Receiver Lucky Whitehead has shown flashes but remains inconsistent and his blunder prior to the team’s trip to New York last season won’t be forgotten any time soon. This year’s draft may provide head coach Jason Garrett and his staff the opportunity to select another specialty player. There are several candidates to consider either drafting or bringing in as free agents just before OTAs. Several players from a number of position types should be available for the Cowboys to choose from.
The previously mentioned Jackson is one of them. Jackson is an excellent cornerback but was an effective return man in college. He also played receiver for the Trojans. He may not be the second coming of Deion Sanders but he has the potential to create a competitive situation for the incumbent Whitehead. Peppers could also help in the return game, having retuned multiple kicks for scores in his collegiate career. Running backs Donnel Pumphrey, Joe Williams and several speedy wide receivers or other defensive backs, including Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook should be there for the taking over the two days.
