The Dallas Cowboys still have to work to do. Currently, the offseason isn’t on their minds. With three games left, players still have to prove that they belong here beyond the 2015 season. That’s what the coaching staff will focus on. For me, however, I’ll be getting started on the draft process, something I’ve already looked into for about the past two weeks now. Let’s take a look at the Cowboys’ five biggest draft needs.
1) Cornerback
I understand that the Cowboys need to find the Cowboys’ successor to Tony Romo. However, with Morris Claiborne likely going elsewhere in the offseason, Brandon Carr likely to be released, and Byron Jones likely to make the move to free safety, the Cowboys find themselves without much talent at the cornerback position. The return of Orlando Scandrick will be huge, but the Cowboys need to look into drafting another cornerback early in the draft. Jalen Ramsey or Vernon Hargreaves fits the mold.
2) Quarterback
Not only do the Cowboys need to find Romo’s successor, they also need that successor to be Romo’s understudy. In case Romo gets injured again, the Cowboys need something better than Matt Cassel or Brandon Weeden to come in and play. Dallas’ top pick will provide desires for top quarterback prospects like Paxton Lynch or Jared Goff, but the Cowboys would serve better to wait until the middle rounds to develop a guy like Carson Wentz.
3) Defensive Tackle
Tyrone Crawford doesn’t get the attention he deserves. He consistently splits the middle and gets pressure on the quarterback. Amazingly enough, he does all of this without much help from the 1-technique defensive tackle next to him. Nick Hayden isn’t a bad player, but he’s not a starter-level player. The Cowboys need a space-eater. A’Shawn Robinson or Kenny Clark makes sense.
4) Wide Receiver
Although Dez Bryant hasn’t looked the same in 2015, it’s worth being mentioned that he’s been banged up all year and when you don’t practice often with a bad quarterback, years like this are bound to happen. I’m not worried about Bryant. I’m not worried about Cole Beasley. I am worried, however, about both Terrance Williams and Devin Street. Neither has done much in their careers. If Dallas really wants to add a playmaker across from Bryant, grabbing Laquon Treadwell in the first would be a risky move that would be worth it.
5) Defensive End
I was thinking about putting safety here, but I truly believe that Byron Jones will make the transition to free safety, perhaps as early as this offseason. Defensive end is somewhat of a priority because the Cowboys should let Greg Hardy walk. It was a good attempt, but the move really backfired, even though Hardy was productive on the field.
It never hurts to add more pass-rushers. Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence look like foundational pieces, but a guy like Joey Bosa or Robert Nkemdiche paired with a guru in Rod Marinelli would simply be insane.
They can't draft their biggest needs… you can't draft a GM or HC.
Gotta give Garrett time. He's the right man here whether you believe that or not. Regarding GM, Jerry is really giving more power Stephen Jones and a guy named Will McClay. The latter has been the main voice in the Cowboys' war room for about the past three years now.
Give Garrett time? If 5-1/2 years (at the end of this season) isn't enough time, how much more would you suggest?
I agree with you on a lot of things. I think you may be wrong about Claiborne not coming back next year. He's just starting to play decent ball and I doubt he'll get a huge offer from another team but if he does, it wouldn't be a great loss. As you stated, we will get our best DB back from the IR. I really do hope Dallas' staff is smart enough to make Jones our starting FS because we've needed one badly since Woody retired. He has the ability and, importantly, the heart to be a great one. Most importantly for me is using a high pick on a QB of the future, if one of the two top-rated QBs are still available when we pick. If not, Conner Cook from MSU may develop into a good one. I think whoever gets him may get the steal of the draft. We also definitely need a very good RB. DMC has played well but he's missing that third gear that would have allowed him to score at least twice this year when he's gotten past the LBers. 8 or 9 years will do that to an athlete. Second and third receiver can wait. I say bench Romo and Bryant for the rest of the season so they can get truly healthy. Good luck on trying that with Bryant, though.
I totally agree. Most teams with this much talent can win more game with their back up QB. This season was an eye opener as far as coaching is concerned.
As Ron Wolf, the hall of fame general manager, of the green bay packers, if there is a quality quarterback, when it's time to draft, you draft the quarterback. I think Jerry will finally pull the trigger and draft Romo's heir apparent in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Once again, spot on Ryan.
Garrett is a motivator and a franchise team builder. Had Romo not gotten himself injured and we were sitting at 8-4 or 7-5 right now with a firm grip on the NFC East and the playoffs, it would be a lot more obvious. When it comes to coaching changes, I think the only change(s) needed are at the OC position and potentially the offensive line coach.
We need a QB, a QB, and a QB.
As long as Ole Jerry is the General Manager/Owner.there will never be a quality coach in Dallas, because Jerry will continue to hold control over all aspects of the team. All the fans saw all the conflict in the locker room with this losing season. Jerry not putting his foot down and Garrett not in control. It doesn't matter, if Cowboys have a top 5 pick, Jerry and Company will screw it up. You can claim that Will McCay and Stephen Jones have input but Ole Jerry signs the check Will there be any major changes, not with Jerry in charge. Offensive line can't protect the qb, no running back, starting receiver not playing to contract and defense can't stop the run and corner backs getting beat. How many times are you going to use 1st and 2nd picks on corner backs and get the same results. Build the DE and DT and linebackers. You'll get better results… .
For those screaming QB, I ask which one would you take at a top ten pick! This is not the time for over reaching! I.e Browns!!! Have to be smart! From scouts this is the worst QB draft class! We clearly have to look at CB, and one that can play in the system of our defense coordinator! I say WR/RB in the 2nd!!! Romo will be our QB for the next 2 years I think we get mid round QB and hope we can develop! I think that's a likely scenario unless a trade presents itself
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I feel like Jerry is going to reach for a QB next draft. Linebacker is a huge need. WR is a need IMO.
Now we're just making stuff up. This never happened.
I think I'd probably include LB over DE, Hardy will be back cheaper than originally expected if they decide to spend the money. Rolando could be looking at another 1 yr deal, I can't imagine there will be a huge market after losing 4 games to weed and some up and down play this season. That said both he and Lee are still kind of question marks