FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys were active during free agency which gives the organization more freedom in the draft to take the ‘best player available’ approach, but there are still holes left to be filled on the roster. Here are the Cowboys top needs headed into this year’s virtual draft:
Edge Rusher: The Cowboys lost last season’s best pass rusher and sack-leader, Robert Quinn, in free agency to the Bears and need a replacement at right defensive end. The team is hopeful that Aldon Smith or Randy Gregory will be reinstated by the NFL commissioner. If one of them can get back to peak form then Dallas will have the starter opposite DeMarcus Lawrence but it is not guaranteed. Depth pieces Joe Jackson and Dorance Armstrong have not shown enough to make the starting lineup and there are question marks surrounding injury prone Tyrone Crawford. Executive Vice President, Stephen Jones, made it clear on 105.3 that the Cowboys are looking for a strong side linebacker (SAM)/DPR (Designated Pass Rusher) role to contribute and bring pressure.
“ With guys like Aldon Smith and Randy Gregory, they’re long guys that can rush the passer from the outside spot- we call it a SAM/DPR role, where traditionally with Rod we used the 4-3 and the typical defensive ends with guys like DeMarcus Lawrence and Quinn…I do think you could see some situations there where you are looking at a pass rusher type, that can rush the passer from more of a SAM/DPR position.”
K’Lavon Chaisson is a name to keep an eye on for the No.17 pick in the first round. He is mostly known as an edge rusher but he practically stood up as an outside linebacker in LSU’s base defense. He has the flexibility to beat tackles to the corner and has outstanding body bend like Quinn. In addition, Chaisson is effective when he drops into coverage, carrying both RB’s and TE’s. Dallas has expressed their interest in Chaisson, interviewing him at the combine and virtually through a videoconference. He would fit into the Cowboys’ desired SAM/DPR role.
Prospects- K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU, Marlon Davidson, Auburn, Raekwon Davis, Alabama, A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
Cornerback: Byron Jones is now with the Dolphins and Dallas needs to fill the No.1 corner spot. Jones rarely allowed catches or touchdowns in press coverage against the league’s elite receivers. The team has positional depth with Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, Maurice Canady, Saivion Smith, and CJ Goodwin, but none are a replacement for Jones. Brown is the only corner signed beyond 2020 and Dallas could face an exodus in 2021. The club needs a boost in the draft at corner to shore up the secondary.
A name that continuously pops up for Dallas at No.17 is CJ Henderson. Henderson was the boundary corner in a 3-4 scheme at Florida. He has a great height/length combination (6’6, 204 lbs.) and stays with all types of receivers. He recognizes route combinations and stays square in his pedal. Henderson disrupts the passing game with his ball skills and baits quarterbacks with his lower body dives/burst from the line of scrimmage. He would elevate the Cowboys secondary.
Prospects- CJ Henderson, Florida, Kristian Fulton, LSU, Trevon Diggs, Alabama, Jaylon Johnson, Utah
Wide Receiver: With Randall Cobb’s departure to Houston, the Cowboys need a slot receiver. The No.3 plays around 60-65% of snaps and Dallas has to find a new inside receiver to complement wideouts Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup in the lineup. Cobb made an impact on third down situations for Dallas on slants and crossing routes. This draft class is loaded with talented receivers, including several viable options for Dallas.
KJ Hamler is a name being tied to Dallas that is projected to go in the second round. At Penn State, Hamler was the “Y” receiver and was a nightmare for defenders in man-to-man coverage with his varying route speeds and explosive mid-cuts. He accelerates quickly at the top of routes to gain cushion on corners and would be a playmaker in the slot for the Cowboys. Dallas will have a tough decision to make if a top receiving prospect were to fall to No.17 (Ceedee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III).
Prospects- KJ Hamler, Penn State, Tee Higgins, Clemson, Jalen Reagor, TCU, Michael Pittman Jr., USC
