Some pre-combine, pre-fa thoughts!

[Cowboyny]

-I do not envision another high offensive lineman being drafted. These new assistant offensive coaches scream development of our young lineman. They have several in their pipeline that they need to find out about. Adams had a top 10 rushing team where little can even name 2 starters along their OL. It is all about scheme and finding 5 cohesive lineman working as one.

-We have to understand with a better rushing scheme, you do not need another blue chip RB to be successful. I could envision adding multiple backs in this deep class along with signing a veteran for insurance.

-I am expecting a very high WR taken this year, 1st or 2nd rd selection. With all the money allocated now to Lamb's contract, I see them trying to control the costs at the position. Many fail to realize this is one of the most expensive positional groups in this league. Look at the Eagles, Lions, 49ers, Vikings they all have 2 #1 type receivers, with elite receiving TE's. Cowboys have to bridge the talent gap.

-Been saying this since the Lions blowout loss in week 5, they have to prioritize fixing their run defense this offseason. Been such a liability, where they just cannot compete against the top teams. I might be in the minority here, but I think resigning Osa to a huge extension will be a big mistake. Rather spend that money on multiple pieces to sure up their run defense. Research that I have done this season starts and ends with bigger personnel having more success against stopping the run. I would add two veteran DT's, add another one high in the draft to go along with an elite Fa MLB and a day 2 will linebacker. We cannot go into every offseason needing to fix the both the DT/LB rooms!!

-The corner position has so many questions. Can they resign Lewis who is coming off of a career season? Will Diggs even be available for next season, is he a release candidate? Should they resign Bland after him missing the majority of last season? Butler looked good, but tears his acl late, Carson also had injuries, but struggled when on the field. This might be the perfect year to draft a future starter, but might also make sense to sign a veteran insurance policy.

 

[Acceptablename]

-I do not envision another high offensive lineman being drafted. These new assistant offensive coaches scream development of our young lineman. They have several in their pipeline that they need to find out about. Adams had a top 10 rushing team where little can even name 2 starters along their OL. It is all about scheme and finding 5 cohesive lineman working as one.

-We have to understand with a better rushing scheme, you do not need another blue chip RB to be successful. I could envision adding multiple backs in this deep class along with signing a veteran for insurance.

-I am expecting a very high WR taken this year, 1st or 2nd rd selection. With all the money allocated now to Lamb's contract, I see them trying to control the costs at the position. Many fail to realize this is one of the most expensive positional groups in this league. Look at the Eagles, Lions, 49ers, Vikings they all have 2 #1 type receivers, with elite receiving TE's. Cowboys have to bridge the talent gap.

-Been saying this since the Lions blowout loss in week 5, they have to prioritize fixing their run defense this offseason. Been such a liability, where they just cannot compete against the top teams. I might be in the minority here, but I think resigning Osa to a huge extension will be a big mistake. Rather spend that money on multiple pieces to sure up their run defense. Research that I have done this season starts and ends with bigger personnel having more success against stopping the run. I would add two veteran DT's, add another one high in the draft to go along with an elite Fa MLB and a day 2 will linebacker. We cannot go into every offseason needing to fix the both the DT/LB rooms!!

-The corner position has so many questions. Can they resign Lewis who is coming off of a career season? Will Diggs even be available for next season, is he a release candidate? Should they resign Bland after him missing the majority of last season? Butler looked good, but tears his acl late, Carson also had injuries, but struggled when on the field. This might be the perfect year to draft a future starter, but might also make sense to sign a veteran insurance policy.

I’ve been so focused on the Dline I haven’t been looking in the backfield.

 

[visionary]

I agree WR will be rd 1/2 and is a need

Rd 2 should be DT along with 2 good DTs in FA

RB will have to be taken 1 FA and 1 rd 3

MLB will have to be starter in FA and rd 5

 

[Bobhaze]

One of the only good things about having multiple holes in your roster is there will be very good players available at multiple positions in the draft.

IMO, the first step the Cowboys need to do this off-season is decide what kind of team they are trying to build. In fantasy football the focus is acquiring the best skill position players available. In real football it’s all about knowing what kind of team you want to build.

Is this supposed to be a finesse/speed team on both sides of the ball? Is it supposed to be a smash-mouth physical team that can run the ball and stop the run? Those are two simple examples at both ends of the spectrum. Honestly, I don’t know what kind of team our FO has been trying to build. That must be established in order to have a great draft and FA period.

 

[Creeper]

I think you are correct. If a WR drops to Dallas they will take him. I don't know that I like that given who would be available. My gut tells me Jerry will be looking for offensive firepower to help his offensive minded head coach.

But a lot depends on who he re-signs/signs in free agency.

 

[Dalmations202]

IMO, Dallas should fix the offense with FA. While I agree that WR is an issue, and expensive, finding a vet WR that isn't too expensive as a #2 shouldn't be that hard (Diggs, Cooper, Kupp). You have your #1 for several years.
This is a strong group for DL etc, so fix the D with the draft. DL, LB need to be high draft choices, then worry with DB. Can't draft them all in one year, and the DBs have proven they can be good in the right D with the right personnel in front of them.

Rd 1 - trade down and pick up a late 3 early 4, and pick up a Hybrid LB/DE or a 3T -- a pressure player. JWalker, WNolen, Pearce, NScourton, SStewart (after the trade down, I would think Myles Garrett if the Browns would take a single 1st round pick)
Rd 2 - pick up a inside DL -- either 3T or 1T, but a guy who can start and rotate Grant, DWalker, Norman-Lott, TWilliams, or if WNolen fell.
Rd 3 - take your RB -- too many to list that fall in this area
Rd 3/4 - take the best Mike available -- Knight, Barton, several others in here, but don't take a Will --- you have 3 good ones on the team already although Overshown injured. IMO Overshown/Wilson could be a nasty good SAM/SS hybrid players, allowing for very good run defense and short zone/seam pass defense They need a MIKE badly. .
Rd 5-7 Think developmental: QB, another RB, LB, OL, DB

I think CowboyNY is correct that they will take a WR high, and I think we get more of the same when they do. Then CD is gone on next contract or this draft pick is wasted because they have proven they will not pay two #1 when they moved Cooper. Both can't get the ball all the time, a team takes away one of them, so when the numbers drop, Jerry and Stephen will not see their worth and get rid of them.

Bobhaze is so correct here. I have no idea what they are trying to build, but all I see is them trying to build a market, not a Superbowl winning football team for the last many years.

JMO, but in todays NFL you have to build a defense that can adapt to what ever the offense wants to throw at you whether power, or finesse. 3-4, 4-3, Nickel, and tons of variants of these. You need to take away their offenses greatest strength, not allow them to run on you putting them in 3 and long, and then have a very good passing defense -- all while forcing turn overs. (Easier said than done). Offense needs to be able to run, forcing the defense to commit more resources to defending the run, and allowing WR to be able to beat single coverage. Doesn't matter if the offense is a single T, wishbone, I, single back, or what you use to run -- just be able to run so you can control the clock and force the D to commit more people to the box. (Easier said than done)

 

[Cowboyny]

One of the only good things about having multiple holes in your roster is there will be very good players available at multiple positions in the draft.

IMO, the first step the Cowboys need to do this off-season is decide what kind of team they are trying to build. In fantasy football the focus is acquiring the best skill position players available. In real football it’s all about knowing what kind of team you want to build.

Is this supposed to be a finesse/speed team on both sides of the ball? Is it supposed to be a smash-mouth physical team that can run the ball and stop the run? Those are two simple examples at both ends of the spectrum. Honestly, I don’t know what kind of team our FO has been trying to build. That must be established in order to have a great draft and FA period.

With all the new coaching additions for the OL, you would think they want to become more of a physical team inside the trenches

 

[Cowboyny]

I agree WR will be rd 1/2 and is a need

Rd 2 should be DT along with 2 good DTs in FA

RB will have to be taken 1 FA and 1 rd 3

MLB will have to be starter in FA and rd 5

Wouldn’t be surprised if lb goes higher then rb

 

[Cowboyny]

IMO, Dallas should fix the offense with FA. While I agree that WR is an issue, and expensive, finding a vet WR that isn't too expensive as a #2 shouldn't be that hard (Diggs, Cooper, Kupp). You have your #1 for several years.
This is a strong group for DL etc, so fix the D with the draft. DL, LB need to be high draft choices, then worry with DB. Can't draft them all in one year, and the DBs have proven they can be good in the right D with the right personnel in front of them.

Rd 1 - trade down and pick up a late 3 early 4, and pick up a Hybrid LB/DE or a 3T -- a pressure player. JWalker, WNolen, Pearce, NScourton, SStewart (after the trade down, I would think Myles Garrett if the Browns would take a single 1st round pick)
Rd 2 - pick up a inside DL -- either 3T or 1T, but a guy who can start and rotate Grant, DWalker, Norman-Lott, TWilliams, or if WNolen fell.
Rd 3 - take your RB -- too many to list that fall in this area
Rd 3/4 - take the best Mike available -- Knight, Barton, several others in here, but don't take a Will --- you have 3 good ones on the team already although Overshown injured. IMO Overshown/Wilson could be a nasty good SAM/SS hybrid players, allowing for very good run defense and short zone/seam pass defense They need a MIKE badly. .
Rd 5-7 Think developmental: QB, another RB, LB, OL, DB

I think CowboyNY is correct that they will take a WR high, and I think we get more of the same when they do. Then CD is gone on next contract or this draft pick is wasted because they have proven they will not pay two #1 when they moved Cooper. Both can't get the ball all the time, a team takes away one of them, so when the numbers drop, Jerry and Stephen will not see their worth and get rid of them.

Bobhaze is so correct here. I have no idea what they are trying to build, but all I see is them trying to build a market, not a Superbowl winning football team for the last many years.

JMO, but in todays NFL you have to build a defense that can adapt to what ever the offense wants to throw at you whether power, or finesse. 3-4, 4-3, Nickel, and tons of variants of these. You need to take away their offenses greatest strength, not allow them to run on you putting them in 3 and long, and then have a very good passing defense -- all while forcing turn overs. (Easier said than done). Offense needs to be able to run, forcing the defense to commit more resources to defending the run, and allowing WR to be able to beat single coverage. Doesn't matter if the offense is a single T, wishbone, I, single back, or what you use to run -- just be able to run so you can control the clock and force the D to commit more people to the box. (Easier said than done)

Agree, been saying adding a veteran wr is the best course of action and then load up on front 7 defenders in the draft, along with a rb in a deep class

 

[baltcowboy]

-I do not envision another high offensive lineman being drafted. These new assistant offensive coaches scream development of our young lineman. They have several in their pipeline that they need to find out about. Adams had a top 10 rushing team where little can even name 2 starters along their OL. It is all about scheme and finding 5 cohesive lineman working as one.

-We have to understand with a better rushing scheme, you do not need another blue chip RB to be successful. I could envision adding multiple backs in this deep class along with signing a veteran for insurance.

-I am expecting a very high WR taken this year, 1st or 2nd rd selection. With all the money allocated now to Lamb's contract, I see them trying to control the costs at the position. Many fail to realize this is one of the most expensive positional groups in this league. Look at the Eagles, Lions, 49ers, Vikings they all have 2 #1 type receivers, with elite receiving TE's. Cowboys have to bridge the talent gap.

-Been saying this since the Lions blowout loss in week 5, they have to prioritize fixing their run defense this offseason. Been such a liability, where they just cannot compete against the top teams. I might be in the minority here, but I think resigning Osa to a huge extension will be a big mistake. Rather spend that money on multiple pieces to sure up their run defense. Research that I have done this season starts and ends with bigger personnel having more success against stopping the run. I would add two veteran DT's, add another one high in the draft to go along with an elite Fa MLB and a day 2 will linebacker. We cannot go into every offseason needing to fix the both the DT/LB rooms!!

-The corner position has so many questions. Can they resign Lewis who is coming off of a career season? Will Diggs even be available for next season, is he a release candidate? Should they resign Bland after him missing the majority of last season? Butler looked good, but tears his acl late, Carson also had injuries, but struggled when on the field. This might be the perfect year to draft a future starter, but might also make sense to sign a veteran insurance policy.

Your post sums it up perfectly. The Joneses have tough decisions to make and lots of work to do.

 

[MonsterD]

Going by past tendencies I think RB or DE is most likely for the first pick. I don't think Oline is going to be a G in the first, makes no sense. If they use 12 on oline it has to be a T and they probably won't because of money tied to one and the draft status of the other. So yeah probably not going to be Oline.

I also think at 12 outside of WR that LBer will be a somewhat chance IF they are a passrusher that has coverage ability, like Overshown, has to be multifaceted and pretty much a blue chipper.

 

[Cowboyny]

Going by past tendencies I think RB or DE is most likely for the first pick. I don't think Oline is going to be a G in the first, makes no sense. If they use 12 on oline it has to be a T and they probably won't because of money tied to one and the draft status of the other. So yeah probably not going to be Oline.

I also think at 12 outside of WR that LBer will be a somewhat chance IF they are a passrusher that has coverage ability, like Overshown, has to be multifaceted and pretty much a blue chipper.

When was the last time they drafted a 1st rd DE? Taco was the only pass rusher drafted in the 1st rd since Anthony Spencer.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

WR help is going to have to come via the draft IMO.

Signing a #2 receiver type in FA is too cost prohibitive, besides the pickings are slim this year in terms of quality of available free agent talent; we aren't signing Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin doesn't move the needle for me at this point in his career. I could see the team taking a flyer on Stephon Diggs as he'll likely come cheap due to his age and injury.

I honestly wouldn't mind running back a healthy Cooks at #2 and Tolbert at #3. The passing attack last year was handcuffed by Dak's injury and passing numbers were down across the board including CeeDee.

As an alternative, I can see the team at a prolific pass catching TE like Tyler Warren and pairing him w/Fergy to provide the "12" look that's always bandied about. It also makes sense with all the talk about getting back to the run game.

 

[Cowboyny]

WR help is going to have to come via the draft IMO.

Signing a #2 receiver type in FA is too cost prohibitive, besides the pickings are slim this year in terms of quality of available free agent talent; we aren't signing Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin doesn't move the needle for me at this point in his career. I could see the team taking a flyer on Stephon Diggs as he'll likely come cheap due to his age and injury.

I honestly wouldn't mind running back a healthy Cooks at #2 and Tolbert at #3. The passing attack last year was handcuffed by Dak's injury and passing numbers were down across the board including CeeDee.

As an alternative, I can see the team at a prolific pass catching TE like Tyler Warren and pairing him w/Fergy to provide the "12" look that's always bandied about. It also makes sense with all the talk about getting back to the run game.

Cooks was a huge disappointment here and Tolbert has been every opportunity to seize the job and couldn't. I am not as high on Warren, think he has some development needed on the NFL level as a route runner and as a blocker. Unless you are Brock Bowers not taking a 1st rd TE.

 

[MonsterD]

When was the last time they drafted a 1st rd DE? Taco was the only pass rusher drafted in the 1st rd since Anthony Spencer.

I think you and I knew Parsons was a real passrusher before the draft. Ok technically not DE but yes he was one in high school.

 

[rambo2]

-I do not envision another high offensive lineman being drafted. These new assistant offensive coaches scream development of our young lineman. They have several in their pipeline that they need to find out about. Adams had a top 10 rushing team where little can even name 2 starters along their OL. It is all about scheme and finding 5 cohesive lineman working as one.

-We have to understand with a better rushing scheme, you do not need another blue chip RB to be successful. I could envision adding multiple backs in this deep class along with signing a veteran for insurance.

-I am expecting a very high WR taken this year, 1st or 2nd rd selection. With all the money allocated now to Lamb's contract, I see them trying to control the costs at the position. Many fail to realize this is one of the most expensive positional groups in this league. Look at the Eagles, Lions, 49ers, Vikings they all have 2 #1 type receivers, with elite receiving TE's. Cowboys have to bridge the talent gap.

-Been saying this since the Lions blowout loss in week 5, they have to prioritize fixing their run defense this offseason. Been such a liability, where they just cannot compete against the top teams. I might be in the minority here, but I think resigning Osa to a huge extension will be a big mistake. Rather spend that money on multiple pieces to sure up their run defense. Research that I have done this season starts and ends with bigger personnel having more success against stopping the run. I would add two veteran DT's, add another one high in the draft to go along with an elite Fa MLB and a day 2 will linebacker. We cannot go into every offseason needing to fix the both the DT/LB rooms!!

-The corner position has so many questions. Can they resign Lewis who is coming off of a career season? Will Diggs even be available for next season, is he a release candidate? Should they resign Bland after him missing the majority of last season? Butler looked good, but tears his acl late, Carson also had injuries, but struggled when on the field. This might be the perfect year to draft a future starter, but might also make sense to sign a veteran insurance policy.

The draft is deep at dtackle. You can draft 2 of them.

 

[rambo2]

When was the last time they drafted a 1st rd DE? Taco was the only pass rusher drafted in the 1st rd since Anthony Spencer.

Parsons

 

[jazzcat22]

With so many holes to fill. They can go BPA and still hit on most rounds.

The issues are will any of them be impact players. And more than just a few higher picks. Het they get lucky and get a few 5th round players. That can contribute right away, and not just on ST’s or players of the future.

I don’t want to be told, …. We got value …. with a stupid trade or a reach.

Also, how will the coaches have the scout team develop the big board.
Will there be a bias toward needs and not sole BPA.
What type of players are they looking for to put together that board.

Or will they say, give us the top players. And we will go by the board, as we need all this help. Which I would not mind a slight trade down, depending what players are available. But hard to say this far away from the draft.

 

[ErikWilliamsHeadSlap]

This is the year to double dip at DT and or RB. I want nothing to do with drafting o-line or LB since the class is weak. Cooks will be gone. Hopefully Brooks too. Draft WR in first 3 rounds. I think all signs point to Jeanty at 12. If he isn't there, trade back and pick up at least a 3rd. We need to manipulate this draft so we can draft WR, RB, DT and DE in first 2 days. Then add CB, and double dip on DT and RB on day 3. We can draft LB and O-line in 2026. We need to fix the D-Line and running game to have even a chance of respectability next season.

 

[ErikWilliamsHeadSlap]

Parsons

He was a LB who just happened to show pass rush ability at training camp.