ultron
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There are still some former pro-bowlers and very talented players sitting out there on the open market, and the next 72 hours could be crucial for the Cowboys to improve this team. I’m a firm believer that our offense is pretty set (we need a slot WR but one can be found in this deep WR draft), so all resources should be allocated to improve the defense and there are a lot of holes to fill on that side of the ball. Defensive line should be the main target because it’s extremely hard to draft a young guy and plug him in right away on the DLine and for him to be successful. Here are some players that should be considered (in no particular order):
1.) Jadeveon Clowney
I’m not nearly as high on Clowney as most people might be, he’ll command a very high price tag and he has a problem playing all 16 games & his production was way down last year but he’s a better all-around DE than Quinn could ever dream of being.
Clowney hasn't fully lived up to the hype of being the No. 1 overall pick, but he's been productive. He has 32 sacks in six NFL seasons with 80 quarterback hits, 252 pressures and three Pro Bowl appearances. He has also graded out exceptionally well via Pro Football Focus, specifically over the past two seasons. Clowney finished with 31 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles, 13 quarterback hits and 47 pressures in 13 games in 2019.
His contract demands are probably way too high for the Boys, and I don’t know that his production meets his financial demands.
2.) Logan Ryan
Ryan would be an excellent value signing for any team that wants to add him to their secondary. He finished with 113 tackles, 18 passes defensed, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in all 16 games.
Opposing quarterbacks threw for five touchdowns and had an 88.7 passer rating targeting Ryan. Sure Ryan is coming off a down year, but he is just 29 and a reliable starter for any team that needs a cornerback.
3.) Everson Griffen
This guy is super high on my personal list. He is extremely solid against the run and has the ability to get to the QB. He would be another huge upgrade over Quinn who is terrible vs. the run and would make this defense better by taking some pressure off the linebackers and allowing them to flow to the ball like they did in 2018. Quinn put far too much pressure on the LBs because he’s flat out terrible and had a mission to simply rack up sacks and get a big contract.
4.) Jimmy Smith
While Smith turns 32 this offseason, there's no denying his talent. The former first-round pick has spent all nine NFL seasons with the Ravens, and has been a key cog in Baltimore's secondary for quite some time. His injury history needs to be taken in consideration, however, as he hasn't played in all 16 games since the 2015 season. In 2019, he recorded 30 combined tackles, one sack, six passes defensed and one interception in nine games played.
If you're looking for a veteran who can still add something special to the secondary, Smith is your guy
5.) Shelby Harris
Harris finally earned an opportunity to start in Denver last season, and made the most of it. Playing all 16 games, Harris finished with 49 tackles, six sacks and nine passes defensed while rotating on the edge and at nose tackle.
Harris only played 60% of the Broncosdefensive snaps, but he provides much-needed versatility to any defensive line. Harris may cost more than expected for a player that is inconsistent at times, but his upside may be worth the investment.
6.) Markus Golden
7.) Michael Bennett
8.) Suh
9.) Cameron Wake
10.) Derek Wolfe
11.) Snacks
1.) Jadeveon Clowney
I’m not nearly as high on Clowney as most people might be, he’ll command a very high price tag and he has a problem playing all 16 games & his production was way down last year but he’s a better all-around DE than Quinn could ever dream of being.
Clowney hasn't fully lived up to the hype of being the No. 1 overall pick, but he's been productive. He has 32 sacks in six NFL seasons with 80 quarterback hits, 252 pressures and three Pro Bowl appearances. He has also graded out exceptionally well via Pro Football Focus, specifically over the past two seasons. Clowney finished with 31 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles, 13 quarterback hits and 47 pressures in 13 games in 2019.
His contract demands are probably way too high for the Boys, and I don’t know that his production meets his financial demands.
2.) Logan Ryan
Ryan would be an excellent value signing for any team that wants to add him to their secondary. He finished with 113 tackles, 18 passes defensed, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in all 16 games.
Opposing quarterbacks threw for five touchdowns and had an 88.7 passer rating targeting Ryan. Sure Ryan is coming off a down year, but he is just 29 and a reliable starter for any team that needs a cornerback.
3.) Everson Griffen
This guy is super high on my personal list. He is extremely solid against the run and has the ability to get to the QB. He would be another huge upgrade over Quinn who is terrible vs. the run and would make this defense better by taking some pressure off the linebackers and allowing them to flow to the ball like they did in 2018. Quinn put far too much pressure on the LBs because he’s flat out terrible and had a mission to simply rack up sacks and get a big contract.
4.) Jimmy Smith
While Smith turns 32 this offseason, there's no denying his talent. The former first-round pick has spent all nine NFL seasons with the Ravens, and has been a key cog in Baltimore's secondary for quite some time. His injury history needs to be taken in consideration, however, as he hasn't played in all 16 games since the 2015 season. In 2019, he recorded 30 combined tackles, one sack, six passes defensed and one interception in nine games played.
If you're looking for a veteran who can still add something special to the secondary, Smith is your guy
5.) Shelby Harris
Harris finally earned an opportunity to start in Denver last season, and made the most of it. Playing all 16 games, Harris finished with 49 tackles, six sacks and nine passes defensed while rotating on the edge and at nose tackle.
Harris only played 60% of the Broncosdefensive snaps, but he provides much-needed versatility to any defensive line. Harris may cost more than expected for a player that is inconsistent at times, but his upside may be worth the investment.
6.) Markus Golden
7.) Michael Bennett
8.) Suh
9.) Cameron Wake
10.) Derek Wolfe
11.) Snacks
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