News: BTB: Cowboys 2016 Draft: Five Defensive Ends To Get To Know

NewsBot

New Member
Messages
111,281
Reaction score
2,947
usa-today-9146000.0.jpg

We've talked about the likes of Joey Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Noah Spence, but these five defensive ends could make sense for the Dallas Cowboys.

Figuring out who the Dallas Cowboys will select with their fourth-overall pick in April's draft has been a major offseason activity for people who follow the team. On one hand, the Cowboys would benefit from adding another weapon to Tony Romo's arsenal. Ezekiel Elliott and Laquon Treadwell would both do wonders in that regard. But on the other hand, the Cowboys have a few glaring needs on the defensive side of the football and this offseason has highlighted that the Cowboys have realized that.

Judging by who the Cowboys have brought in and who they have been talking to, the positions they are looking to address most are defensive end, cornerback, and safety. Retaining Morris Claiborne and Rolando McClain on top of the additions of Cedric Thornton and Benson Mayowa will help this defense, but the Cowboys could use another pass rusher upfront.

Chris Long was said to be the guy, but the Cowboys will need to look elsewhere after he signed with the New England Patriots. Greg Hardy remains the best option on the market, but the feeling is that he hurts the team in more ways than he helps the team. For all of these reasons, Dallas will target the position of need in the draft. With the fourth pick, we've heard about the possibilities of Joey Bosa, DeForest Bucker, and Noah Spence. However, today's article will consist of five players you should get more familiar with. Let's get into it.

Jonathan Bullard, Florida


There is a possibility of Bullard falling to the Cowboys' second-round pick. If that happens, I'm a huge advocate of him being their guy. Watching his tape, Bullard is extremely disruptive. He has decent length and a good, NFL-ready build. He's extremely strong in terms of line play. He has a low center of gravity, allowing him to grapple with opposing offensive lineman and then use his strength to simply move guys out of the way. He's a versatile player that could be a real impact player with the coaching of Rod Marinelli.

Ronald Blair, Appalachian State


This is a guy that has gotten more attention lately, but the fact of the matter is that Blair can simply play. He's a powerful presence, displaying strength, and explosiveness. DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus has kept his eye on him. Blair was going to be a late-round pick, but an awesome offseason showing has allowed for his stock to rise. If he's available in the third round, the Cowboys should pounce on him.

Matt Judon, Grand Valley State


Scouts were excited to see Judon against some good competition at the East-West Shrine Game. However, an injury sidelined him for the showcase event. Judon is by no means a finished product. He's still extremely raw, but he has the intangible tools that can be coached up into an eventual starter. He was extremely productive in school, beating offensive tackles with his power and his quickness off the snap of the football.

Romeo Okwara, Notre Dame


I would've liked to see better tape out of Okwara at Notre Dame, but he does display some qualities that the Cowboys like. He fits their height/weight prerequisites by standing at 6'4 and weighing 270 pounds. He isn't quick or explosive, but he has powerful, long arms that allow him to be effective as a part-time pass rusher. Dallas could use more depth at the position and Okwara fits that role. Plus, the Cowboys have already been in contact with Okwara, as they met with him after the East-West Shrine Game.

James Cowser, Southern Utah


Dallas has definitely had their eye on the Southern Utah football team. Despite being a small Division II team, the Thunderbirds have three decent NFL prospects. The Cowboys have had interest in safety Miles Killebrew, but one guy that has definitely flashed on tape is No. 53. Cowser is an interesting player because he could be a great addition in the sixth or seventh round. Cowser displays an excellent motor, grit, and athleticism that could help make him a decent nickel and dime pass rusher.

Which defensive end(s) do you want the Cowboys to draft?

Follow me on Twitter: RyanRattyNFL

Continue reading...
 
Top