CCBoy
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Dallas Cowboys: Why defensive line is the top priority
https://thelandryhat.com/2018/01/26/dallas-cowboys-why-defensive-line-top-priority/
...While it’s true that DeMarcus Lawrence and David Irving lead the way in terms of play-making ability along the defensive line, it’s also true that neither may be in the picture for long in Dallas. Both of these still-young players have served suspensions over the last two seasons and it’s also worth noting that Lawrence has already had back issues at the tender age of 25. There’s also rumors floating that the Dallas Cowboys might actually part ways with Irving for reasons that might include that previous suspension or a pretty serious concussion suffered in the final quarter of last season that saw the 6’7” beast miss the final push for the playoffs. Now, I’m of the belief that Lawrence and Irving are wearing blue stars on their helmets in 2018 and there’s still the possibility that both may end up with the Cowboys in coming years. But who else will join them?...
...In 2017, the Cowboys did lead off with defensive end Taco Charlton, who might be a long-term answer in the edge-rusher neighborhood, but time will tell. It’s important to point out that both Lawrence and Randy Gregory were second-round picks in ’14 and ’15, respectively, but the latter of those two selections likely never plays in the NFL again, let alone becomes a reliable edge rusher for America’s Team. Do we know exactly where Charles Tapper and Maliek Collins are headed in talking about players already on the roster? Are you waiting for more from Tyrone Crawford, who’s heading into his seventh year and is also really expensive?...
Yes, there are holes to fill and this is why the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium should be a huge opportunity to change the defensive culture of the Dallas Cowboys. I’m all for taking the best player available at any given moment, but if you’re out of eggs while trying to make an omelette and you see that toilet paper is a great buy at that moment, you still go with the eggs. Drafting for need is only a problem if that need is reached for, which I would expect the Cowboys to avoid. With a boatload of quarterbacks expected to be selected in the first-round next April, the Cowboys should have every opportunity to grab an interior defender like Christian Wilkins of Clemson or Da’Ron Payne of Alabama. Or, how about a quick edge rusher like Clelin Ferrell, also of Clemson, or lightening-fast Arden Key of LSU?...
https://thelandryhat.com/2018/01/26/dallas-cowboys-why-defensive-line-top-priority/
...While it’s true that DeMarcus Lawrence and David Irving lead the way in terms of play-making ability along the defensive line, it’s also true that neither may be in the picture for long in Dallas. Both of these still-young players have served suspensions over the last two seasons and it’s also worth noting that Lawrence has already had back issues at the tender age of 25. There’s also rumors floating that the Dallas Cowboys might actually part ways with Irving for reasons that might include that previous suspension or a pretty serious concussion suffered in the final quarter of last season that saw the 6’7” beast miss the final push for the playoffs. Now, I’m of the belief that Lawrence and Irving are wearing blue stars on their helmets in 2018 and there’s still the possibility that both may end up with the Cowboys in coming years. But who else will join them?...
...In 2017, the Cowboys did lead off with defensive end Taco Charlton, who might be a long-term answer in the edge-rusher neighborhood, but time will tell. It’s important to point out that both Lawrence and Randy Gregory were second-round picks in ’14 and ’15, respectively, but the latter of those two selections likely never plays in the NFL again, let alone becomes a reliable edge rusher for America’s Team. Do we know exactly where Charles Tapper and Maliek Collins are headed in talking about players already on the roster? Are you waiting for more from Tyrone Crawford, who’s heading into his seventh year and is also really expensive?...
Yes, there are holes to fill and this is why the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium should be a huge opportunity to change the defensive culture of the Dallas Cowboys. I’m all for taking the best player available at any given moment, but if you’re out of eggs while trying to make an omelette and you see that toilet paper is a great buy at that moment, you still go with the eggs. Drafting for need is only a problem if that need is reached for, which I would expect the Cowboys to avoid. With a boatload of quarterbacks expected to be selected in the first-round next April, the Cowboys should have every opportunity to grab an interior defender like Christian Wilkins of Clemson or Da’Ron Payne of Alabama. Or, how about a quick edge rusher like Clelin Ferrell, also of Clemson, or lightening-fast Arden Key of LSU?...