Defense needs five upgrades

[T-RO]

If we can upgrade the defense at five positions Dallas can put a top-ten defense on the field in 2017 and take it all the way to a championship. Anyone making an objective analysis of the defense must concede this year's team didn't have the personnel to put the hard brakes on opposing offenses.

If we can be above average at 3 or 4 positions...and close to average at all the other positions...we can be a top ten defense.

Here is how it could happen:

- Demarcus Lawrence comes back with a healthy back and plays up to his abilities.
- Jaylon arrives with bang
- Scandrick returns to full health
- Byron Jones, maybe Irving jump to another level
- Anthony Brown and Maelik Collins go from rookie-OK to good...or even to great
- Charles Tapper arrives, contributes
- In a draft rich in corners and edge rushers...we grab a couple...or three
-We land an impact free agent, and maybe a backup corner.

 

[Tabascocat]

Problem is that this draft is not DE rich. A lot are going back to school and that leaves 1 or 2 impact players that will not be there at 28.

Dallas has to hope that Jaylon comes back strong, do all they can to sign Berry and maybe even pry away JPP if they want an NFL ready End.

We can draft all the corners we want but until that pass rush is fixed, it won't matter. Our defense has too many holes to fix in one draft with almost nothing there in FA at any position. This is not a good year to address our defensive issues in free agency and the draft will only provide a player or two that would start right away

 

[negativecreep]

Problem is that this draft is not DE rich. A lot are going back to school and that leaves 1 or 2 impact players that will not be there at 28.

Dallas has to hope that Jaylon comes back strong, do all they can to sign Berry and maybe even pry away JPP if they want an NFL ready End.

We can draft all the corners we want but until that pass rush is fixed, it won't matter. Our defense has too many holes to fix in one draft with almost nothing there in FA at any position. This is not a good year to address our defensive issues in free agency and the draft will only provide a player or two that would start right away

JPP would be nice, of course we would get him with 7 fingers, but still...

 

[StarBoyz83]

If I'm Dallas I go into this offseason not expecting smith and tapper to play in 2017. Then if they do the more the better

 

[Macnalty]

Problem is that this draft is not DE rich. A lot are going back to school and that leaves 1 or 2 impact players that will not be there at 28.

Dallas has to hope that Jaylon comes back strong, do all they can to sign Berry and maybe even pry away JPP if they want an NFL ready End.

We can draft all the corners we want but until that pass rush is fixed, it won't matter. Our defense has too many holes to fix in one draft with almost nothing there in FA at any position. This is not a good year to address our defensive issues in free agency and the draft will only provide a player or two that would start right away

Green Bay took apart the number 1 defense the week before playing us with what some would say a great Dline and very good edge pressure, so I believe we are not as bad as most are lamenting two days after the loss. I also believe edge is a strength of this years draft, Myles Garrett Texas a&m being the top dog of course. Even at pick 28 we will be evaluating a better player at edge than we have currently on the team IMO. DB is also talent rich this year. We need to keep our fingers crossed that some of the QB's put on some great performances at the combine and Senior Bowl. If my crystal ball is still accurate we will have a talent available to us at pick 28 not sure what position other than it will not be QB/RB. What we saw from Zeke, Dak, and Dez is repeatable with this Oline staying somewhat intact(Leary leaving), but bet your bottom dollar the league took notice of how the Giants and Green Bay beat us.

 

[visionary]

If we can upgrade the defense at five positions Dallas can put a top-ten defense on the field in 2017 and take it all the way to a championship. Anyone making an objective analysis of the defense must concede this year's team didn't have the personnel to put the hard brakes on opposing offenses.

If we can be above average at 3 or 4 positions...and close to average at all the other positions...we can be a top ten defense.

Here is how it could happen:

- Demarcus Lawrence comes back with a healthy back and plays up to his abilities.
- Jaylon arrives with bang
- Scandrick returns to full health
- Byron Jones, maybe Irving jump to another level
- Anthony Brown and Maelik Collins go from rookie-OK to good...or even to great
- Charles Tapper arrives, contributes
- In a draft rich in corners and edge rushers...we grab a couple...or three
-We land an impact free agent, and maybe a backup corner.

So basically you're saying we can be pretty good on defense in some alternate reality virtual universe?

To answer more seriously, we need

1. a difference maker at DT and
2. Difference maker at DE
3. A really really good and experienced safety. I can accept either jones or Wilcox/church but not both
4. A real MLB
5. Healthy Lee all year again

Make these 5 upgrades and the defense has a shot

If we just sign some CBs as we are likely to do then it will be more of the same

 

[rwalters31]

So basically you're saying we can be pretty good on defense in some alternate reality virtual universe?

To answer more seriously, we need

1. a difference maker at DT and Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes . . . . . . . . . .yes
2. Difference maker at DE We have them already but play at DT which is the wrong position (Irvin)
3. A really really good and experienced safety. I can accept either jones or Wilcox/church but not both
4. A real MLB
5. Healthy Lee all year again

Make these 5 upgrades and the defense has a shot

If we just sign some CBs as we are likely to do then it will be more of the same

The reason we failed in first half is we played zone (just like the Giants). In the second half we played press against the receivers and got to Rogers. We need to do this against very good QBs with very good receivers.

 

[visionary]

The reason we failed in first half is we played zone (just like the Giants). In the second half we played press against the receivers and got to Rogers. We need to do this against very good QBs with very good receivers.

How many years before we learn the basics of football ?

 

[Hawkeye19]

IMO-- we have a good young core on defense-- but we are short on impact players that force teams to account for them. You need disruptive speed players at all 3 layers of the D to really dominate. Currently-- we only have one catalytic, impact player (Sean Lee).

Jaylon Smith has the potential to be that kind of player if he hits his ceiling. Marinelli's D really takes off when you get a dominant edge rusher (Simeon Rice), a great 3 Tech (Sapp), a sideline to sideline LBer (Brooks), and a punishing safety who can cover (Lynch). Helpful to have corners that excel in zone coverage (Barber) too... we have more man to man type corners.

I had hopes that Jones could evolve into a great safety-- but he is looking average at best right now. Maybe he can rebound and round into form. With Lee and Smith at LBer we should be great there next year. Biggest need is edge rusher imo.... We need to draft a terror that commands a double team and strikes fear into QBs.

 

[rockj7]

If we can upgrade the defense at five positions Dallas can put a top-ten defense on the field in 2017 and take it all the way to a championship. Anyone making an objective analysis of the defense must concede this year's team didn't have the personnel to put the hard brakes on opposing offenses.

If we can be above average at 3 or 4 positions...and close to average at all the other positions...we can be a top ten defense.

Here is how it could happen:

- Demarcus Lawrence comes back with a healthy back and plays up to his abilities.
- Jaylon arrives with bang
- Scandrick returns to full health
- Byron Jones, maybe Irving jump to another level
- Anthony Brown and Maelik Collins go from rookie-OK to good...or even to great
- Charles Tapper arrives, contributes
- In a draft rich in corners and edge rushers...we grab a couple...or three
-We land an impact free agent, and maybe a backup corner.

Not being negative cause I am all for retooling this Defense but Lawerence hasn't played to his ability from Day 1. I Scan is either slowing down due to that injury or Its possible he can return to form
One more thing Marinelli has to stop with this bottom basement DE. To Hell with bend but don't break

 

[Rogerthat12]

Problem is that this draft is not DE rich. A lot are going back to school and that leaves 1 or 2 impact players that will not be there at 28.

Dallas has to hope that Jaylon comes back strong, do all they can to sign Berry and maybe even pry away JPP if they want an NFL ready End.

We can draft all the corners we want but until that pass rush is fixed, it won't matter. Our defense has too many holes to fix in one draft with almost nothing there in FA at any position. This is not a good year to address our defensive issues in free agency and the draft will only provide a player or two that would start right away

This draft is DE edge rusher deep, with respect to corners as well.

 

[CF74]

BPA in any order:
1-Tech
DE
CB
LB
S
RT
KR (Later round)

 

[speedkilz88]

IMO-- we have a good young core on defense-- but we are short on impact players that force teams to account for them. You need disruptive speed players at all 3 layers of the D to really dominate. Currently-- we only have one catalytic, impact player (Sean Lee).

Jaylon Smith has the potential to be that kind of player if he hits his ceiling. Marinelli's D really takes off when you get a dominant edge rusher (Simeon Rice), a great 3 Tech (Sapp), a sideline to sideline LBer (Brooks), and a punishing safety who can cover (Lynch). Helpful to have corners that excel in zone coverage (Barber) too... we have more man to man type corners.

I had hopes that Jones could evolve into a great safety-- but he is looking average at best right now. Maybe he can rebound and round into form. With Lee and Smith at LBer we should be great there next year. Biggest need is edge rusher imo.... We need to draft a terror that commands a double team and strikes fear into QBs.

Lynch couldn't cover. Bucs used their FS for coverage and left Lynch as a robber.

 

[Thefeelofcotton]

In my opinion, we need to spend the first two picks, or maybe 3 depending on what we get for Romo if we trade him, on the defensive line and secondary. Maybe we pick up a slot receiver to replace Butler, or maybe Williams, but we need at least our first two picks in the draft to be on defense at some position.

I would like us to get one or two good pass-rushing defensive end, either in the draft, or through free agency, or a combination of both. I want to create competition at the position and when it comes time for training camp we cut who ever isn't up to Snuff. Jaylon Smith if he comes back to his abilities at College, will be a perfect addition alongside Sean Lee at linebacker. Also, if we upgrade the defensive line the secondary will improve dramatically as quarterbacks will not have time to sit back and throw.

 

[Risen Star]

Growth from within and a banquet of new cornerbacks.

This is the key!

Yep. It's January.

 

[movaughn88]

I agree with a lot of sentiments on this thread in relation to draft needs on the defensive side of the ball. However, most DL and DBs need a year or two to get seasoned and start making an impact on the field. A DE drafted at #28 isn't likely to have a dominant season.

So if we are talking about 2017, we need a combination of our 2nd and 3rd year guys stepping up (DLaw, Collins, ABrown, BJones, etc) or some FA talent infusion. I think in our FO terms, that means signing 2-3 guys who fit the "above average" talent tier and hoping one of our guys raises their game close to "great". I don't see us signing a "great" player, and I'm not sure how many will be available.

 

[sbark]

If we are targeting just getting by A.Rogers not sure if DE pressure is the key.....he does most of his damage on rolling out to either side--as shown on last play to put them in FG position.. Against Rogers one has to think coverage, and then figure out a way to attack him ultra quick on rollouts. I beleive G.Bay schemes to let DE's spin/ be pushed inside just to get Rogers rolling out....saw it often sunday.
***
Against most of the rest of the NFL QB's......its conventional pressure, with enough up the middle to make your edge rushers effective. That brings the question of is just the 3-tech enough...vrs both DT's able and in scheme having the ability to break down the pocket. Was disappointed with T.McClain on Sunday--G.Bay concentrated on Irving/Collins, which should've left T.McClain some opportunities 1 on 1.

 

[Stash]

Problem is that this draft is not DE rich. A lot are going back to school and that leaves 1 or 2 impact players that will not be there at 28.

Sorry, but everyone covering this draft says the complete opposite. Defensive end/pass rusher and cornerback - two of the Cowboys' biggest needs - are the deepest parts of this draft.

Dallas has to hope that Jaylon comes back strong, do all they can to sign Berry and maybe even pry away JPP if they want an NFL ready End.

Fantasy football, Madden-type stuff. Neither of those huge money signings are happening here.

We can draft all the corners we want but until that pass rush is fixed, it won't matter. Our defense has too many holes to fix in one draft with almost nothing there in FA at any position. This is not a good year to address our defensive issues in free agency and the draft will only provide a player or two that would start right away

I see this as a completely misguided, off-base assessment.

 

[perrykemp]

- Demarcus Lawrence comes back with a healthy back and plays up to his abilities.

I don't think the Cowboys can go into 2017 under the assumption that D-Law is all of a sudden going to become a good DE. It might happen, but odds are against it.

He's averaged 3 sacks per season in a short career marred by injuries and suspension. The only time he has ever looks like an effective player is when they had a former All-Pro lining up opposite him drawing double teams.

They need to bring in competition because there is a very good chance D-Law is just never going to live up to his draft status.

 

[Hawkeye19]

Lynch couldn't cover. Bucs used their FS for coverage and left Lynch as a robber.

He was a great all around safety-- he could definitely cover and he made some clutch INTs