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Sabin: Draft needs? Cowboys looking to address multiple areas
Follow @RainerSabinDMN rsabin@***BANNED-URL*** Staff Writer
Published: 25 April 2015 08:01 PM
At long last, the Cowboys broke free from the shackles of mediocrity last season, finishing 12-4 in the regular season before being eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.
But after a headline-grabbing offseason, Dallas still has plenty of personnel concerns.
With the draft starting Thursday, the team needs to find a long-term, pass-rushing candidate, a player who can solidify the shaky situation at cornerback, a replacement for reigning NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray and a linebacker who can develop into a stable presence.
The team’s priorities, position by position, are cataloged below:
Picks
First round: 27; Second round: 60; Third round: 91; Fourth round: 127; Fifth round:163; Seventh round: 236, 243
Defensive line
Cowboys need meter: Essential
http://www.***BANNED-URL***/incoming/20150324-dupree.ece/BINARY/dupree
Assessment: After recording only 28 sacks in 2014, the Cowboys entered the offseason needing to strengthen their pass rush. The signing of Greg Hardy in March was intended to fulfill that goal. But he’s suspended 10 games and will become a free agent next year. The team needs to find a player at end or tackle who can make a sustained impact.
Draft history: Last year, the Cowboys drafted three defensive linemen: DeMarcus Lawrence, Ben Gardner and Ken Bishop. Together, they played in 10 games and contributed no sacks in the regular season.
Cornerback
Cowboys need meter: Essential
Assessment: Brandon Carr’s future is uncertain with the team angling for him to take a pay cut. Morris Claiborne is still recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. And Orlando Scandrick skipped the beginning of offseason workouts, hoping to coax more money out of the Cowboys. Dallas could be looking for a player to step in and contribute immediately.
Draft history: Since Jason Garrett was appointed the team’s coach in November 2010, the Cowboys have failed to draft a good cornerback. Claiborne, a first-round pick, is a bust. So too were Josh Thomas, B.W. Webb and Terrance Mitchell.
Running back
Cowboys need meter: Important
http://www.***BANNED-URL***/incoming/20150425-fiesta-bowl-football.ece/BINARY/Fiesta+Bowl+Football
Assessment: DeMarco Murray’s departure created a huge void at an important offensive position. Murray led the league in rushing in 2014 and played an important role in the Cowboys’ strategy to control possession. Although the Cowboys have four running backs — Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle, Ryan Williams and Lance Dunbar — on the roster, a better option may be available in a draft loaded with good ballcarriers.
Draft history: Since Jerry Jones bought the team in 1989, the Cowboys have drafted only two running backs in the first round: Emmitt Smith and Felix Jones. Smith became a Hall of Famer and Jones didn’t last in Dallas beyond his rookie contract.
http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sports/...cowboys-looking-to-address-multiple-areas.ece
Moore: How Cowboys succeeded in recent drafts; one problem it causes
Follow @RainerSabinDMN rsabin@***BANNED-URL*** Staff Writer
Published: 25 April 2015 08:01 PM
At long last, the Cowboys broke free from the shackles of mediocrity last season, finishing 12-4 in the regular season before being eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.
But after a headline-grabbing offseason, Dallas still has plenty of personnel concerns.
With the draft starting Thursday, the team needs to find a long-term, pass-rushing candidate, a player who can solidify the shaky situation at cornerback, a replacement for reigning NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray and a linebacker who can develop into a stable presence.
The team’s priorities, position by position, are cataloged below:
Picks
First round: 27; Second round: 60; Third round: 91; Fourth round: 127; Fifth round:163; Seventh round: 236, 243
Defensive line
Cowboys need meter: Essential
http://www.***BANNED-URL***/incoming/20150324-dupree.ece/BINARY/dupree
Assessment: After recording only 28 sacks in 2014, the Cowboys entered the offseason needing to strengthen their pass rush. The signing of Greg Hardy in March was intended to fulfill that goal. But he’s suspended 10 games and will become a free agent next year. The team needs to find a player at end or tackle who can make a sustained impact.
Draft history: Last year, the Cowboys drafted three defensive linemen: DeMarcus Lawrence, Ben Gardner and Ken Bishop. Together, they played in 10 games and contributed no sacks in the regular season.
Cornerback
Cowboys need meter: Essential
Assessment: Brandon Carr’s future is uncertain with the team angling for him to take a pay cut. Morris Claiborne is still recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee. And Orlando Scandrick skipped the beginning of offseason workouts, hoping to coax more money out of the Cowboys. Dallas could be looking for a player to step in and contribute immediately.
Draft history: Since Jason Garrett was appointed the team’s coach in November 2010, the Cowboys have failed to draft a good cornerback. Claiborne, a first-round pick, is a bust. So too were Josh Thomas, B.W. Webb and Terrance Mitchell.
Running back
Cowboys need meter: Important
http://www.***BANNED-URL***/incoming/20150425-fiesta-bowl-football.ece/BINARY/Fiesta+Bowl+Football
Assessment: DeMarco Murray’s departure created a huge void at an important offensive position. Murray led the league in rushing in 2014 and played an important role in the Cowboys’ strategy to control possession. Although the Cowboys have four running backs — Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle, Ryan Williams and Lance Dunbar — on the roster, a better option may be available in a draft loaded with good ballcarriers.
Draft history: Since Jerry Jones bought the team in 1989, the Cowboys have drafted only two running backs in the first round: Emmitt Smith and Felix Jones. Smith became a Hall of Famer and Jones didn’t last in Dallas beyond his rookie contract.
http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sports/...cowboys-looking-to-address-multiple-areas.ece
Moore: How Cowboys succeeded in recent drafts; one problem it causes
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