ESPN: Cowboys approach to defensive line needs closer look

[jobberone]

Cowboys approach to defensive line needs closer look

DE Tyrone Crawford had 4.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries in 2016, but he might need surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason. Tom Pennington/Getty Images
12:00 AM CT

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  Todd ArcherESPN Staff Writer

NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Dallas Cowboys, position-by-position, analyzing what the players did in 2016, what they can do in the future and what the team can do to improve the position in 2017.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Under contract: Tyrone Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence, Cedric Thornton, Benson Mayowa, Maliek Collins, Randy Gregory-X, David Irving-Y, Richard Ash, Charles Tapper, Lenny Jones

(X- Gregory is suspended for at least the 2017 regular season; Y – Irving is an exclusive rights free agent)

Free agents: Terrell McClain, Jack Crawford, Ryan Davis

A look back: The Cowboys entered 2016 hoping they could bring waves of pass rushers at opposing quarterbacks and be effective. It was only a little bit better than the 2015 pass rush with 34 sacks, compared to 31 the year prior.

Mayowa, who was the team’s first restricted free agent signing in their history, led the Cowboys with six sacks, and that includes a three-game span in which the coaches benched him.

Lawrence was suspended the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy and missed the final three games with a back injury that could require a second back surgery in as many offseasons. He had just one sack after leading the Cowboys with eight sacks in 2015. The hope that he could take the next step as a pass rusher was derailed by suspension and injury.

Tyrone Crawford opened the year as the team’s most-sure bet, lining up at defensive tackle, but he was moved to left defensive end. He had 4.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries, according to the coaches’ count, and missed the final two regular-season games because of a left shoulder injury that might require surgery.

http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cow...-approach-to-defensive-line-needs-closer-look

 

[jobberone]

Everyone will do better with enough pressure. Adding a dynamic DE and/or edge rusher will synergize the DL.

 

[IrishAnto]

Everyone will do better with enough pressure. Adding a dynamic DE and/or edge rusher will synergize the DL.

Indeed it would.
You only have to look at what Charles Haley did for the Boys D back in 1992.
The problem is where do we find one this year?

Picking at 28 means we won't get the pick of the crop and in addition relying on a rookie to generate a consistent pass rush from day one (or soon after) would be a tall order.

The only other option would be to go down the FA route, but we know good pass rushers cost and if recent history is anything to go by, Dallas won’t pay.

If I had my way and the right guy was available, then I’d stump up the cash, however I don’t think Dallas will.


As a side note the Cowboys Break yesterday stated that Marinelli was actively against the notion of bringing in a high priced FA.

Anyone else note that?

 

[waving monkey]

Haley was drafted in what round by SF.
There's some hidden gems always is and our staff might hit pay dirt again.
Any position upgrade on the line will help.

 

[camelboy]

One HUGE step to make is bring in a REAL OL coach .. I was hoping we get Tomsula but if we find any legit OL coach that would be great. I don't think the up crew we had was coached up properly

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

Until JJ and Company ease up on this whole "get something for nothing" approach to drafting and free agency, you have to wonder if any thing on the DL will ever change. Every team I am sure is looking to steal a guy or two in the draft or in FA, but I feel the Cowboys are so obsessed with this approach, it blinds them from drafting or signing really solid players.

 

[jobberone]

Indeed it would.
You only have to look at what Charles Haley did for the Boys D back in 1992.
The problem is where do we find one this year?

Picking at 28 means we won't get the pick of the crop and in addition relying on a rookie to generate a consistent pass rush from day one (or soon after) would be a tall order.

The only other option would be to go down the FA route, but we know good pass rushers cost and if recent history is anything to go by, Dallas won’t pay.

If I had my way and the right guy was available, then I’d stump up the cash, however I don’t think Dallas will.


As a side note the Cowboys Break yesterday stated that Marinelli was actively against the notion of bringing in a high priced FA.

Anyone else note that?

I hope they see the need to get that edge rusher and I'd spend the money for that in FA as well as draft one. They should look for a Freeney type as well.

 

[Diehardblues]

Maybe an injured or drug test failing top talent will drop luring Jerry again

 

[TNCowboy]

Picking at 28 means we won't get the pick of the crop and in addition relying on a rookie to generate a consistent pass rush from day one (or soon after) would be a tall order.

We don't have to totally rely on a rookie. He just needs to help. If we can get a guy who did what Ngakou did at Jacksonvillea, that helps a ton. Collins did a good job on the inside, and I think with more help along the line, Irving will get better as well.

We likely won't develop an elite pass rush in one offseason without a big time FA and no high draft pick, but it can still be a lot better than it was last year. Our defense won't have to be top tier for us to win. It just needs to be better than it was this season.

 

[IrishAnto]

We don't have to totally rely on a rookie. He just needs to help. If we can get a guy who did what Ngakou did at Jacksonvillea, that helps a ton. Collins did a good job on the inside, and I think with more help along the line, Irving will get better as well.

We likely won't develop an elite pass rush in one offseason without a big time FA and no high draft pick, but it can still be a lot better than it was last year. Our defense won't have to be top tier for us to win. It just needs to be better than it was this season.

Agreed.

If Mayowa could continue with his late season form and Tapper with an offseason to work on his technique (along with health) could provide some help then things could improve, however I'd feel more comfortable with a more proven/higher talented individual.

What would also help would be the ability to generate turnovers on a consistent basis.

I know a better pass rush would help with that but the LBs and CBs/Safeties need to hang on to the ball!

 

[conner01]

One HUGE step to make is bring in a REAL OL coach .. I was hoping we get Tomsula but if we find any legit OL coach that would be great. I don't think the up crew we had was coached up properly

 

[CF74]

1-Tech and DE somewhere in the first four rounds please..

 

[MichaelWinicki]

1-Tech and DE somewhere in the first four rounds please..

I don't get this "1-Tech" stuff.

DT was not an issue this season.

The returning players are decent and I wouldn't be surprised to see McLain back.

On top of that two guys that played DE (Crawford & Irving) will probably play more DT this coming season with more bodies brought in at the DE spots.

I don't see the Cowboys drafting a 1-tech DT anywhere early in the draft.

 

[Verdict]

Agreed.

If Mayowa could continue with his late season form and Tapper with an offseason to work on his technique (along with health) could provide some help then things could improve, however I'd feel more comfortable with a more proven/higher talented individual.

What would also help would be the ability to generate turnovers on a consistent basis.

I know a better pass rush would help with that but the LBs and CBs/Safeties need to hang on to the ball!

While Tapper didn't play last year he will technically not be a rookie anymore. While he will not have had the benefit of game experience this season he will have the benefit of another year of physical maturity, NFL weight and conditioning program, and NFL coaching as well as the benefit of watching the NFL game on tape etc and hanging out with NFL players.

Taper was thought to be a real high value find in the 4th round. I wouldn't count out the possibility of significant contribution from him this next year if healthy. He might end up being a good NFL starter. I think he has that sort of potential.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

While Tapper didn't play last year he will technically not be a rookie anymore. While he will not have had the benefit of game experience this season he will have the benefit of another year of physical maturity, NFL weight and conditioning program, and NFL coaching as well as the benefit of watching the NFL game on tape etc and hanging out with NFL players.

Taper was thought to be a real high value find in the 4th round. I wouldn't count out the possibility of significant contribution from him this next year if healthy. He might end up being a good NFL starter. I think he has that sort of potential.

Agreed.

Luv to get a medical update on the player.

 

[jobberone]

I don't get this "1-Tech" stuff.

DT was not an issue this season.

The returning players are decent and I wouldn't be surprised to see McLain back.

On top of that two guys that played DE (Crawford & Irving) will probably play more DT this coming season with more bodies brought in at the DE spots.

I don't see the Cowboys drafting a 1-tech DT anywhere early in the draft.

Only way is if someone were to fall into our laps and the chances of a 1 Tech are near zero at 28. Maybe 15. They've have to be head and shoulders above anyone on the team.

We need a WDE who can turn the corner and I think an edge rusher as well. At 28 good luck with the WDE. But an edge rusher is a definite maybe IMO. Convert a 3-4 OLB into your edge rusher ala Miller or Ware.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Only way is if someone were to fall into our laps and the chances of a 1 Tech are near zero at 28. Maybe 15. They've have to be head and shoulders above anyone on the team.

We need a WDE who can turn the corner and I think an edge rusher as well. At 28 good luck with the WDE. But an edge rusher is a definite maybe IMO. Convert a 3-4 OLB into your edge rusher ala Miller or Ware.

Exactly.

DT wasn't a problem position this year and on top of that the Cowboys have an army of guys that can play on the inside.

DE is the problem spot.

There's Mayowa and a bunch of questions marks.

 

[Aven8]

I don't get this "1-Tech" stuff.

DT was not an issue this season.

The returning players are decent and I wouldn't be surprised to see McLain back.

On top of that two guys that played DE (Crawford & Irving) will probably play more DT this coming season with more bodies brought in at the DE spots.

I don't see the Cowboys drafting a 1-tech DT anywhere early in the draft.

McClain is a player for sure and I hope he is back. We need to spend money however on a DE. We can't keep getting these cheap guys if we want results.

 

[Killerinstinct]

If Demarcus Lawrence comes back healthy, and Tapper is healthy and Myowa can continue to improve and Irving is more consistent and we add one more to the rotation then it begins to look much better. I would resign Mcclain. I think we are set at DT.

 

[KingintheNorth]

Step One: Sign Nick Perry in free agency.

Step Two: Find two playmakers in the secondary via free agency and the draft. (Hypothetical: Micah Hyde in free agency, Sidney Jones in the draft)

Step Three (bonus step): Hope like hell that Randy Gregory gets suspension reduced.

We need a pressure edge guy no doubt but we also need guys who can get turnovers in the secondary, not just be in the vicinity to make the tackle (stares at Brandon Carr and Byron Jones). We have to stop being overly-loyal and use this off-season to get faster (cough, coogh Barry Church) and more durable (ahem Mo Claiborne).