Impact Pass Rusher
Elite Pass Rusher
Dominating defensive End
War Daddy
What are we looking for? What do we want this guy to do for us? What measureable accomplishments do we expect?
I know the pass rush is a problem, but is it a problem with talent level, specific skill set, coaching philosophy, defensive style, or some other aspect?
Overall, this defense was ranked #5 in limiting points. Yes, they did get scored on in the playoffs by one of the more prolific offenses led by an obvious future Hall of Famer and a direct issue in the loss was the lack of a pass rush.
Looking at the sack stats over the past three seasons there has been only 13 DE's that averaged 8 sacks per season or 1 sack in every two games. 7 of them were first round draft picks, 3 of them a top 5 pick overall.
The draft and free agency strategy of the Cowboys over the past several seasons seems to be one in which they don't actively seek any perceived immediate need. They draft the best talent they can get regardless of position and, eventually, that need is filled.
I think they also understand two things if they were to "go out and get" a guy:
1. He will be overpriced.
2. They are always one play away from being right back where they were before they signed him to that overpriced contract.
Their strategy is to incrementally add talent to a squad and obtain elevated results through superior scouting, competition, training, and the player's character as previously described by Jason Garrett.
However, it's in this scenario where you can get some very pleasant surprises. Example? Expectations for Dak prior to the season was somewhat lower than if the Cowboys had somehow moved back up into the 1st round.
Suppose the Cowboys sign a top guy in free agency to a fortune only to draft the next Charles Haley in the 4th round of the next draft? Even suppose that we were never able to really discover his talent level because he didn't get enough exposure as the result of backing up the big contract free agent.
