DE-Lawrence, Aldon*, Gregory, Armstrong, Anae, Crawford*, Carter
Aldon Smith is a player the team has already stated they would like to resign. Crawford's contract finally off the books and he will most likely not return in any capacity.
I agree they will try to keep Aldon on a reasonable deal. Crawford SHOULD BE GONE.
DT-Hill, Gallimore, Woods*
I'm still not sold on Hill. A few flashes in two years doesn't guarantee his return. Gallimore will be a building block for this defense going forward. Woods is a guy who would be OK as the 4th or 5th DT, but hes not good enough to be the starter, unless he is the weakest link on a very good team. That's not the COWBOYS.
Woods didn't sign his contract until very late, which suggests he a) wasn't happy with the restricted amount or b) his role as being more of a backup with the Poe signing. c) both. I don't believe he returns next season. Front Office probably needs to double dip in this area of need, sign at least 1 veteran starter through fa and draft 1-2 more.
LB-Lve, Jaylon, Lee*, Thomas*
LVE will be good. Jaylon--I could see him being a pro bowler or cut as soon as is practical. Neither would surprise me. Lee needs to become a paid coach, not a player. Thomas is ok. but should be depth, not in the starting conversation.
Can Lve be dependable to stay healthy? Does Jaylon need to be replaced now? Is Lee career about over? Major question marks throughout this group. Need to sign a veteran capable of starting if called upon. Need a future starter in the draft, along with depth at the position.
CB-Diggs, Brown, Awuzie*, Lewis*, Canady
I think Diggs and Brown will stay. I think the rest will likely not be on the team unless it is for camp fodder.
With the expected departures of Awuzie/Lewis, there is a need for a future starter and depth at the position.
S-Woods*, Wilson, Thompson, Robinson
X Woods needs to be gone. Wilson is ok, but improvement is needed there too, unless you can't plug all the holes this year. Thompson is gone. Robinson? I don't get that one at all.
Woods hasn't done enough to warrant an extension. Wilson looks like a starter for this team next yr. Thompson is most likely going to be released. We have no idea where Robinson is in his development. Fa starter, future starter is needed.
As we see wholesale changes are needed on every level. What is a realistic expectation of defensive turnover for next season?
-2 stop-gap fa starters, probably at DT & S
-1 to 2 plug and play impact starters (if picking in top 10)
-1 to 2 future starters
I believe it is realistic to expect 4 new defensive starters on opening night next season with the possibility of more late in the season. Of coarse, they need to hit on whom ever they either sign or draft.
I think you will see us draft 2 DB, maybe 3 in this draft.
I think you will see us grab a DT, probably in the top 2 rounds.
I think you will see us take a LB.
I also see us drafting an OT if the opportunity presents itsself. If that is Sewell, high, the defense looks a lot different.
Let's say Sewell is there at #3 or #4 overall, and we are on the clock. Can we pass up on a trade back that is still in the top 10 that gives us a first and a second this year AND a first round pick next year? Or a first, second and a third this year? I personally don't think so. I think we would trade back and fill holes.
G
