This Front Office has been slow to admit to or address weaknesses.
Even with that, we should have at least 4 new starters on defense next year. The team also has 10 draft picks and they easily fall in love with their own selections.
1Tech: Poe was a bust signing and Antwaun Woods is an average player. He'll be a restricted free agent so easy to retain, but the team is likely to bring in competition. Unfortunately, this draft is not great at DT, especially towards the top.
My suggestion: With the unique cap situation next year, look for teams to cut solid veterans who have one year left on their deal in their efforts to get under the cap. Someone like
Malcolm Brown (6'2", 320, Age 26, 70.6 PFF grade) with the Saints could definitely be a cap casualty.
Sam Linebacker: Sean Lee and Joe Thomas are both pending free agents and north of 30. While, the SAM backer is not an every down player anymore, it is technically a starter.
My suggestion: I've been watching a lot of Tulsa games this year to scout the DB's, but it's been Linebacker
Zaven Collins (6'4" 260, Age 21, 91.7 PFF grade) who has caught my (and everyone else's) eye. If the Cowboys can get him in the early 2nd, or even trade back into the late 1st, they would be adding a special player with unique athleticism and speed for a 260-pound man.
Outside Cornerback: Trevon Diggs is one starter, and the team is foolishly enamored with Anthony Brown inside. Awuzie and Lewis are free agents.
My suggestion: If you guys know me at all, you know where I'm going here. Virginia Tech's
Caleb Farley (6'2", 207, Age 22, 90.5 PFF coverage grade in 2019, passer rating against was 26.8%) should be within range of the Cowboys 1st round pick. A special athlete with elite speed, Farley is a difference maker at Corner.
Safety: The team has tried to sell Xavier Woods as a training camp superstar the past few seasons. Regardless of the validity of that claim, it has not translated onto the field and it's time to move on with Woods hitting free agency. Donovan Wilson looks promising at one Safety spot. Team needs to get him some help so he can play closer to the line of scrimmage. Need a centerfielder.
My suggestion: Three things would have to happen for the Cowboys to be able to add a player the caliber I'm suggesting here. One, the Broncos would have to decide not to put a 2nd year Franchise Tag on him. Two, the Cowboys would have to get Dak to sign an extension with a low first year (very common tactic), similar to what the Chiefs did with Patrick Mahomes. Last, the Cowboys would have to change their views on both elite free agents and the Safety position. If they could add
Justin Simmons (6'2", 202, Age 27, 88.8 PFF grade) the Cowboys would give their young Secondary talent an All-Pro veteran presence on the back end.
If up to me, I'd also find a new starter at 3Tech but as I mentioned, this FO loves their own draft picks, so Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore will get every opportunity to win that job next season.