The price for Dallas Cowboys star defender is only getting higher

[CCBoy]

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Linebacker Group​

Grade: B+​

Damone Clark
Darius Harris
Buddy Johnson
Marist Liufau
Brock Mogensen
Kenneth Murray
DeMarvion Overshown
Micah Parsons
Jack Sanborn

Parsons remains an offensive coordinator's worst nightmare, while Sanborn and Murray provide the unit with much needed depth.

Murray finished with career highs in sacks (3.5), pressures (7), and tackles for loss (8) last year while recording his third season with 90-plus tackles.

Sanborn has appeared in 48 games with 19 starts over his first three seasons and has recorded 164 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 10 pressures, and 4.5 sacks.

Along with Liufau and a hopeful Clark, the Cowboys have plenty of options to fill in the shoes of last season's leader in tackles, Eric Kendricks, who remains a free agent.

https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news...e-agency-grades-linebacker-breakdown-analysis

The Cowboys already have five linebackers with starting experience, and it seems unlikely they will sign anyone to deter from Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown's development.

https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news...e-of-top-available-nfl-free-agent-linebackers


This season, Asante recorded 45 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his final year of eligibility. Before transferring to Auburn ahead of the 2022 season, he played for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Enter Auburn Tigers linebacker Eugene Asante, who ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash of any linebacker at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis (4.48 seconds).

https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/draf...astest-linebacker-nfl-combine-great-interview

 

[CCBoy]

But the team’s decision to let Lewis walk could now allow them to give Bland a long-term deal.

“Spotrac projects Bland to earn a four-year, $94.9 million deal when an extension is signed,” noted Cowboys Wire writer Reid D Hanson. "It was certainly possible for the Cowboys to retain Lewis and still re-sign Bland next spring, but it would likely call for drastic actions with Diggs... Losing Lewis hurts tremendously in the short-term, but his departure may ultimately facilitate Bland’s return in 2026 and Diggs’ retention."

The Cowboys have an opportunity to have two All-Pro corners on the team long-term. Their decision on Lewis gives them the chance to get a deal done as soon as possible. It would go a long way for a team that is looking to rebound from a disappointing season.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl...ord-holding-defender/bd1c2729b0850bff73733149

Losing Lewis was tough but Israel Mukuamu, who is technically listed as a safety, can play in the slot. Unless someone is added in the upcoming draft, he's going to man that job. He did well in spot duty but hasn't been tested for a full season.

 

[CCBoy]

They have no go to running back, and outside of CeeDee Lamb who scares you on that offense? They need to draft a wide out and hope they get production out of Jalen Tolbert and Mingo.

These are the two players I think as I look at the depth chart today are going to need to have an increase in production as role players.

https://insidethestar.com/these-cowboys-role-players-will-need-to-shine-bright-in-2025

For ESPN's Todd Archer, who the Cowboys get to partner CeeDee is the franchise's biggest unanswered question.

"Where will they find a receiver? The Cowboys were not a big player for Cooper Kupp, per sources, despite his ties to new receivers coach Junior Adams," Archer writes. "They looked at the veterans available, but injury and cost dimmed their pursuit.

"A trade for one remains possible, as does drafting one, perhaps even in the first round."

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/arti..._easy_answer_per_2_insiders/s1_17615_41931189

 

[CCBoy]

Tommy: This Is just my opinion, but I think your depth pieces collectively are more important than your star players, regardless of what team we're talking about here. In the Cowboys' realm, they've got the star players in Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, etc., that's not the issue. The issue and where this team has struggled is finding the supporting cast and the depth around their stars that can get even more out of them, and ultimately lead to more wins.

That's not to say they don't have players who can do that, I think Osa Odighizuwa was a great example of that and it's why he got a big paycheck, but they'll need to add more in order to chase their dream of winning a Super Bowl.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-signing-one-big-player-vs-adding-depth

 

[CCBoy]

First Round WR Targets​

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The Top Dog: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona​

If you’re a mock draft watcher or betting odds follower, you know that Arizona Wildcats star, Tetairoa McMillan, is consistently projected as the top wide receiver in the 2025 draft.

The 6’4” All-American has caught the eye of the NFL, and it’s easy to see why. Simply put, if he reaches Dallas’ pick at 12, it’s hard to see them passing.

The Riser: Matthew Golden, Texas​

No wide receiver has seen a larger increase in their draft stock than Texas’ Matthew Golden. Where McMillan falls short, Golden excels.

This Longhorn is about five inches shorter, which does bring up questions for some, but it also means he is a smoother and more natural separator. Plus, his 4.29 40-yard dash time leaves nothing to be debated.

The Polarizing One: Luther Burden III, Missouri​

While McMillan’s stock has steadied at the top, and Golden’s has risen, Missouri’s Luther Burden III has experienced a more unpredictable trajectory.

Formerly the consensus top wide receiver in the class, a statistical down year with the Tigers and big seasons from his competition have altered his image.

The Underrated Option: Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State​

Far too many fans, and potentially teams, are underrating Buckeyes’ star Emeka Egbuka this draft cycle.

In one of the most crowded wide receiver rooms in all of college football, Egbuka, now a national champion, notched a 1,000-yard receiving season for the second time in his four-year career.

Now, imagine what he would have done if he didn’t have a guy like Jeremiah Smith reeling in over 1,300 yards.

https://insidethestar.com/meet-the-prospects-the-cowboys-wide-receiver-draft-options

 

[CCBoy]

Round 1, Pick 12: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas​

Round 2, Pick 44: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss​

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With top running back prospects Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton off the board -- Jeanty to the Las Vegas Raiders and Hampton to the Chicago Bears -- the Cowboys turn to Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden.