The top team in the NFL is now known, the Eagles

CCBoy

CCBoy

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The team immediately goes into their after action analysis where it learns how it was accomplished by the top teams and how to take the same functional points in their own hands and do the same thing now. Not a Jerry medal, but a proving team.

The elements that have been repeated of the past five seasons includes concepts of strong NFL play that is manageble in winners. That doesn't exclude this team due to fan frustrations with Jerry. Here, measure truths and not frustrations and stereotypes as to application of football.

Offensive talent affects success, both getting through the regular season and when the playoffs put all to the test off adversity in a single game.

What affects recent successes in running the ball, passing the ball, and on defense?

What is the biggest influence on time of possession, total yardage, and Red Zone production? Focused it is a simple and applied element.

What is this applied element that doesn't hide itself now? First down successes and achievements.

2024 Philadelphia Eagles – 6th in first downs (360)
2023 Kansas City Chiefs – 9th in first downs (350)
2022 Kansas City Chiefs – 1st in first downs (408)
2021 Los Angeles Rams – 12th in first downs (355)
2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 10th in first downs (364)

The applied principal for playoff success is here, and applied.

Dallas needs to be around 8th in the NFL and that is doable and with all staff put together right now, doable when fully taken to the player and carpet levels.



The running game takes a team to the playoffs, but to win the Lombardi Game it is not the dominant feature for ultimate success.

The last five Super Bowl winners:

2023 Kansas City Chiefs – 19th in rushing yards (1,784), 25th in rushing attempts (417), 13th in rushing average (4.3), and 18th in rushing for first downs (107)
2022 Kansas City Chiefs – 20th in rushing yards (1,970), 24th in rushing attempts (417), 8th in rushing average (4.7), and 19th in rushing for first downs (105)
2021 Los Angeles Rams – 24th in rushing yards (1,683), 23rd in rushing attempts (420), 24th in rushing average (4.0), and 23rd in rushing for first downs (99)
2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 28th in rushing yards (1,519), 29th in rushing attempts (369), 25th in rushing average (4.1), and 30th in rushing for first downs (82)

Just middle of the road running can get a team into the game. Relevant and why Emmitt Smith said not to spend top value beyond strength in production for a running positional group. Star power looks sweet to Jerry, but doesn't top finish in today's game beyond a top win record prior to the playoffs and setting team spirits and pride.



Now, on a team level, defense wins it all and controls game changes and 'luck' elements.

How have other defenses for past Super Bowl champions ranked?

2024 Philadelphia Eagles – 2nd in points against (303), 1st in total yards against (4,732), 1st in plays (999), 1st in average yards (4.7)
2023 Kansas City Chiefs – 2nd in points against (294), 2nd in total yards against (4,926), 8th in plays (1,045), 5th in average yards (4.7)
2022 Kansas City Chiefs – 16th in points against (369), 12th in total yards against (5,579), 24th in plays (1,093), 8th in average yards (5.1)
2021 Los Angeles Rams – 15th in points against (372), 17th in total yards against (5,863), 28th in plays (1,118), 10th in average yards (5.2)
2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 8th in points against (355), 6th in total yards against (5,234), 16th in plays (1,023), 6th in average yards (5.1)

If we average these out, the Dallas Cowboys need to be in the ranking range of 8.6 in points against, 7.6 in total yards against, 15.4 in plays, and most importantly, 6th in average yards against.

How does this present itself in Dallas now?

An approach would be to trade in round 1 to get the fastest and most productive receiver using to hit around pick 5 to 7. Not undoable as to expense. This will explode open both first downs and Red Zone success when mixed with Lamb and the offensive staff designed to succeed at doing just moving the ball. The most dominant element in today's NFL will strive forward and become indisputably at moving the ball, now.

Next, and resource relevant is paying for team dependability and strength...

In free agency, pay for Parsons, resign Osa; Lewis; Lawrence; and Dowdle to return. Then add a running back free agent such as Nick Chubb. Sign/trade for a Reggie White defensive lineman such as Bosa.

That is directions that will require the new staff and commitment for success by staff.
 
Two free agent defensive ends that could be added in free agency and expand the strength in the Dallas defensive line could be:

Myles Garrett​

This is the least likely of the two to end up on the Cowboys roster. Garrett announced via his Instagram a few weeks ago that he is seeking a trade out of Cleveland, hoping to land on a roster to compete for a championship.

To acquire Garrett, the Cowboys would have to trade for him. There are a few things that could help them make that move.

Also helping Dallas (and other teams) is the fact that Garrett himself initiated the process to get out of Cleveland. It means the Browns don’t have the leverage in these negotiations, and may be forced to take a more moderate offer in exchange for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

DT Milton Williams​

Acquiring Milton Williams won’t be as much red tape as Garrett, but it might be just as unlikely. Williams is a Super Bowl champion, and part of the defensive line that just sacked Patrick Mahomes six times.

Williams had two of those sacks, and countless pressures on the biggest stage. He is a free agent, but knowing how the Cowboys attack free agency, will they even take a look at him?

He is in for a big payday. Williams set personal records in 2024 for sacks (5.0) and quarterback hits (10), and pass rushing defensive tackles who can also defend the run are always in high demand.

https://insidethestar.com/3-of-pffs...d-all-have-a-star-on-their-helmet-next-season
 
According to rumors circulating on Twitter/X, LB Dre Greenlaw met with the San Francisco 49ers, and he is set to leave the team in free agency, seeking to be the top linebacker on a new defense.

Jerry Jones should pick up the phone yesterday, call up Dre Greenlaw, and have him choose his jersey number so it’s ready when he arrives because he needs to be a member of the Dallas Cowboys next year.

https://insidethestar.com/free-agent-seeks-lb1-role-with-new-team-cowboys-should-pick-up-the-phone
 
PFF Rank
15
Kelvin Banks Jr.
Position
T
Class
Jr.
School
Texas
Age
20.9
Height
6' 4"
Weight
320

Trade down and put him in at right guard for the next ten years...my favorite pick.
 
12. Dallas Cowboys: OL Armand Membou, Missouri

The Dallas Cowboys operate at their best when they make smart, non-flashy moves during the NFL draft.

Could Dallas select their preferred running back prospect at this point? Of course. Should they seriously consider another wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb? Definitely.

But the Cowboys' previous success was built upon strong offensive line play.

While the left side of Dallas' current front five is built upon three recent high-round draft picks, the right side could be in transition, with Zack Martin entering free agency for the first time ever and Terence Steele entering the portion of his contract where no guaranteed money exists.

The selection of Missouri's Armand Membou, who currently grades as B/R's top offensive tackle prospect, presents an intriguing succession plan.

"Dallas is known for heavily investing into their line with bets on physical traits and talent, which is where Membou comes into play," Thorn said. "At just 21 years old, with excellent movement skills and natural power, this unit could slot him inside at guard to replace a legend in Martin, with the potential of replacing 2026 free agent right tackle Terence Steele in the future."

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...t-br-nfl-scouting-depts-post-super-bowl-picks
 
Like Lockett, Rams receiver Cooper Kupp could be available for a relative bargain this offseason. Earlier this month, Kupp relayed that Los Angeles was looking to find a trade partner for him but made clear his intention to continue playing in 2025.

“I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships,” Kupp posted on X. While Kupp will turn 32 in June and has had his share of injury issues over the past few seasons, he’s been a No. 1-caliber receiver when healthy. He topped 1,900 receiving yards back in 2021 and tallied 710 yards and six touchdowns this past season while serving as L.A.’s No. 2 target behind Puka Nacua.

Yet, the Rams may be willing to accept a modest offer. Trading Kupp would save $12.5 million in 2025 cap space, and it’s a move Los Angeles has been weighing.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Rams considered moving Kupp at the 2024 trade deadline but ultimately decided against it. Kupp’s statement suggests that L.A. is ready to flip the switch on a deal. With a reasonable base salary of $12.5 million, Kupp should interest just about any Super Bowl hopeful in need of receiver help. He’d be a logical fit for Washington, where he could provide Jayden Daniels with a stellar receiving duo on the perimeter.

Kupp would also be a sensible target for the Bengals, who may lose No. 2 receiver Tee Higgins in free agency. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was the Rams’ assistant receiver coach during Kupp’s rookie season and also spent the 2018 season alongside Kupp in L.A.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...on-trade-block-big-board-after-super-bowl-lix

Signing both WR Kupp and RB Chubb would greatly expand function of the Dallas offense, here and now.
 
The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with talented defensive tackles, highlighted by Michigan’s Mason Graham. After Graham, Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen, Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders, Toledo’s Darius Alexander, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, Tennessee’s Omarr Norman-Lott, and Texas’ Alfred Collins are viewed as plug-and-play 3-techniques in this draft class.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...osa-odighizuwa-mazi-smith-franchise-tag-draft

Dallas needs to make trades and end up with two of these players this draft.
 
CCBoy said:
Two free agent defensive ends that could be added in free agency and expand the strength in the Dallas defensive line could be:

Myles Garrett​

This is the least likely of the two to end up on the Cowboys roster. Garrett announced via his Instagram a few weeks ago that he is seeking a trade out of Cleveland, hoping to land on a roster to compete for a championship.

To acquire Garrett, the Cowboys would have to trade for him. There are a few things that could help them make that move.

Also helping Dallas (and other teams) is the fact that Garrett himself initiated the process to get out of Cleveland. It means the Browns don’t have the leverage in these negotiations, and may be forced to take a more moderate offer in exchange for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

DT Milton Williams​

Acquiring Milton Williams won’t be as much red tape as Garrett, but it might be just as unlikely. Williams is a Super Bowl champion, and part of the defensive line that just sacked Patrick Mahomes six times.

Williams had two of those sacks, and countless pressures on the biggest stage. He is a free agent, but knowing how the Cowboys attack free agency, will they even take a look at him?

He is in for a big payday. Williams set personal records in 2024 for sacks (5.0) and quarterback hits (10), and pass rushing defensive tackles who can also defend the run are always in high demand.

https://insidethestar.com/3-of-pffs...d-all-have-a-star-on-their-helmet-next-season
Click to expand...
Williams is rated right next to Osa as to overall value.
 
Plenty of players issue trade requests as part of their efforts to land a new contract, and Garrett will certainly feel like it's time for a new deal. There are two years left on his five-year, $125 million extension, which was a market-resetting deal when he signed it in 2020. Since then, five edge rushers have topped that mark, including San Francisco's Nick Bosa, who is making $34 million per season on his new contract. Dallas' Micah Parsons is expected to top that figure when he signs his extension this offseason.

Garrett is due just over $40 million over the next two years, all of which is nonguaranteed. As he approaches his age-30 season, he understandably wants a raise to the top of the edge-rushing market and a multiyear guarantee. The Browns have him on relatively friendly cap numbers over the next couple of years, but as CBS Sports' Joel Corry wrote recently, that contract structure could make him tougher to trade.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/st...wns-draft-picks-contract-cap-space-super-bowl
 
If Dallas lands their offensive playmaker at N0. 12, Eberflus might get the next two picks to reload his defense, which could begin with defensive tackle Kenneth Grant out of Michigan.

Grant is the best run-stuffing DT prospect in the draft. He is nearly immovable inside with an elite anchor, but he is not a trash-can-full-of-dirt player. Grant can move, averaging six tackles for a loss, over three sacks, and five pass deflections in the last two seasons at Michigan. He had a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 87.5 against the run and a true pass rush grade over 77. Grant knew how to step up in the moment, making plays at crucial times on the national championship team like Lawrence has for Dallas for the last decade.

In Round 3, Dallas could get the big-bodied defensive tackle with pass-rush upside they love to try to develop in Omarr Norman-Lott. Norman-Lott is a nose tackle-size DT at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, with the anchor to hold ground in the run game.

His change of direction ability and motor at his size make him unique. He can be seen on tape chasing plays 10 yards or more up the field, and Matt Eberflus needs a four-man pass rush for the defense to be at its best. Norman-Lott gets penetration with explosion enough at his size to see the upside in that area. Norman-Lott has limitless upside if the new defensive coaching staff can unlock his potential.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/lists/cowboys-2025-draft-day-2-combination-picks/
 
All-purpose back Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina would make a great selection at No. 44. Hampton will fit any style of rushing attack as he can be physical inside or make people miss, get wide, and break a big play.

He had over 1,500 yards rushing in the last two seasons at UNC, averaging six yards per attempt and scored 15 touchdowns each year. He never has to leave the field as he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, catching 67 passes for nearly 600 yards and three touchdowns in that time. Dallas would have their new workhorse back in Hampton for the next few years...

Dallas would then look for a receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, selecting Jaylon Royals from Utah State the third round.

Just like Lamb, Royals can play outside or in the slot. He isn’t an explosive athlete; winning with savvy and anticipation over suddenness and route running. He will find holes in zones and shield off defenders in man so he can give an open target to his quarterback.

Royals is a possession receiver but has an ability to break tackles to add yards after catch. He was a production machine in both 2023 and 2024. He caught 71 passes in 2023 for 1,080 yards and 15 scores. He only played in seven games in 2024 but was on pace for 102 receptions for 1,548 yards and 11 touchdowns.
 
If Dallas skipped the running back position on Day 2, they could look to fill their other two major roster holes with a weapon to pair with Lamb and a defensive tackle to pair with Parsons.

Elic Ayomanor could be an option at No.44 to fill a giant need at receiver. Ayomanor has the size and hands to be a possession receiver on the outside. He can win on back shoulder throws or 50-50 deep balls to create big plays, but he also has the athleticism to win by making people miss on a slant and taking it for a touchdown. Defenses would have multiple concerns defending Ayomanor, opening up the field for Lamb to create havoc.
 
Head coach and play-caller: Brian Schottenheimer
Offensive Coordinator: Klayton Adams
Offensive Line: Conor Riley
Assistant Offensive Line: Ramon Chinyoung Jr.
Tight Ends: Lunda Wells
Wide Receivers: Junior Adams
Asst. Wide Receivers: Tiquan Underwood
Running Backs: Derrick Foster
Quarterbacks: Steve Shimko
Pass Game Specialist: Ken Dorsey

Schottenheimer’s staff is an interesting one because all the signs point to the Cowboys getting back to “running the damn ball”.

New OC Klayton Adams was the offensive line coach in Arizona, and helped veteran James Conner get back to being one of the best running backs in the league.

Sure, he had the benefit of a running quarterback like Kyler Murray, but his trap/counter schemes have given defenses fits. I’m very excited to see what he and OL Coach Conor Riley can do with the running game.

Lunda Wells was retained as tight ends coach, and his previous experience as an offensive line coach will have the tight ends ready to run block.

https://insidethestar.com/the-dalla...der-hc-brian-schottenheimer-is-finally-filled
 
DC Matt Eberflus appears to have been given the freedom to assemble his defensive staff, and he has done a fine job.

Defensive Coordinator: Matt Eberflus
Defensive Line: Aaron Whitecotton
Asst. Defensive Line: Brian Bing
Linebackers: Dave Borgonzi
Asst. Linebackers: JJ Clark
Passing Game Coordinator: Andre Curtis
Cornerbacks: David Overstreet
Secondary/Nickelbacks: Darian Thompson

Eberflus hand-picked his staff carefully, bringing in talent from all over the NFL.

New DL Coach Aaron Whitecotton and his assistant Brian Bing are the next coaches to try and get the best out of EDGE Micah Parsons, who has hit double-digit sacks each season since being drafted in 2021.

Passing Game Coordinator Andre Curtis followed Eberflus from Chicago, and has overseen the success of players like Jaylon Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, and Eddie Jackson.

He will have some fun with Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Caelen Carson.

https://insidethestar.com/the-dalla...der-hc-brian-schottenheimer-is-finally-filled
 
What would a defensive line do with the signing of Parsons, Osa, Lawrence, and then adding to this very group DE Garrett and DT Williams?

How would the draft then be used?

If $100 M can be put together...use it!
 
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Tetairoa McMillan at No.12 in 2025 NFL Draft​

An outmatched unit floundered over the final two weeks against playoff teams in the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, indicating where this unit really stood this year.

McMillan enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the best receivers in the class. While the top-end talent does not compare to recent seasons, McMillan is highly regarded independent of this fact.

As a sophomore with the Arizona Wildcats, he earned All-American honors and totaled 1,402 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He continued dominating as a junior, finishing as a Biletnikoff Award finalist and an All-American.

The Hawaiian native opted to forego his fourth season, electing to put his name in the 2025 NFL Draft pool and looking to become the next great receiver to enter the NFL. If the Cowboys manage to get him at No. 12, he could function as the ideal WR2 alongside Lamb — a 6’5″ threat who would give Prescott another elite receiving option.

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/...wide-receiver-with-no-12-pick-nfl-draft-2025/
 
Lawrence played in just four games last year after a Lisfranc injury ended his season early. The cagey vet who has made over $127 million in his career still managed to put up three sacks and 10 pressures in limited action, showing he still has plenty of juice in the tank (no pun intended) should his health corporate.

But the Cowboys are in cost-cutting mode again this season. Massive salaries at the top of the roster are leading the front office to reduce expenses elsewhere. Players like Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence could land on the business end of those decisions. Many feel the Cowboys are prepared to replace Martin given the depth behind him. But are people as confident about the DEs behind Lawrence?

With Chauncey Golston himself a free agent this March, the onus of replacing the four-time Pro Bowler largely falls upon fourth-year end Sam Williams and second-year end Marshawn Kneeland. Both players are former second-round picks and both were drafted with lofty expectations.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/20...s-marshawn-kneelandreplace-demarcus-lawrence/
 
Opposing receivers were especially deadly for the Cowboys. The 0.32 EPA/target allowed was eighth worst in the NFL. The injuries to Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland clearly impacted Dallas’ ability to matchup against opposing WRs and the numbers prove it.

Luckily for the Cowboys both starters are expected back at some point in 2025. Nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis may leave in free agency, but the Cowboys have Caelen Carson developing in the background who, with any luck, can mitigate that loss.

Eberflus, a coach who prefers to keep players back in coverage on early downs, wants to minimize damage through the air. His bend-but-don’t break defense wants offenses to grind out yards rather than gain them in chunks. He’s likely to encourage short dump offs to RBs in his defense; it’s stopping the WRs who he’ll focus on stopping most in 2025.

Eberflus might be just what the doctor ordered for the Cowboys defense. For as unexciting as his typical scheme can be at times, it’s usually successful in its ability to minimize the big plays downfield that often target the wideouts.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/15/cowboys-killers-which-positions-hurt-most/
 
The signings of the veteran defensive lineman mentioned would force the defense in the direction Eberflus is taking this defense.
 
The team is at the point in evaluations, after establishing scheme and leadership issues, where player skills are being projected into evaluations for standard levels and contract procedures for pieces of the pie. This is not where Jerry and Stephen suddenly go blind and ignorant.
 
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