Thinking way ahead...I don't believe DL will be our first pick next year

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

I think it will be a linebacker under the assumption Melton earns the extension and we're still in the 4-3. The two coveted positions on the DL we'll already have in place. It's obvious we don't covet the 1-tech and the strong side DE is more of a run stopper. To me, Durant and Carter are both gone next year and just a shot in the dark I think we'll go LB first

 

[KingintheNorth]

Crawford's performance will probably be the biggest determining factor. Otherwise, D Line is still a pretty big need. Also, the 2015 draft is fairly deep with D Linemen.

This year will tell a lot. If Claiborne and Carr struggle, the Cowboys are in position to move on from their contracts, so CB could become a need. We could need as many as 3 new starting Linebackers (Carter and Durant are free agents, Hitchens, Holloman, and Wilber are unknowns, and then the unfortunate injury concern with Sean Lee). In my opinion, we still need an actual Free Safety.

 

[xwalker]

I think it will be a linebacker under the assumption Melton earns the extension and we're still in the 4-3. The two coveted positions on the DL we'll already have in place. It's obvious we don't covet the 1-tech and the strong side DE is more of a run stopper. To me, Durant and Carter are both gone next year and just a shot in the dark I think we'll go LB first

It seems like the most logical position for them to focus on; although, you don't really want to be just 1 deep with pass rushers. Do any of the current DEs other than Lawrence have significant upside as pass rushers?

We really don't know how Melton will fare coming off the injury. That is the top position in a Marinelli defense. How will the backup 3-techs fare? We really have no idea how Crawford will do in this position. He was a college DE and a 3-4 DE with the Cowboys in 2012.

Safety could be a need also. It seems like Wilcox has what it takes, but he far from proven. The overall options at Safety probably aren't any better than the overall options at LB.

Free's contract is up after this season. Are Parnell, Weems or Martin legit options at RT?

If Romo does not stay healthy this season, then they might draft a QB with the 1st round pick.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

It seems like the most logical position for them to focus on; although, you don't really want to be just 1 deep with pass rushers. Do any of the current DEs other than Lawrence have significant upside as pass rushers?

We really don't know how Melton will fare coming off the injury. That is the top position in a Marinelli defense. How will the backup 3-techs fare? We really have no idea how Crawford will do in this position. He was a college DE and a 3-4 DE with the Cowboys in 2012.

Safety could be a need also. It seems like Wilcox has what it takes, but he far from proven. The overall options at Safety probably aren't any better than the overall options at LB.

Free's contract is up after this season. Are Parnell, Weems or Martin legit options at RT?

If Romo does not stay healthy this season, then they might draft a QB with the 1st round pick.

Agree with that take. 1st round next April/May could go in so many different directions... which is both a good/bad thing.

 

[xwalker]

Agree with that take. 1st round next April/May could go in so many different directions... which is both a good/bad thing.

My primary goal for the Cowboys in 2014 is to answer some of the many position questions that they had this off-season.

If Wilcox and Lawrence can prove to be legit NFL players that would be really helpful. If Holloman or Hitchens can step up at LB that would reduce the need at LB.

If some of the young DL like Crawford can prove themselves then that need would be reduced.

If they had 10 big needs going into the 2014 off-season, I would like to see that number reduced to about 5 or even 3.

It will help if Romo stays healthy and the don't have to use the 1st round pick on a QB.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

My primary goal for the Cowboys in 2014 is to answer some of the many position questions that they had this off-season.

If Wilcox and Lawrence can prove to be legit NFL players that would be really helpful. If Holloman or Hitchens can step up at LB that would reduce the need at LB.

If some of the young DL like Crawford can prove themselves then that need would be reduced.

If they had 10 big needs going into the 2014 off-season, I would like to see that number reduced to about 5 or even 3.

It will help if Romo stays healthy and the don't have to use the 1st round pick on a QB.

Agreed. It would be terrific if there were needs but not pressing needs for the 1st round pick next time around.

 

[Risen Star]

I would hope the biggest determining factor will be the quality of players there at our pick and not what the most pressing need is on the roster.

 

[ThreeandOut]

If you look at the early mocks/ratings, I'm not sure there is a first round LB out there right now. You see more of these LB's rated in the 2nd-3rd round range.

 

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

I would hope the biggest determining factor will be the quality of players there at our pick and not what the most pressing need is on the roster.

Agree and I like going bpa but at some point we have to have at least an average defense to stand a chance

 

[RS12]

Draft your board.

 

[XDez88BeastX]

I completely agree. I think we will be targeting the top Will LB in the draft (likely Vic Beasley) & if he isnt around I feel next we will target a 3tech DT followed by a right tackle if all of our top two defensive positional choices fail to be available.

 

[Hardline]

Way too early to discuss.
And even for the sake of argument you take BPA regardless of position.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

People still don't know how BPA works in reality? Le sigh. Tiers guys. Tiers.

 

[DFWJC]

I think it will be a linebacker under the assumption Melton earns the extension and we're still in the 4-3. The two coveted positions on the DL we'll already have in place. It's obvious we don't covet the 1-tech and the strong side DE is more of a run stopper. To me, Durant and Carter are both gone next year and just a shot in the dark I think we'll go LB first

I think..no, I know...we will consider who is on the board at the time.

 

[KingintheNorth]

A lot of people, including myself, like speculating about the draft all year long. If we waited until we were "on the board t the time" this draft zone would be pretty unnecessary.

 

[Future]

A lot of people, including myself, like speculating about the draft all year long. If we waited until we were "on the board t the time" this draft zone would be pretty unnecessary.

True, but, in all reality, there are way too many question marks on this team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, to have any idea of what the priority will be next year.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I would hope the biggest determining factor will be the quality of players there at our pick and not what the most pressing need is on the roster.

Absolutely.

 

[Longboysfan]

With the first 4 picks next year at this point - in no particular order.
DL
LB
RB
DB.
Go with the BPA at the place we pick. Well unless a QB can't pass on him slides to us.

 

[Hardline]

BPA regardless of position , even if its an offensive lineman.

 

[Longboysfan]

BPA regardless of position , even if its an offensive lineman.

To me unless it's an elite RT - hard sell. Better to trasde down at that spot.