Don't necessarily disagree we "need" the players you noted, AT THIS TIME. But the Cowboys don't and didn't have cap space to sign a ton of top free agents, so whether they
need them or not, you are looking to the future. But taking your list:
1. QB. Only 2 years here, one year was great, too early to throw him on the trash heap.
2. DT. If most of the guys can remain healthy, a rotation of very good players can be just as effective as a line with one great player and a bunch average guys. Not saying getting a Vea or Suh or such wouldn't have been great, but they didn't get one of those.
3. SS and FS. As you noted, there are several young guys, too early to know what they will do.
4. DE. You have a 14.5 sack guy, and Taco did improve during the year. There are SIX others on the roster. I guess you're not one of the "Armstrong is much better than a 4th rounder" guys (as I'm not at this time), but Ealy has had success before, Jones is experienced, and Tapper has all the physical tools, just hasn't been able to stay healthy, but supposedly he's ready to go this year.
5. LB. Vander Esch could be a great player, has the tools, he's not even gotten on the field, can't just dismiss him out of hand.
6. No. 1 WR. With you there, lots of unproven players, none have ever set the league on fire.
7. TE. According to some, Witten was worthless, surely either Swaim or another tight end could be better. They've never been starters, must have some upside or they'd have been released.
8. Shut down CB. Precious few of those in the NFL, most teams need one of those, but that doesn't stop other teams from being SB contenders.
I just think the talent on this team is better than average, not sure about the coaching of course, and young guys do tend to be up and down during the seasonj.
But I'm not an NFL talent scout, just a fan who would rather expect a good season than to tear down the existing team in most areas....
