gimmesix
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Either through the draft, free agency, trade, etc., how do you rank Dallas' priorities?
Here's mine:
1) Running back
We have two first-round backs on the roster, but one was a washout in Arizona and the other hasn't been good since 2011. Of the two backups, probably only Joseph Randle could be considered a starter candidate, but his off-field behavior is a concern and it's questionable if he can have the same success as a starter that he had as a backup last year. Although this is my top priority, that doesn't necessarily mean it will take a first-round pick to fill it.
2) Return man
With Dwayne Harris gone, Dallas needs to fill its return roles, especially on punts. In the brief appearances we've seen, it doesn't seem like Cole Beasley is the answer at punt returner. Dez Bryant can do it, likely better than Harris now that Bryant has settled down some, but he's such a physical player that I don't think Dallas risks it. There doesn't appear to be another player on the roster who can be considered a sure bet in the role. Kick returner isn't as much of a need because so many kickoffs go for touchbacks. Having a returner that could handle both roles would be great, but there are at least a few bodies at the running back position who could be stuck back there on kickoffs. It shouldn't take a priority pick for Dallas to find a return man unless that player also excels at a position.
3) 1-tech
The 1-tech isn't a vital position in this defense, but can certainly help make the other positions better if you have a good one. Currently, we don't know what we have, other than no clear-cut starter. Terrell McClain flashed ability (primarily at 3-tech); Josh Brent could be better with an offseason of work; Nick Hayden is a placeholder; and Ken Bishop is intriguing. I could easily seeing this position rank lower on lists, but it's third on mine because it's one of the few positions where the starter is unknown.
4) Defensive end
Yes, we picked up Greg Hardy to go along with Jeremy Mincey, who showed he could start, and DeMarcus Lawrence, who showed promise during the playoffs. However, we still need a fourth end, especially with Hardy likely facing a suspension. Our best bet for one on the current roster is a player we haven't even seen yet (Ben Gardner). I considered putting this position ahead of 1-tech because of its importance to the defense but didn't since we have two, possibly three, starters on the roster.
5) Cornerback
This is lower than the position could be ranked if it was clear that Dallas plans to get rid of Brandon Carr. If Carr stays, though, Dallas has its starters, brought in a third corner/safety the Cowboys apparently thought was better than what it has, has an interesting developmental player and still has Claiborne. Upgrading Carr's spot is definitely a possibility as is adding a corner and giving up on Claiborne, but neither is a necessity this year.
6) Safety
Dallas has two adequate starters, but little depth. A depth player or two could be added with the potential to eventually move into one of the starting spots.
7) 3-tech
Because this is such a vital spot in this defense, this need could definitely be ranked higher, and it would be if Crawford had not proven to be as disruptive as he was last season. Dallas needs someone to pair with him, but might opt to look at what it has this year in Davon Coleman, Chris Whaley and Amobi Okoye while knowing that Terrell McClain has shown he can at least contribute at the spot. That would be no reason to pass on a potential great one, but at least we're not having to actively search for a starter.
8) Offensive tackle
Depth is the only question here after losing Jermey Parnell. Maybe Darrion Weems or Donald Hawkins can handle it, or Dallas can pick up a veteran to serve as the emergency tackle.
9) Quarterback
Brandon Weeden has moments as the primary backup, but looked awful in his one start. The Cowboys could choose to upgrade his spot after having a year to look at him.
Here's mine:
1) Running back
We have two first-round backs on the roster, but one was a washout in Arizona and the other hasn't been good since 2011. Of the two backups, probably only Joseph Randle could be considered a starter candidate, but his off-field behavior is a concern and it's questionable if he can have the same success as a starter that he had as a backup last year. Although this is my top priority, that doesn't necessarily mean it will take a first-round pick to fill it.
2) Return man
With Dwayne Harris gone, Dallas needs to fill its return roles, especially on punts. In the brief appearances we've seen, it doesn't seem like Cole Beasley is the answer at punt returner. Dez Bryant can do it, likely better than Harris now that Bryant has settled down some, but he's such a physical player that I don't think Dallas risks it. There doesn't appear to be another player on the roster who can be considered a sure bet in the role. Kick returner isn't as much of a need because so many kickoffs go for touchbacks. Having a returner that could handle both roles would be great, but there are at least a few bodies at the running back position who could be stuck back there on kickoffs. It shouldn't take a priority pick for Dallas to find a return man unless that player also excels at a position.
3) 1-tech
The 1-tech isn't a vital position in this defense, but can certainly help make the other positions better if you have a good one. Currently, we don't know what we have, other than no clear-cut starter. Terrell McClain flashed ability (primarily at 3-tech); Josh Brent could be better with an offseason of work; Nick Hayden is a placeholder; and Ken Bishop is intriguing. I could easily seeing this position rank lower on lists, but it's third on mine because it's one of the few positions where the starter is unknown.
4) Defensive end
Yes, we picked up Greg Hardy to go along with Jeremy Mincey, who showed he could start, and DeMarcus Lawrence, who showed promise during the playoffs. However, we still need a fourth end, especially with Hardy likely facing a suspension. Our best bet for one on the current roster is a player we haven't even seen yet (Ben Gardner). I considered putting this position ahead of 1-tech because of its importance to the defense but didn't since we have two, possibly three, starters on the roster.
5) Cornerback
This is lower than the position could be ranked if it was clear that Dallas plans to get rid of Brandon Carr. If Carr stays, though, Dallas has its starters, brought in a third corner/safety the Cowboys apparently thought was better than what it has, has an interesting developmental player and still has Claiborne. Upgrading Carr's spot is definitely a possibility as is adding a corner and giving up on Claiborne, but neither is a necessity this year.
6) Safety
Dallas has two adequate starters, but little depth. A depth player or two could be added with the potential to eventually move into one of the starting spots.
7) 3-tech
Because this is such a vital spot in this defense, this need could definitely be ranked higher, and it would be if Crawford had not proven to be as disruptive as he was last season. Dallas needs someone to pair with him, but might opt to look at what it has this year in Davon Coleman, Chris Whaley and Amobi Okoye while knowing that Terrell McClain has shown he can at least contribute at the spot. That would be no reason to pass on a potential great one, but at least we're not having to actively search for a starter.
8) Offensive tackle
Depth is the only question here after losing Jermey Parnell. Maybe Darrion Weems or Donald Hawkins can handle it, or Dallas can pick up a veteran to serve as the emergency tackle.
9) Quarterback
Brandon Weeden has moments as the primary backup, but looked awful in his one start. The Cowboys could choose to upgrade his spot after having a year to look at him.
