CFZ With Quinn back, what is needed to complete the defense rebuild

[Cowboyny]

Defense once again led the league in turnovers, which doesn't usually happen. They were very good against the pass, until Anthony Brown went down for the season. However, their run defense was extremely suspect and inconsistent. The addition of Hankins helped, but this is still a huge area of need. What are the final pieces to finish this defensive rebuild?

-Look at the Eagles, 49ers and inside our division, every team has a former 1st rd pick at the DT position, the Cowboys have none. DT remains the #1 need for this defense at both positions, the 1 and the 3. Hankins needs to be resigned, but depth behind him needs to be added, the Cowboys have been searching for that legit 3 it seems like 20 years since Glover started for them. Hill, Gallimore, Collins never materialize, jury is still out on Osa, who has flashed some in his first two seasons. I believe this defense needs to add a star inside for the defense to take that next, final step. Believe we are fine at DE, perhaps they bring back Fowler.

-In my opinion, Lve was a different player when Hankins protected him up front. We all know, he isn't good at taking on blocks and is more of a run and hit backer. He also holds his own in pass coverage and lines up the entire defense. With Quinn back, I expect Lve to be extended. Clark will now have a full offseason and should improve in his 2nd season. Barr most likely won't be back and we do have one of our prospects still in the pipeline in Devin Harper. Adding more depth via the draft would make sense.

-As for the secondary, Diggs has his moments of playing over aggressive, not physical enough in the run game, but was an improved player. Brown went down with a major, season ending injury, but was struggling before that. Quinn was forced to move our backup, slot corner bland to the outside cause our two former top 100 picks, could hold up in Joseph, Wright. Lewis just like Brown, had the same major, season ending injury. Muku stepped in at the slot late in the season and did a great job.

-Think the team is going to move on from both Brown/Lewis as they may never been the same players after that type of injury. In my opinion, will be hunting for another starting corner in the draft and perhaps maybe bring in another veteran bridge type player. Depth also has to be address if Joseph/Wright aren't the answer. #2 Priority.

-Safety looks like in pretty good shape outside of Wilson being a fa. Both Kearse/Hooker still have a year left on their contracts. They also have a few younger prospects, like Muku, Bell, Coyle. Many are wondering about Cox, believe Quinn see him in that Kearse role. Believe this is more of a 2024 need area. Biggest question is, will Wilson be back?

This defense isn't that far off at all. Fix the DT and CB positions and they could potentially be as good as anyone.

 

[75boyz]

Interior d line and linebacker improvement.

 

[JeffInDC]

Upgrades at DT (except for Osa) and more speed/instincts at LB - oh, and depth at DB

 

[G2]

A BIG FAT LARGE AMERICAN AT DEFENSIVE TACKLE......

And a CB and LB.

 

[Cowboy_svt]

CB: I think brown is gone unless stephen gets him super cheap since hes a FA, i think we keep Lewis and draft a CB in the later rounds. I think we develop our current depth a decent bit so i think we should be good.
Safety: I hope we can keep Wilson on the team, dude had some dumb moments in the niners game but otherwise is a human missile, dude makes a lot of plays and plays the run well. Overall a good strength
LB: Imo our weakest area, LVE is good, but we need to get him help/something better especially getting to the outside faster. Id keep Barr for depth and hope Clark can develop better, but id like to take a LB high in the draft.
DE: Agreed w/ you
DT: I know itll probably never happen but i hope they go aggressive in FA and pick one up, drafting a DT takes time to develop and sometimes never does. Resign hankins and one other solid DT and i think were good there esp with Osa and Watkins as rotation. Still dont know on Gali or Bohanna.

 

[Cowboyny]

CB: I think brown is gone unless stephen gets him super cheap since hes a FA, i think we keep Lewis and draft a CB in the later rounds. I think we develop our current depth a decent bit so i think we should be good.
Safety: I hope we can keep Wilson on the team, dude had some dumb moments in the niners game but otherwise is a human missile, dude makes a lot of plays and plays the run well. Overall a good strength
LB: Imo our weakest area, LVE is good, but we need to get him help/something better especially getting to the outside faster. Id keep Barr for depth and hope Clark can develop better, but id like to take a LB high in the draft.
DE: Agreed w/ you
DT: I know itll probably never happen but i hope they go aggressive in FA and pick one up, drafting a DT takes time to develop and sometimes never does. Resign hankins and one other solid DT and i think were good there esp with Osa and Watkins as rotation. Still dont know on Gali or Bohanna.

I agree with everything except the LB group being the weakest. Fix the DT's and our linebackers will be fine, also don't rule out Harper getting in the mix. Agree, need more depth, but think we are in good shape here.

 

[tm1119]

DT- Yes, we need a NT type, but I also think we need more pass rush in the middle as well. Osa flashes on occasion is a good rotation player, but DT’s that consistently collapse the pocket are extremely important and we’ve lacked it for years.

LB- Even if LVE is resigned (I think he should be) I think there is a need for a 2nd Lb. As usual Cowboyszone is getting way ahead of themselves with a young player like Clark…remember last offseason when Cox was going to be a starter? Vet LB’s are usually cheap enough where it shouldn’t be an issue to acquire 1, if Stephen can open up his dusty wallet in FA for once.

S- I’d like to see Wilson resigned, he’s a very solid SS. But 1 thing that could really take the D to the next level is a stud FS. Hooker is fine and doesn’t hurt the D by any means, but just isn’t a difference making playmaker. Obviously easier said than done to acquire a stud FS, but if the opportunity is there I’d love to see them take a shot at upgrading the position.

DE- Always need depth here. Keep drafting young athletic rushers

CB- Lewis and Brown are probably gone but Bland and Mukuamu stepped up enough that it turned CB into a pressing need to just a need for 1 more solid player. I definitely see us drafting a CB in the 1st or 2nd to compete for a starting job.

 

[phildadon86]

Defense once again led the league in turnovers, which doesn't usually happen. They were very good against the pass, until Anthony Brown went down for the season. However, their run defense was extremely suspect and inconsistent. The addition of Hankins helped, but this is still a huge area of need. What are the final pieces to finish this defensive rebuild?

-Look at the Eagles, 49ers and inside our division, every team has a former 1st rd pick at the DT position, the Cowboys have none. DT remains the #1 need for this defense at both positions, the 1 and the 3. Hankins needs to be resigned, but depth behind him needs to be added, the Cowboys have been searching for that legit 3 it seems like 20 years since Glover started for them. Hill, Gallimore, Collins never materialize, jury is still out on Osa, who has flashed some in his first two seasons. I believe this defense needs to add a star inside for the defense to take that next, final step. Believe we are fine at DE, perhaps they bring back Fowler.

-In my opinion, Lve was a different player when Hankins protected him up front. We all know, he isn't good at taking on blocks and is more of a run and hit backer. He also holds his own in pass coverage and lines up the entire defense. With Quinn back, I expect Lve to be extended. Clark will now have a full offseason and should improve in his 2nd season. Barr most likely won't be back and we do have one of our prospects still in the pipeline in Devin Harper. Adding more depth via the draft would make sense.

-As for the secondary, Diggs has his moments of playing over aggressive, not physical enough in the run game, but was an improved player. Brown went down with a major, season ending injury, but was struggling before that. Quinn was forced to move our backup, slot corner bland to the outside cause our two former top 100 picks, could hold up in Joseph, Wright. Lewis just like Brown, had the same major, season ending injury. Muku stepped in at the slot late in the season and did a great job.

-Think the team is going to move on from both Brown/Lewis as they may never been the same players after that type of injury. In my opinion, will be hunting for another starting corner in the draft and perhaps maybe bring in another veteran bridge type player. Depth also has to be address if Joseph/Wright aren't the answer. #2 Priority.

-Safety looks like in pretty good shape outside of Wilson being a fa. Both Kearse/Hooker still have a year left on their contracts. They also have a few younger prospects, like Muku, Bell, Coyle. Many are wondering about Cox, believe Quinn see him in that Kearse role. Believe this is more of a 2024 need area. Biggest question is, will Wilson be back?

This defense isn't that far off at all. Fix the DT and CB positions and they could potentially be as good as anyone.

Not gonna lie. When we lost Dak. I was hoping we would tank for Jalen Carter. Guy is going to be a force for years to come.

Or tank for one of the top QBs lol.

 

[jazzcat22]

Brown is a FA, coming off a major injury. Expect him to be a FA signing but not until TC approaches on a 1 or 2 year deal. He will be added depth. I will be ok with this.
Lewis has one more year on his contract. He may be ready for TC or most likely start on PUP, they will not release him unless they are convinced his replacement is on the roster.

Need to bring back Wilson, but what will we want / take to return, will his cost be too much to tag?

Need a stud DT for sure, via FA or a high draft pick.
I think we are good at DE, but they seem to throw draft picks at DE like other teams throw them at QB's. They need to flip that philosophy for now.

Can always use another LB if the right player is there, as well as a CB. After Diggs wimped out out hitting Kittle, I am not as high on him. That will pass come 2023 season, I think.
Not saying replace Diggs, but prepare for when his contract is up.

Parsons needs a clone to bring along, as we see how he gets gassed at times.

Maybe some of the new coaches on defense will help as well.

 

[DeaconMoss]

DT- Yes, we need a NT type, but I also think we need more pass rush in the middle as well. Osa flashes on occasion is a good rotation player, but DT’s that consistently collapse the pocket are extremely important and we’ve lacked it for years.

LB- Even if LVE is resigned (I think he should be) I think there is a need for a 2nd Lb. As usual Cowboyszone is getting way ahead of themselves with a young player like Clark…remember last offseason when Cox was going to be a starter? Vet LB’s are usually cheap enough where it shouldn’t be an issue to acquire 1, if Stephen can open up his dusty wallet in FA for once.

S- I’d like to see Wilson resigned, he’s a very solid SS. But 1 thing that could really take the D to the next level is a stud FS. Hooker is fine and doesn’t hurt the D by any means, but just isn’t a difference making playmaker. Obviously easier said than done to acquire a stud FS, but if the opportunity is there I’d love to see them take a shot at upgrading the position.

DE- Always need depth here. Keep drafting young athletic rushers

CB- Lewis and Brown are probably gone but Bland and Mukuamu stepped up enough that it turned CB into a pressing need to just a need for 1 more solid player. I definitely see us drafting a CB in the 1st or 2nd to compete for a starting job.

27 is a good spot to get a top safety or trade. You can grab good DL LB,s in 2-4 consistently. Well some teams can. Whatever reason Dallas draft track record on the DL is not good.

I would add RB to a pick in the 2-4 rounds also.

 

[Richmond Cowboy]

A BIG FAT LARGE AMERICAN AT DEFENSIVE TACKLE......

And a CB and LB.

I would favor a Samoan at that position.

 

[G2]

I would favor a Samoan at that position.

Me too, we're due.

 

[Nova]

Daron Payne, some other depth at DT, and take a decent shot at Jalen Ramsey

 

[The Quest for Six]

Monster DT, linebacker, 2 corners

 

[cnuball21]

If we can keep LVE and the safeties around…

- DT
- CB2

Honestly feel like the defense is already really good. A good DT and solid CB2 could get us close to elite.

 

[RS12]

A difference making DT. They are as rare as elite QBs.

 

[RFABR]

Maybe an emphasis on D in the next draft was part of the "offer" to retain Quinn.
Yes, very optimistic thinking, but who knows?

 

[baltcowboy]

Defense once again led the league in turnovers, which doesn't usually happen. They were very good against the pass, until Anthony Brown went down for the season. However, their run defense was extremely suspect and inconsistent. The addition of Hankins helped, but this is still a huge area of need. What are the final pieces to finish this defensive rebuild?

-Look at the Eagles, 49ers and inside our division, every team has a former 1st rd pick at the DT position, the Cowboys have none. DT remains the #1 need for this defense at both positions, the 1 and the 3. Hankins needs to be resigned, but depth behind him needs to be added, the Cowboys have been searching for that legit 3 it seems like 20 years since Glover started for them. Hill, Gallimore, Collins never materialize, jury is still out on Osa, who has flashed some in his first two seasons. I believe this defense needs to add a star inside for the defense to take that next, final step. Believe we are fine at DE, perhaps they bring back Fowler.

-In my opinion, Lve was a different player when Hankins protected him up front. We all know, he isn't good at taking on blocks and is more of a run and hit backer. He also holds his own in pass coverage and lines up the entire defense. With Quinn back, I expect Lve to be extended. Clark will now have a full offseason and should improve in his 2nd season. Barr most likely won't be back and we do have one of our prospects still in the pipeline in Devin Harper. Adding more depth via the draft would make sense.

-As for the secondary, Diggs has his moments of playing over aggressive, not physical enough in the run game, but was an improved player. Brown went down with a major, season ending injury, but was struggling before that. Quinn was forced to move our backup, slot corner bland to the outside cause our two former top 100 picks, could hold up in Joseph, Wright. Lewis just like Brown, had the same major, season ending injury. Muku stepped in at the slot late in the season and did a great job.

-Think the team is going to move on from both Brown/Lewis as they may never been the same players after that type of injury. In my opinion, will be hunting for another starting corner in the draft and perhaps maybe bring in another veteran bridge type player. Depth also has to be address if Joseph/Wright aren't the answer. #2 Priority.

-Safety looks like in pretty good shape outside of Wilson being a fa. Both Kearse/Hooker still have a year left on their contracts. They also have a few younger prospects, like Muku, Bell, Coyle. Many are wondering about Cox, believe Quinn see him in that Kearse role. Believe this is more of a 2024 need area. Biggest question is, will Wilson be back?

This defense isn't that far off at all. Fix the DT and CB positions and they could potentially be as good as anyone.

Daron “House of” Payne, the draft is such a crap shoot especially picking at 26. I would take the best middle linebacker prospect at that pick. If we improve the front seven cornerback should be ok.

 

[Cowboyny]

DT- Yes, we need a NT type, but I also think we need more pass rush in the middle as well. Osa flashes on occasion is a good rotation player, but DT’s that consistently collapse the pocket are extremely important and we’ve lacked it for years.

LB- Even if LVE is resigned (I think he should be) I think there is a need for a 2nd Lb. As usual Cowboyszone is getting way ahead of themselves with a young player like Clark…remember last offseason when Cox was going to be a starter? Vet LB’s are usually cheap enough where it shouldn’t be an issue to acquire 1, if Stephen can open up his dusty wallet in FA for once.

S- I’d like to see Wilson resigned, he’s a very solid SS. But 1 thing that could really take the D to the next level is a stud FS. Hooker is fine and doesn’t hurt the D by any means, but just isn’t a difference making playmaker. Obviously easier said than done to acquire a stud FS, but if the opportunity is there I’d love to see them take a shot at upgrading the position.

DE- Always need depth here. Keep drafting young athletic rushers

CB- Lewis and Brown are probably gone but Bland and Mukuamu stepped up enough that it turned CB into a pressing need to just a need for 1 more solid player. I definitely see us drafting a CB in the 1st or 2nd to compete for a starting job.

Definitely could see another veteran signing at Linebacker on top of extending Lve. Free Safety is more about would like to, then have to.

 

[Cowboyny]

Brown is a FA, coming off a major injury. Expect him to be a FA signing but not until TC approaches on a 1 or 2 year deal. He will be added depth. I will be ok with this.
Lewis has one more year on his contract. He may be ready for TC or most likely start on PUP, they will not release him unless they are convinced his replacement is on the roster.

Need to bring back Wilson, but what will we want / take to return, will his cost be too much to tag?

Need a stud DT for sure, via FA or a high draft pick.
I think we are good at DE, but they seem to throw draft picks at DE like other teams throw them at QB's. They need to flip that philosophy for now.

Can always use another LB if the right player is there, as well as a CB. After Diggs wimped out out hitting Kittle, I am not as high on him. That will pass come 2023 season, I think.
Not saying replace Diggs, but prepare for when his contract is up.

Parsons needs a clone to bring along, as we see how he gets gassed at times.

Maybe some of the new coaches on defense will help as well.

I think they may have figure out Parsons, he was off the ball in obvious run downs and became more of a rush specialist. This will allow him to stay more fresh as he won't be see those huge tackles on every down.