The Dallas Cowboys surprised almost everyone in 2014, but there are still several key areas they'll want to address in the offseason. Let's take a look at the Cowboys' 3 biggest needs right now:
Defensive Line
The Cowboys have some solid pieces on the defensive line - at the tackle position in particular - could use some reinforcements. The Cowboys struggled to put pressure on the quarterback in 2014, racking up just 28 sacks on the year (28th out of all 32 NFL teams), and this is a very deep draft for defensive linemen.
Don't be at all surprised if the Cowboys take a defensive tackle like Washington's Danny Shelton or one of Florida State's two bruisers in the first round - FSU DTs Eddie Goldman and Mario Edwards Jr. will both be playing on Sundays for quite a while.
Secondary
The secondary was supposed to be absolutely terrible in 2014, and they completely defied expectations by being merely below-average. The Cowboys picked off 18 passes in 2014, but also gave up 4031 passing yards, putting them 26th out of all 32 NFL squads. The 252 passing yards allowed also landed them at 26th.
The Cowboys have a few solid pieces in their secondary, but no one who can't be replaced. There are few sure-fire CBs or safeties in this draft once Alabama's Landon Collins is off the board, but there are some low-risk, high-reward options like LSU CB Jalen Collins (projected 2nd-3rd rounder) and Stanford's Alex Carter (proj. 1st-3rd rounder).
Backup QB
Tony Romo will be 35 when next season rolls around, and we've learned over the past few years that having him healthy for 16 games is far from a guarantee. The Cowboys need a better backup option than Brandon Weeden, and they eventually need to start planning for what happens post-Romo. While it's highly unlikely that Dallas takes a QB early this year, there are a few possible backup targets they can go after in the later rounds.
Oregon State's Sean Mannion was an extremely prolific passer in college, but struggled in 2014 because his offensive line was absolutely terrible. Mannion has the tools to be a starter in this league, but needs time to develop, and he could be around in the fourth or fifth round. If the Cowboys want to take a QB later on, keep an eye on Utah State's Chuckie Keeton. Keeton was limited by injuries in 2014, but had an excellent 2013 season where he threw 18 TDs and just 2 interceptions. He's unlikely to go undrafted, but should still be around in the 6th or possibly even 7th round.
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