FRISCO -- Jaylon Smith and Charles Tapper want to remove the asterisks that have accompanied their names over the last year.
While Cowboys rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott transformed the franchise in 2016, the linebacker and defensive end from the same celebrated draft class could only watch from the sideline for the entire season because of injuries.
Being in similar situations brought Smith and Tapper together as a unique mutual support system. Now they head toward the 2017 season burning to contribute. The Cowboys need them. Smith is penciled in as the starting middle linebacker. Tapper's pass rushing could be even more vital with defensive end David Irving facing a four-game suspension, sources say, for taking an over-the-counter performance-enhancing drug banned by the NFL.