The NFL offseason is in full swing for the Dallas Cowboys. The team wasn't very active in free agency, but did make a few minor moves. The Cowboys still have needs to address, mostly on the defensive side of the ball. With the NFL draft less than a month away, it's time to take a look at the top three Cowboys team needs.
Although fans might want a new coach, general manager, owner or whatever, only positional needs are detailed here. Needs already addressed via free agency (like re-signing WR Terrance Williams) are not included. With all that in mind, here are the 3 biggest Cowboys team needs for the 2017 NFL Draft.
3. Defensive End
The top three needs for the Cowboys are quite clear and there's an argument that defensive end might actually be the biggest. The Cowboys struggled to get much pass rush last year and have yet to make any upgrades (Damontre Moore isn't enough). But the Cowboys do at least have some players with potential here. There's DeMarcus Lawrence, who was primed for a breakout year before a suspension and injuries derailed him last year. David Irving and Benson Mayowa both showed flashes, while last year's other fourth round pick Charles Tapper should be healthy. So with the losses in the secondary, the defensive end spot falls to third. However, the Cowboys should still spend an early pick on the spot. In a deep class, there will be options in all three rounds.
2. Cornerback
The Cowboys top two corners on an iffy pass defense last year were Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. Both are gone. In their place is only Nolan Carroll, who struggled with the Eagles. Orlando Scandrick is talented when healthy, while Anthony Brown played well beyond expectations. But with Carr and Claiborne gone, who will matchup with No. 1 wide outs? Scandrick and Brown are undersized, while Carroll failed in that exact role in Philadelphia. In an incredible corner class, the Cowboys could find that new No. 1 option in Round 1 or Round 2.
1. Safety
The Cowboys used three safeties regularly last year: Byron Jones, Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox. Only Jones is back, with Jeff Heath (a career backup) and Kavon Frazier (a 6th rounder last year with six tackles) set to replace Church and Wilcox. That's not going to get the job done and the Cowboys would be smart to get a more reliable strong safety. Jabrill Peppers and Obi Melifonwu are two options in the first round. Luckily for the Cowboys, it's a strong safety class and they can get another talented player in rounds two or three.
This year's draft class sets up very well for Dallas: there's plenty of talent at the positions of need. It's just a matter of taking the right guys.
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