It’s been a turbulent time in Dallas since their season ended by the hands of long-time rival San Francisco 49ers in January’s wildcard spherical debacle. Since then, the Cowboys have traded Amari Cooper, had Randy Gregory stolen proper from below them, minimize La’el Collins, and let large receiver Cedrick Wilson stroll away in free company.
So, the upcoming NFL draft could also be probably the most very important in fairly a while for Jerry Jones and his Cowboys. Lately, Dallas has achieved properly within the draft and might want to hit huge at some key positions once more this yr. The Cowboys should not a championship contender, so that they’ve bought quite a lot of holes to fill, however I’m going to present you three key positions Jerry and the Boys should get proper within the 2022 draft.
1. Offensive line: Guard or Sort out
This one must be apparent, however we’re speaking about Jerry Jones making these picks. Jerry tends to go for the sizzle over the steak. The flashy glamour positions like large receiver or cornerback are inclined to peak Jones’ curiosity regardless of the staff’s want at a given time. The Cowboys want to start the rebuild of this offensive line asap.
Now that Dallas has confirmed their perceived id as a pass-first staff, it’s time to safe Dak Prescott’s safety, so he stays wholesome for the subsequent decade. Left deal with Tyron Smith is nearing the tip as he’s been banged up for the higher a part of the final two seasons in Dallas. Smith performed in simply 13 of 33 regular-season video games from’ 20-22. Guard Zack Martin continues to be taking part in at a excessive degree, however at 31 years of age, he might need one other two to a few years left in his prime. And once more, Collins was let go, and former middle Travis Frederick retired two years in the past.
So, it’s positively time for Dallas to look to the way forward for this offensive line. Proper deal with Terence Steele has been a pleasing shock, which is why the Cowboys felt they might minimize ties with Collins and never look again. On this draft, the Cowboys must be seeking to go within the course of the offensive line with both their first or second decide. In his most up-to-date mock draft, Charles Davis has Dallas deciding on guard Zion Johnson out of Boston School with the twenty fourth total decide. This is able to be an awesome begin in rebuilding a once-dominant offensive line. Let’s simply hope they don’t draft one other receiver within the first spherical understanding they’ve many different wants.
2. Line of defense: Edge rusher or Defensive deal with
Are you sensing a theme right here? Good, since you ought to. Dallas should return to dominating within the trenches. A flashy offense is improbable, and we all know this attracts essentially the most consideration, however profitable groups often rank towards the highest of the league within the trenches on either side of the ball. The protection was a lot improved final yr with the addition of Micah Parsons, however when it mattered within the postseason, they couldn’t get residence in speeding the quarterback.
Dallas got here up with an enormous donut to characterize the variety of instances they sacked Jimmy Garoppolo of their wildcard loss at residence to San Francisco. On prime of that, the Cowboys allowed the Niners to transform almost 50 p.c on third downs. That’s going to be a dropping system nearly each time. Add to that the heartbreak of fumbling the Gregory signing, and Dallas desperately wants one other edge rusher. A highly-rated younger defensive deal with would additionally suffice, however Dallas must be deciding on one if not two edge rushers sooner or later on this draft.
CBS Sports activities draft analyst Josh Edwards sees Jerry Jones choosing edge rusher out of Purdue, George Karlaftis. One other mock draft has the Cowboys taking DT Jordan Davis from Georgia. Davis must be a Week 1 starter regardless of the place he lands within the draft. Simply return and watch a few of his sport clips from Georgia. Ought to Davis final this lengthy into the draft, I believe the Jones household ought to leap on the alternative to draft this child.
3. Linebacker
Jones and the Cowboys bought fortunate once they drafted Micah Parsons in final yr’s draft with the twelfth total decide. The staff was wanting towards drafting a cornerback earlier than the highest two corners in that draft class have been snatched off the board proper earlier than their decide got here round. So, Dallas traded two spots again, and Parsons was there ready. Parsons was chosen to the Professional Bowl, named All-Professional, and took residence Defensive Rookie of the Yr honors.
Now the Cowboys ought to look so as to add one other athletic, rangy linebacker to pair with Parsons. Jabril Cox was additionally drafted final yr and was having an awesome rookie marketing campaign till he suffered a torn ACL midway by means of the season. Hopefully, he can return to the shape we noticed in seven video games throughout his rookie season.
So, the Cowboys have to be prepared. Leighton Vander Esch continues to be on the roster, however Cox was already stealing snaps from earlier than the ACL harm derailed him. Nakobe Dean, one other Georgia Bulldog, may very well be round for Dallas round decide 24 in the event that they determine to go that route over a move rusher or offensive linemen. Devin Lloyd out of Utah is an alternative choice for the Cowboys at linebacker who may very well be obtainable once they decide.
Whether or not it’s the O-line, D-line, or linebacker place, a participant that matches the factors must be Dallas’ first decide within the 2022 draft. Jerry could be simply distracted by shiny issues, like receivers, however not this time, hopefully. On this draft, a participant from every of those place teams must be chosen by Dallas.
Sure, there are different wants like a dependable, constant kicker, however they need to be capable of discover one later. And, after all, I’m conscious that Jones will draft a receiver with one among their picks. He simply can’t assist himself. All we will hope is that Jones no less than waits till the fourth spherical or later to take action.
