Dallas Cowboys rebuild defense into a contender
The Dallas Cowboys really took a step forward in rebuilding their defense through the NFL Draft this weekend, and eventually those choices will make the franchise winners of the draft when all is said and done.
Sure, they stayed away from drafting a running back to help the progression of replacing DeMarco Murray, who bolted for the Philadelphia Eagles via free agency, but the defense was an even bigger need at various positions, and they did their best to fill the glaring holes they had.
Here are the defensive players they drafted over the three-day drafting period:
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• Byron Jones, cornerback, Connecticut (Round 1)
• Randy Gregory, outside linebacker, Nebraska (Round 2)
• Damien Wilson, inside linebacker, Minnesota (Round 4)
• Ryan Russell, defensive end, Purdue (Round 5)
• Mark Nzeocha, outside linebacker, Wyoming (Round 7)
Besides Jones in the first round, the choice the Cowboys really gained value was one of their three Big Ten defensive players they selected in Gregory at defensive end, who many of the experts of the draft projected to be a first-round choice at times this offseason.
When Gregory was sitting there when the Cowboys drafted with the 60th pick, and knowing all of the issues the Cowboys were having at the defensive end position, it made the gamble of drafting Gregory worth it.
Mike Mayock of NFL.com said this about the Cowboys’ selection:
"“We’ve talked all along that there’s no denying the talent. I hope that the Dallas Cowboys have a plan in place, an infrastructure in place, to help this young man deal with what he’s about to experience.”"
Sure, Gregory has off-the-field issues (failed drug tests, anxiety issues), and the Cowboys know that, but with their ability to deal with players that have issues and his ability to pass rush the quarterback, this was a perfect match when it comes to dealing with that situation.
The Cowboys have done this before where they’ve hired folks to “watch after” their players in Dez Bryant, and Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News even said this in a recent article:
"“During Gregory’s pre-draft visit to Valley Ranch, he requested that the Cowboys put a structure in place for him that will help keep him out of trouble off the field.”"
Either way you look at it, on the field (if off-the-field issues stay on the straight and narrow) the Cowboys have built a scary defense with not just the Gregory selection and the offseason signing of Greg Hardy, but the other aforementioned players as well, especially Jones bringing defensive back security, and even Wilson at inside linebacker.
Oct 11, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Damien Wilson (5) tackles Northwestern Wildcats running back Treyvon Green (22) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
At 6-0, 245 pounds, Wilson provides the Cowboys with depth at inside linebacker right now, but he can also play outside linebacker for “America’s Team” as well.
His pre-draft scouting report on NFL.com gave the inside linebacker a 5.1 grade but said he might be able to become a full-time NFL starter in the league, which fans should be fine with, because he gives the defense some depth at linebacker.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had this to say about the inside linebacker:
"“He is an average athlete with average speed and loses leverage in his run responsibilities. He’s a willing chaser and he’s around the action, so a move to the WILL outside ‘backer spot might make the most sense in order to limit his liability against downhill rushing attacks.”"
Compared to what we watched at times last season and some of the turnover at the position the team has had this offseason, drafting at linebacker was a smart move by the Cowboys, one that was needed and made sense.
Since this draft was one of mostly defense, what fans should like about it is they’ve filled needs with their depth at linebacker and defensive end and drafted two potential superstar or no less than very solid players on Jones and Gregory.
Their abilities will make the Cowboys look like a completely different defense when Week 1 arrives. Add those two with a healthy Demarcus Lawrence and the return of Sean Lee after missing the ’14 season with a torn ACL, and their defense could be scary good.
That’s not including when Hardy returns from a 10-week suspension for his off-the-field issues as well.
Not only does the Hardy free agent signing and the selection of Gregory have the dreaded “boom-or-bust” label written all over it, but the way the Cowboys have rebuilt their defense has that label as well.
If all goes to plan (which I believe it has a good chance to), the Cowboys could make life miserable for their NFC East foes. On the off chance injury issues return for Lee, and the two defensive end signings “bust” … well, it will be the Cowboys who are the ones who will be miserable and left looking outside the playoffs in ’15.
Next: Dallas Cowboys fill need at CB with Byron Jones
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