Dallas Cowboys: 2018 NFL Draft key to taking back the NFC East

With or without Dez Bryant, the Dallas Cowboys can be NFC East Champs if they’re able to the right pieces from the 2018 NFL Draft.

America’s Team fell from grace in 2017 after what appeared to be the next wave of contending talent in 2016. It appeared that the Dallas Cowboys had a team to lead them out of obscurity and mediocrity after they dominated the opposition in 2016, a year in which the Cowboys earned a 13-3 record.

In 2017, their 2016 fourth-round pick and Rookie of the Year, Dak Prescott, took a step back. Meanwhile, the 2016 No. 4 overall pick and MVP candidate, Ezekiel Elliott, spent six games in the middle of the season serving a suspension. Additionally, the “best offensive line in football” was plagued by injuries and never really put together that same continuity that earned them that title the year before.

So, here we are, in head coach Jason Garrett’s eighth season at the helm of the Cowboys, asking the same question: Will the Cowboys be able to take the NFC East? Because of the huge discrepancies and differences from the 2016 to 2017 season, the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.

The Cowboys have some talent, but they have a few holes to fill, starting with wide receiver. Here’s how the Cowboys can use the 2018 NFL Draft to their advantage.

Upgrade the WR position 

There’s a huge void on the boundary now that Dez Bryant is a free agent. Bryant was cut on Friday by the Cowboys, who were looking to save on his $16.5 million cap hit (they saved $8.5 million by cutting him). The production that once existed with the three-time Pro Bowl wideout dwindled to the point where his salary became an issue, but it seems like the front office had a contingency plan.

This offseason, the Cowboys signed former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns to a contract. Hurns was brought in to compete for a spot on the boundary since he’s a long, rangy receiver at 6-3, 201 pounds. His best asset is his ability to work the middle of the field and zone coverage. Though nothing is guaranteed since Hurns’ best and last productive season came in 2015 where he averaged 16 yards per catch with 10 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards.

They also have some young guys they drafted like Noah Brown and Ryan Switzer. Brown is still finding his way and Switzer plays the same spot as Cole Beasley. Terrance Williams is what he is at this point, which isn’t a No. 1 target. So, with Bryant out the door, the Cowboys could look to replace him. In the 2018 draft, their best bet will be to grab a wide receiver early.

LSU’s D.J. Chark comes into the draft at 6-3, 200 pounds with 4.3 speed and as an ideal fit for the Cowboys. Though, for some, his frame and inconsistency make the thought of him going at No. 19 is a bit rich, but that’s where he’ll have to be drafted. LSU has bad quarterback play, which negatively impacted Chark during his collegiate career. 

However, Chark has game-changing potential. He’s similar to A.J. Green or Martavis Bryant in his ability to superset from defensive backs downfield and underneath. With Bryant gone, the Cowboys can plug him on the outside and give the Cowboys offense a speedy threat they currently lack. The Cowboys understands what Chark can bring to the table which is why they opted to hold a private workout for the former Tiger. Other possibilities include Deon Cain, Simmie Cobbs Jr., Equanimeous St. Brown and Auden Tate to give the Boys a red zone threat.