Dallas Cowboys target No. 2: Anthony Barr, LB
Anthony Barr was the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of UCLA. He was off the board before the Cowboys made their pick —‚which ended up being guard Zack Martin at No. 16 overall — but there was no denying they were interested in Barr.
In need of a pass rusher, which they found in Round 2 with DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas had done their due diligence on Barr. The UCLA product, who has played linebacker for the Vikings, said he believed the Cowboys saw him as a defensive end.
We’ll never know if they would have taken him over Martin but the fact that they were interested suggests they could still see him as a fit. The question would be where exactly their new defensive coordinator would play him.
Back when Barr met with Dallas before the draft, it was Rod Marinelli who was calling the shots on defense. Now, it’s Dan Quinn who is the defensive coordinator — and his presence could make Barr even more enticing.
Quinn proved in 2021 that he could rush the quarterback with anyone as they were led in sacks by Micah Parsons who was primarily a linebacker. Parsons did, however, move to the line when needed. Barr offers similar versatility, especially given his 6-foot-5 and 257-pound frame.
The Dallas defense made huge strides in 2021 and adding a player such as Barr would only help them take their next step.