Depending on who you talk to, determining exactly what the Dallas Cowboys 2020 team needs are will probably vary. Everybody has their own opinion as to how they rank different positions and which one might be more important to address first. Today, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on the topic.
Let's take a look…
Primary
Defensive End
Other than DeMarcus Lawrence, the Dallas Cowboys depth at the defensive end position is uninspiring. If his asking price isn't too high, Robert Quinn could be brought back to play opposite Lawrence. But, even that won't stop them from trying to upgrade the position.
Defensive Tackle
Antwaun Woods is a restricted free agent, leaving only Trysten Hill as the only DT to play in 2019 currently under contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Don't be surprised if Dallas upgrades the position through both free agency and the NFL Draft, quite possibly with their first-round pick.
Safety
Xavier Woods is the only proven safety currently on the Dallas Cowboys roster, although Donovan Wilson showed flashes of his potential as a rookie. With Jeff Heath now a free agent, there is a need to not only upgrade the safety position, but also add more depth.
Cornerback
Byron Jones and Anthony Brown are free agents and Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis are entering the final year of their contracts. The Cowboys hope they can bring back Byron Jones, but even if they do adding depth is a must as far as the future of the position is concerned.
Secondary
Wide Receiver
Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and Randall Cobb were a good trio in 2019, but only Gallup is currently under contract. Cooper should return whether it's on a new contract or the franchise/transition tag, but Cobb's status is up in the air. Regardless, depth is needed.
Tight End
Jason Witten is a free agent, Blake Jarwin is a restricted free agent, leaving only Dalton Schultz as the only TE technically under contract. Depending on what the new coaching staff thinks of Jarwin, the Dallas Cowboys could look to upgrade the position through free agency or the draft.
Linebacker
Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch will be the starting linebackers for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, but LVE's neck injury and the lack of depth behind them is a big concern. Adding depth and quite possibly an emergency starter is an underrated “need” for the Cowboys.
Ancillary
Offensive Tackle
The Dallas Cowboys have their starting bookends in Tyron Smith and La'el Collins, but it might be time to start looking for the Smith's successor. Taking a flyer on the developmental prospect at some point isn't out of the question.
Interior Offensive Line
In Zack Martin, Connor Williams, and Connor McGovern the Cowboys have solid depth at the offensive guard position. McGovern could also backup Travis Frederick at center. Again, a flyer on the developmental prospect is possible although not necessary.
Don't Need
Quarterback
Like it or not, but Dak Prescott will be the Dallas Cowboys quarterback for the foreseeable future. Whether or not Cooper Rush sticks around as the QB2 is up in the air though.
Running Back
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard were a formidable duo in 2019 and should continue to be so in 2020. FB Jamize Olawale is still under contract, but is in no way guaranteed a roster spot.
