We’ve been discussing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2019 draft needs throughout the last week, working our way up to the most critical positions. Today we’re going to look at defensive end, which could’ve been a major need if not for some of the Cowboys’ recent free agent moves.
The biggest move was, of course, getting DeMarcus Lawrence signed to a long-term deal. Dallas avoided a holdout situation with its key defensive lineman, and hopefully soon enough that his shoulder surgery will be fully healed by Week One.
Before getting Lawrence’s contract done, the Cowboys sent a 2020 sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for veteran Robert Quinn. They’ve also signed Kerry Hyder, a hopeful reclamation project from the Detroit Lions.
These moves were partly necessary as insurance against a stalemate between Lawrence and the team over his contract. But more directly, they were needed after Randy Gregory wound up back in suspended status for another backwards step in the NFL’s substance abuse program.
The team is hopeful that Gregory will return at some point in 2019, but they’re too close to Super Bowl contention to count on it. And with 2017 first-rounder Taco Charlton having yet to emerge as a reliable player, Dallas knew it had to add some different options at defensive end. But with Gregory and Charlton still in the mix, the Cowboys are now about as loaded at DE as they’ve ever been.
In fact, we haven’t even mentioned a few other options yet.
Last year, Dallas spent a fourth-round pick on pass rusher Dorance Armstrong from Kansas. He didn’t get much playing time last year but flashed potential, and he may be in line for more snaps on passing down this year.
There’s also versatile veteran Tyrone Crawford, who can help one the edges if needed. The Robert Quinn addition means we’ll probably see Crawford more at defensive tackle this year, but he’s also a factor in the Cowboys’ overall security at DE.
As we can see, Dallas clearly has a stocked cupboard right now at defensive end. That allows them to not worry about the position in this week’s 2019 NFL Draft, but it won’t stop them from taking one either.
After all, Quinn and Hyder are only here on one-year contract. Crawford is likely going to be released next year to clear cap space. And again, we don’t know how much we can rely on Gregory or Charlton now or in the future.
The Cowboys would be justified in drafting a DE if a good value pick falls to them somewhere in the middle rounds, particularly if they see that player as having more potential than Armstrong or Hyder.
Thankfully, though, Dallas’ offseason activity so far has given them draft-day freedom. Their hand won’t be forced at any position, and especially at defensive end thanks to their free agent moves. They can afford to wait for exceptional value this year, or until 2020 if needed.
Draft Likelihood: 20%
Projected Round: 5th-7th
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