Over the last few weeks the Dallas Cowboys have made some big moves at positions which have been discussed as draft priorities. How much has recent offseason activity changed their 2019 Draft needs?
About three weeks ago I released my rankings for the Cowboys draft needs. Here is that list again for quick reference:
- Safety
- Defensive End
- Defensive Tackle
- Tight End
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Offensive Tackle
- Cornerback
- Linebacker
- Kicker
- Center
- Guard
- Quarterback
- Punter
- Fullback
Since that time, Dallas has reached a long-term contract with DE DeMarcus Lawrence and traded for veteran Robert Quinn. They also signed veteran safety George Iloka, so talent has been added at both of my top-two needs from a few weeks back.
The effect of the Lawrence and Quinn moves is twofold. At defensive end, the depth chat is seemingly filled now with Taco Charlton, Dorance Armstrong, and free agent Kerry Hyder. Dallas is also confident that Randy Gregory will be able to play in 2019, which would be icing on the cake.
With so many DEs to work with now, that means Tyrone Crawford can be fully dedicated to defensive tackle. That move, in addition with the Christian Covington signing, gives Dallas a solid rotation along with Maliek Collins, Antwaun Woods, and Daniel Ross.
At safety, Iloka may not be Earl Thomas but he does bring a lot of starting experience. The Cowboys will likely be content with whoever emerges between he, Jeff Heath, and Xavier Woods for the two starting roles.
So, given these roster changes, what do the new draft need rankings look like? The only change is to the top five.
- Tight End
- Running Back
- Defensive Tackle
- Safety
- Defensive End
Even with Jason Witten coming out of retirement, tight end still has some immediate concern for 2019. Blake Jarwin flashed potential but is hardly confirmed as the TE of the future, and Dalton Schultz still has a lot to prove as well.
With 2019 offering a deep TE class, Dallas could land a guy who might have first-round talent in other years with their 58th-overall pick. It's chance to solidify the position for many years to come, adding a player who can learn from Witten this year and then take over in 2020.
Safety was our top need a few weeks ago but the Iloka signing helps mitigate that. Dallas seems to already have a long-time starter at safety in Xavier Woods. They could still draft a running mate for him, but if Iloka works out then he turns just 29 in June and might give you a couple more years.
Defensive tackle is also a more immediate concern than safety. Collins and Covington will be free agents next year and Tyrone Crawford is probably a salary cap casualty in 2020. Dallas could draft someone now to add to the rotation and then pair with Antwaun Woods as the starters for the future.
That shoots running back up the list. Right now Dallas has just Darius Jackson and Jordan Chunn backing up Ezekiel Elliott. They need to draft someone for better depth now and potential leverage in their upcoming contract talks with Zeke.
I give RB a slight edge over DT based on immediate need, but they are very nearly tied. Dallas could go with either on Day 2 of the draft and I would be happy.
But yes, the recent additions of Lawrence, Quinn, and Iloka to the defense have shifted my perceived needs for the Cowboys 2019 draft. Tight end is where I see not only the biggest need but also perhaps the best opportunity top land a significant talent, making it the ideal second-round pick.
