Defense. Defense. Defense. The Dallas Cowboys 2021 offseason game plan is to upgrade one of the worst units the league has ever seen in quite some time and new Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn has the tough task of overseeing that. But, he knew what he was getting into when he signed on.
Although Dan Quinn has been with the Dallas Cowboys a short time he no doubt already has a pretty good understanding of the defenses “needs” that need to be filled this offseason. In fact, he more than likely has a wishlist of players he would like the Cowboys to add through either free agency or the draft this year to help him do his job.
With that in mind, I decided to guesstimate as to which players Dan Quinn would like the Dallas Cowboys to pursue this offseason. Since this is a wishlist, I didn't take into account what any of these free agents might cost if signed because that would just take the fun out of it. It is a “wishlist” after all.
Let's take a look…
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Free Agency – Dalvin Tomlinson
Tomlinson is arguably the top free agent DT this year and for good reason. He is an excellent run defender and continues to improve as a pass rusher each and every year. Not only would he upgrade the middle of the Dallas Cowboys defensive line, but his addition would also weaken a divisional opponent, the New York Giants.
2021 NFL Draft – Christian Barmore
Barmore solidified himself as the top DT prospect in this year's draft class with his play in the National Championship against Ohio State. He proved to everyone just how disruptive he can be as both a run defender and pass rusher from the interior. In Dan Quinn's 4-3 defensive scheme he likes to provide pressure from his front four and Barmore definitely provides that.
LINEBACKER
Free Agency – Lavonte David
Lavonte maybe on the wrong side of 30, but he still got a lot left in the tank and would be an upgrade over both Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. His ability to play sideline to sideline and drop into coverage is exactly what Dan Quinn likes in his LBs. If added the Cowboys LB play would dramatically improve with his on-field presence alone.
2021 NFL Draft – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Owusu-Koramoah is a perfect fit as a WILL LB in Dan Quinn's 4-3 defensive scheme. He is a three down the LB who plays with tremendous range from sideline to sideline or dropping into coverage. He can even be utilized as a box safety in sub packages. His versatility, instincts, and explosiveness would make him an impact type of weapon for the Cowboys defense.
CORNERBACK
Free Agency – Kevin King
At 6'3″, 200 pounds Kevin King fits the mold Dan Quinn likes in his boundary CBs. King is exactly the kind of tall, lengthy press man CB to play in Quinn's Cover 1-3 coverage scheme. He's still just 25 years old and has a lot of good football left ahead of him. And surprisingly enough, is not yet a finished product and continues to get better each year.
2021 NFL Draft – Caleb Farley
I don't think Dan Quinn would mind having either Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn, but if he had his choice I believe he would prefer Caleb Farley over either. You just don't see many 6'2″, 200 pound CBs with the kind of intangibles and upside Farley possesses. His size, speed, and ball skills give him the highest ceiling of any CB in this draft class, which would be too enticing to pass up.
SAFETY
Free Agency – Marcus Williams
Some will say Justin Simmons or Marcus Maye would be on Dan Quinn's free agent safety wishlist, but I believe that player would be Marcus Williams. He's someone Quinn knows pretty well having faced him twice a year with the Falcons and he's just 25 years old. He had 13 total INTs in his four-year run with the Saints, production Dallas hasn't seen from the safety position in quite some time.
2021 NFL Draft – Trevon Moehrig
Moehrig is arguably the top-rated safety prospect in the 2021 draft class and quite possibly a match made in heaven for Dan Quinn's system. He is athletic, rangy, and possesses elite coverage skills as a free safety. He would excel as a deep safety in Quinn's Cover 1-3 scheme and would pair nicely with Donovan Wilson on the backend of the Cowboys defense.
