It seemed as if defensive end wouldn’t be a concern for the Dallas Cowboys in 2019. DeMarcus Lawrence did an amazing job last season keeping up his level of play and making a statement on why he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Randy Gregory had a tremendous comeback season with six sacks in only 14 games. It felt like the Cowboys didn’t have to worry about the position this offseason. Unfortunately, Randy Gregory received an indefinite suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s Policy and and Program for Substance Abuse. The 26 year old defensive end had just been reinstated prior to the season after sitting out most of his career.
Now the Cowboys are in search of a defensive end to play opposite of DeMarcus Lawrence (who by the way, has yet to reach an agreement with the team for a long term deal), who’s reached elite status after the last couple of seasons.
Often, the positions that come to mind when discussing the team’s current needs are defensive tackle, safety and before the front office signed Randall Cobb, wide receiver. However, I’m convinced defensive end is right up there and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys draft one in the second round with the 58th overall pick.
Of course, the focus right now seems to be in trading for Miami Dolphins’ DE Robert Quinn. I honestly believe that’d be a great move by the Cowboys’ front office. Quinn will be 29 years old when the season begins and he still has a ton of gas left in the tank. In the past two seasons he’s racked up 15 sacks and four forced fumbles. He’ll be a good pass rusher for whoever he plays with once the season begins.
If a trade for Quinn doesn’t take place and the team fails to upgrade the position via free agency, defensive end should be considered a top priority in the 2019 NFL Draft. There’s bound to be quality prospects when the Cowboys get in the clock for the first time in April.
Right now the defense counts with Dorance Armstrong, Taco Charlton, Tyrone Crawford (who is currently under investigation by the NFL after getting in trouble at a bar) to take care of the position. Add to the mix recently signed free agents Christian Covington and Kerry Hyder, two players who could end up playing in the interior as well. The team definitely needs some additional help. When push comes to shove, the team is deep along the defensive line. What the Cowboys are missing are guys who can be unquestioned starters instead of rotational players.
As all eyes lay on a possible trade for Robert Quinn, keep an eye out for a defensive end’s name being called by the commissioner when the Cowboys make the 58th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
