To say Randy Gregory’s time with the Cowboys has been eventful would be an understatement. Selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he only fell that far due to a positive marijuana test at the NFL Combine. In the coming years, this would continue to haunt him as he missed the 2017 and 2019 seasons after violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
However, through all the missed time, he has remained a valuable part of the Cowboys’ defense. In 2021, he had possibly the best season of his career and had six sacks in twelve games. While he did deal with injuries again in 2021, he made an impact when he was on the field.
Alas, it is no secret that the Cowboys have a lot of superstar talent. With players like DeMarcus Lawrence, Dak Prescott, and Ezekiel Elliott commanding top dollar, they may not be able to retain Gregory. Fortunately, if he does leave in the off-season, Dallas will have options.
David Ojabo can replace Gregory
In the 2022 NFL Draft, there are numerous pass-rushing options. In fact, the Michigan Wolverines have produced a prospect who bears a strong resemblance to Gregory. That would be one of the nation’s best defensive ends, David Ojabo.
Above all else, Ojabo’s story is fantastic as he did not even play organized football until his junior year of high school. A quick study, he used his superb athletic ability to great success while at Michigan. His eleven sacks earned him a selection to the All-American Second-Team.
Ojabo and Gregory’s physical skillsets are where they share the most similarities.
Both are listed at 6’5″ and Gregory is five pounds heavier at 255. In addition, they both possess a lean body type that allows them to play fast. Ojabo especially plays with fantastic speed and bend. At this point, Ojabo is a work in progress. As mentioned, he is new to the sport. However, his ceiling is as high as any player in the 2022 class. He would be a worthwhile selection for Dallas in round one if he lasts that far.
Junior year of high school is ‘ new to the sport’?
I think the correct way to label Lawrence, Prescott and Elliott would be players who are paid “like” they are superstars. None of them are actually superstars right now and that is a big problem for the ‘Boys.