Despite the displeasure by the majority of fans, the Dallas Cowboys continue to hold things close to the vest with their approach to free agency. It’s definitely not the most popular approach and tends to drive fans crazy, but things could start heating up now that the free-agent market is starting to settle.
Looking from the outside in, we can only speculate as to which positions the Dallas Cowboys may prioritize in free agency and in the draft that matter. Earl Thomas and the safety position has been the most popular topic of discussion throughout the free agency process, but it looks as if the Cowboys are narrowing their focus on upgrading and adding depth to their offensive line.
This is just speculation of course, but it’s based on the fact that the Cowboys are rumored to be bringing in free-agent offensive lineman Marcus Martin and Cameron Fleming. And on top of that, it was announced that two of the Dallas Cowboys 30 pre-draft visitors are also offensive lineman, Will Hernandez, who is popular among Cowboys fans already, and offensive tackle Kolton Miller.
I don’t know about you, but it looks as if the Dallas Cowboys are certainly focused in on upgrading the offensive line. This absolutely makes sense after what they went through last season with the carousel at the left guard position and Tyron Smith’s struggles to stay healthy.
More than anything, the Cowboys need OL depth heading into the 2018 season. There is only really one spot up for grabs at left guard, but the depth across the OL is absolutely depleted unless you want to rely on Chaz Green again.
This is where Marcus Martin and Cameron Fleming make a lot of sense. Marcus Martin has the versatility to play center and guard, and has done so already in his NFL career. He could compete for the starting LG position, but if nothing else, could replace Joe Looney as the backup C/OG.
Cameron Fleming could be the more important of the two free agents the Cowboys are rumored to be interested in. At the worst, Fleming would be an upgrade as the swing tackle, something he’s done with the New England Patriots throughout his career. But, he could compete to become the starting right tackle, which would kick La’el Collins back inside to left guard.
That’s all speculation right now, but the Dallas Cowboys would do what’s best for the entire team in order to get the right starting five offensive lineman on the field.
The same can be said about rookies Will Hernandez and Kolton Miller. Hernandez would likely be a plug-and-play left guard if he ended up being the Dallas Cowboys first-round draft pick. That would keep the offensive line from shuffling and hopefully solidify the unit for years to come.
Kolton Miller on the other hand would be a lot like the Cameron Fleming situation mentioned above. He can probably tackle on the left or right side the NFL, although some draft analysts believe he will struggle as a LT at the next level.
Of course, there is no way of knowing how much interest the Dallas Cowboys have any of these players right now. But to me, it looks as if upgrading the offensive line is certainly one of their top priorities this offseason.
If I’m the GM, I make plugging the holes on the D my priority, starting with the 1 Tech (which instantly makes LBs and DBs better), adding 3 LBs (either via draft or FA) and a S or 2.
Of course I am also hoping beyond hope that Indy grabs Crawford and we snag their 2nd. That takes us to 4 players in the 1st 3 rounds.
Of course I’m not opposed to a trade back (maybe with Buffalo if Lamar Jackson slides to 19) to go to 5 players in the 1st 3 rounds. It seems to me that there are about 12-14 true 1st round talents but 50-70 2nd round talents. . .too many needs to trade up. .. .so add solid football players.
I think the OL has to be a top priority. This team’s success will depend on how the OL plays. They are built to run the ball and pass off of it. But, I agree about bringing in more LBs. That position definitely needs more depth. I would also love to pick up an extra 2nd and I think you meant to say Irving instead of Crawford.
Nope. . . We assume Smith returns healthy (cuz if it doesn’t we’re screwed) and all we have to do is re-sign Cooper and we’re fine.
Yes sorry, meant irving not Crawford.
Biggest hole is LB. . . biggest need is 1 Tech followed by LB and S plus a WR (maybe 2) worth a flip. ..we have 2 (maybe 3) over paid under achievers.
I don’t care about rushing titles, I care about Lombardi Trophies. . . and we aren’t getting their without better D.
Why would you want to lose Irving he is the most dominant d lineman including DLo on the Cowboys
When he’s on he’s awesome. . .he’s also injury prone and subject to increasing suspensions. And he’s out of here next year anyway. .. .if Da Boys can get a 2nd for him today, long term, we add 3 starters (I expect 1’s and 2’s to be starters) instead of 2 in this draft. . .PS, D-Law far more dominate than him but doesn’t mean Irving isn’t a weapon.
Dallas is spending so much on the O line there is nothing left for Defense in 2019. D Laurence won’t be franchised again and you can’t afford to bring anybody in so Cowboys are about to suffer.
Brian, I think you are correct. We were 13-3 when our O-line was healthy and functional. Chaz Green even put in a few good games at tackle and we needed him to do that. No Cowboy fan is going to say, “We trust Chaz to do that again.” IF O-line can’t make holes, then we are 3 and out and our Defense is on the field with all those “needs” everyone is listing. We do need all those things on Defense. I would like to see us grab Navarro to strengthen the LBs and then we can grab another in the draft. I hope we sign Fleming and Martin for the DEFENSE. If we do that, then we can move up in the draft and get better quality defensive players. We could move up to get Roquan or Derwin depending on how things fall and that is just in the 1st round. I would almost like to see us sit at #19 and then use the compensatory picks to move up in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rd….jussayin’ how I see it.
LB is the biggest need. General Lee can’t stay healthy and Smith is still a question mark.
BLOGUPGRADING THE OFFENSIVE LINE COWBOYS TOP OFFSEASON PRIORITY?
Only if they want Dak and Zeke to go nack to their rookie numbers. It doesn’t take a football genius to figure that one out.
When the OL line went down so did (most) the team as a whole. You gotta fix what’s broken before you move on.
Cooper heading to 49ers…. http://nfltraderumors.co/49ers-sign-g-jonathan-cooper-one-year-deal/