When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys offseason “needs” the safety, cornerback, and defensive tackle positions desperately need to be addressed through either free agency or the NFL Draft, quite possibly both. With the new league year and free agency kicking off this week, which of the three do you think gets addressed first… Safety? Cornerback? Defensive tackle?
For me, I think it's defensive tackle. The amount of quality DTs currently on the open market is quite frankly surprising. I think there are anywhere from 15 to 20 free agent DTs the Cowboys can sign who can come in and immediately upgrade their defensive front. Below are the current players who I believe could be what this new coaching staff is looking for.
- Damon Harrison (6'3″, 350)
DJ Reader (6'3″, 347)- Dontari Poe (6'3″, 346)
Danny Shelton (6'2″, 345)Michael Pierce (6'0″, 345)Jordan Phillips (6'6″, 341)A'Shawn Robinson (6'4″, 330)Vernon Butler (6'4″, 330)Linval Joseph (6'4″, 329)Andrew Billings (6'1″, 328)- Mike Daniels (6'0, 310)
Jarran Reed (6'3″, 306)Michael Brockers (6'5″, 305)Javon Hargrave (6'2″, 305)
I tried to stick to the big bodied, space eating defensive tackles this new coaching regime is rumored to be wanting in the middle of their defensive front. This group of course varies in age and production, but I believe just about any single one of them would be an upgrade for the Dallas Cowboys if signed.
Age and production also comes into play as far as money is concerned. That might mean players like DJ Reader and Javon Hargrave were possibly out of the Dallas Cowboys price range. Either could easily have been had if the Cowboys truly wanted, but it seems as if they are once again sitting back and letting the market play itself out before jumping into the game.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Dallas Cowboys signed one, possibly two defensive tackles prior to the NFL Draft this year. The amount of starting caliber DTs still available could eventually drive prices down, which is good news for a team like the Cowboys who still have to pay their franchise QB. It also helps them not have to reach in order to address the position come draft day.
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see how this new coaching regime goes about building the roster. Defensive tackle is just one of many positions we could see look entirely different under Mike McCarthy's coaching staff. Luckily, we shouldn't have to wait much longer to see exactly what kind of changes are made.
