Opinions vary on whether the Dallas Cowboys adequately addressed their needs in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Nevertheless, the team boasts a wealth of talent across various positions. Though some gaps may remain, the group’s overall strength is undeniable.
Whether or not cynics agree, it’s becoming apparent that this team is beginning to resemble the Super Bowl-winning teams of the 90s.
When Jimmy Johnson ran the show, the talent was homegrown and plentiful. Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Charles Haley, and Deion Sanders.
The list goes on and on.
With all those pieces, it was still the supporting cast behind them that truly made the difference.
There’s no denying that Micah Parsons stands out among his peers.
However, it is worth noting that CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott have also made a case for the top spot.
The left guard spot continues to be the bridesmaid but never the bride.
It’s puzzling why Jerry and his team chose not to address this position in the draft.
Once the dust settles, I’m confident the coaching staff will have a plan in place, but if they’re looking at some options, I have a few suggestions.
Just a few tweaks could also provide long-term solutions in the defensive backfield and interior defensive line.
It may not be what fans want to hear, but I’ll still say it with my chest.
Chauncey Golston is The EPITOME OF position flexibility
The interior of the defensive line is a sneaky need for the Dallas Cowboys. As potential starters, Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith will make a hell of a tandem.
With Johnathan Hankins and Quinton Bohanna fighting for position for that backup nose tackle spot, the three-technique leaves something to be desired.
I believe Dan Quinn has seen enough of Neville Gallimore by now.
Teams should allow players to show their worth but face the facts if they’re not performing well.
Enter Chauncey Golston.
Most see Golston as a Tyrone Crawford clone, but I see more than that.
At 6’5″ 285lbs, he has the physical frame coupled with the burst to cause trouble from the interior. He’s not half bad against the run either.
Is it concerning that the adjustment may leave the edge position compromised? Absolutely.
However, I’ve watched too many games over the last two seasons where Odighizuwa played excessive snaps.
Just last season, Osa recorded 706 total snaps, with Neville coming in at a distant second with 422 and Golston with 278.
Something is not right with those numbers.
That’s too many snaps for Odighizuwa from a fatigue standpoint. For Gallimore, just watch the film, and you will know why.
Add insult to injury. According to Pro Football Focus, Gallimore’s run defense grade was an abysmal 29.7 out of 100.
A score like that could have blown up the scantron machine. I know, I’m dating myself.
Golston’s issue lies not in the number of snaps he receives but in his placement on the field. Yes, he would benefit from an additional 50-60 opportunities.
He’s undoubtedly the Cowboys’ Swiss army knife, having taken 144 snaps on the interior and 126 over the tackle or on edge.
I suggest moving a significant portion of his snaps to the interior position.
Three of his highest-graded games occurred when he played for 10 or more snaps over the guard position.
The playoff teams with deep runs in January have one of those tall, explosive athletes manning the middle.
I’m not suggesting he’s Chris Jones or Arik Armstead. But he could be Dallas’ version of them on passing downs.
The NFL has undergone significant changes over time.
While having an intense pass rush on the perimeter is crucial, the importance of interior pressure has continued to increase.
T.J. Bass could be A Future starter at Left Guard
Different dominoes have to fall before we can be confident that this position change will happen.
What’s going to happen with the Smith brothers on the left side? Will Tyron be the swing tackle, or will Tyler be kicked to the middle?
Have we considered the free agent pickup, Chuma Edoga? Could he possibly get an actual shot at securing a starting role?
With that, we can still have some fun with possibilities.
T.J. Bass is one of the more likely position changes during training camp.
Let’s be honest; Bass looks the part.
Standing at 6’4′ 320lbs., he played most of his time at Oregon at tackle. There is film of Bass dabbling on the interior, but it wasn’t a lasting experience at Eugene.
This may be Mike Solari’s plan the entire time. The kid can run block, that’s for sure.
Not to mention, the numbers at the tackle spot don’t play in T.J.’s favor. Terence Steele will be returning from injury to battle with Tyler and Tyron.
The team also recently added Asim Richards from North Carolina. He could have been the subject of the position swap article.
If Bass wants to play sooner rather than later, pushing for a position change should be his play.
At the moment, the competition will include Edoga and Matt Farniok. T.J., I like your chances.
Kelvin Joseph as a safety, Who knows
Please don’t stop reading, I beg of you. There will be a legitimate point made here. Hear me out.
Kelvin Joseph wasn’t good when he touched the field for defensive plays. As a gunner on special teams, it was a slightly different story.
Unfortunately, a special team’s role isn’t enough to justify having him on the roster especially being a former 2nd round pick.
Could the safety position be his saving grace? It’s a long shot, but one Dallas should take.
Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse are set to become free agents after this season. Neither guy is set to hit 30, so age isn’t their problem.
Replacing Kearse isn’t likely, considering his responsibilities in that hybrid safety/linebacker role. If Hooker walks, I believe Joseph can be a replacement.
Donovan Wilson just received the bag. Giving either of these players at the same position money doesn’t seem Cowboys-like.
The team has Israel Mukuamu, who will get a look at different spots.
With Joseph, Dallas can insert adequate size, elite speed, and explosiveness into the role.
Most will point to the awareness as a drawback. That’s fair. Actually, this argument falls apart like a house of cards.
But we have to give him some credit on games he held his own.
Let’s be clear, no one is ready to anoint this player as the next Earl Thomas.
This is an avenue that Dallas could take to rejuvenate a former top-100 pick and save some money in the process.
If it doesn’t work out, you lose nothing. Connecting him with the right defensive role could have booming qualities.
