Dallas Cowboys impending free agents and top team needs
By Erik Lambert
Top Team Needs
1. Cornerback
The pass coverage wasn’t all that great most of 2016 as it stands. Now the Cowboys are set to lose three cornerbacks to free agency. Even if they re-sign a couple of them, this is a group that is still in need of a serious boost. One does not contend for Super Bowls with the 26th-ranked pass defense. Thankfully the 2017 draft seems ready to supply them with quality talent.
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2. Defensive End
As stated earlier this franchise has struggled to locate a definitive pass rusher on the edge. So much in fact they’ve been trying players with less-than-ideal backgrounds like Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. They finished with just 36 sacks on the year with no player having more than five. That isn’t going to cut it in an NFC East loaded with quality quarterbacks.
3. Linebacker
Sean Lee was outstanding for the Cowboys this past season. One of the really underrated linebackers in the league. His stats don’t even begin to tell the story. Anthony Hitchens also played a decent role in the middle as both a tackler and blitzer. Beyond them? The cupboard is rather bare at the position. In a 4-3 linebackers are expected to do a lot. More help is required. Perhaps Jaylon Smith will provide it, but that’s far from a guarantee.
4. Safety
By the look of things the Cowboys have two safeties in Church and Wilcox who are smart and physical, but lack a key ingredient. Neither of them is too adept at making impact plays, particularly interceptions. What this defense needs is a true center fielder type who can roam the back end looking for takeaway opportunities.
5. Tight End
Witten is still aging and Escobar is set to leave. The lingering danger at tight end isn’t about to go away. Dallas still needs to think about adding young depth who can possibly become a starter down the road. The position is very important to the success of their offense. Like with safety and corner, the 2017 draft class should oblige them for finding a solution.