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Dallas Cowboys: 2021 NFL Draft team needs

By Tyler Kirk

Nov 22, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys, Jaylon Smith
Dallas Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys 2021 NFL Draft needs

4. Linebacker

It was a tough season for this Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker group. This defense was in a transition year and looked out of place scheme-wise. I don’t think that the move to a hybrid 3-4 helped the Cowboys linebacker core. As I watched them, game after game it looked like they were lost and not gap sound. They refused to find contact and shed off lineman and it allowed for major holes.

It didn’t help these linebackers had little help upfront because their defensive tackles were getting no push. While the Cowboys linebackers did a great job when forced into space in 2018, they definitely struggled to do so in 2020. This group also was a bad tackling group from all spots. When they got to the ballcarrier they could not make sound tackles and allowed major yards after contact.

The Dallas Cowboys have tough decisions this offseason on Leighton Vander Esch’s 5th-year option and the decision of whether or not to keep Jaylon Smith around for the money they are paying him. Their leader in the room Sean Lee didn’t play too bad but his body isn’t going to let him play at an elite level much longer.

The move to a simpler scheme, makes me believe if these linebackers return in 2021 they will be able to play and move without thinking and can play without hesitation. In Dan Quinn’s scheme, he loves linebackers that run in the high 4.4’s. If you look back at his Seattle days he had Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright. In Atlanta, he had Deion Jones. The Cowboys lack that elite speed and I believe they address this in the draft.

5. Offensive Tackle

Many Dallas Cowboys fans may be wondering why this is a need. It’s apparent that with the age of Tyron Smith and his injury history, as well as La’el Collins and his rehab, it is a major concern for the future. I think that while it’s safe to say these two are great when they are there, the Dallas Cowboys need to plan for the future.

I think that the Dallas Cowboys need to see if Tryon and La’el are going to be ready at the start of the 2021 season and what direction they want to move in. If they feel confident in a player at 10 that can make a difference, I would urge them to consider it.

Remember Cowboys fans, you are in a division where within it resides Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Brandon Graham, Dexter Lawrence, and more.

I would love to see the Dallas Cowboys keep a strength a strength by drafting a lineman at some point in the 2021 NFL Draft.

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