3 Dallas Cowboys players could surprise with big 2021 seasons

2. Randy Gregory, edge

The Dallas Cowboys simply cannot quit Randy Gregory.

They picked him late in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft despite some significant top 10 hype he had received leading up to his final year at Nebraska.

Unfortunately, off-field issues have plagued Gregory’s ability to stay on the field in the NFL and he has played just 38 games since he was drafted, missing the 2017 and 2019 seasons completely.

But, like I said, the Dallas Cowboys simply cannot quit Gregory.

He played 10 games for them last season and racked up 3.5 sacks in 10 games with three forced fumbles, four tackles for loss, and 12 QB hits. He also added 16 quarterback pressures.

Dallas is going to need Gregory to contribute in a significant way off the edge this season if they are going to be competitive over the long haul of a 17-game season.

Gregory was a bit more effective in 2018 with 6.0 sacks 15 hits, and 25 pressures, but all indications this offseason are that he’s taken a tremendous turn for the better and Dallas could soon reap the benefits.

Kudos to them for sticking with Gregory, but also to Gregory for figuring things out. The key now will be consistency. He has the ability and talent to rack up double-digit sacks on a consistent basis, but he’s got to stay healthy and he’s got to stay out of trouble with the league.

If he can do that, he’s going to have a huge impact in 2021.