The Dallas Cowboys' season did not go as planned. The Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Seahawks before beating the Eagles in an ugly season finale. This team has plenty of talent and expects to compete for the Super Bowl every year, so what needs to happen this offseason for them to get back into that position next year? Here are the four biggest moves they need to make.
One note: re-signing DE Demarcus Lawrence is not mentioned, because that's too obvious and will almost surely happen. The same is true with basic and vague ideas like "win more games" or "Dak Prescott Improves."
1. Figure Out The WR Position
There's no one right answer for this one, but it's critical. The Cowboys' passing attack regressed this year and it's not all on Dak Prescott. Dez Bryant carries a hefty contract this year, but he did not live up to expectations. He struggled with drops and was not the Dez everyone saw with Tony Romo. Terrance Williams can't be cut, but he has yet to emerge as a true No. 2 WR. Cole Beasley was nowhere near as good and could be cut, especially with Ryan Switzer on the roster. Brice Butler could very well leave this offseason, while the team likes Noah Brown.
Now in the offseason, the Cowboys have to figure out what's the biggest issue with the WRs. Is it the scheme? Is it the talent? Is it Dez Bryant? Is it Dak? Is it the lack of someone to compliment Dez? Is it some combination? Figuring that out will determine how the Cowboys approach the WR position this offseason.
Here's what I'd recommend: Keep Dez Bryant, but add another WR early in the draft. It doesn't have to be in the first round, but perhaps on Day 2. There will be plenty of good options. While Williams can't be cut, he can be demoted. Make him the backup outside WR behind Bryant and a rookie. Finally, the scheme needs to be tweaked. No more of the running straight and turning around stuff the Cowboys loved last year. Get a little bit more creative and use Bryant over the middle of the field more frequently. If Bryant struggles again, move on from him next year. Getting the WR position figured out will greatly benefit Prescott.
2. Keep Sean Lee And Tyron Smith Healthy (Or Have Better Backups)
When Sean Lee went down, the defense struggled badly for the Cowboys. The Cowboys without Sean Lee have been roughly 10 points worse historically, but it approached 20 points this year. It didn't help that Anthony Hitchens was hurt early and that Jaylon Smith wasn't 100 percent yet, but the Cowboys were bad without Lee. There's some good and bad news at LB as well. Smith looked a lot better later in the year and he should continue to improve. However, Hitchens is a free agent and the Cowboys lack depth at the position. Even if the Cowboys bring back Hitchens, they need to invest a pick or two at the position. If Hitchens leaves, LB becomes one of the Cowboys biggest needs.
As for Tyron Smith, the offensive line fell apart when he was hurt and so did Dak Prescott. Left guard is a question mark with Jonathan Cooper's pending free agency, but swing tackle is perhaps just as important of a need if Smith can't stay healthy. Byron Bell and Chaz Green were both awful this year, so it's time for the Cowboys to spend another high pick or sign a better veteran.
Outside of Prescott, there are no two more important players for Dallas. Keeping them healthy (or finding better backup plans) is essential for Dallas' playoff hopes.
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3. Get A Run-Stuffer
Want to help out the linebackers? Get a true run-stuffer at the one-technique. When the Cowboys lost Stephen Paea for the year, they didn't have a quality one-technique and injuries forced them to play Maliek Collins (a 3-tech) out of position. The run defense suffered because of it and the Cowboys failed to keep their linebackers clean. Outside of re-signing guys like Lawrence, adding a 1-tech is the Cowboys' biggest offseason priority.
Luckily for the Cowboys, there are several solid ones in this year's NFL Draft. Guys like FSU's Derrick Nnadi, Virginia Tech's Tim Settle or Alabama's Da'Ron Payne are solid options at various points for the Cowboys. However, I've already got my heart set on Washington's Vita Vea in the first round. Taking Vea would break the Cowboys' established M.O. when it comes to drafting DTs, but Vea can be a three-down DT for Dallas. The rare 340-pounder who can rush the passer, Vea would be a huge addition to the Cowboys DL. He'd be a perfect fit when the Cowboys run their "Deacon Defense," which features three defensive linemen.
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4. Have Ezekiel Elliott For 16 Games (And Remember To Give Him The Ball)
This one is all on Elliott. The Cowboys were 5-3 and on a three-game win streak at the time of his six-game suspension, which was then followed by three straight losses without him, essentially ending their playoff chances. While the loss of Tyron Smith played a big role in the Cowboys' struggles, Elliott is the focal point of the Cowboys offense. Everything they do is predicated off of the threat of an explosive rushing attack, which he provides. With him in the fold for all 16 games next year, Dallas will be firmly in the playoff mix again.
And by the way, someone tell Scott Linehan to give Zeke the dang ball on the goal line!
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