The Dallas Cowboys will be without recent defensive end signing Greg Hardy for ten games (pending appeal) after the NFL handed him a suspension for conduct detrimental to the league earlier in the week.
While some have posited that this will likely change the team's approach to the draft, ESPN Cowboys analyst Todd Archer sees things differently:
I don't think it really affects the Cowboys' draft plan at all. Defensive end was a need whether Hardy was going to be available for six games or 16 games. As to the specific point about early in the first couple rounds, I think the plan will be the same: follow the draft board. If there is a defensive end available deemed worthy of a first- or second-round pick, take the guy. But I don't think they should reach for a defensive end just because of the Hardy suspension. That would undo all of their prep work leading into the draft. There will be opportunities to add a pass-rusher in next week's draft, but they don't need to force the plans so much to where they take a player not worthy of the draft spot.
The Cowboys don't necessarily need to reach in a draft stocked with quality pass rushers, so don't expect Jerry Jones and the crew to push the envelope too much in the first round.
Follow our Dallas Cowboys team page for the latest Cowboys draft rumors!
Back to the Dallas Cowboys Newsfeed