The Dallas Cowboys posted the best record in the NFC last season, but fell short in the playoffs. This year, this group has major Super Bowl aspirations - and they added some major impact players in the draft that could help them make a long playoff run this year. Here are three reasons why this draft could serve as the starting point for a Super Bowl run this year:
1) Needed pass rushing help
Dallas ranked in the middle of the pack in sacks last season, but they didn't have a single player who had over five sacks. Owner Jerry Jones said he felt the Cowboys needed a "war daddy" who could consistently get after the quarterback, so they went out and got one in Taco Charlton. An athletic freak at 6-foot-6 and 272 lbs., Charlton turned his strength and skill into 10 sacks last year for Michigan. He will immediately be the Cowboys' best pass rusher, which is incredible to get from a draft.
2) Cornerback depth
The Cowboys lost cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne in free agency, along with starting safety Barry Church, so they needed help in the secondary. They used their second and third round picks on Colorado cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis, respectively. Both are expected to play significant roles right away.
Awuzie was a borderline first-round pick, so landing him in the second was huge. He's someone who will be counted on right away as a starter. Lewis is thought to be best a nickel corner, and he will compete with Orlando Scandrick for that job. Either way, Dallas needed secondary help, and they got it in a big way.
3) More playmakers for Dak Prescott
Because more was a huge need, right? This is more of a down-the-road play instead of for immediate help, but both fourth-round pick Ryan Switzer and seventh-round pick Noah Brown will be able to contribute immediately. Switzer will make for an excellent slot receiver and kick returner, and will likely serve as a replacement for both Cole Beasley (two years remaining on contract) and Lucky Whitehead (final year). Meanwhile, Brown is a big red zone threat and can eventually take over for Brice Butler, who is also in the final year of his deal with the team.
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