It is often said that it takes a minimum of 3 years to determine if a draft class was successful or not. At the very least, it cannot be evaluated with any accuracy until the players see the field in the 2018 season. Despite this obvious truth, experts and fans alike will attempt to determine if a given team drafted well or drafted poorly immediately after the conclusion of the draft. In the case of the Dallas Cowboys most experts agree that they had a very good draft in 2018. Several talented players were selected and multiple needs were addressed. Leighton Vander Esch at linebacker and Connor Williams at Guard are 2 players that many project to be starters this season. After a complete overhaul at wide receiver, rookies Michael Gallup and Cedric Wilson will compete for playing time along with free agent signings Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson as well as trade acquisition Tavon Austin. Following the shocking news of Jason Witten’s possible retirement, a solid blocking tight end Dalton Shultz was added to the current young crop of TE’s still on the roster. Yet, despite the apparent success of the draft there were a couple positions of need that were not addressed in the draft or in free agency to this point.
Defensive Tackle
For a long time Dallas Cowboy fans have wished the team would address the Defensive Tackle position, specifically the 1-technique, with a capable if not dominant run stopping nose tackle. The Cowboys front office has refused to draft this type of player with a high draft pick but seemed to come around this year by targeting 340 pound prosepect Vita Vea. Unfortunately they missed out Vea and then passed up on several DT’s in the later rounds. The only players on the current roster that fit that position are Richard Ash and Brian Price who are both journeymen. Maleik Collins who started at that spot most of last season is truly a 3-techniqe and I believe that he is the best one on the roster. The available options in free agency are limited. Jonathan Hankins is the biggest name out there but he may come with a high price tag that the Cowboys are unwilling to pay. Look for the Cowboys to sign a more unproven and affordable asset such as Jay Bromley or Ricky Jean Francois instead.
Safety
For several seasons now, and most especially last season, it has become obvious that the Cowboys need to address the safety position. With Bryon Jones reportedly moving to corner back, the current options at that position are Kavon Frazier, Jeff Heath, Marqueston Huff, Xavier Woods and Jameil Showers. None of those players are proven commodities and the Cowboys could use an upgrade here. Rumours continue to swirl about a possible Earl Thomas trade and acquiring him would indeed be a major upgrade. If that deal does fall through there are plenty of free agents available that could help out such as Eric Reid, Kenny Vaccaro, Tre Boston or Tyvon Branch.
The Dallas Cowboys have established that they prefer to build through the draft rather than spend money in free agency. This year the Dallas Cowboys have been very active during the offseason already but by all indications they are far from finished.
*Photo by Kieth Allison https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode