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Cowboys' needs at defensive line shouldn't be forgotten
2:04 PM ET
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' need for a defensive end has been at or near the top of the list since the 2015 season.
When news broke of DeMarcus Lawrence's recent back surgery, the importance of finding more help on the defensive front became more pronounced.
The Cowboys are hoping second-round pick Randy Gregory follows fellow defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence's path to development. AP Photo/Brandon Wade
Lawrence's surgery is expected to keep him limited through the offseason but he'll be full-go for training camp, so the long-term prognosis is good. Lawrence led the Cowboys in sacks in 2015 with eight, and he developed into an all-round defensive end.
But he's not the only defensive lineman coming off surgery. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford is coming back from right shoulder surgery performed after the season and he will probably be limited in the offseason program.
Add free agents to-be such as like Greg Hardy, Jeremy Mincey, Nick Hayden and Jack Crawford, and there could be a big-time makeover up front.
Landing the big prize in free agency is always risky, so don't bank on the likelihood of an Olivier Vernon signing with the Cowboys. While Hardy's signing can be classified in the "big name" category, the price was mitigated by his off-field troubles. The Cowboys paid him roughly $8.8 million on the one-year deal he signed last March.
Most have linked the Cowboys to a quarterback with the fourth overall pick in this year's draft. Why not defensive end? Ohio State's Joey Bosa will be the highest rated at the position and might not make it past the top three selections.
In three seasons at Ohio State he recorded 26 sacks. There might be questions over whether he can be an elite right defensive end or if he is a left defensive end.
Eastern Kentucky's Noah Spence was Bosa's teammate at Ohio State before he was banned by the Big Ten, and he was by far the best pass-rusher at the Senior Bowl. Will his off-field problems push him down the draft boards? Is he more of a 3-4 outside linebacker?
Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah and Clemson's Shaq Lawson are other pass-rushers to watch.
The Cowboys have drafted Lawrence and Randy Gregory in the second round in each of the last two seasons. After not putting up a sack in seven regular-season games as a rookie, Lawrence had eight in 2015. The Cowboys hope Gregory can follow a similar path in his second season after going without a sack as a rookie.
Since coordinator Rod Marinelli's arrival, the Cowboys have chosen to take a quantity over quality approach along the defensive line. While they still need numbers at the position, picking quality needs to be a must as well.
2:04 PM ET
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' need for a defensive end has been at or near the top of the list since the 2015 season.
When news broke of DeMarcus Lawrence's recent back surgery, the importance of finding more help on the defensive front became more pronounced.
The Cowboys are hoping second-round pick Randy Gregory follows fellow defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence's path to development. AP Photo/Brandon Wade
Lawrence's surgery is expected to keep him limited through the offseason but he'll be full-go for training camp, so the long-term prognosis is good. Lawrence led the Cowboys in sacks in 2015 with eight, and he developed into an all-round defensive end.
But he's not the only defensive lineman coming off surgery. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford is coming back from right shoulder surgery performed after the season and he will probably be limited in the offseason program.
Add free agents to-be such as like Greg Hardy, Jeremy Mincey, Nick Hayden and Jack Crawford, and there could be a big-time makeover up front.
Landing the big prize in free agency is always risky, so don't bank on the likelihood of an Olivier Vernon signing with the Cowboys. While Hardy's signing can be classified in the "big name" category, the price was mitigated by his off-field troubles. The Cowboys paid him roughly $8.8 million on the one-year deal he signed last March.
Most have linked the Cowboys to a quarterback with the fourth overall pick in this year's draft. Why not defensive end? Ohio State's Joey Bosa will be the highest rated at the position and might not make it past the top three selections.
In three seasons at Ohio State he recorded 26 sacks. There might be questions over whether he can be an elite right defensive end or if he is a left defensive end.
Eastern Kentucky's Noah Spence was Bosa's teammate at Ohio State before he was banned by the Big Ten, and he was by far the best pass-rusher at the Senior Bowl. Will his off-field problems push him down the draft boards? Is he more of a 3-4 outside linebacker?
Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah and Clemson's Shaq Lawson are other pass-rushers to watch.
The Cowboys have drafted Lawrence and Randy Gregory in the second round in each of the last two seasons. After not putting up a sack in seven regular-season games as a rookie, Lawrence had eight in 2015. The Cowboys hope Gregory can follow a similar path in his second season after going without a sack as a rookie.
Since coordinator Rod Marinelli's arrival, the Cowboys have chosen to take a quantity over quality approach along the defensive line. While they still need numbers at the position, picking quality needs to be a must as well.
