Well, we can’t say they didn’t try, or did they?? Thursday night, in the 2021 NFL Draft, the War Room for the Cowboys had a decision on their hands as their two cornerback options were taken with the 8th and 9th pick respectively, one pick before America‘s Team. So no Jaycee Horn and no Patrick Surtain II. Do they trade back, now that the top two CB prospects are off the board or do they shift gears, maybe reach for someone that’s not a first rounder but may not be there when the Cowboys are on the clock next at 44.
The Cowboys decided to trade back a couple spots and take Micah Parsons, LB from Penn State with the 12th overall selection. This was the smartest first round defensive selection since the Cowboys took DeMarcus Ware in 2005 with pick number 11. Parsons has a legitimate chance at winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s not the biggest LB in the class at 6’4” 250 but quite possibly the fastest from sideline to sideline, most athletic, and is extremely versatile, with his ability to rush the passer. In today’s game, speed and athleticism over size at that position all day.
As a result of this move, the Cowboys have selected to NOT pickup the fifth year option on Leighton Vander Esch’s contract, their first round pick from 2018, which means LVE will have to stay healthy and prove himself this season. And he won’t just be competing against the Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP and First Team All Big Ten selection, the Cowboys selected Jabril Cox, another linebacker out of LSU with the 115th pick who will compete for day one starter as well.
In my opinion, the two LB’s the Cowboys selected, along with the DL from UCLA, Osa Odighizuwa will be the players with the best chance to make the team. A lot of red flags with Kelvin Joseph and Josh Ball. Jerry is a big advocate of giving second chances, but Joseph and Ball were both kicked out of their respective programs for off-the-field concerns, not the type of character you want around a relatively young team, especially trying to build an identity both offensively and certainly defensively.
At the start of the season, I still anticipate a need at CB but a much improved front seven for the Cowboys as the Dan Quinn era begins. There are still some questions on offense with Dak coming off a serious injury but with some fat pockets. Ezekiel Elliot was not the feared RB last season that he was just a few short years ago and the offensive line took a beating last season after season-ending injuries to Tyron Smith and La’el Collins, not to mention the other injuries suffered throughout the season.
What you see now is pretty much what you get for your Dallas Cowboys roster with very few changes forthcoming. The success of the team hinges on the ankle of Dak Prescott and the health of the offensive line. The defense will have some growing pains but Dan Quinn is a huge upgrade from Mike Nolan and their defense will not finish 28th this season. Tune in and follow TSB on Twitter for more Cowboys content.
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