Dallas Cowboys Cap Situation
The Dallas Cowboys have had a slightly more active offseason than usual so far this year. Dallas of course kept some of their key contributors in Dalton Schultz and Michael Gallup who were set to hit free agency. The Cowboys, unfortunately, had to move on from some other big contracts to resign those players. The franchise first traded wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Browns. Some experts and fans thought that DeMarcus Lawrence was finally going to be cut this time. Dallas instead worked with Lawrence to keep him on the roster at a less expensive salary. The team however missed out on resigning pass rusher Randy Gregory who decided to join the Broncos instead.
The Cowboys ultimately had to release a few other starters though to get even further under the cap. La’el Collins and Blake Jarwin were cut to give the team more financial flexibility. Dallas currently has around $15.5 million in free money to spend. That means the organization can still sign or even cut some players if they choose to do so. The Cowboys could also stay just like they are and go into the draft comfortably looking to add to their current roster.
First Round Draft Predictions
Dallas has drafted pretty well over the last decade. The franchise has done particularly well in the first round of the NFL Draft. Every player they have selected there has gone on to be a solid player for the team. The only exception to this was Taco Charlton. This year though they have a few holes the Cowboys would like to fill in this round. They need help on both the offensive and defensive lines. I personally would like to see Dallas draft a safety here, but I know that will not happen just based on their draft history. Neither of the line position groups struggled last year. Both however are getting older and have not been able to stay healthy at times. This year though the offensive and defensive line groups are loaded with talent.
Drafting a lineman in the first round is never viewed as a popular pick. Doing so has proven incredibly well for Dallas in the past. The team has selected Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin there. All three have gone on to be pro-bowlers and even a few selections to the All-Pro team. I am predicting the Cowboys will select an offensive lineman this year. A big part of the reason they had so much success during the 2016 season was that the team imposed their will on their opponents up front. Having a great offensive line is the key to success for a lot of teams out there. This can take a lot of the pressure off the quarterback and running backs to help put up points.
Picking a player like Tyler Smith who can play either tackle sport or guard if needed is an interesting possibility. A defensive lineman would be nice as well, but there are so many great prospects at that position in this draft.
Only Exception
Something else that may be a factor here though is how Dallas always takes the best player available. Take the two last selections for example. Both years, draft prospects that were too good to pass up were dropped right into their laps. The Cowboys did not need another linebacker when they picked Micah Parsons last draft. They already had Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and Keanu Neal on the roster, but selected Parsons anyway. I can easily see Dallas doing that again this year. The only positions that they are unlikely to do this are for a quarterback or either kicker as well as a punter.
Later Rounds
It is now time to build a little depth on the Cowboys roster. Sometimes the club has been lucky enough to find a hidden gem such as Dak Prescott or Trevon Diggs in the later rounds. Most often though you are looking to add players to a rotation or to the special teams unit. Dallas needs another player to get after the passer on the defensive line. As I previously mention, both edge rushers and defensive tackles are deep this year. Finding a quality player or two should be easy to do.
Adding a defensive back also makes a lot of sense, but only if that player can also play safety if they are picked in either the second or third round. Safety is a position group that the Cowboys have not made a priority in years. Signing bandages every offseason is not sustainable for future success. Linebacker is also a need, but not so much for this year since they already have Parsons. They could also sign linebacker Bobby Wagner to fill that need, but his price tag will certainly be more than Dallas can afford.
The team also needs some insurance at running back. Tony Pollard only has one year left on his rookie deal. The Cowboys may also release Ezekiel Elliot if he does not produce this upcoming season. Dallas needs to add depth here in case either or both players get injured. A quarterback to backup Prescott is also a good idea. Finding someone to replace Cooper Rush in the future makes a lot of sense. Maybe not this year, but an undrafted free agent provides an inexpensive alternative. I would say the same thing about a kicker. Dallas only has Chris Naggar on the roster currently, but he was a rookie last season and only made one field goal. Adding a new kicker would be nice, but only if the club is confident that the player will stay with the team for a couple of years.
This article was published on the Belly Up Sports website and specifically its NFL page. Belly Up Sports also has a Twitter page where you can interact with the network. I also have written for this outlet before so see my most recent story if you would like. If you would like to talk to me directly, feel free to chat with me on my Twitter as well. Try to keep it clean and proper. If you are incapable of doing so, ignore that completely and battle it out with me. Just a few warnings for those who dare challenge me. I am highly competitive and hate to admit when I am wrong. So be prepared for a war of words.
