Every week, we gather to discuss the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have David Howman and Tom Ryle.
Which player from the Cowboys free agent additions do you like the most and why?
Mike: By far the best addiction is Jalen Thompson, and this addition is highly underrated. Dallas was way too leaky on explosive plays over the top last year and too shaky on communication, so a safety who can align the secondary, rotate late without busts, and tackle in space gives the defense immediate
stability. He’s the kind of back-end traffic cop that lets corners play more aggressively, lets the defense live in two-high shells without giving up cheap seams. It’s not the flashiest signing, but it’s the most functional one, he raises the floor of the entire defense.
Howman: I really like the Cobie Durant addition. He’s been a very serviceable starter outside for the Rams the past two years, and he’s done so in a system that’s very similar to what Christian Parker will run. I expect him to be a starter early on and valuable insurance if either DaRon Bland or Shavon Revel struggle in the new scheme.
Tom: It feels like low hanging fruit, but I’m encouraged by the acquisition of Rashan Gary. I’m not going to pretend that I fully grasp what Christian Parker is up to, but if he had a big hand in this it could point to a coherent plan for the defense.
What do you make of the Osa Odighizwua trade? Was it worth it and how do you see the depth chart at defensive tackle looking as it stands?
Mike: The Osa Odighizuwa trade is defensible in a vacuum because a third-round pick is real ammo and it signals a clear pivot in how Dallas wants to build the front, but it’s also a cap-tightening move in the short term because you’re taking on dead money to move a player you just extended. With Solomon Thomas also dealt in a pick swap, the immediate question becomes exactly what the front office is hinting at. Now the question is whether defensive tackle is suddenly a need again?
As the depth chart sits, the team still has a strong starting unit with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, plus a developmental piece with Jay Toia, and they’ve added Otito Ogbonnia as a one-year run-stopping body. But trading out Odighizuwa and Thomas thins the interior rotation, especially for pass-rush snaps, so defensive tackle isn’t in panic territory right now, but it’s still a spot Jerry Jones and company probably need to address with one more rotational player before the draft to avoid going in forced.
Howman: I hate it. The value in exchange was adequate, I guess, but I’d have sought more given Odighizuwa’s performance the last few years. The Cowboys also now have very little depth inside, especially on nickel downs; I’m a big fan of the Otito Ogbonnia signing, but he’s fairly limited to run downs.
Tom: Again, I’m hopeful this is a sign Parker has a blueprint for his defense. Odighizuwa is a talented player, but if he hinders the rebuilding of the defense, then I will give the DC some trust to put the right pieces together. It does appear that things are beefing up on the line. The Cowboys have been trying and failing to do that. It does indicate that size matters, and hopefully talent will, too.
Which position is most in need of addressing in the draft after recent moves?
Mike: Cornerback. After the recent moves, Dallas can at least talk itself into functional depth up front, but the secondary still feels one injury or one matchup with a true elite receiver away from having to live in soft zone and constant safety help. The defense needs another outside-capable corner with length and recovery speed so they can play tighter coverage, spin late into two-high without busts, and stop those annoying explosive plays from last season. If Dallas can leave draft weekend with a legitimate starting-caliber corner, they can become a serviceable defense.
Howman: People will say linebacker, but I’d argue edge rusher is still the biggest need. I feel optimistic about Donovan Ezeiruaku’s development, and Rashan Gary is a really good secondary edge rusher, but right now Dallas lacks that number one threat. I’d like to see them land someone offenses have to plan around, and I think they’ll have some options at 12.
Tom: I wouldn’t mind at all adding both more edge talent and that size up front. Let’s see what value is available at 12, then come back and add more at the other part of the line. And I wouldn’t mind bolstering the secondary, either. Building from the trenches first is not a bad plan, but there are plenty of needs to address.
