The Dallas Cowboys have been more active in free agency this year than in years past, but still have some holes along the roster to fill. It’s not for lack of trying to fill them. They did try to pull off a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, but was outbid. They also tried to sign Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, but the were unable to close the deal.
Despite missing on those players, the Cowboys had still quietly had a pretty successful free agency. They still have certain positions of “need” they need to
address, but there’s still plenty of time to do just that. The moves they’ve made so far had them set up pretty well for the draft, for the most part.
Cowboys free agency so far
- Added Rashan Gary
- Added Jalen Thompson
- Added P.J. Locke
- Added Otito Ogbonnia
- Added Sam Howell
- Added Tyus Wheat
- Added Matt Hennessey
- Added Colbie Durant
- Re-signed Javonte Williams
- Re-signed Sam Williams
- Re-signed Princeton Fant
- Franchise tagged George Pickens
- Traded Osa Odighizuwa
- Trading Solomon Thomas
After these free agent moves the Cowboys biggest remaining roster “needs” are linebacker, cornerback, edge and maybe even defensive tackle. Knowing that, we should have a better understanding of the player/positions they could be targeting in April when the draft gets underway. So with that in mind, that’s exactly what we’re going to attempt to do today. For this exercise we decided to stand pat with each pick and not make any trades.
1.12: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Teams in need of LB help selecting ahead of the Cowboys addressed the position via free agency. That means the best LB in the draft could slide right in their lap at 12. Styles is not only a perfect fit at MLB, but is an impact starter from Day 1 as a rookie. His addition changes the entire dynamic of Dallas’ defense for the better.
1.20: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The Cowboys did sign free agent CB Colbie Durant to be a starting option, but with the concerns with DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel that may need to continue to upgrade the position. Jermod McCoy should reinsert himself as the top-ranked CB this year after his Pro Day and could be a plug-and-play starter as a rookie.
3.92: WR Skyler Bell, UConn
Despite having arguably the best WR duo in the league in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the Cowboys could still stand to upgrade and add depth to the position. Skyler Bell is a crisp route runner who can play inside and out with legit deep speed. He could challenge for Ryan Flournoy for the WR3 job as a rookie.
4.112: OLB Key0n Crawford, Auburn
The Cowboys added a starter in Rashan Gary and depth via free agency, but none of them really provides much juice as pass rushers. Keyon Crawford is an underrated edge player in this year’s draft class. He’s an explosive/twitchy athlete who is just starting to scratch the surface of his talent. He’s a great fit in Dallas.
5.152: LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
Even after drafting Sonny Styles earlier, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cowboys add further depth at MLB by selecting Kaleb Elarms-Orr. He’s someone they’ve shown significant interest. Due to his speed, comfort in coverage, and tackling reliability he’s a high-upside prospect with true three-down ability.
5.177: DT Nick Barnett, South Carolina
After trading Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas and signing free agent Otito Ogbonnia, the Cowboys could be looking to add more depth at DT. Nick Barnett is a run-stopping nose tackle who could probably play 4i as well. He doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, but he’s a stout run defender who would be a good rotational piece.
5.180: S VJ Payne, Kansas State
Despite already signing Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke in free agency, Dallas may not be done upgrading the safety position. Christian Parker seems to value versatility at the position and VJ Payne is someone who is capable playing in the box, the slot, as well as deep. He has the potential to compete for a starting job as a rookie.
7.218: RB Adam Randall, Clemson
The RB depth behind Javonte Williams is currently unsettled. Adding more competition is never a bad idea and that’s exactly what Adam Randall would do. He’s relatively new playing RB after making the transition from WR. But at 6’3″, 232 pounds with 4.5 speed he’s an intriguing RB prospect with the receiving skills of a receiver.
