The Landry Hat
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Forget Quarterback: This is the Cowboys biggest need…

By Steven Mullenax

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Despite fan’s pleading for the Dallas Cowboys to select a quarterback high in next year’s draft, this position is likely a bigger need for the team.

After a 4-10 regular season record that’s mainly due to the absence of your starting quarterback, it’s no wonder that many Dallas Cowboys fans are insisting the team use their expected upcoming top-five first round selection on backing up that position come April. But that might not be what the Cowboys front office and scouting department is planning to do. In their minds, there could be a much bigger position of need in 2016: cornerback.

At least, that’s what one longtime Cowboys columnist believes.

"“I look at this team’s needs and as much as people want to talk young QB, I think cornerback is at the top of the list,” responded Dallas Morning News Staff Columnist Tim Cowlishaw to a reader’s chat question recently. “You look at what Josh Norman does for Carolina, Sherman for Seattle, Peterson for Arizona, Revis for the Jets. Having a big-time corner changes things. The Cowboys don’t have anyone close to fitting that category.”"

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Obviously, what the Cowboys decide to do with their own players and potential free agents between now and draft day will shape that decision. Although Dallas does expect to have injured starter Orlando Scandrick back for 2016, former first round selection Morris Claiborne is a free agent at season’s end after the Cowboys elected not to pick up his fifth-year option.

The other Dallas starter at cornerback, Brandon Carr, is one of the highest paid and underperforming players in the NFL. Surely, the Cowboys would be overjoyed to be rid of his massive contract, although re-signing him at a more reasonable rate is something the team would likely be interested in.

Despite being currently ranked sixth in the NFL in net passing yards allowed (3,173), this Cowboys defense is tied for 30th in total passes defended (47) and tied for 28th in interceptions (seven). In fact, only one Dallas cornerback has even recorded an interception so far this season. And that was newly added corner Terrance Mitchell last Saturday against the New York Jets. The team’s lack of quality cornerback play has contributed to their record lack of takeaways this season (so far just nine total).

Luckily, there are some impressive free agents scheduled to hit the open market in 2016. The biggest of all of them is Carolina Panthers’ shutdown cornerback Josh Norman. Although, I don’t see why the Panthers wouldn’t sign him to a max contract as soon as possible. But there are some other interesting names who might pair well with Scandrick in the Cowboys backfield as well. Names like Prince Amukamara, Janoris Jenkins, Sterling Moore, and Sean Smith.

Next: The 5 Most Disappointing Dallas Cowboys of 2015

As far as draft candidates are concerned, that high in the first round only two names really pop up. Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III, who  many consider the best cover corner in this draft class. And Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey, who is an amazing athlete that can play any position in the defensive secondary, although most seem to think his best spot is at safety. Out of the two, I think Ramsey’s versatility would ultimately win Dallas over. But if he’s already taken, Hargreaves isn’t a bad consolation prize.

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