Dallas Cowboys youth movement is in full swing

Following the success of the 2016 season the Dallas Cowboys’ front office appears to want a youth movement through the entire team.

Last season was very unusual in terms of rookie production for the Dallas Cowboys. Four rookies played significant snaps and roles at their respective positions. This must have hit home with members of the Cowboys’ front office as it appears they are gearing up to go young on defense next season.

Following the phenomenal seasons of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, America’s Team now has a new vision: build through the draft, sign your own core players, and don’t overpay in free agency.

Some fans have been upset with Dallas lack of a “splash” in free agency. That’s okay, I can see that side of the coin. However, the approach that is being taken in Big D is the best, in my opinion. It rarely works in the NFL when you pay aging talent elite money.

Yes, Dallas lost several key pieces, especially on defense. That didn’t phase them though, as they quietly went to work and low-key plugged several holes.

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Positions that were addressed after losing some of their own players: Right tackle, corner back, backup quarterback, wide receiver, guard, and defensive tackle.

Sure, none of the signings really jump off the page as a “splash” but they were all solid. The best part about each deal is the financial aspect. All of the contracts are team friendly and aside from Terrence Williams deal, they are 3 years or less. Williams himself signed a team friendly 4 year extension. Brilliant work by the brass upstairs.

What did those signings do? One, they provided depth. Two, and arguably most important, it allows them to select the best player available in the draft.

The Cowboys will not have to get on the clock at pick 28 and reach for any specific position now. This is huge. It will allow Dallas to get young, talented players to further inject onto this squad.

It has yet to be determined, but it is likely that the draft will be focused heavily on the defense.

Injecting youth into the defense will likely lead to vast improvements. Speed kills in the NFL and Dallas lacked speed on defense last season. You can fix that through the draft.

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A new era has kicked off for the Cowboys. The page has been turned on many iconic stars of our recent past. With change comes opportunity, and I am excited to see what a young, explosive team can achieve. The sky is the limit.

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