Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: Todd McShay Predicts Dallas takes…
With playoff hopes as good as over for the Dallas Cowboys, eyes are now turning towards next year’s draft. With the season a write off the mocks have begun.
Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) leaves the field with a season ending injury he suffered during the game against the Carolina Panthers on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. The Panthers defeat the Cowboys 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
With playoff hopes as good as over for the Dallas Cowboys, eyes are now turning towards next year’s draft. Lots can and will change between now and the four months until draft day, but with the season a write off the mocks have begun in earnest.
As fans it’s easy to overlook what talent is available in the players who declare for the draft, instead focusing on what positions need reinforcing. Nobody predicted the Cowboys would go through the 2015 draft without taking a running back! What this horrible year has revealed is that the Cowboys arguably need reinforcements everywhere.
A quarterback– The Cowboys need to start thinking long term about replacing Tony Romo, but equally they need someone capable of playing now should injury to number 9 necessitate. Matt Cassel is not the answer. If Kellen Moore isn’t being given the opportunity then chances are he isn’t either.
Running back– Darren McFadden has been far more reliable than most predicted but he’s lacking a stable mate.
Wide receiver– Terrance Williams had more effect on Twitter than he did on the field when Dez was injured. With Dez Bryant and Lance Dunbar out of the team the lack of speed was startlingly obvious. The Cowboys need a complimentary wide receiver to Dez, one with elite speed threat.
Tight end– Jason Witten continues to be the main man in this team, breaking records and playing to a standard that is incomprehensible in the modern day. Gavin Escobar hasn’t cut it as a potential successor.
Defensive Line– Greg Hardy, Jeremy Mincey, Jack Crawford and Nick Hayden are all due to become unrestricted free agents. Tyrone Crawford has failed to live up to his multi-million dollar mega deal. This defensive line could look very different next season.
Linebacker– The roster had a major overhaul at linebacker earlier in the year. Sean Lee and Rolando McClain have proven they’re a formidable force on the field. McClain is due to become a free agent; whether the Cowboys renew the mavericks contract remains to be seen. Sean Lee plays like every game is his last and with his lengthy injury history you never know when that will be.
Defensive back– Byron Jones has been a breath of fresh air in the Cowboys secondary. Far more comfortable at safety than corner and that maybe where his future will lie. Morris Claiborne is much improved this season, but he’s not the number six overall player the Cowboys thought they were getting. Then there’s Brandon Carr; could now be the time to cut the eye watering contract that the veteran has.
Next: ESPN's Todd McShay predicts the Cowboys pick...