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Pass Rushers: The Dallas Cowboys Wanted List

By Lauren Draper-Wood

Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Dallas Cowboys helmet on the field as players huddle in prayer with the Philadelphia Eagles after a game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Dallas Cowboys helmet on the field as players huddle in prayer with the Philadelphia Eagles after a game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Instincts

Tony Romo, Sean Lee, Jason Witten are three of the most talented Cowboys on the roster. Romo can’t compare physically to Cam Newton; Sean Lee isn’t blessed with the superhuman strength of JJ Watt and Jason Witten has the speed and agility of a snail. But what makes them such fine players is their intelligence. You can’t teach instinct. The Romo spin move, Lee’s ability to feel where that tackle needs to be made and Witten’s knack for finding space to receive the ball. For the defensive ends they need to read and react during games. What scheme are they up against? Feel the pressure. Respond to it.

Tackling

There seems to be an alarming number of missed tackles each Cowboys game. While the likes of Barry Church and JJ Wilcox are the biggest culprits as opposed to those on the defensive line, you still want players that are explosive hard hitters. Wrap up the man rather than fresh air.

Versatility

Arguably the most important requirement to become part of the Dallas Cowboys defense. Rod Marinelli rotates his players. Jack Crawford played every defensive line position last year. Hardy took snaps from the edge and inside as a tackle. Jeremy Mincey spent most of 2014 at left defensive end but was more of a plug and play in 2015.

The Cowboys play a 4-3 scheme, Joey Bosa is ideally suited to a 3-4 set up for example. Can he adapt?

If you’re set on replacing Nick Hayden look for the 1-tech defensive tackles- Sheldon Rankins out of Louisville a prime candidate there.

Ultimately there is no guarantee in any player. The mold of NFL players is changing all the time. Russell Wilson at quarterback and Aaron Donald as a defensive tackle were both considered too small, yet one dons a Super Bowl ring and the other one of the best at his position.

Who the Cowboys draft remains to be seen, and they’ll be plenty of debate between now and then. But let us know which pass rushing talents you’d like to see don the silver and blue in the comments below.

Next: Cowboys Stephen Jones is not a big fan of free agency

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