Dallas Cowboys upgrading army with sights on NFL crown

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Everson Griffen (97) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lucky Whitehead (13) for a fumble in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Everson Griffen (97) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lucky Whitehead (13) for a fumble in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) knocks the ball out of the hands of Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) knocks the ball out of the hands of Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

THE EVER-ELUSIVE PASS RUSHER

Is the curse of releasing DeMarcus Ware over yet?

Since Ware’s 11.5 sacks in 2012, no Cowboys end has recorded nine sacks.

Demarcus Lawrence (8 sacks in 2015) leads the current group since that time.

Lawrence declined to one sack this season due to suspension and injuries. He should return to quality form with a move back to the left side.

Even with such good fortune, eight sacks is the mark of a solid, complimentary end. The Cowboys still long for a dominant blindside end.

With salary cap funds stretched thin and needed to re-sign their own free agents, elite veteran help seems like a long shot.

With the draft being the best chance, it doesn’t help Dallas picks 28th overall.

While management preaches improving pass rush is their top priority, sole reliance on poor drafting position is playing a fool’s game.

No 2016 rookie pass rusher (DE or OLB) drafted beyond the top nine overall picks recorded six sacks last year.

I admire how Dallas has increased their sack total in each of the last three seasons by upgrading the overall talent of rotational pass rushers.

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However, I’m certain they’re again headed for continued pass rush frustrations if putting all their eggs in the draft basket.

If there’s one position Dallas needs to squeeze out the hidden funds and overpay, adding an explosive pass rusher would be it.