Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft Focus: Offense or Defense?
By Carl Daley
Should the Dallas Cowboys focus on upgrading their offense or defense in the upcoming NFL Draft?
Let the offseason speculation begin! Following the conclusion of Super Bowl 51 and with the NFL Draft still months away, the Dallas Cowboys will have a lot of time to ponder, evaluate and scout prospects as the team looks to make a push for a deeper playoff run.
The Cowboys will need to fill some holes in their roster if they are to take the next step in being title contenders. This means finding affordable and productive upgrades on both sides of the football. Free agency has never really been an effective answer at finding talent however it is more of a band aid for a team’s deficiencies.
This is true for certain positions, but if the Cowboys do not take a pass rusher in free agency, then they will be forced to do so in the 2017 NFL Draft. The same could be said for a cornerback as the team will see multiple defensive backs hit free agency this year. Even if the team did re-sign all of their free agents, it does not necessarily mean they would improve.
The Cowboys must find balance in both acquiring draft targets as well as signing productive and affordable free agents. The signing of a player like DeMarcus Ware could free the team up to take Washington cornerback Sidney Jones in the first round and take a pass rusher later.
MUST READ: Dak Prescott widens Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl window
The same could be said for signing free agent cornerback Trumaine Johnson, except he will cost probably three times as much as Ware. Then there is the matter of finding a quality compliment to Cowboys star wide receiver Dez Bryant. That is a pressing need as the team will see multiple wide receivers hit free agency as well.
An argument can even be made for signing a defensive back and pass rusher in free agency and drafting the best possible wide receiver available in the 2017 draft at the 28th spot. The offense could use a receiver capable of being a speedy deep threat who can consistently catch the football.
While it is unlikely the team will get a shot at Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams. But Dallas could focus on Washington deep threat John Ross or Oklahoma speedster Dede Westbrook, both of whom could be available well into the second round.
Next: The top 10 Dallas Cowboys to never win a Super Bowl
The main takeaway here is that the Cowboys need to be balanced in how they approach this offseason, and look to get better on both sides of the ball.