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Dallas Cowboys Draft: Rookies will be vital in 2017

By Carl Daley

Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Kevin King (20) almost intercepts a pass intended for Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tyler Baker (26) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington beat Washington State 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Kevin King (20) almost intercepts a pass intended for Washington State Cougars wide receiver Tyler Baker (26) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington beat Washington State 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pre-draft visits give fans an idea of the Dallas Cowboys’ strategy to rebuild a defense that has been decimated by free agency losses.

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2017 NFL Draft. However, they still have some big questions to answer before the big event.

The Cowboys must sort out what they are going to do with quarterback Tony Romo. A possible trade the Cowboys longtime veteran could improve their draft through better positioning and/or extra selections.

In the meantime, the Cowboys must figure out which positions to address. And defense is unquestionably the biggest need. Luckily for Dallas, there will be some quality defensive playmakers in this year’s draft class that could give Dallas the extra edge needed to make a deep playoff run.

Part of that preparation process are scheduling pre-draft visits. We know know two of those visits will include talented outside linebacker T.J. Watt from Wisconsin and cornerback prospect Kevin King out of Washington.

Players like Watt and King could certainly help this team’s undermanned defense, which has been decimated by several free agency losses this offseason. And both prospects should be available when the Cowboys are on the clock in the first and second rounds respectively.

In fact, Watt could completely change the face of the Cowboys defense as the team has desperately lacked a consistent pass rusher. J.J. Watt’s little brother is a bit more versatile than just a pure edge rusher though, as he can also cover tight ends and create takeaways.

Last season, Watt recorded 63 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks in 14 games for the Badgers. He’s has been climbing up draft boards this offseason and is consider one of the top edge rushers in this draft class.

King could easily be a reliable starter in this league as he has shown a tendency to be a hard hitter while also having the ability to blanket opponents. His size (6-3, 192) is particularly rare at the position as he should be able to challenge the bigger wide receivers in the NFC East.

In 14 games last season, King posted 44 total tackles, 13 pass defends and two interceptions for Washington. He is currently projected to be drafted somewhere in the second round.

Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Dallas Cowboys’ history

Regardless of whom the Dallas Cowboys select in the upcoming NFL Draft, it’s clear that rookies will be vital to the team’s overall success in 2017.

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