Dallas Cowboys: Four key players to watch in preseason opener
By Brad Austin
TACO CHARLTON #97 – Defensive End
As the offseason began, Jerry Jones stated his desire to sign a ‘War Daddy’. Pass rush off the edge has been pedestrian for three seasons since DeMarcus Ware left.
In the only big move to fulfill the owner’s wishes, Dallas spent their highest draft pick on Michigan DE Taco Charlton.
With the big need for an edge pass rusher and Taco’s premiere selection, one would think he’d be all the rave in camp.
The truth is he’s experiencing the least hype and expectations of a Cowboys first round draft pick since selecting running back Felix Jones in 2008.
Jones entered with decent expectations but Dallas also returned Marion Barber and his 975 yards rushing at the same position.
It’s never a good thing if a team’s first round pick isn’t polished and talented enough to start in Week One. It appears that’s going to be the case this year.
DeMarcus Lawrence is the team’s best pass rusher and Tyrone Crawford is playing with a mean streak in camp.
Only an injury or disruptive preseason will bump Taco above one of the seasoned veterans. Tonight will be a first look at the prized rookie’s impact on the pocket.