The Landry Hat
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Dallas Cowboys: The draft alone can’t plug all these holes

By Brad Austin

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Kicker Mike Nugent #2 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with offensive guard Jonathan Cooper #64 of the Dallas Cowboys after a field goal against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Kicker Mike Nugent #2 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with offensive guard Jonathan Cooper #64 of the Dallas Cowboys after a field goal against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: LaAdrian Waddle #68 of the New England Patriots reacts after a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: LaAdrian Waddle #68 of the New England Patriots reacts after a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

NAIL DOWN SOME SALTY VETERANS

The hard truth is Dallas must sign four or more quality free agents before mid-April for the draft to have any chance of adequately filling remaining holes.

The must-have positions that remain ill-equipped are as follows.

OFFENSIVE GUARD (2)

2017 starter Jonathan Cooper has left the building and now works for the 49ers. Versatile back-up Joe Looney (C/G) is still unsigned.

This dilemma leaves a huge gap at starting left guard and back-up center/guard. Two players are now needed to fill those roles for 2018.

Even if Looney re-signs, though a good move, it’s still treading water from last year.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE (1)

The Cowboys say they still believe in Chaz Green as a viable swing tackle, but 99% of the fan base scoffs at that naive sentiment.

Without a doubt they must upgrade at tackle. Be it a higher quality back-up or a starter who can shift starting right tackle La’el Collins back inside to guard.

LINEBACKER (2)

Versatile starter Anthony Hitchens and reliable depth player Kyle Wilber have moved on. To improve or even hold serve with the unit, two new linebackers must join.

One who can start in the middle, as they plan to move Jaylon Smith to the strong side. Another to provide versatile depth to Sean Lee‘s weakside spot and the middle.

SAFETY (1)

Those who still believe Jeff Heath and Byron Jones are a good enough starting safety duo to repeat the act in 2018 should forfeit postseason aspirations right now.

Dallas is toying with moving Jones (the best of the mediocre safeties) back to corner. Yet even if he stays put, at least one of the starting positions must be upgraded.

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