Dallas Cowboys draft: Reclaiming 2016 identity at pick 19

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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Dak Prescott #4 after scoring his second touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

RECLAIMING 2016 CORE IDENTITY

The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2016 regular season 13-3 and a few plays away from reaching the NFC Championship Game.

The front office concluded the roster was only a few tweaks away from Super Bowl glory. Instead of upgrading talent, the 2017 offseason robbed their core of two starting offensive linemen. All-Pro runner Ezekiel Elliott was also facing suspension.

Fast forward to the current offseason. Management has reaffirmed support of head coach Jason Garrett by repeatedly citing his 2016 NFL Coach of the Year award.

Returning to the core identity that allowed Dak Prescott, Elliott, and Jason Garrett to all win NFL honors in 2016 is surely at the forefront of draft motivations.

COWBOYS DESIGN DEMANDS ELITE OL

Riding the coattails of a mauling offensive line, the 2016 Dallas Cowboys excelled on both sides of the ball. Zeke ate the clock and wore teams down in the 4th quarter. The defense improved (5th in points allowed) with extended breaks between drives.

Facing eight defenders in the box to counter the run also loosened Dak’s throwing windows and allowed for more efficient play-action passing. It’s no secret offensive line dominance benefited the entire team and magnified the star players.

Dallas is now playing draft poker. The bluff is they solved 2017 line woes by signing one-year deals with free agents Cameron Fleming (T) and Marcus Martin (G).

The reality is they added worthy guard depth and a competent swing tackle capable of high quality starts if needed. Returning to the elite line play of 2016 will cost more and tonight’s pick should emphasize the commitment to reclaiming that identity.

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