Dallas Cowboys: Post-draft evaluation of the 2018 defense
By Brad Austin
The Dallas Cowboys defense took a back seat in the draft. However, a few offseason moves should provide a deeper unit in 2018.
After spending seven of nine picks on defense in the 2017 draft, the Dallas Cowboys took the opposite approach this year.
Only three of ten draft picks (one was traded) were used to boost the 2018 stop unit. To lessen the draft impact further, only one has a chance to start right away.
Free agency added a few new faces to the fray. The most important moves involved retaining imposing pass rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and David Irving. Also, the key defectors in free agency already have worthy options to fill their shoes.
Keeping the core intact and filling new holes were the intended goals that appear to have been achieved. Though it’s difficult to say the defense improved as a whole.
Let’s take a look at the 2018 defensive groups and evaluate were they stand in comparison to January.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Additions: Dorance Armstrong (4th rd. – Kansas), Kony Ealy (FA), Jihad Ward (trade)
Evaluation: Slight upgrade
Analysis: No player losses. All starters return plus 2017 first rounder Taco Charlton gained game experience. Depth benefited by adding two former second round picks and a talented rookie. Both tackle and end are healthy with potential contributors. If Dallas can sign former player Terrell McClain (scheduled to visit), his run stuffing prowess would complete a stout defensive front.
LINEBACKER
Losses: Anthony Hitchens, Kyle Wilber
Additions: Leighton Vander Esch (1st rd. – Boise St.), Joe Thomas (FA), Chris Covington (6th rd. – Indiana)
Evaluation: Even
Analysis: Vander Esch is big, talented, and can play all three spots. Comparing his value when replacing Hitchens gets tricky. Vander Esch is more dynamic in space at the WILL, which helps if Sean Lee goes down. However he’s slotted to start at MIKE, where Hitchens holds the upper hand. The rookie also provides an upgrade at nickel backer. Signing Thomas will offset losing Wilber. The unit’s potency will rely heavily on Jaylon Smith‘s mental and physical progress over last year.
CORNERBACK
Loss: Orlando Scandrick, Bene Benwikere
Evaluation: Even
Analysis: Benwikere barely played and Scandrick’s loss will have little impact. Jones moves over from safety to increase size on the outside. Unless new secondary coach Kris Richard can up Jones’ game, his starting outside over Lewis will have a negative impact. Nickel and dime defense should add another quality cover man if Duke Thomas returns to his solid 2017 preseason form and stays healthy.
Next: The all-time best defenders to wear the Star
SAFETY
Evaluation: Slight downgrade
Analysis: While he certainly wasn’t great, the best safety is now at corner. Nothing of value was added to the unit, though that may change before August. Xavier Woods has solid potential and should land a starting role after gaining experience. Jeff Heath will also start with Kavon Frazier providing relief. Heath will again play excessive snaps out of necessity more than consistency. Ignoring the pressing need to add an upgrade at safety opposite Woods will likely be the most costly mistake of 2018.