Dallas Cowboys: The most impactful addition this offseason
Despite all of the additions the Dallas Cowboys made this offseason, the most impactful add could be a coach rather than a player.
This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys made some key additions to their team that should have repercussions for 2018 and beyond. Most notably, the Cowboys sign some key free agents and drafted a few talented rookies who should have an immediate impact this year.
Free agent additions like wide receiver Allen Hurns, offensive tackle Cameron Fleming, defensive end Kony Ealy and linebacker Joe Thomas all figure to play impactful roles for the Cowboys in 2018.
Following the draft, Dallas could start as many as four rookies Week One of the regular season. Those first-year starters could potentially be Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, Texas offensive guard Connor Williams, Colorado State wide receiver Michael Gallup and Stanford tight end Dalton Schultz.
But the Cowboys most impactful addition may not be a player at all. It could be a positional coach. According to defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, the signing of former Legion of Boom overseer Kris Richard might be the best addition of them all.
"“I think [Kris Richard] might be as good as any acquisition coming in. I mean that,” Marinelli told the team’s official website. “This guy’s really good. He did a terrific job in Seattle, the resume’s in the tape. But he brings energy, a great deal of intensity, toughness. He can relate really well to these players. That’s what I really like.”"
A five-year NFL defensive back himself, Richard joined the Seattle Seahawks as a coach in 2010 following head coach Pete Carroll from USC. Along with Carroll, Kris started to transform the Seahawks’ secondary into one of the most feared positional groups in the entire NFL. Seattle had two Super Bowl appearances and one victory during his tenure.
Richard has been the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator the past three seasons. During that span, Seattle fielded the second (2015), fifth (2016) and 11th (2017) best overall defense in the league.
This offseason, the Cowboys added Richard as their defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. And the 38-year old coach is expected to have an immediate impact. Most notably, he is the driving force behind shifting former first round pick Byron Jones from safety to cornerback. If Richard is able to help Jones finally live up to his potential, that alone could have major positive repercussions for this secondary.
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In Dallas, Kris Richard finds himself with a talented, young group of defensive backs to mold. Players like Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown and Xavier Woods. All of whom the Cowboys are undoubtedly hoping Richard will help transform into the next Legion of Boom.