Dallas Cowboys: Randy Gregory making surprising impact

The Dallas Cowboys took a major risk when they selected Randy Gregory in the second round back in 2015. More than three years later and it’s finally paying off.

Desperate to fill the void left by longtime pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, the Dallas Cowboys spent consecutive second-round selections on defensive ends starting in 2014. In that draft, Dallas traded up to select Boise State defensive end, DeMarcus Lawrence.

The following year, the Cowboys took a major risk by selecting Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory 60th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. After failing a drug test at the league’s scouting combine months prior, Gregory tumbled down draft boards after being touted as a top-five level talent.

Three years later and it’s the combo of Lawrence and Gregory who are bookending the defensive line on a unit many consider to be elite. Although both took time to develop, Randy’s journey has been much more worrisome.

An addiction to drugs all but derailed his career before it even had a chance to start. Following multiple failed drug tests and suspensions, Gregory was eventually banned by the NFL for the entire 2017 season. And there was no guarantee he’d ever play in the league again.

Yet, 2018 has been a redemption story for Gregory. One I’m not sure fans are ready to fully embrace. Everyone knows that this talented pass rusher is one misstep away from a possible lifetime ban. But there is no denying his impact on this team.

During the Cowboys winning streak that turned their season around, Gregory posted 4.0 sacks in that five-game stretch. He’s had 5.0 sacks since Week 10 and a total of 6.0 sacks for the year.

That’s incredible production coming from a player most had already written off as a major draft bust as well as for someone who hadn’t played in well over a year. But no one has ever questioned Gregory’s talent. Here’s what Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli told the Star-Telegram on what makes Randy special as a pass rusher.

"“[Gregory’s] fast. He’s got explosion. The twitch and the quickness off the ball. He’s got elite bendness where he can really bend. And then he’s got awareness and instincts. That’s what you look for. If you put it all in a bottle, that’s what you’re looking for.”"

Gregory posted the best game of his career against the Tampa Buccaneers in Week 16. The 26-year old pass rusher recorded three tackles, two QB hurries, two QB hits, a sack, and one forced fumble that he nearly turned into a defensive touchdown after the recovery. The Cowboys would go on to win the game in large part due to Gregory’s efforts securing the NFC East crown and a spot in the playoffs.

It’s been a long, rocky journey for Randy Gregory to get back to the Dallas Cowboys. And his career resurgence has been key to the team’s own resurgence in 2018. Gregory’s play has been one of the biggest surprises for the Cowboys in recent memory.