What does losing Byron Jones mean for the Dallas Cowboys?

Looking to the Draft

Leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine, the Cowboys were thought to look at safeties and defensive lineman to draft in the first round. With the possibility of wide receiver Amari Cooper walking in free agency, wide receivers were being talked about as well.

Now, Dallas’ top corner is gone and what better way to address the hole than in the draft? They hold the 17th overall pick and may use it to grab a top cornerback.

Before the departure of Jones, I thought the Cowboys would use the first-rounder on a safety. It appears that they will have a good opportunity to either draft a top safety or a cornerback.

The important thing here is that Dallas picks who they believe is the best defensive back available. If that means their guy will likely be drafted later on sliding down a couple of spots should be explored to maximize the number of picks they get.

Some names that may be available are safeties Xavier McKinney and Grant Delpit. While the top-ranked cornerback Jeffery Okudah will likely be gone, Trevon Diggs and CJ Henderson could be available.

The aggressive Henderson seems like the better pick to fit new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan‘s scheme. If not, then the ballhawk Delpit would slide in great.

Sure, the Cowboys can look at defensive lineman in the first round. I feel like there is more quality defensive lineman deeper in the draft than defensive backs, so that should be monitored.

Dallas’ moves the next couple of days will also tell what they will look for in the draft. They have yet to re-sign defensive tackle, Antwaun Woods, but they have just signed Gerald McCoy to a three-year contract.

If they don’t keep Woods around and defensive lineman Michael Bennett walks, then there will be no returning starting inside lineman from 2019. Sure, Tyrone Crawford played a couple of games, but he was severely injured. Acquiring McCoy helps but a second defensive lineman is still needed.