5 Cowboys who could have breakout seasons in 2021

1. Randy Gregory, Defensive End

When the Dallas Cowboys used their second-round pick to select defensive end, Randy Gregory, out of Nebraska they knew they were getting an absolute freak of nature. The six-foot-five edge rusher showed incredible quickness and talent during his time at college. However, the young defender also showed several red flags heading into the draft day that included a failed drug test at the NFL combine.

Those off the field issues followed Gregory to the NFL and has resulted in him missing considerable playing time due to suspensions. The 28-year old was finally reinstated this season after several suspensions and played his first game for America’s Team since 2018 in the teams’ matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gregory posted four tackles and a quarterback hit in his return against Philadelphia and managed to show flashes of excellence this year for Dallas. He had what was arguably his best game of the season just a couple of games later against the Washington Football Team when he recorded two sacks in the teams’ loss.

The former Cornhusker finished the season tied for the third most sacks on the organization with 3.5 and also managed to finish the year with an impressive three forced fumbles. Gregory was flashy in his return for Dallas and often wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

The Dallas Cowboys knew when they drafted Randy Gregory that he was immensely talented but troubled. This year was the first time in a while that the team reaped the benefits of the former. As long as he avoids off-the-field issues next season Gregory seems likely to be a prime candidate for a breakout year in 2021.