4 things the Cowboys must do to be Super Bowl contenders

An upgrade at these positions

With the new coaching staff in place, the defense will play better. To ensure they become a top-ten defense once again, they need to upgrade at some positions.

The interior defensive line has been shaky for a while. It was on display for the entire 2020 season. The main reason for the poor play is the Cowboys lost their top two players.

Injuries likely won’t be an issue heading into the 2021 season. With Trysten Hill coming back healthy, the group will be better off. That doesn’t mean Dallas should shy away from the position this offseason.

Interior linemen Sheldon Rankins and Leonard Williams will hit free agency. While Williams might be too expensive, adding a player like him will sore up the run game issues. Rankins would add some pass-rushing inside the defensive line while adding to the run defense.

There are also options in the draft. Among them are Jay Tufele and Christian Barmore. With many different options to choose from, Dallas needs to go out and grab one of them.

Adding defensive backs would be another need for the team. The Cowboys need to use their first-round pick on one of the top cornerbacks in the draft. From there, they can find a safety later in the draft.

The linebackers and edge rushers are ready for the season. That is unless Dallas looks to acquire depth pieces. The starters at those positions will rebound from a lowly 2020 season.

Linebacker Jaylon Smith received a ton of criticism throughout the season. With the team shifting back to a conservative scheme, Smith should return to his dominant form.

Defensive end Randy Gregory impressed after he returned from his suspension. He constantly put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and fellow defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence reaped the rewards.

Offensively, the Dallas Cowboys are in a great position. Their starters are anywhere from above average to top players. One player needs to return, and he holds the franchise in his hands.