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The Dallas Cowboys Will Benefit From These Players

By Dink Kearney

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The Dallas Cowboys drafted some really good players in April. Players they expect to contribute immediately. The Cowboys actually drafted two players with first round grades during the draft, and signed a third player who had also been given a first round grade. On top of that, two of those three first round graded players, were supposed to be top 10 picks.

Not only have these players shined in camp, but so has the Cowboys’ fourth round pick from Minnesota. Who are these players? Byron Jones, Randy Gregory, La’el Collins and Damien Wilson.

Randy Gregory

Gregory has come out of the gate making plays and reminding the other 31 teams why he was supposed to be a top 10 pick. In two preseason games, Gregory has two sacks and two tackles for a loss. One of those sacks came against Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley of the San Francisco 49ers.  And he could have had more if not for offensive linemen holding him.

The speed and quickness of Gregory will cause havoc on opposing offensive linemen. On CBS.com, this is what Gregory had to say about his play:”“It’s what they brought me in for, I think,” Gregory jokingly said after Sunday’s game. “Obviously, I want to be the best overall player I can be – well-rounded and working on the other aspects of my game. But for the most part, I think I’ve done a good job with what they’ve asked me to do.”

Gregory has done more than a good job. He’s filling a void the Cowboys so desperately need. A bona fide pass rusher. If his recent play is a preview of things to come, watch out NFL! His play will only help the defense and a weak secondary that is reeling after losing Orlando Scandrick for the season with an ACL and MCL tear.

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La’el Collins

Mr. Collins has joined the best offensive line in the NFL and his impact has already been felt. Just ask the San Diego Chargers. In his first preseason game, Collins looked impressive as he moved defenders around like rag dolls. On one play he drove a defensive player several yards back before drilling him into the ground.

There are whispers he could take Ronald Leary‘s spot but I don’t know if that’s likely. Right now he’s playing at guard and doing a good job. Against the 49ers, Collins played more consistent than his first preseason game. The good thing for the Cowboys is that they have a future starter in Collins, and at the least, a legit backup in case of injury to one of the starters.

Byron Jones

The athletic DB played all over the field against the Chargers, recording five tackles and specifically putting a good hit on RB Melvin Gordon. Although Keenan Allen caught a pass on him, Jones played good coverage and used good technique. Allen made the catch because of a push off, a savvy veteran move.

Nevertheless, Jones has shown his versatility and toughness, practicing with a sore shoulder and getting interceptions in the process. So with those qualities, Jones is an upgrade to a mediocre secondary that needs some major motivation, inspiration and competition.

Damien Wilson

The LB from Minnesota is the least-heralded player out of this group, but he’s been just as impressive in two preseason games and in practices. In the Chargers game, he made an outstanding tackle on the RB and made plays all over the field.

According to Clarence Hill of the Star Telegram, the Cowboys coaching staff is considering him for the starting strong side LB position. This is interesting because Wilson was a back up to Sean Lee at the weak side LB position.

That alone tells you he’s worked his way up the depth chart. Wilson’s outstanding play can only bolster an already loaded, but talented, linebacking corps.

With Gregory, Collins, Jones and Wilson playing this well, and earning the respect of its coaches, the Dallas Cowboys will definitely benefit when the games really count.

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