Cowboys: The Needs and the Wants

With the Dallas Cowboys drafting in just two short days, we must recognize the difference between the “needs” and the “wants”.

The Dallas Cowboys will be making their first pick in the NFL draft in a few days, and it isn’t until then we will see how they fill the holes on the team. There are a few positions the Cowboys need to draft and a few that they simply want to draft.

What is the difference?

The needs are holes that if they aren’t filled, don’t bode well for the Cowboys this season. The wants are depth.

First the needs: The Cowboys have several needs that, so far, don’t look like they have been addressed adequately. At defensive end, the need is extremely high. With both DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory suspended the first four games, the pass rush is perhaps the biggest need on the team.

The Cowboys could go after someone like DE Joey Bosa in the first round, or push it back until the second where a player like Noah Spence could be hanging around. Either way it would surprise many if the Cowboys don’t try to fill this need early.

The next need on the team is at running back. I know people will ask about Darren McFadden, Lance Dunbar, and Alfred Morris. The answer is McFadden is turning thirty with a history of injuries, Dunbar also has a long history of injuries, and Morris is on a short contract.

The Cowboys need someone to fill out the running back position and be there if and when someone goes down. This may seem more like a nice to have, but if McFadden and Dunbar go down, it will be a huge need. The Cowboys could look later in the draft for someone, but it is a need that must be addressed.

One of the most glaring needs on the team is at defensive back. Unlike many fans, I don’t think Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and Orlando Scandrick are bad corners. I think a lot of their flaws are exposed by the complete lack of pass rush, however, there is still a huge need for a quality fourth CB, as well as a safety. One of these positions will most likely be filled in the middle of the draft at the latest. I’m not sure there will be one in the first or second round, but third or fourth shouldn’t surprise anyone.

The last true need on this team is backup quarterback. Everyone saw what happened when Tony Romo went down. The issue here is this is a really weak draft class for quarterback and the top two guys are expected to go one and two. After them there are a lot of projects out there. The Cowboys could go after a mid round project in hopes that they have the developmental talent. However, with such a glaring hole, there could be one as early as the second round.

The wants are plenty in this draft. The first position of want would be wide receiver and kick returner. Anyone who saw the passing game, sans Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant, knows this Cowboys team isn’t good without either. Terrance Williams is not a number one type of wide receiver and it showed.

The bright spot is still Cole Beasley, but he is more of a slot-type of receiver. The Cowboys could use an upgrade at this position with the other focus on kick returner. Most likely a later round pickup, but don’t be surprised if someone falls and the Cowboys pounce.