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The Cowboys Are Building for the Future

By Daniel Ruppert

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates his thirty-two yard touchdown to win the game with teammates against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates his thirty-two yard touchdown to win the game with teammates against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a strong 2016 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys are building for the future. Where do they go from here?

Let’s all take a moment to enjoy the 2016 NFL season for the Dallas Cowboys. The offense is controlling games, coming back in waning minutes, and clicking on all cylinders. The defense is showing up when needed, isn’t losing games, and keeping the Cowboys in every game they have played. With what looks to be a potentially “super” season for Dallas, there is still improvement coming.

Let’s all assume the Cowboys have a bye week in the first week of the playoffs. Even if they lose, they will have a late pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. Dallas has a solid core of talent, some smart additions and shrewd moves can add to what looks to be a championship team.

The pass rush

First, the biggest need will be to bolster the pass rush. Free agency will be fairly bare, but there could be a defensive tackle like Dontari Poe available. Best guess would be the Cowboys look for help in the draft as this season is fairly deep in terms of pass rushing. Someone like Taco Charlton should be hanging around when they pick. These moves could be an easy way to add two starters to the defensive line.

Wide receivers

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The other place the Boys need help has been at wide receiver. Cole Beasley has been all-world this season but is not the answer to the other side of Dez Bryant. Dallas could get someone like Alshon Jeffery on the cheap now that he has been suspended for PEDs, or look in the top three rounds of the draft. Either way, Terrance Williams could be replaced and upgraded.

Defensive backs

I know everyone will stare at me funny, but Morris Claiborne should stick around. Sure, the secondary could use another safety and depth at cornerback. They could roll out the same unit next season with an improved pass rush, and it would look even better than it does this season. A young, hungry safety next to Byron Jones could make the Cowboys defense scary for years to come.

Linebackers

Lastly, the linebackers are playing well this season. Dallas is set at linebacker if Jaylon Smith returns to form. Inexpensive depth in free agency or middle of the draft is a possibility. If Smith returns to form, the Cowboys could have a very scary linebacking corps.

What the future holds

While 2016 looks to be a special season, Dallas can make some moves to stay relevant for years. It is fun to think about how good this team can be. If they can improve the defense, the offense should be great for the foreseeable future. The Cowboys really could look like the teams from the 90s all over again.

Next: Win Streak and Legend Continues as the Cowboys Top Steelers 35-30

Until then, we can all marvel at the Dallas Cowboys this season. Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Dez Bryant look like a newer version of the triplets. Maybe it was the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers this team is starting to remind everyone of days gone by. Let’s all hope they have the same results.

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