Dallas Cowboys: 4 players who could make the pass-rush dominant in ‘18

5 of 5

6’5” 245lbs

25-years-old

Key Stat: 20.8 pass-rush productivity rating on 3^rd and long in college (PFF)

If Tyrone Crawford made you roll your eyes, Randy Gregory has the potential to make milk erupt out of your nose holes. That’s because Gregory, with only a whopping 14 games and 1 sack under his belt, has spent more time suspended than active in the NFL.

By all indications, Gregory is clean and has been for his longest stretch of time since the Bush Administration.

Currently in the 60-day reinstatement process, Gregory has spent the last year on ice. More importantly, he’s spent roughly the last 20 months clean. The NFL substance abuse testing is a joke for most players, but Randy’s bi-weekly testing is hard to get around.

By all indications, Gregory is clean and has been for his longest stretch of time since the Bush Administration.

Again, the paltry sacks stats may cause you to say, “So what?” But as I explained last Sunday, Randy Gregory has an undeniable skill set that makes scouts drool. And at the age of 25, he’s not even entered his prime as a pass-rusher and could be the best pure pass rusher in the NFL (provided drugs were never an issue again).

That’s why we care and that’s why it’s such a big deal he’s gotten this far in the reinstatement process. Which reminds me – Why do we allow employers to rule over our personal lives anyway?

But I digress…

I’m not saying Randy Gregory will be an instant double-digit sack master in 2018. But he already pulled together over a year of conditioning, drug abstinence, and practice. Combine that with a full season of team activity and those nickel RDE snaps – this kid could put the Dallas Cowboys over the top.

I’ll never trust Randy Gregory enough to bank on him for my team’s success. But I’m also not dumb enough to overlook the generational talent he is either.

Other Rushers

These four players all have the potential of making the Dallas Cowboys the best pass-rushing team in the NFL. But in a system that relies heavily on rotation and depth, other players will need to do their part as well.

In coming weeks we’ll look at last year’s first round pick, Taco Charlton. He trended positively and should be given the opportunity to contribute half-a-dozen sacks in 2018.

Charles Tapper, and explosive edge player, who’s been cursed with season-ending injuries his first two seasons, is another nickel RDE to watch.

Kony Ealy is a name many fans already know. He has a history of success and should figure into the rotation this season (spoiler alert: I’m predicting he’ll be a nickel DT). And this year’s fourth round pick, Dorance Armstrong Jr, a DeMarcus Lawrence starter kit, will be given every opportunity the pass-rushing tactician earns in Training Camp. I’m not sure he makes much of an impact in 2018, but the Cowboys love him and he provides insurance should Tapper or Gregory falter.

Next: How Allen Hurns is and isn't an upgrade to Dez

In the end, the Dallas Cowboys should have one of the best pass-rushes in the NFL. If they can play with a lead, and continue to progress their young and promising rushers, they could even be elite. This is a great time to Cowboys fan.

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