Dallas Cowboys: The uber-important role Randy Gregory could have

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive end Randy Gregory #44 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and linebacker Zaire Anderson #13 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers scramble for a loose ball knocked away from running back Jordon James #6 of the UCLA Bruins during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2013 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 14: Defensive end Randy Gregory #44 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and linebacker Zaire Anderson #13 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers scramble for a loose ball knocked away from running back Jordon James #6 of the UCLA Bruins during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2013 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) /
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Randy Gregory could make a huge impact with the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 if he can lock down this extremely important role on defense.

Cowboys Nation is abuzz with Randy Gregory talk now that the former second round pick has been reinstated by the league. The Dallas Cowboys pass-rushing prodigy who was once considered a top-5 talent, has now seemingly put his off-the-field issues behind him, and for the first time in his career, he’s ready to dedicate himself to the craft.

That’s great news for the Dallas Cowboys because they have an uber-important role he’s absolutely perfect for. More on that below.

Randy Gregory is undeniably talented

While it’s perfectly reasonable to be skeptical of the oft-suspended kid from Nebraska, it’s also perfectly reasonable to be excited about him. He may only have one sack to his name, but if you watch the film it’s clear he has the potential for so much more.

There is no single task more important on defense than creating pressure on obvious passing situations. The inability to do so has repeatedly doomed the Cowboys in the postseason.

Randy Gregory’s long arms and tremendous lean are among the best in the game. Add in his counter move inside and he’s a double-digit sack master waiting to happen.

The one thing that’s been getting in his way (positive marijuana tests) has been removed and in its place Gregory has reportedly focused all of his energy on diet and physical training.

Together with his current heathy mental and emotional state, Randy Gregory has the potential to explode as a pass-rusher this season.

For more on why Randy Gregory is great, check out this article:

Related Story: Why we still care about Randy Gregory

Randy Gregory and the uber-important role

One of the most important, yet oft underrated, roles on the defensive line is the pass-rush specialist that mans the right defensive end spot in nickel situations. This situational RDE plays a vital role on defense and even though he’s one dimensional, he may have the most important job of all.

There is no single task more important on defense than creating pressure on obvious passing situations. The inability to do so has repeatedly doomed the Cowboys in the postseason, and fixing it is critical to the Cowboys success going forward.

Think back to the last two times Dallas has lost in the postseason (both at the hands of the Green Bay Packers). Everyone knew Aaron Rodgers was going to throw it, yet the pass rush could do nothing about it. There is simply no excuse for that in obviously passing situations.

When it’s third and long, you MUST create pressure. That’s because the defense doesn’t need to spend much time reading the intents of the offense. They know the intents. They can rush the pocket without pause – thus giving them a decided advantage. Having a player capable of coming in and producing in this situation is paramount to success.

One dimensional roles are important too

DeMarcus Lawrence is by all intents, the “war daddy” of this defense. Not only has he established himself as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, but he’s also one of the most complete and well-rounded. He’s effective in virtually every situation and except for the occasional breather, there’s simply no reason to take him off the field.

But in obvious passing situations, the Dallas Cowboys need someone uniquely talented for turning the corner and playing the edge. That’s where Randy Gregory comes in.

Physical ability alone tells us he’s in the NFL’s top percentile. He can do things very few other players can. Again, he hasn’t produced tangible stats yet, but we can’t let that hide from the fact this 25-year-old pass-rusher is special.

Playing the nickel RDE, Gregory can focus on one thing – getting to the quarterback. Having a player that can come in and challenge left tackles on passing downs is vital. And someone like Gregory would offer an excellent change of pace to the regular RDE, Tyrone Crawford.

When a player like Aaron Rodgers drops back on 3rd and long late in the game, the Dallas Cowboys don’t need a well-rounded player playing the edge. They need an assassin on the edge with one objective and one objective only. Randy Gregory could be that man.

Next: What does Randy Gregory's reinstatement mean?

DeMarcus Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford (and Taco Charlton in the future )are well-rounded edge players. And while Randy Grgeory could become a well-rounded player as well, his real value is as a pass-rusher. He does things no one else on this roster can do. If he develops and stays clean this season, he could be unstoppable in obvious passing situations. And that’s arguably the most important role on this team.