The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season and there is no doubt that their defense needs serious help. Last season, they gave up a league-worst 511 points, which is the most in franchise history. This is a concerning statistic for a team that has always prided itself on its strong defense. However, amidst this concern, there is still hope for the Cowboys as they head into the NFL draft.
At the NFL owners’ meetings this week, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer spoke about the team’s plans for the upcoming draft. He didn’t completely shut the door on going offense with either the 12th or 20th pick, leaving some room for surprise. This statement has sparked a lot of speculation and excitement among Cowboys fans, as they eagerly anticipate the team’s first-round draft picks.
The Cowboys have been in the news recently due to their contract standoff with wide receiver George Pickens. The star receiver is still unsigned and there are concerns about his future with the team. However, Schottenheimer’s statement about potentially drafting an offensive player in the first round has raised the question of whether the Cowboys are preparing for Pickens’ departure.
Despite this speculation, Schottenheimer’s statement should not be seen as a lack of faith in the team’s defense. The Cowboys have already made some significant moves in the offseason to improve their defense, including signing veteran defensive end Tarell Basham and drafting linebacker Micah Parsons in the first round. These additions, along with the return of key players such as defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, should give the defense a much-needed boost.
However, the Cowboys are known for their high-powered offense, led by star quarterback Dak Prescott and star running back Ezekiel Elliott. Last season, the team struggled with injuries to key offensive players and it showed in their performance. Therefore, it is not surprising that the team is considering adding more firepower to their offense in the draft.
One player that has been linked to the Cowboys is Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Waddle is known for his speed and playmaking abilities, which would be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ offense. With the departure of veteran receiver Michael Gallup looming in the near future, Waddle could be a long-term solution for the team’s receiving corps.
Another potential offensive pick for the Cowboys is Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. Pitts is considered one of the top prospects in this year’s draft and his versatility and athleticism would make him a valuable asset to any team. With veteran tight end Jason Witten retiring last season, the Cowboys could use a young and dynamic player like Pitts to fill the void.
It is also worth noting that the Cowboys have a history of making surprising draft picks. In 2018, they shocked everyone by selecting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with the 19th overall pick, despite having other pressing needs on their roster. Vander Esch has since become a key player for the Cowboys’ defense and has proven that sometimes going against the grain can pay off.
Of course, it is also possible that Schottenheimer’s statement is simply a strategic move to keep other teams guessing about the Cowboys’ draft plans. In the past, the team has been known to keep their draft plans a closely guarded secret, so it wouldn’t be surprising if this is just another tactic to throw off their opponents.
In any case, the Cowboys have a lot of options and flexibility with their draft picks. They have the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round, giving them the opportunity to address both their offensive and defensive needs. It will be interesting to see which direction they ultimately decide to go in.
In conclusion, while the Cowboys’ defense may have had a disappointing season last year, there is still hope for improvement in the upcoming draft. Schottenheimer’s statement about potentially drafting an offensive player in the first round should not be seen as a lack of faith in the team’s defense, but rather as a strategic move to keep their opponents guessing. With a strong mix of veteran players and promising young talent, the Cowboys are poised for a successful season and the draft will play a crucial role in shaping their future. Let’s hope for some exciting surprises on draft day!