Cowboys' Defense: Draft Upgrades Needed

0:00On April 1st, the Dallas Cowboys ended their first year under head coach Brian Shottenheimer with a 7-9-1 record. Offense showed some promise, but the defense tanked across the board, leading to the quick firing of coordinator Matt Eberfluss. Now Christian Parker steps in with a re-tooled unit designed for his style. They beefed up the secondary big time. Signed cornerback Kobe Durant, who snagged six picks last season between regular play and playoffs. At safety, Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke bring coverage chops in slot versatility, making that grew way stronger despite losing Donovan Wilson. Fans and analysts see the holes though. Interior offensive line took a hit when Brock Hoffman bolted in free agency after starting 16 games over three years. They plugged in Matt Hennessey and kept TJ Bass, but depth worries linger. Inside linebacker looks thin too, just young guns like Demarbian overshown, Shamar James, and Justin Barron, no vets locked down yet. On the edge, things perked up with a trade for Rashan Gary, a steady vet to anchor one side, while rookies rotate opposite Donovan as Zerowaku.

1:09Cornerback still needs draft help, and inside linebacker screens for a pick or post-draft deal. Expect the Cowboys to hunt upgrades in the draft, especially early rounds, to shore up those weak spots and build on the defensive reset heading into. Next season.