In only two seasons, Dan Quinn has taken what was a historically bad defense and turned it into one of the top units in football. Now the strength of the team, Jerry Jones and Will McClay know their Dallas Cowboys need to improve opposite side of the ball in the draft to go where they want. Still, the defense has a need for fortification, at the least, needing depth at linebacker and upgrades to defensive tackle.
Gazing towards the future, Dallas may have just paid Donovan Wilson, but the DB room has several players on expiring contracts. The newly acquired corner, the All-Pro vet careening to his second contract, two of the three starting safeties and the returning starting slot corner. Stephon Gilmore, Trevon Diggs, Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker and Jordan Lewis are heading into ball-out, contract years.
On the defensive line Dorance Armstrong is on the last year of his deal and Dante Fowler only signed for one season.
So yes, the Cowboys need offensive ammunition, but ignoring the defense’s need for reinforcements wouldn’t be a smart strategy. Don’t be surprised if the draft falls a certain way, the Cowboys gave Dan Quinn gifts early, often, or both. Here are the top five defensive prospects at each position.