Tag: 2021 Dallas Cowboys

Jaelan Phillips’ talent demands Cowboys don’t ignore edge needs in draft

There is no secret about the issues on the defensive side of the ball for the Dallas Cowboys and at this point in the draft process

There is no secret about the Dallas Cowboys issues on the defensive side of the ball. At this point in draft season, there has been a steady cycle of names most analysts and casual fans alike feel could correct some of those. The Cowboys 10th pick is usually mocked with Patrick Surtain (Alabama), Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech), Rashawn Slater (Northwestern) and more recently Kyle Pitts (Florida) who is one of the five best players in this draft.

Most of the attention has been paid to troubled areas of cornerback, safety and defensive tackle. One position normally in play, but perpetually left out this year, is pass rusher.  That is dually because there’s a lack of blue chip players at the position and many feel the Cowboys have a firm solution in place for 2021 in starting DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, and with the signing of Tarell Basham there are now three viable reserve alternatives with Dorance Armstrong and Bradlee Anae. Maybe that should be reconsidered.

Acquiring a edge player who can take some of the pressure off of Lawrence will go along way toward helping the success of this defense. In addition, Gregory and Armstrong are free agents following 2021. Anae was  drafted by a different DC and didn’t get in the rotation.

There are some high-upside edge players like Azzez Ojulari (Georgia) , Kwitty Paye (Michigan) or Jason Oweh (Penn St.), but there isn’t a Chase Young or a Joey Bosa in this class.

Jaelan Phillips of Miami could be a potential target the Cowboys invest a premium pick in satisfying their needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WilIPXkEvWM

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Cowboys should complete FA signings at CB by looking into Adoree Jackson

The Cowboys have brought back a couple free agent cornerbacks, but the room is not yet complete. The former Titans CB is a must consider.

There is no question about it, the Dallas Cowboys are in search of secondary help. Dallas has made a couple of moves over the last 24 hours to build up the back end of the cornerback position, first bringing back C.J. Goodwin and Wednesday signing Jourdan Lewis to a new deal. There’s still a space near the top of the depth chart however.

While there are plenty of fish in the sea, there is one name who came free this week that was unexpected and may be a great fit,  Tennessee cornerback Adoree’ Jackson. The former Titan is coming off an injury-plagued year where he only played three games last season. However, he has all the intangibles for the Cowboys and already had their front office’s eye.

Four years ago Dallas showed interested in Jackson during the 2017 NFL draft process. Fast forward to this offseason and the interest might still be of value. K.D. Drummond breaks down how Jackson could come at the right price.

Dallas needs to find a cornerback at a level higher than the bargain shopping that led them to Maurice Canady last season.

Players such as Adoree Jackson, Malcolm Butler, Desmond King and Xavier Rhodes should all be available in a range of $6 million to $8 million a season.

Currently, ProFootballFocus(PFF) has Jackson as the seventh-best free agent available player in free agency. The only other corners listed ahead of him include: Richard Sherman, Malcolm Butler and Janoris Jenkins. One of his top attributes include his ability to cover down field.

A former first-round pick, Adoree Jackson has elite coverage numbers. He ranks just behind the trio of Jaire Alexander, Richard Sherman and Stephon Gilmore among corners when lined up outside in PFF coverage grade since 2018.

https://twitter.com/PFF_Linsey/status/1371926429164838919?s=20

Jackson’s best year came in 2018 when he recorded two interceptions, three recorded fumbles and 10 pass deflections. He also added 67 solo and 73 combined tackles.

While the current interest level may be unknown, Dallas could use the talent boost at the position. Last season the team allowed 51 passes of 20 or more yards, and 11 passes of 40-plus yards. They also surrendered a club record in points and passing yards allowed.

With Dan Quinn running the show, Jackson would get ample amount of opportunities if brought to Dallas. For example. Quinn’s ability to run a 4-3 defense and play high coverage would come as a blessing for the free agent, as those are some of his key highlights.

The Cowboys would be wise to  take a look at Jackson to see if the skills and price seem all but accurate for a team in dire need of defensive assistance.

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