With only a few days remaining before the 2020 NFL Draft it has become clear where the problem areas are on this Dallas Cowboys roster. Cornerback, wide receiver, and after losing Robert Quinn, pass rusher may have shot to the top of priority list.
This Cowboys roster doesn’t offer much when it comes to a consistent edge pressure outside of DeMarcus Lawrence, but there is some hope they can get Randy Gregory and newly-acquired Aldon Smith reinstated, but whether they can get peak performance out of either is a longshot. There are developmental guys like Dorance Armstrong, Joe Jackson, and Jalen Jelks; inexperienced and underdeveloped. Tyrone Crawford will likely start at right end but is returning from hip surgery and could be a release candidate if the right fit comes along. While this draft class lacks elite pass rushers outside of Ohio State’s Chase Young, there are high-upside, intriguing prospects who can be valuable to a rotation. We take a look at some of the prospects the Cowboys could target and how they fit.
K’lavon Chassion, DE/OLB, LSU
The 6-foot-3, 254 pound Chassion is a long framed, flexible rusher who can play both with his hand in the ground and in a two-point stance. Chassion’s upside is off the charts matching his athletic profile with his performance towards the end of the season.
Chassion has excellent get off and speed to stress offensive tackles, along with the ability to bend and flatten around the edge. He has a very active motor and is a relentless rusher. Though undersized, he plays with some power and sets a good edge versus the run. Chaisson’s versatile to drop in underneath coverage and play with some awareness. His feel is another trait defensive coordinators have fallen in love with.
He works well when he is involved in games often generating pressure by staying tight to the twist and attacking openings with speed and quickness.
Chassion has a lack of production throughout his career- as he has only recorded 9.5 sacks within two seasons. Chassion finished his redshirt sophomore season with 60 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
He would help the team transition to a more multiple defense because of his pure athleticism something Mike Nolan has stated he will do this season.
What the experts say:
Possessing an impressive diversity of moldable pass-rushing ingredients and moves, Chaisson has begun putting the recipe together to become a game-altering pass rusher. While some long-limbed rushers lack the bend and leverage to maximize their length, his fluidity and agility allow him to dip, corner, change direction and close in tight quarters or with extended range. He’s not a physical run defender and might be a liability early in his career against power. Chaisson’s stock has gained momentum with his surging performance matching the elite athletic qualities. It adds up to an increasingly confident projection as an impact pass-rusher with Pro-Bowl potential.
K’Lavon Chaisson is a dynamic threat off the edge — he possesses elite versatility, explosiveness and a prototypical build to play a hybrid EDGE. Chaisson is still developing as a pass rusher but his effectiveness in speed rushes and inside stunts will afford him a pathway to early disruption. Chaisson is a high end run defender with length and heavy hands — a true natural in that regard. The sky is the limit. Chaisson, with more rush versatility, can be a cornerstone defender.
Chaisson is a valuable commodity because he is a lightning-fast edge rusher and twitchy athlete. He is quick off the ball, possessing a fast first-step. He has a burst to run around the corner and a second gear to close on the quarterback. On top of being a pure speed rusher, Chaisson has an impressive arsenal of pass-rushing moves. With his wicked spin move, Chaisson is able to get back to the inside, and his loose hips allow him to dip underneath offensive tackles while getting turned to the quarterback. Chaisson has active hands and is able to use them at the same time as his feet. With his dynamic skill set with rare speed off the edge, Chaisson has the potential to be a double-digit sack-producing pass-rusher in the NFL.