NFL Draft 2015: Dallas Cowboys Team Needs
By Zac Snyder
The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason so far has been highlighted by two big-time players – one retained in Dez Bryant, and one lost in DeMarco Murray. But while big news in free agency makes for big offseason headlines, the Cowboys have built a strong foundation through the NFL Draft in recent years, namely along the offensive line.
For a look at the Cowboys as we hit the prime of draft season, I got together with The Landry Hat‘s Steven Mullenax. Below are my questions followed by Steven’s answers.
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1. How have the team’s draft needs changed since free agency opened?
"Despite the additions of defensive end Greg Hardy and running back Darren McFadden, the Cowboys’ overall draft needs remain unchanged. Most of the Cowboys’ acquisitions this offseason are on very limited contracts or simply signed to add depth to areas of the team depleted by free agency. Dallas’ top needs remain the same."
2. What would you say are the top three needs remaining?
"Cornerback, Defensive Line, Safety"
3. Are there any prospects that have caught your eye so far?
"I really like the potential outside linebacker Shaq Thompson brings to the table. I also like the fact Thompson was a dual threat at Washington, playing running back as well, He isn’t talked about as much as some of the bigger names in this draft, but I think Thompson is an explosive defensive playmaker whose athleticism may get him drafted as high as the mid-first round. Also, offensive lineman Ali Marpet is intriguing to me. Marpet was the first Division III player elected to play in the Senior Bowl, and he crushed it. A potential steal, it should be interesting to see how high or low he gets selected in the draft."
4. What do you think would make for a successful draft for your team?
"I’d love to see the Cowboys draft a cornerback, defensive lineman and a running back early in the draft. Linebacker, safety and offensive tackle are also needs that should be addressed."
5. So much draft focus often goes to the first few rounds, but is there something you’d like to see your team do in the later rounds?
"There are two defensive tackles I like in the later rounds of the draft. Fresno State’s Tyeler Davison and Southern Missouri’s Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Davison is someone who the Cowboys are rumored to be interested in. Nunez-Roches is a high-motor player who fits the mold of what Dallas’ defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli seems to covet."
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Next: Post-Free Agency Frenzy 2015 NFL Mock Draft