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Randy Gregory could be help Cowboys need in 2018

By Matt Verderame

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 1: Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 27-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 1: Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 27-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys are getting Randy Gregory back via reinstatement after an indefinite suspension, and that bodes well for America’s Team.

The talent has always been there. Unfortunately, so have the demons.

Randy Gregory was taken in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, despite many believing he was a top-15 talent in his class. The fear was that Gregory had off-field issues that would submarine his on-field prowess. To this point, those fears have been fully realized.

However, the former University of Nebraska star was given another chance by the NFL on Tuesday, with commissioner Roger Goodell reinstating him. Gregory, 25, has been on the suspended list for a year since his last appearance. He’s still not cleared to play in practice or games, but is allowed to partake in meetings and conditioning.

For his career, Gregory has appeared in 14 games and recorded 15 tackles with one sack. The physical traits are evident, but his pair of suspensions (he missed the first 10 games of 2016)have derailed his potential.

Dallas has ample questions across its roster, but Gregory at least provides hope that a clear strength becomes even stronger. The Cowboys have a terrific front with Jack Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence and Taco Charlton, with Sean Lee patrolling the second level at the middle linebacker spot. Considering the secondary’s lack of experience and accolades, quick pressure on the quarterback will be sorely needed.

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Gregory has been keeping in shape by working out with former Los Angeles and Oakland Raiders defensive end Greg Townsend. Townsend is the Raiders all-time franchise leader in career sacks with 107.5.

The Cowboys need to keep their fingers crossed on Gregory, who is currently clean for more than a year. If he can stay on the right path, Dallas has another weapon to go against the likes of Carson Wentz, Eli Manning and Alex Smith with.

In the uber-comeptitive NFC, Gregory could be the ultimate x-factor in Dallas.