3 veterans the Cowboys should replace in the NFL Draft

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 13: Defensive Lineman Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys follows the action against the New York Jets in the second half at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 20: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The Cowboys need to make big strides in 2021 for Mike McCarthy to keep his job. That could mean replacing these three veterans with rookies this offseason.

In retrospect, the Cowboys’ 2020 season ended the minute Dak Prescott went down. That doesn’t excuse Mike McCarthy and the rest of the Dallas roster for failing to compete in the weakest division on football. The NFC East was there for the taking and the Cowboys failed to take advantage.

That means big changes are coming to Big D in the offseason. Cowboys’ officials hope a normal offseason program will help the team adjust to their relatively new coaching staff. The hiring of Dan Quinn as the new defensive coordinator should help that unit in 2021. Of course, the potential return of Prescott is arguably the biggest variable expected to go Dallas’ way next season.

Change will not be limited to the coaching staff. Several big-name veterans are also going to be on their way out the door. Look for the following three players to be replaced by rookies selected in April’s NFL Draft.

3. Sean Lee

Lee has been a good player and a great leader for the Cowboys ever since being drafted by the franchise before the start of the 2010 regular season. Unfortunately, age has taken a toll on the veteran linebacker. He struggled to play just nine games this season and didn’t look very good when he was able to take the field. It’s probably time for Lee to retire.

Even if he doesn’t choose to hang up his cleats, Dallas needs to move on. The team should offer him a position on their coaching staff, but they should not give him another chance to remain on their active playing roster.

Fortunately, the Cowboys don’t need to spend a high pick to replace the limited production they’ve received from Lee over the past few seasons. Snagging someone like Chazz Surratt or Dylan Moses in Round 2 or 3 would give the team a significant upgrade. Dallas could conceivably wait until even later in the draft if they’re willing to settle for a developmental prospect.

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