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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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 08: Marquise Brown #15 of the Baltimore Ravens tries to stiff arm Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Dallas Cowboys at M&T Bank Stadium on December 08, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

1. Jourdan Lewis

The only reason the Cowboys shouldn’t be locked in on selecting an edge rusher in Round 1 is that their need at cornerback might be even more profound. Both Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuzie appear ticketed for free agency. Lewis, in particular, was horrible as a starter in 2020. His final PFF grade of 48.1 on the season accurately depicts him as one of the worst starters in the NFL.

If Dallas elects to go with a corner in Round 1 they should hope and pray for Patrick Surtain Jr. to fall to No. 10. His stats at Alabama don’t jump off the page, but his film jumps off the screen. He’s a guy the Cowboys can plug-in as a starter for a decade on the outside.

If, on the other hand, Dallas goes for an edge rusher on Day One, they need to use their second-round selection on a cornerback. In that scenario, Asante Samuel Jr. looks to be a terrific potential option. He isn’t the elite prospect that Surtain is, but he does have the ability to grow into an above-average starter. It might take Samuel a little time to adjust to life in the NFL, but he can still be better than Lewis was in 2020 as a rookie.

3 Cowboys who probably won't be back in 2021. dark. Next

The Cowboys can’t expect to see measurable improvement on defense in 2021 until they upgrade their options at corner. Expect Dallas to use a premium pick to fortify their secondary in this year’s draft.

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